JP2014200606A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute prior forenotice performance even at termination timing of a specific game.SOLUTION: When a result of the variable display game turns out a prescribed result, a game machine can execute a special game offering a prescribed game value to a player. The game machine includes: operation-start storage means that can store operation-start memories as execution rights of the variable display game; prior determination means that can determine a result before execution of a variable display game; prior forenotice performance means that can execute a prior forenotice performance for notifying of a result of the variable display game on the basis of the determination result by the prior determination means; specific game execution means that can execute a specific game across a prescribed period after the termination of the special game; and prior forenotice performance execution period setup means that sets a prior forenotice performance execution period. The prior forenotice performance execution period setup means sets a prior forenotice performance execution period so as to allow the execution of a prior forenotice performance corresponding to the operation-start memory stored in the operation-start storage means until a prescribed period set based on the termination period of the specific game.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that can notify a result of a variable display game in advance.

  Conventionally, there is a pachinko machine as a representative example of a gaming machine. In this pachinko machine, a plurality of pieces of identification information (designs, symbols, etc.) displayed on the variable display device provided in the game area based on the winning of the game ball at the start opening provided in the game area (start prize) ) Is displayed in a variable manner, and when a plurality of pieces of identification information that have been stopped after a lapse of a predetermined time are in a special result mode determined in advance, a special payout of a lot of prize balls to the player There is a game state (a big hit state) and the player earns many profits.

  In this type of pachinko machine, a big hit random number is extracted to determine whether or not a special gaming state is generated at the timing when the game ball wins at the starting port, and whether or not the big hit random number is a win value. Based on this, the result mode of the variable display game is determined.

  When a game ball is newly won at the starting port during the execution of the variable display game or the special gaming state, one start memory display (holding lamp) of the start memory display is displayed (lighted). Thus, the number of start memories for which the start of the variable display game is suspended is notified to the player.

  Also, recently, the random number value extracted at the timing when the game ball wins at the start opening is determined, and the color tone of the start memory display is changed based on the determination result, and the expectation that the special gaming state will occur is determined. There is a game that performs a notice effect to notify, a game that prohibits the notice effect for the start memory after the start memory that performed this notice effect, and prevents a decrease in expectation for the start memory that performed the notice effect. A machine is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-19728 A

  However, in order to perform a notice effect that enhances the interest, it is necessary to prevent or minimize the prohibition condition for the execution of the notice effect.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can enhance the interest of a player by executing a notice effect.

  In a typical embodiment of the present invention, a variable display device capable of executing a variable display game that displays a plurality of identification information in a variable manner based on establishment of a predetermined condition is provided, and the result of the variable display game is a predetermined result. In a case, in a gaming machine capable of executing a special game that gives a predetermined game value to a player, a start storage means capable of storing start memory as an execution right of the variable display game, and stored in the start storage means Prior to the execution of the variable display game based on the start memory, a pre-determining unit capable of determining the result of the variable display game based on the start memory, and the result of the variable display game based on the determination result by the pre-determining unit A prior notice effect means capable of executing a prior notice effect, and a specific game can be executed as a game state different from the special game for a predetermined period after the end of the special game. Fixed advance game execution means, and advance notice effect execution period setting means for setting an advance notice effect execution period in which the advance notice effect by the advance notice effect means can be executed. The advance notice effect execution period is set so as to allow execution of the advance notice effect corresponding to the start memory stored in the start memory means by a predetermined time set based on the end time of the specific game.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to execute the advance notice effect even at the timing when the game state changes due to the end of the specific game.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board with which the gaming machine of the 1st embodiment of the present invention is equipped. It is a block block diagram which shows the control system centering on the game control apparatus of the game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block block diagram which shows the control system centering on the production | presentation control apparatus of the game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the first half part of the main process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the latter half part of the main process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the timer interruption process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure game process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the start port switch monitoring process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure start port switch common process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure pending | holding information determination process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure normal process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the change order flag save area | region which stores the change order flag of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure change start process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, (A) is the special figure 1 change start process performed at the time of the start of a 1st special figure change display game, (B) Is a special figure 2 fluctuation start process executed at the start of the second special figure fluctuation display game. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the big hit flag 1 setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the big hit flag 2 setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure 2 stop symbol setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the big hit determination process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure information setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the fluctuation pattern setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the change start information setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure change process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure display process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process transition setting process 1 of the fanfare / interval of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the presentation mode information check process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the production mode switching preparation command of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the time reduction fluctuation frequency update process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the high probability variation frequency update process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the time-short end setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the time-short end setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot end process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the big hit end setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, (A) shows the big hit end setting process 1, (B) shows the big hit end setting process 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 1stCPU main process performed by the microcomputer for main control (1stCPU) of the production | presentation control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 1st scene control process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the prefetch command reception process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the prefetch prohibition period of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, (A) shows the case where a prefetch prohibition period is fixed, (B) shows the case where the prefetch prohibition period (prefetch enable period) is variable. . It is a screen transition diagram explaining the prefetchable range of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the procedure of the prefetch command reception process which makes variable the prefetch prohibition period of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the prefetch notice monitoring period of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure pending | holding information determination process of the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the presentation mode information check process of the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the prefetch possible range of the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot end process of the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the big hit end setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, (A) shows the big hit end setting process 1, (B) shows the big hit end setting process 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the time shortening variation frequency update process of the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the time-short end setting process of the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process during a fluctuation | variation of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the fluctuation pattern information setting process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the pattern of the pseudo | simulation continuous fluctuation | variation of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the pseudo | simulation continuous symbol of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen transition of the pseudo | simulation continuous fluctuation | variation after reach generation of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen transition of the pseudo | simulation continuous fluctuation | variation after reach generation of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen transition of the pseudo | simulation continuous fluctuation | variation after reach generation of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen transition of the pseudo | simulation continuous fluctuation | variation before reach generation of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen transition of the pseudo | simulation continuous fluctuation | variation before reach generation of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen transition of the pseudo | simulation continuous fluctuation | variation before reach generation of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process during a fluctuation | variation of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the production | presentation symbol setting process of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the state suggestion identification information of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection probability of the design development pattern in the latent mode of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the design development pattern of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a screen transition diagram explaining the aspect in which the state suggestion identification information in the latent mode of the third embodiment of the present invention develops, (A) is the latent when there is a specified number of times in the short-time state (general power support state) Modes A and (B) show the latent mode B when the time-short state is not set and when there is no specified number of times in the time-short state. It is a timing chart of the variable display game in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, (A) is the time-short state (latent mode A) in which the defined number of times was defined, (B) is the time-short state and time-short state When there is no specified number of times (latent mode B), (C) shows a case where symbols are switched at the start of fluctuation. It is a figure explaining the aspect which stores the symbol data of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, (A) is when holding symbol data as it is, (B) is an identification information (number etc.) and character data separately (C) shows a case where identification information (numbers and the like) and character data are individually held, and further, the character data is decomposed and held. It is a front view of the game board with which the game machine of the 4th Embodiment of this invention is equipped. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 1st scene control process of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the notification effect setting process of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the notification hold display number lottery table of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the left symbol lottery table of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process in the process of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the symbol management process of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the production | presentation symbol setting process of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the change time in case the result of the change display game by the special figure 2 indicator 52 of the 4th Embodiment of this invention is off. It is a time chart which shows the case where the result of the variable display game is out of place in the short time state of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and (A) is while the variable display game is being executed with the number of holdings being zero. When the start memory is generated, (B) shows the case where the start memory is not generated while the variable display game is being executed in the state of the number of holdings 0. It is a figure which shows an example of the change time in case the result of the change display game by the special figure 2 indicator 52 of the 4th Embodiment of this invention becomes a big hit. It is a time chart which shows the case where the result of a variable display game becomes a big hit in the time-short state of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen transition in case the result of a variable display game becomes out of place in the short time state (chance mode) of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen transition when the number of pending | holdings becomes 0 in the short time state (chance mode) of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen transition in case the result of a variable display game becomes out of place in the short time state (chance mode) of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the case where the result of the variable display game of the 4th Embodiment of this invention becomes a big hit. It is a figure which shows the screen transition when the number of holding | maintenance increases while the alerting | presenting effect game by temporary holding | maintenance is performed in the time-saving state (chance mode) of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the case where the number of pending | holdings increases while the notification production | presentation game by the temporary suspension of the 4th Embodiment of this invention is performed.

  A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the front, rear, left, and right in the description of the embodiment refer to a direction viewed from the game board (a direction viewed from the player).

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

  The gaming machine 1 includes an opening / closing frame 4 that is attached to a main body frame 2 fixed to an island facility via a hinge 3 so that a right side portion can be freely opened and closed. The open / close frame 4 includes a front frame 5 and a glass frame 6.

  A game board 30 (see FIG. 2) is disposed on the front frame 5, and a glass frame 6 having a cover glass 6 a that covers the front surface of the game board 30 is attached. The front frame 5 and the glass frame 6 can be opened individually. For example, only the glass frame 6 can be opened to access the game area 31 (see FIG. 2) of the game board 30. Further, by opening the front frame 5 in a state where the glass frame 6 is not opened, it is possible to access a game control device 600 (see FIG. 3) or the like disposed on the back side of the game board 30.

  A decorative member 7 is disposed around the cover glass 6 a of the glass frame 6. A frame decoration device 21 (see FIG. 5) configured by LEDs or the like is accommodated inside the decoration member 7, and the light emission state of the decoration member 7 can be adjusted by controlling the frame decoration device 21.

  An illumination unit 8 is disposed above the glass frame 6, and a movable illumination 9 is disposed on the left and right sides of the illumination unit 8. The illumination unit 8 accommodates an illumination member such as an LED inside, and performs a light emission effect according to the gaming state. The movable illumination 9 includes an illumination member such as an LED, and a frame effect device 22 (see FIG. 5) that includes an illumination drive motor that drives the illumination member. The frame effect device 22 of the movable illumination 9 is controlled so as to drive, for example, rotationally drive the illumination member according to the gaming state. In addition, the illumination member arrange | positioned inside the illumination unit 8 and the movable illumination 9 also comprises some frame decoration apparatuses 21 (refer FIG. 5).

  The gaming machine 1 includes an upper speaker 10a and a lower speaker 10b that emit sound effects, alarm sounds, notification sounds, and the like. The upper speaker 10 a is disposed on both upper side portions of the glass frame 6, and the lower speaker 10 b is disposed below the upper plate 11 a constituting the upper plate unit 11.

  A gaming state notification LED 12 for notifying abnormality in the gaming machine 1 is provided on the upper right side of the movable illumination 9 disposed on the left side. When an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, the gaming state notification LED 12 is turned on or blinks, and a notification sound for notifying the abnormality is output from the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b.

  Abnormalities occurring in the gaming machine 1 include failure of the gaming machine 1 and implementation of fraud. The illegal act includes, for example, an act of illegally manipulating the trajectory of the launched game ball with a magnet or an act of vibrating the gaming machine 1. These fraudulent acts are detected by detecting magnetism with the magnetic sensor 23 (see FIG. 3) or detecting unauthorized radio waves with the radio wave sensor 24 (see FIG. 3).

  Further, the act of opening the open / close frame 4 illegally is also included in the illegal act. The open / closed state of the front frame 5 is detected by a front frame open detection switch 25 (see FIG. 3), and the open / closed state of the glass frame 6 is detected by a glass frame open detection switch 26 (see FIG. 3).

  An upper plate unit 11 including an upper plate 11 a is provided at the lower part of the glass frame 6. The game balls stored in the upper plate 11a are supplied to a ball launcher (not shown) provided at the lower part of the front frame 5.

  A fixed panel 13 fixed to the front frame 5 at a position below the glass frame 6 is provided with a lower plate 14 and an operation unit 15 for driving the ball emitting device. When the player rotates the operation unit 15, the ball launcher launches the game ball supplied from the upper plate 11 a to the game area 31 (see FIG. 2) of the game board 30. The lower plate 14 is provided with a ball removal mechanism 16 for discharging game balls stored in the lower plate 14 to the outside.

  The upper plate unit 11 is provided with an effect button 17 for receiving an operation input from a player on the front side of the upper plate 11a. When the player operates the effect button 17, it is possible to perform an effect in which the player's operation is intervened in the variable display game on the variable display device (display device) 35 (see FIG. 2). The effect pattern (effect mode) can be changed. The fluctuation display game includes a special figure fluctuation display game and a normal figure fluctuation display game, but in this specification, when the fluctuation display game is simply referred to, it means a special figure fluctuation display game.

  The normal gaming state is a gaming state in which a specific gaming state has not occurred. The specific gaming state is, for example, a probability variation state in which the probability of the result of the variable display game is a big hit, a short time state capable of improving the number of executions of the variable display game per unit time, a big hit gaming state (special game state) ) Etc.

  Below the decorative member 7 of the glass frame 6, a ball lending button 18 that is operated when a player rents a game ball, and a discharge button 19 that is operated to discharge a prepaid card or the like from a card unit (not shown). Are arranged. Further, a balance display unit 20 for displaying a balance of a prepaid card or the like is provided between the ball lending button 18 and the discharge button 19.

  Next, the gaming board 30 disposed in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming board 30 provided in the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The game board 30 is provided with guide rails 33 as partition members on the surface of a rectangular game board main body 32 made of plywood, plastic, or the like, thereby forming a substantially circular game region 31.

  A center case 34 having an opening 34 a is disposed in the game area 31. An opening having a shape along the outer periphery of the center case 34 is formed in the game board 30, and the center case 34 is fitted into the opening from the front of the game board 30.

  A control base unit including a display device 35 is disposed on the back surface of the game board 30. The display device 35 includes a display unit 35a capable of displaying a variable display game that displays a plurality of pieces of identification information. The control base is a box-shaped member having a space inside, and the control base unit is attached to the back surface of the game board 30 so as to sandwich the game board 30 with the center case 34.

  The opening 34 a of the center case 34 is provided corresponding to the display unit 35 a of the display device 35, and the display unit 35 a of the display device 35 is disposed so as to face the opening 34 a of the center case 34. The display unit 35a of the display device 35 is a liquid crystal display capable of displaying an arbitrary image. An image based on the progress of the game, such as a plurality of identification information (special symbols) and a character that produces a variable display game on the display screen. Is displayed. The display unit 35a of the display device 35 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, but may be an EL, a CRT, or the like. The display device 35 has a plurality of variable display areas (for example, three display areas on the left side, the center, and the right side) on the display unit 35a, and is configured to be able to display an independent image in each display area. Yes.

  The game area 31 on the left side of the center case 34 is provided with a normal figure start gate 36 that establishes a start condition for a normal symbol (normal figure) variable display game when a game ball passes.

  In the game area 31 below the center case 34, a start winning opening 37 is provided which can give a start condition for a special symbol (special figure) variable display game based on winning of a game ball. The start winning opening 37 includes a first start winning opening 37a that establishes a start condition for the first special figure variation display game when the game ball is won, and a second special figure fluctuation display game that starts when the game ball wins. And a second start winning opening 37b that establishes a condition. In the following description, when the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as a special figure fluctuation display game (or simply a fluctuation display game).

  The second start winning opening 37b is disposed immediately below the first starting winning opening 37a and includes a pair of left and right opening / closing members (ordinary electric accessories) 37c. In the normal state, the opening / closing member 37c holds a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) with an interval of about the diameter of the game ball. When the result of the general-purpose variable display game is in a predetermined stop display mode (when the general-purpose variable display game is a win), the front-end solenoid 27 (see FIG. 3) serving as a drive device The opening / closing member 37c is rotated so as to be opened, and a winning easy state (a state advantageous to the player) where the game ball easily flows into the second start winning opening 37b is obtained. The opening / closing member 37c is controlled by the game control device 600 (FIG. 3).

  The game control device 600 generates a short-time state (a general power support state) as a specific game state by increasing the frequency of occurrence of the easy-to-win state or increasing the occurrence time of the easy-to-win state. For example, in the normal state, the win probability of the normal fluctuation display game is 1/251 and the release time is 0.1 second, whereas in the short time state, the win probability of the normal fluctuation display game is 250/251, and the release time. The time is 1.7 seconds and the number of times of opening is 3 times.

  The game area 31 on the left side of the start winning opening 37 is provided with three general winning openings 40 that satisfy only the conditions for paying out a winning ball when a game ball is won. In the area 31, there is provided one general winning opening 40 that satisfies only a condition for paying out a prize ball when a game ball is won.

  A special variable winning device 41 is provided in the game area 31 below the start winning port 37. The special variable prize winning device 41 includes a big prize opening, and an attacker-type opening / closing door 41a that can open the big prize opening by rotating in a direction in which the upper end side is tilted forward by the big prize opening solenoid 28 (see FIG. 3). . When the result of the special figure fluctuation display game (the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game) is a big hit, the special fluctuation winning device 41 closes the big prize opening (blocking disadvantageous for the player). The state is changed from an open state (a state advantageous to the player) to facilitate the inflow of the game ball into the special winning opening, thereby giving the player a prize ball.

  In addition to the above-mentioned starting prize opening and the like, the game area 31 includes a wind direction changing member such as a windmill or obstacle nail (not shown) that changes the flow direction of the game ball, or a game ball that has flowed down without winning a prize. A recovery outlet 42 is disposed.

  In the lower right part of the game board 30 (game board body 32), the special figure fluctuation display in the special figure fluctuation display game (the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game), the special figure winning memory ( The number of memory of starting of the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game), the fluctuation figure of the ordinary figure in the ordinary figure fluctuation display game, In addition, a collective display device 50 that displays the number of determined rounds of jackpots is provided.

  More specifically, the collective display device 50 includes a first special figure fluctuation display unit (special figure 1 display) 51 and a second special display for a variable display game configured by a 7-segment type display (LED lamp) or the like. A figure change display part (special figure 2 display) 52, a change display part (general figure display) 53 for a normal figure change display game, and a start memory number notification of each change display game similarly constituted by LED lamps Storage displays (special figure 1 hold indicator 54, special figure 2 hold indicator 55, universal figure hold indicator 56), etc.

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

  The special figure fluctuation display game in the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52 is a 7-segment type during the execution of the fluctuation display game, that is, while the display device 35 is performing the decoration special figure fluctuation display game. By flickering the segments of the indicator, special display information (special drawing, special symbol) is changed and displayed in a changing manner every predetermined time.

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

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

  The special figure 1 hold display 54 displays the number of unstarted start memories (= the number of holds) among the start memories generated by winning the first start winning opening 37a which is the variation start condition of the special figure 1 display 51. To do. Specifically, when the number of hold is “0”, all four lamps are turned off, and when the number of hold is “1”, only lamp 1 is turned on. Further, when the number of holdings is “2”, the lamps 1 and 2 are turned on, when the number of holdings is “3”, the lamps 1, 2 and 3 are turned on, and when the number of holdings is “4”, 4 is set. All the lamps 1 to 4 are turned on.

  The special figure 2 hold display 55 displays the unstarted start memory number (= hold number) among the start memories generated by winning the second start winning opening 37b, which is the variation start condition of the special figure 2 display 52, It is displayed in the same way as the special figure 1 hold indicator.

  The universal figure hold display 56 displays the universal figure start memory number (= the universal figure hold number) which is the variation start condition of the universal figure display. For example, when two LED lamps are provided, lamps 1 and 2 are turned off when the number of reserved drawings is “0”, and only lamp 1 is turned on when the number of reserved drawings is “1”. . In addition, when the number of reserved maps is “2”, the lamps 1 and 2 are turned on. When the number of reserved maps is “3”, the lamp 1 is blinked and the lamp 2 is turned on. When “4”, lamps 1 and 2 are made to blink.

  For example, the first gaming state indicator 57 turns off the lamp in the normal gaming state, and turns on the lamp when the big hit has occurred. For example, the second gaming state indicator 58 turns off the lamp in the normal gaming state, and turns on the lamp when the time-short state occurs.

  For example, the error indicator 60 turns off the lamp when the jackpot probability state is low when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and when the jackpot probability state is high probability when the gaming machine 1 is turned on. Turns on the lamp.

  For example, the round number display unit 59 turns off the lamp in the normal gaming state, and turns on the lamp corresponding to the number of rounds (2 rounds or 15 rounds) when the big hit occurs. . Note that the round number display unit may be a seven-segment display.

  In the gaming machine 1, a game ball launched by a ball launching device (not shown) is launched into the game area 31 through the launch ball guide passage 43 defined along the inner peripheral wall of the guide rail 33, and the direction is changed. The game area 31 flows down while changing the dropping direction by a member (not shown). The firing ball guide passage 43 is formed by the guide rail 33 and the inner rail 44, and a valve body 46 is provided at the end of the inner rail 44 located at the exit of the firing ball guide passage 43. The lower end of the valve body 46 is fixed to the inner rail 44, and the valve body 46 is disposed so as to close the outlet of the firing ball guide passage 43. The valve body 46 is a leaf spring member made of a metal plate, and allows a game ball to be launched from the launch ball guide passage 43 to the game area 31, while playing from the game area 31 side to the launch ball guide passage 43. The back flow of the sphere is prohibited.

  A game ball that has flowed down in the game area 31 wins the first start winning opening 37a, the second start winning opening 37b, the general winning opening 40, or the special winning opening of the special variable winning apparatus 41, or the most It is discharged to the outside of the gaming machine 1 from the out port 42 provided in the lower part. In addition, when a game ball wins the first start winning opening 37a, the second start winning opening 37b, the general winning opening 40, or the big winning opening, a number of game balls corresponding to the type of the winning winning opening are played as winning balls. Paid out to the person.

  When a game ball wins the first start winning opening 37a, the game balls won in the first start winning opening 37a are detected by the first start opening switch 601 (see FIG. 3), and a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four). It is memorized to the limit. At this time, the jackpot random number value, the jackpot symbol random number value, and each variation pattern random number value are extracted, and the extracted random number value is stored in a special figure storage area (part of RAM) in the game control device 600 (see FIG. 3). The special figure start winning memory is stored for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of 4 times). The number stored in the special figure start winning memory is displayed on the special figure 1 holding display 54 and the display device 35 of the collective display device 50. Here, the game control device 600 extracts a random number related to the execution of the variable display game based on the winning of the game ball in the start winning area, and sets a predetermined number as an upper limit as the start memory as the right to execute the variable display game. It functions as a start winning storage means for storing.

  The first special figure fluctuation display game is executed on the special figure 1 display 51 of the collective display device 50, and the decorative special figure fluctuation display game corresponding to the first special figure fluctuation display game is executed on the display device 35. The In the display device 35, a decoration special figure variation display game in which identification information composed of three numbers or the like (symbols, character designs, etc.) is sequentially displayed in a changing manner is started. Is displayed.

  In the decorative special symbol variation display game, for example, the decorative special symbols (identification information) composed of the above-described numbers are in the order of left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), and middle (third special symbol). This is done by starting the variable display, sequentially stopping the symbols that have changed after a predetermined time, and displaying the result of the special-figure variable display game. In addition, the display device 35 performs a decoration special figure variation display game with special decoration patterns corresponding to the number of special figure winning memories stored, and various effect displays such as the appearance of characters for the purpose of improving interest.

  When the game ball is won at the first start winning opening 37a at a predetermined timing, the result of the first special figure variation display game is a special result (big hit), and the decorative special figure variation display game has three display symbols. Stops when all are aligned. In this case, the open / close door 41a of the special variable winning device 41 is opened, and a big hit gaming state (special gaming state) is entered.

  During the big hit gaming state, the special winning opening of the special variable prize winning device 41 is in a closed state (not advantageous to the player) until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number of gaming balls win the big winning opening. From the (state), it becomes an open state (a state advantageous to the player) where the game ball can be easily received. When a game ball wins a big winning opening, a player is given a game value capable of acquiring many game balls. The first round consists of opening the grand prize opening until a predetermined number of game balls are won in the big prize opening or a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening of the grand prize opening. When the special figure fluctuation display game is a big hit, the number of rounds is set to two, for example. Further, the game control device 600 constitutes special game state control means for generating a special game state based on the result of the special figure variation display game.

  When the gaming state shifts to the short-time state (general power support state) after the big hit gaming state, the special figure variation display game (the first special figure variation display game or the second special figure variation display game) is continued for a predetermined number of times .

  When the game ball passes through the general start gate 36, it is detected by the gate switch 603 (see FIG. 3), and the general display variation game is started on the collective display device 50. The gate switch 603 is, for example, a non-contact type switch. When the game ball passes through the usual figure start gate 36 at a predetermined timing, the result of the usual figure variation display game is won. In this case, the opening / closing member 37c is opened by the ordinary electric solenoid 27 (see FIG. 3), and the winning possibility of the game ball to the second start winning opening 37b is increased.

  In addition, a state in which the normal map change display game cannot be started, for example, when the normal map change display game has already been performed and the normal map change display game has not ended, or the result of the normal map change display game is a hit. When the second start winning opening 37b is converted to the open state, when the game ball passes through the ordinary start gate 36, the ordinary start memory number is added (+1) if the number is less than the upper limit of the ordinary start memory number. ) And one ordinary memory is stored. The number of the general map start memory is displayed on the general map hold display 56 of the collective display device 50.

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

  The usual map change display game is executed by a change display unit (common figure display) 53 provided in the collective display device 50. The general-purpose indicator 53 is composed of LEDs indicating normal identification information (general-purpose symbols, normal symbols) when the LED is lit, and indicating misalignment when the LED is not lit. Information variation is displayed, and after a predetermined variation display time has elapsed, the LED is turned on or off to display the result. Note that, for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, and the like may be used as the normal identification information, and this may be configured to be displayed by variably displaying for a predetermined time and then stopped.

  When a game ball wins the second start winning opening 37b, the game balls won in the second start winning opening 37b are detected by the second start opening switch 602 (see FIG. 3), and a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four). It is memorized to the limit. At this time, similarly to the case where the first start winning opening 37a is won, various random number values are extracted, and the extracted random number values are stored in the special chart storage area of the game control device 600 as the special figure start winning memory. It is stored separately from the case where the winning opening 37a is won. Then, the number stored in the special figure start winning memory is displayed on the special figure 2 holding display 55 and the display device 35 of the collective display device 50.

  Then, the second special figure fluctuation display game is executed on the collective display device 50 and the decorative special figure fluctuation display game corresponding to the second special figure fluctuation display game is executed on the display device 35. In the display device 35, a decoration special figure fluctuation display game in which identification information composed of three numbers or the like is sequentially displayed in a changing manner is started, and an image relating to the decoration special figure fluctuation display game is displayed on the display unit 35a. The decoration special figure variation display game is the same as that of the first special figure variation display game.

  When a game ball is won at the second start winning opening 37b at a predetermined timing, the result of the second special figure variation display game is a special result (big hit), and the decorative special figure variation display game has three display symbols. Stops when all are aligned. In this case, the open / close door 41a of the special variable winning device 41 is opened, and a big hit gaming state (special gaming state) is entered. The special winning opening of the special variable prize winning device 41 removes the game ball from a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) that does not accept the game ball until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number of game balls have won the grand prize port. The open state is easy to accept (a state advantageous to the player). When the second special figure variation display game is a big hit, the number of rounds is set to 15 times, for example.

  The first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game may be executed on different display devices or different display areas, or may be executed on the same display device or display area. May be.

  In addition, the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game executed in the collective display device 50 are configured not to be executed simultaneously. Similarly, the decorative special figure fluctuation display game on the display device 35 is also configured so that the decorative special figure fluctuation display game corresponding to the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game is not executed simultaneously.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the special figure fluctuation display game is executed in the order of winning without giving priority to the second special figure fluctuation display game over the first special figure fluctuation display game. The execution of the special figure variation display game will be described later.

  Note that the execution order of the special figure fluctuation display game is not limited to this, and there is a start memory of the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game, and the special figure fluctuation display game can be executed. In such a case, the second special figure fluctuation display game may be executed, that is, the second special figure fluctuation display game may be executed with priority over the first special figure fluctuation display game.

[Game control device / effect control device]
Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the game control device 600 and the effect control device 700 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing a control system centering on the game control device 600 of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram showing a control system centering on the effect control device 700 of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  A game control device 600 shown in FIG. 3 is a main control device (main board) that comprehensively controls games in the gaming machine 1. A power supply device 800, a payout control device 640, and an effect control device 700 are connected to the game control device 600. The game control device 600 transmits a control signal (command) to the payout control device 640 and the effect control device 700 to instruct execution of various processes. Furthermore, the game control device 600 is connected to various switches, solenoids to be controlled, and the like.

  The game control device 600 includes a CPU unit 610 that performs various arithmetic processes, an input unit 620 that receives input of various signals, and an output unit 630 that outputs various signals and control signals. The CPU unit 610, the input unit 620, and the output unit 630 are connected to each other by a data bus 680.

  The input unit 620 receives signals output from various switches provided on the game board 30 and the like and signals output from the payout control device 640. The input unit 620 includes a proximity interface (I / F) 621 and input ports 622 (622a, 622b) and 623.

  The input ports 622 and 623 receive a signal input via the proximity I / F 621 or directly receive a signal input from the outside. Information input to the input ports 622 and 623 is provided to the CPU unit 610 and the like via the data bus 680.

  The proximity I / F 621 is an interface that receives signals output from various switches, converts the input signals, and outputs the converted signals to the input port 622. The proximity I / F 621 is connected to a first start port switch 601, a second start port switch 602, a gate switch 603, winning port switches 604a to 604n, and count switches 605a to 605m.

  The first start port switch 601 is a switch that detects that a game ball has won the first start winning port 37a. The second start port switch 602 is a switch that detects that the game ball has won the second start winning port 37b. The gate switch 603 is a switch that detects that the game ball has passed the usual start gate 36. The winning award opening switches 604a to 604n are switches for detecting that the game ball has won the general winning opening 40.

  The count switches 605a to 605m are switches that detect that a game ball has won a big winning opening. When a winning game ball is detected by the count switches 605a to 605m, the number of winning game balls is counted, and the counted number of gaming balls is stored in a memory provided in the gaming control device 600.

  The proximity I / F 621 receives a negative logic signal such as a high level of 11 V and a low level of 7 V supplied from various switches, and converts it to a positive logic signal of 0V-5V. Since the proximity I / F 621 is normally within a predetermined range (7V-11V), the lead wire of the sensor or proximity switch is improperly shorted, the sensor or switch is disconnected from the connector, or the lead wire is disconnected. It is possible to detect an abnormal state such as a floating state and output an abnormality detection signal.

  In addition, since the output value (ON / OFF) of the signal input to the proximity I / F 621 is switched by attaching / detaching the connector of the switch connected to the proximity I / F 621, the proximity I / F 621 is not connected to the switch. Even so, the output is kept constant.

  Of the output of the proximity I / F 621, the detection signal of the radio wave sensor 24 and the abnormality detection signal 1 output when an abnormality of the sensor or the switch is detected are input to the input port 622a. Further, the detection signal of the fraud detection magnetic sensor 23 provided on the front frame 5 of the gaming machine 1 or the like is also input to the input port 622a.

  The magnetic sensor 23 detects a magnetic force in order to detect an illegal act of manipulating the trajectory of the launched game ball with a magnet. The radio wave sensor 24 detects the radio wave emitted toward the gaming machine 1 in order to detect fraudulent acts that cause the prize opening switches 604a to 604n to malfunction. Note that a vibration sensor that detects vibration may be provided in the gaming machine, and the detection signal may be input to the input port 622a.

  Further, among the outputs of the proximity I / F 621, the output to the input port 622b is supplied from the game control device 600 to a test firing test device (not shown) via the relay board 650. Further, the detection signals of the first start port switch 601 and the second start port switch 602 among the outputs of the proximity I / F 621 are input to the gaming microcomputer 611 via the inverting circuit 612 in addition to the input port 622b. It is configured. The inversion circuit 612 is provided because the signal input terminal of the gaming microcomputer 611 assumes that a signal from a micro switch or the like is input, and detects negative logic, that is, low level (0 V) as an effective level. Because it is designed to do.

  Therefore, when using a micro switch as the first start port switch 601 and the second start port switch 602, it is possible to directly input the detection signal to the gaming microcomputer 611 without providing the inverting circuit 612. . That is, when it is desired to directly input negative logic signals from the first start port switch 601 and the second start port switch 602 to the gaming microcomputer 611, the proximity switch cannot be used. As described above, the proximity I / F 621 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, the proximity I / F 621 is supplied with a voltage of 12 V in addition to a voltage such as 5 V required for normal IC operation from the power supply device 800. It has become.

  A signal from the magnetic sensor 23 is directly input to the input port 622a, and signals from the front frame opening detection switch (SW) 25 and the glass frame opening detection switch (SW) 26 are directly input to the input port 623. The input port 623 also receives a status signal indicating a payout abnormality from the payout control device 640.

  The front frame opening detection SW 25 detects that the front frame 5 is opened. The front frame opening detection SW 25 is set to ON when the front frame 5 is released from the main body frame 2, and is set to OFF when the front frame 5 is closed to the main body frame 2.

  The glass frame open detection SW 26 detects that the glass frame 6 has been opened. The glass frame open detection SW 26 is set to ON when the glass frame 6 is released from the front frame 5, and is set to OFF when the glass frame 6 is closed to the front frame 5.

  The data held in the input port 622b can be read out by asserting the enable signal CE2 (changing to an effective level) by the gaming microcomputer 611 decoding the address assigned to the input port 622b. The same applies to the input port 622a and the input port 623 described later.

  The CPU unit 610 of the game control device 600 includes a game microcomputer 611, an inversion circuit 612, and a crystal oscillator 613.

  The gaming microcomputer 611 includes a CPU 611a, a ROM 611b, and a RAM 611c, and executes various processes such as a big hit lottery by executing a program stored in the ROM 611b based on a signal input via the input unit 620. . Through the output unit 630, the gaming microcomputer 611 includes a first special figure fluctuation display unit (special figure 1 display) 51, a second special figure fluctuation display part (special figure 2 display) 52, and a general figure display part ( General figure display) 53, Special figure 1 hold display part 54, Special figure 2 hold display part 55, Universal figure hold display part 56, High probability display part (first game state display) 57, Short time state display part (No. 2 game status display) 58, round number display section 59, special display / general map LED board provided with an error display 60, a collective display device 50, a general electric solenoid 27, a special prize opening solenoid 28, A control signal is transmitted to the production control device 700 and the payout control device 640 to control the gaming machine 1 in an integrated manner. The gaming microcomputer 611 selects a port for inputting or outputting a signal by chip selection.

  The ROM 611b is a non-volatile storage medium and stores programs, data, and the like for game control.

  The RAM 611c is a volatile storage medium, and is used as a work area for temporarily storing information (for example, random number values) necessary for game control.

  The inversion circuit 612 inverts the logical value of the signal (the signal from the first start port switch 601 and the second start port switch 602) input via the proximity I / F 621 and outputs the inverted value to the gaming microcomputer 611.

  The crystal oscillator 613 is configured as an operating clock source of a hard random number for performing a timer interrupt, a system clock signal, a big hit lottery, and the like.

  The output unit 630 of the game control device 600 includes ports 631a to 631e, buffers 632a and 632b, drivers 633a to 633d, and a photocoupler 634.

  The ports 631a to 631e receive signals input via the data bus 680.

  The buffers 632a and 632b temporarily hold signals input via the data bus 680 and the ports 631a and 631b.

  The drivers 633a to 633d generate various drive signals from the signals input via the ports 631c to 631e and output them to each device.

  The photocoupler 634 is configured to be connectable to an external inspection device 670, and removes noise from various signals that are input and output to shape the waveforms of the various signals. Information is transmitted and received between the photocoupler 634 and the inspection device 670 by serial communication.

  Information output from the CPU unit 610 by parallel communication is transmitted to the payout control device 640 via the port 631a. Specifically, a 4-bit data signal and a control signal (data strobe signal) indicating the validity / invalidity of the data are output. Since there is no need to secure one-way communication for the payout control device 640, a control signal is directly transmitted from the port 631a to the payout control board of the payout control device 640.

  Further, the payout control device 640 outputs a firing permission signal to the firing control device. The launch control device can launch a game ball into the game area 31 only when a launch permission signal is input.

  The payout control device 640 discharges the winning ball from the payout unit (not shown) based on the prize ball command signal from the game control device 600, or the payout unit based on the lending request signal from the card unit (not shown). Or renting a ball. As described above, the payout control device 640 outputs a payout abnormality status signal, a shot ball shortage switch signal, and an overflow switch signal to the game control device 600 when a failure such as a ball breakage or a failure occurs.

  The payout abnormality status signal is a signal output when the game ball is not paid out normally. The payout chute ball switch signal is a signal that is output when there is a shortage of game balls before payout. The overflow switch signal is a signal output when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 14 (see FIG. 1). Data is transmitted from the game control device 600 to the effect control device 700 by serial communication.

  Subcommands are input to the effect control device 700 via the buffer 632a of the output unit 630. By having the buffer 632a, it becomes possible to prevent a signal from being input to the game control device 600 from the side of the effect control device 700, and unidirectional communication can be secured. The subcommands transmitted to the effect control device 700 include effect control command signals such as a change start command, a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, and an error designation command.

  A signal output from the CPU unit 610 is input to the special winning opening solenoid 28 and the general power solenoid 27 via the port 631b and the driver 633a. The large winning opening solenoid 28 rotates the opening / closing door 41a (see FIG. 2) of the special variable winning apparatus 41, and the general electric solenoid 27 is opened and closed so that the game ball can be won into the second starting winning opening 37b. The member 37c is converted to an open state.

  The collective display device 50 includes a special figure / common figure LED substrate and a case member for accommodating the special figure / general figure LED substrate. The anode terminal of the LEDs of the collective display device 50 is connected to the driver 633c via a segment line, and the driver 633c and the port 631c are connected. The cathode terminal of the LEDs of the collective display device 50 is connected to the driver 633b via a digit line, and the driver 633b and the port 631b are connected. The on / off drive signal from the driver 633c is input to the anode terminal of the LEDs of the collective display device 50, and the on / off drive signal is output from the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device 50 to the driver 633b.

  The external information terminal 660 is provided with a photo relay, and is a terminal for outputting game data such as a start signal indicating the start of a variable display game and a special prize signal indicating the occurrence of a big hit gaming state to the information collecting terminal device. The game data is output to the external information terminal 660 via the port 631e and the driver 633d.

  The game control device 600 is configured to be connectable to an external test test device via a relay board 650. The test firing test apparatus is an apparatus for performing a type test of the gaming machine 1 in a predetermined engine. The test firing test apparatus includes signals from the first start port switch 601, the second start port switch 602, the gate switch 603, the winning port switches 604a to 604n, and the count switches 605a to 605m, the big winning port solenoid 28, and the general electric A signal necessary for the test test, such as a signal output to the solenoid 27, is input.

  The game control device 600 is connected to the power supply device 800 via a Schmitt circuit 624 provided in the input unit 620. The Schmitt circuit 624 is a circuit that removes fluctuation (noise) of the input signal in order to prevent the operation of the gaming machine 1 from becoming unstable when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. The Schmitt circuit 624 receives a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal from the power supply device 800.

  The power supply device 800 includes a normal power supply unit including an AC-DC converter that generates a DC32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power supply, and a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC12V and DC5V from the DC32V voltage. 810, a backup power supply unit 820 that supplies a power supply voltage to the RAM 611c in the gaming microcomputer 611 at the time of a power failure, a power failure monitoring circuit and an initialization switch, and notifies the game control device 600 of the occurrence and recovery of the power failure And a control signal generation unit 830 that generates and outputs control signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal.

  The backup power supply unit 820 is a power supply for backing up game data stored in the RAM 611c of the game microcomputer 611. After the power failure is restored, the game control device 600 restores the gaming state before the power failure based on the game data held in the RAM 611c.

  The control signal generator 830 monitors the input voltage (guaranteed DC 32V) of the switching regulator that generates DC 12V and DC 5V. When the detected voltage is DC 17.2 V to DC 20.0 V, it is determined that there is a power failure, and a power failure monitoring signal is output from the control signal generation unit 830. The power failure monitoring signal is input to the input port 623 of the input unit 620 via the Schmitt circuit 624. After the power failure monitoring signal is output, the power failure monitoring circuit outputs a reset signal. The reset signal is input to each port 631a to 631e of the gaming microcomputer 611 and the output unit 630 via the Schmitt circuit 624. When the game control device 600 receives the power failure monitoring signal, the game control device 600 performs a predetermined power failure process, and stops the operation of the CPU unit 610 after receiving the reset signal.

  The control signal generation unit 830 includes an initialization switch (not shown), and an initialization switch signal is output from the control signal generation unit 830 when the initialization switch is in an ON state when the power is turned on. The initialization switch signal is input to the input port 623 of the input unit 620 via the Schmitt circuit 624. The initialization switch signal is a signal for forcibly initializing information stored in the RAM 611c of the gaming microcomputer 611 and the RAM of the payout control device 640.

  As described above, the power failure monitoring signal and the initialization switch signal are once input to the input port 623, taken into the game microcomputer 611 via the data bus 680, and are handled as signals equivalent to signals from various switches. . This is because the number of terminals receiving external signals provided in the gaming microcomputer 611 is limited.

  On the other hand, the reset signal RST from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt circuit 624 is directly input to the reset terminal provided in the gaming microcomputer 611 and supplied to each port of the output unit 630 as described above. Further, the reset signal RST is output directly to the relay board 650 without going through the output unit 630, thereby turning off the test test signal held in the port (not shown) of the relay board 650 for output to the test board. Is configured to do. Further, the reset signal RST may be configured to be output to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 650. The reset signal RST is not supplied to the ports 622 and 623 of the input unit 620. Data set to each port of the output unit 630 by the gaming microcomputer 611 immediately before the reset signal RST is input needs to be reset to prevent malfunction of the system, but each data of the input unit 620 immediately before the reset signal RST is input. This is because the data read by the gaming microcomputer 611 from the port is discarded when the gaming microcomputer 611 is reset.

  The effect control device 700 shown in FIG. 4 controls the video under the control of the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 710 composed of an amusement chip (IC) and the main control microcomputer 710 in the same manner as the game microcomputer 611 of the game control device 600. A video control processor (2ndCPU) 720 that performs the above and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 730 that performs image processing for video display on the display device 35 (see FIG. 2) according to commands and data from the video control microcomputer 720. And a sound source LSI 705 that reproduces various melodies and sound effects from the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b.

  PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) 702 and 703 storing programs executed by the CPUs are connected to the main control microcomputer 710 and the video control microcomputer 720, respectively.

  An image ROM 704 in which character images and video data are stored is connected to the VDP 730.

  The sound source LSI 705 is connected to an audio ROM 706 that stores audio data and the like.

  The main control microcomputer 710 analyzes the command transmitted from the game microcomputer 611 of the game control device 600, instructs the video control microcomputer 720 about the contents of the output video, and instructs the sound source LSI 705 about the contents of the reproduced sound. Or The main control microcomputer 710 also executes processing such as LED lighting control, various motor drive control, and production time management based on a control command from the game control device 600.

  RAMs 711 and 721 that provide work areas for the main control microcomputer 710 and the video control microcomputer 720 are provided in the respective chips. The RAMs 711 and 721 that provide the work area may be provided outside the chip.

  Data transmission / reception is performed between the main control microcomputer 710 and the video control microcomputer 720 and between the main control microcomputer 710 and the tone generator LSI 705 in a serial manner. In contrast, the main control microcomputer 710 and the VDP 730 are configured to transmit and receive data in a parallel manner. By transmitting and receiving data in the parallel system, commands and data can be transmitted in a shorter time than in the serial system.

  The VDP 730 includes a VRAM (video RAM) 731 used for developing and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 704, a scaler 732 for enlarging and reducing images, and an LVDS. A signal conversion circuit 733 for generating a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 35 by the (small amplitude signal transmission) method is provided.

  A vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is output from the VDP 730 to the main control microcomputer 710 in order to synchronize the image of the display device 35 and the lighting of the LEDs provided on the front frame 5 and the game board 30. Also, the VDP 730 notifies the video control microcomputer 720 that it is waiting to receive commands and data from the interrupt signals INT0 to n and the video control microcomputer 720 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing in the VRAM 731. A wait signal WAIT is output.

  From the video control microcomputer 720 to the main control microcomputer 710, a synchronization signal SYNC for notifying that the video control microcomputer 720 is operating normally and giving command transmission timing is output.

  Between the main control microcomputer 710 and the tone generator LSI 705, an interrogation signal CTS and a response signal RTS are exchanged in order to transmit and receive commands and data by the handshake method.

  Note that the video control microcomputer 720 uses a CPU capable of performing higher-speed processing than the main control microcomputer 710. By providing the video control microcomputer 720 separately from the main control microcomputer 710 and sharing the processing, it is possible to display on the display device 35 a fast moving image with a large screen that is difficult to achieve with the main control microcomputer 710 alone. In addition, an increase in cost can be suppressed as compared with the case where two CPUs having processing capabilities equivalent to those of the video control microcomputer 720 are used.

  The effect control device 700 includes an interface chip (command I / F) 701 for receiving a command (main board command) transmitted from the game control device 600. The effect control device 700 receives the change start command, the customer waiting demo command, the fanfare command, the probability information command, the error designation command, and the like transmitted from the game control device 600 as the effect control command signal via the command I / F 701. To do. Since the game microcomputer 611 of the game control device 600 operates at DC 5V and the main control microcomputer 710 of the effect control device 700 operates at DC 3.3V, the command I / F 701 is provided with a signal level conversion function. Yes.

  The effect control device 700 includes a panel decoration LED control circuit 741 for controlling a panel decoration device 760 including LEDs and the like provided on the center case 34 and the game board 30, and a frame decoration device 21 including LEDs and the like provided on the front frame 5 and the like. Frame decoration LED control circuit 742 for controlling the display, board effect motor / SOL (solenoid) for driving and controlling the board effect device 770 including the electric accessory that enhances the effect of the effect and the decoration member 7 in cooperation with the effect display on the display device 35 ) A frame effect motor control circuit 744 for driving and controlling the frame effect device 22 including the control circuit 743 and the illumination drive motor of the movable illumination 9 is provided. These control circuits (741 to 744) are connected to a main control microcomputer 710 via an address / data bus 740.

  The effect control device 700 includes an effect button SW (switch) 751 for detecting that the effect button 17 (see FIG. 1) is operated, and an effect motor SW (switch) for detecting that various drive motors are driven. A switch (SW) input circuit 750 that detects the on / off states of 752a to 752n and transmits a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 710 is provided. In addition, amplifier circuits 707 and 708 including audio power amplifiers for driving the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b are provided.

  The normal power supply unit 810 of the power supply device 800 is configured to be able to generate a plurality of types of voltages in order to supply a predetermined level of DC voltage to the effect control device 700 and the electronic components controlled by the effect control device 700. ing. Specifically, in addition to DC 32V for driving the drive motor and solenoid, DC 12V for driving the display device 35 including a liquid crystal panel, DC 5V serving as the power supply voltage for the command I / F 701, the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker It is possible to generate DC 18V for driving the speaker 10b and NDC 24V used as a reference for these DC voltages or for lighting the power supply monitor lamp.

  The reset signal RST generated by the control signal generation unit 830 of the power supply device 800 is supplied to the main control microcomputer 710, the video control microcomputer 720, the VDP 730, the tone generator LSI 705, and various control circuits (741 to 744, 707, 708). These are reset. The power supply device 800 has a function of generating and supplying a reset signal for the VDP 730 using a general-purpose port included in the video control microcomputer 720. Thereby, the cooperation of the operations of the video control microcomputer 720 and the VDP 730 can be improved.

  As described above, the effect control device 700 functions as an effect control unit that performs effect control based on a command transmitted from the game control device 600, and a display control unit that controls display content displayed on the display device 35. And it has a function as a sound output control means which outputs a sound effect etc. from the speaker 10. FIG.

  The above is the configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Next, specific control by the game control device 600 will be described.

[Main processing (game control device)]
First, the main process will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the first half of the main processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the latter half of the main processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

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

  When the main process is executed, the game control device 600 first prohibits interruption (step A1001). Next, interrupt vector setting processing for setting a vector address indicating a jump destination executed when an interrupt occurs is executed (step A1002). Furthermore, a stack pointer that is the start address of an area in which the value of a register or the like is saved when an interrupt occurs is set (step A1003). Further, the state of the input port 623 is read (step A1004), and the interrupt processing mode is set (step A1005).

  Next, the game control device 600 sets a power-on delay timer for waiting until the programs of the subordinate control devices (the payout control device (payout board)) 640 and the effect control device 700 are normally started (step A1006). ). For example, the power-on delay timer is set to wait for 3 seconds. By controlling in this way, when the power is turned on, the game control device 600 is started first and the command is transmitted to the subordinate control device before the start-up of the payout control device 640 and the effect control device 700 is completed. By doing so, it is possible to avoid that the subordinate control device misses the transmitted command. Therefore, the game control device 600 serves as standby means for setting a predetermined standby time for delaying activation of the main control means (game control device 600) and waiting for activation of the subordinate control device when the power is turned on.

  Note that an initialization switch signal is input to the input port 623, and the operation of the initialization switch can be reliably detected by reading the state of the input port 623 before the start of the standby time. In other words, if the status of the initialization switch is read after the standby time has elapsed, the initialization switch is operated after waiting for the standby time to elapse, or the initialization switch is continuously operated from when the power is turned on until the standby time elapses. There is a need to. However, by reading the status before the start of the standby time, it can be detected by operating immediately after turning on the power without performing such troublesome operations. Can be prevented from being accepted.

  When the setting of the power-on delay timer is completed, the game control device 600 executes a process for monitoring a power failure (steps A1007 to A1011). First, the game control device 600 sets the number of checks of the power failure monitoring signal (step A1007). The power failure monitoring signal is checked by reading the power failure monitoring signal output from the power supply device 800. The number of checks of the power failure monitoring signal is, for example, twice. When a power failure occurs, the power failure monitoring signal is turned on.

  Next, the game control device 600 determines whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is on (step A1008). Then, the determination in step A1008 is repeated for the number of checks set in the processing in step A1007 (step A1009).

  When the game control apparatus 600 has measured that the power failure monitoring signal is ON for the number of checks (the result of step A1009 is “Y”), it determines that a power failure has occurred and the power is shut off. Wait until. In this way, by checking the power failure monitoring signal for a predetermined number of checks, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection due to noise or the like. That is, the game control device 600 serves as a power failure monitoring means for monitoring the occurrence of a power failure during a predetermined standby time. As a result, it is possible to cope with a power failure that occurs during the period in which the activation of the game control device 600 is delayed, and it is possible to appropriately deal with a malfunction at power-on.

  Note that access to the RAM is not permitted until the end of the standby time, and the stored contents at the time of the previous power shut-off are retained, so backup processing is performed when a power failure occurs here There is no need. For this reason, even if a power failure occurs during the standby time, it is not necessary to back up the RAM, and the control burden can be reduced.

  On the other hand, when the power failure monitoring signal is not on (result of Step A1009 is “N”), that is, when no power failure has occurred, the game control device 600 updates the power-on delay timer by −1 (Step A1010). ), It is determined whether or not the value of the power-on delay timer is 0 (step A1011). If the value of the power-on delay timer is not 0 (the result of step A1011 is “N”), that is, if the standby time has not elapsed, the process returns to step A1007.

  On the other hand, when the value of the power-on delay timer is 0 (the result of step A1011 is “Y”), that is, when the standby time has elapsed, the game control device 600 reads / writes RWM such as RAM or EEPROM. Access to (read / write memory) is permitted (step A1012). Further, all output ports are set to off (no output) (step A1013). In addition, the serial port preinstalled in the gaming microcomputer 611 is set not to be used (step A1014). In the present embodiment, the game control device 600 performs serial communication with the effect control device 700.

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 determines whether or not the initialization switch signal in the power supply device 800 is set to ON (step A1015). The initialization switch signal is a signal for setting whether or not to start a game in an initialized state when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.

  For example, if the power is turned off while the store is closed, etc., and the power is turned on when the store opens the next day, the initialization switch signal is set to ON so that the game starts in the initialized state. Is done. On the other hand, when the power is turned on again after a power failure, the initialization switch signal is turned off so that the game machine is not initialized in order to resume the game as close to the gaming state as possible before the power failure. Is set.

  When the initialization switch signal is set to OFF (the result of Step A1015 is “N”), the game control apparatus 600 checks whether the data in the power failure inspection area in the RWM is normal ( Step A1016, Step A1017). More specifically, the power outage inspection area includes a power outage inspection area 1 and a power outage inspection area 2. The power failure inspection area 1 stores power failure inspection area check data 1, and the power failure inspection area 2 stores power failure inspection area check data 2. In the process of step A1016, it is determined whether or not the power failure inspection area check data 1 stored in the power failure inspection area 1 is normal. Similarly, in the process of step A1017, it is determined whether or not the power failure inspection area check data 2 stored in the power failure inspection area 2 is normal.

  When it is determined that the power failure inspection area check data in the power failure inspection area in the RWM is normal (the results of Step A1016 and Step A1017 are “Y”), the game control apparatus 600 has verification data called a checksum. A checksum calculation process for calculating is performed (step A1018).

  Then, the game control device 600 compares the checksum value calculated in the checksum calculation process with the checksum value calculated when the power is turned off, and determines whether or not these values match ( Step A1019).

  On the other hand, in the game control device 600, when the initialization switch signal is set to ON (the result of Step A1009 is “Y”), the value of the power failure inspection area is not normal (the result of Step A1016 or Step A1017 is “ N "), if the checksum value at the time of power-off does not match the checksum value calculated in step A1018 (the result of step A1019 is" N "), the process proceeds from step A1040 to step A1040 in FIG. The initialization process up to A1043 is executed. Details of the initialization process will be described later.

  When the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value at the time of power-off (the result of step A1019 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 600 has executed the power failure process normally, The initial value at the time of power failure recovery is saved in the area to be converted (step A1020). For example, information for determining whether or not the information at the time of power failure has been normally stored is stored in an area (power failure inspection area, checksum, error) in RWM (read / write memory: RAM in the embodiment) Clear the related information and the area for storing information for monitoring fraud).

  Next, the game control device 600 determines whether or not the game state at the time of the power failure is a high probability state from an area for storing the game state in the RWM (step A1021). When it is determined that the probability is not high (the result of Step A1021 is “N”), the processing after Step A1024 is executed.

  In addition, when it is determined that the gaming state at the time of the power outage is a high probability state (the result of Step A1021 is “Y”), the game control device 600 sets the high probability notification flag to ON and sets the high probability. Save in the notification flag area (step A1022). Subsequently, the LED of the high probability display unit provided in the collective display device 50 is set to ON (lighted) (step A1023).

  Furthermore, the game control device 600 transmits a command at the time of power failure recovery corresponding to the special figure game process number to the effect control device 700 (step A1024). The special figure game process number is a number indicating the state of the special figure game, and is stored in a predetermined area of the RWM when a power failure occurs. In this way, by transmitting the power failure recovery command corresponding to the special figure game process number to the effect control device 700, the game can be resumed in a state as close as possible to before the power failure occurs.

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

  In the initialization process, the game control device 600 first clears all work areas before the access prohibited area (step A1040). Further, the entire stack area after the access prohibited area is cleared (step A1041). Then, the initial value for power-on is saved in the initialized area (step A1042). Further, a command for turning on the power is transmitted to the effect control device 700 (step A1043), and the processes after step A1025 are executed.

  Note that the power failure recovery command transmitted in step A1024 and the power-on command transmitted in step A1043 include a model designation command indicating the type of gaming machine, and a decorative feature indicating the number of suspensions in FIGS. 1 includes a hold number command, a decorative special figure 2 hold number command, and a probability information command indicating a probability state. Also, depending on the state when the power is turned off or when the power is turned on, if the special figure fluctuation display game is being executed when the power is turned off, the recovery screen command is used. When initialized at power-on, a power-on command is included. Furthermore, an effect mode information command indicating the state of the effect mode depending on the model, and a time-saving count information command indicating the number of remaining games in the time-saving state are included.

  When the processing of step A1024 or step A1043 is completed, the gaming control device 600 includes a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the gaming microcomputer 611 (clock generator). Start (step A1025).

  The CTC circuit is provided in a clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 611. The clock generator includes a frequency dividing circuit that divides the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 613 and the CTC circuit described above. The timer interrupt signal is a signal for causing the CPU 611a to generate a timer interrupt with a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) based on the divided signal. The random number update trigger signal (CTC) is supplied to the random number generation circuit based on the divided signal, and the random number generation circuit serves as a trigger for updating the random number.

  When the CTC circuit is activated, the game control device 600 performs activation setting of the random number generation circuit (step A1026). Specifically, the CPU 611a executes processing such as setting a code (specified value) for starting the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. At this time, it may be checked whether the random number generation circuit operates normally.

  Furthermore, the game control device 600 uses the values of predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at power-on as the initial values (start values) of the corresponding various initial value random numbers. (Step A1027). Thereafter, the game control device 600 permits an interrupt (step A1028).

  Note that the random number generation circuit in the CPU 611a of the present embodiment is configured such that the initial value of the soft random number register is changed each time the power is turned on, and initial values of various initial value random numbers are based on the initial value of the soft random number register. By setting a value (start value), it becomes possible to break the regularity of random numbers generated by software, making it difficult for a player to acquire illegal random numbers. The various initial value random numbers include, for example, a random number for determining a jackpot symbol (big hit symbol random number 1, a jackpot symbol random number 2), and a random number for determining a hit of a normal variation display game (a hit random number).

  Subsequently, the game control apparatus 600 executes an initial value random number update process for updating the values of various initial value random numbers and breaking the regularity of the random numbers (step A1029). In the present embodiment, the big hit random number is configured to be generated using a random number generated in the random number generation circuit. That is, the big hit random number is a hard random number generated by hardware, and the big hit symbol random number, the hit random number, and the variation pattern random number are soft random numbers generated by software. Note that the source of various random numbers is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the big hit random number may be a software random number, or the big hit symbol random number, the hit random number, and the variation pattern random number may be a hardware random number. .

  Further, after the initial value random number update process is executed, the game control device 600 sets the number of times of checking the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 800 and read via the port and the data bus (step A1030). Normally, a value of 2 or more is set as the number of checks. It is possible to determine whether or not a power failure has occurred by checking the power failure monitoring signal. The game control device 600 determines whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is on (step A1031). When the power failure monitoring signal is not on, that is, when there is no power failure (the result of Step A1031 is “N”), the initial value random number update processing of Step A1029 is executed again, and the processing from Step A1029 to Step A1031 is performed. Repeated execution (loop processing).

  Also, by permitting an interrupt (step A1028) before the initial value random number update process (step A1029), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process can be prioritized and executed. It becomes possible. Accordingly, since the timer interrupt process cannot be executed until the execution of the initial value random number update process is completed, it is possible to avoid a shortage of time for executing various processes included in the interrupt process.

  In the initial value random number update process (step A1029), the initial value random number update process may be executed by a timer interrupt process in addition to the main process. However, when the initial value random number update process is executed in the timer interrupt process, an interrupt is issued during the initial value random number update process in the main process in order to avoid executing the initial value random number update process in both processes. It is prohibited to release the interrupt after updating the initial random number. However, if the initial value random number update process is not executed in the timer interrupt process and the initial value random number update process is executed only in the main process as in this embodiment, the interrupt can be canceled before the initial value random number update process. There is no problem, and there is an advantage that the main processing is simplified. Further, various random numbers may be updated not in the timer interrupt process but in the main process.

  The detection of the occurrence of a power failure (check of the power failure monitoring signal) may be executed by a timer interrupt process. At this time, the detection result may be monitored by the main process, or may be waited until it is reset.

  On the other hand, when the power failure monitoring signal is set to ON (the result of Step A1031 is “Y”), the game control device 600 continuously detects that the power failure monitoring signal is set to ON. Determines whether the number of checks set in the process of step A1030 has been reached (step A1032). If the number of times that the power failure monitoring signal is continuously turned on has not reached the number of checks (the result of step A 1032 is “N”), is the power failure monitoring signal turned on again? It is determined whether or not (step A1031). That is, when the power failure monitoring signal is on, it is determined whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is on for the number of checks.

  When the number of times that the gaming power monitoring signal is continuously turned on reaches the number of checks (the result of step A 1032 is “Y”), the gaming control device 600 assumes that a power failure has occurred. The processing at the time of occurrence of a power failure is executed (step A1033 to step A1039).

  The game control device 600 prohibits interruption (step A1033) and sets all output ports to off (step A1034). Thereafter, the power failure recovery inspection region check data 1 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 1 (step A1035), and further, the power failure recovery inspection region check data 2 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 2 (step A1036).

  Furthermore, the game control device 600 executes a checksum calculation process for calculating a checksum when the RWM is powered off (step A1037), and saves (saves) the calculated checksum value in the checksum area of the RWM. (Step A1038). Finally, access to the RWM is prohibited so that the contents of the RWM are not changed (step A1039), and the system waits until the power of the gaming machine 1 is cut off. In this way, by saving check data in the power failure recovery inspection area and calculating and storing the checksum at the time of power-off, the information stored in the RWM before power-off is correctly backed up. It is possible to determine when the power is turned on again.

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

  The timer interrupt process is started when a periodic (for example, 1 millisecond cycle) timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 611a.

  When the timer interrupt process is started, the game control device 600 first saves the register by moving the value held in the predetermined register to the RWM (step A1101). In this embodiment, a Z80 microcomputer is used as the game microcomputer. The Z80 microcomputer has a front register and a back register, and the processing in step A1101 can be implemented by saving the value held in the front register to the back register.

  Next, the game control device 600 takes in input signals from various sensors and switches inputted via the input unit 620, and executes an input process of reading the state of each input port (step A1102). The various sensors include a first start port switch 601, a second start port switch 602, a conventional gate switch 603, count switches 605a to 605m, and the like. In the input process, the input information is confirmed by performing chattering removal or the like on the input signal.

  Further, the game control device 600 executes output processing for transmitting output data related to game control set in various processes to the effect control device 700 and the payout control device 640 (step A1103). The output data is information for performing drive control of an actuator such as a solenoid, and the solenoids to be controlled include, for example, a big prize opening solenoid 28 and a general electric solenoid 27. The output process also includes a process of outputting game data to an information collecting terminal device (not shown) that collects game data in the gaming machine.

  Next, the game control device 600 executes payout command transmission processing for transmitting (outputting) the command set in the transmission buffer to the payout control device 640 (step A1104). For example, a prize ball command specifying the number of prize balls to be paid out from the payout device is transmitted.

  Further, the game control device 600 executes a random number update process 1 for updating the jackpot symbol random number 1 and the jackpot symbol random number 2 (step A1105), and subsequently the variation pattern random number for determining the variation pattern in the special diagram variation display game. Random number update processing 2 is executed (step A1106). In random number update processing 1 and random number update processing 2, in order to give randomness to various random numbers, the values of counters corresponding to various random numbers (big hit random number counter, hit random number counter, presentation determination random number counter, etc.) are incremented by one To do.

  After that, the game control device 600 executes a prize opening switch / error monitoring process for monitoring various prize opening switches and the like, and monitoring errors such as unauthorized opening of a frame (step A1107). The various winning opening switches include, for example, a first starting opening switch 601, a second starting opening switch 602, a gate switch 603, winning opening switches 604a to 604n, and count switches 605a to 605m. In the prize opening switch / error monitoring process, it is monitored whether a normal signal is input from these switches. As for error monitoring, the front frame 5 and the glass frame 6 are targeted for unauthorized opening.

  Next, the game control device 600 executes a special figure game process for performing a process related to the special figure variation display game (step A1108). The details of the special figure game process will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, two types of special figure game processing may be prepared for normal time and big hit time corresponding to the result of the variable display game to be started.

  Subsequently, the game control apparatus 600 performs a general game process for performing a process related to the general map variable display game (step A1109).

  Next, the game control device 600 executes a segment LED editing process for controlling the display contents of the segment LED for displaying the special figure variation game and various information related to the game (step A1110). Specifically, the parameters for outputting the results of the special map variation display game and the general map variation display game to the segment LED (for example, the collective display device 50) are edited.

  The game control device 600 checks the detection signal from the magnetic sensor 23 and executes a magnet fraud monitoring process for determining whether there is an abnormality (step A1111). Further, the detection signal from the radio wave sensor 24 is checked, and radio wave fraud monitoring processing for determining whether there is an abnormality is executed (step A1112). When the occurrence of an abnormality is detected, a notification sound is output from the speaker 10 or the gaming state notification LED 12 is turned on to notify the outside.

  Next, the game control device 600 executes an external information editing process for editing various signals output from the external information terminal 660 (step A1113).

  Then, the game control device 600 clears the interrupt request and declares the end of the interrupt (step A1114). After that, the register temporarily saved in the process of step A1101 is restored (step A1115), the interrupt and timer interrupt by the prohibited external device are permitted (step A1116), the timer interrupt process is terminated, and the main process Return to.

[Special Figure Game Processing]
Next, the details of the special game process (step A1108) in the timer interrupt process described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special game process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  In the special figure game process, input signal monitoring by the first start opening switch 601 and the second start opening switch 602, control of the entire process related to the special figure variation display game, and setting of display of the special figure (identification symbol, identification information) are set. Do.

  The game control device 600 first executes a start switch monitoring process for monitoring winnings of the first start port switch 601 and the second start port switch 602 (step A1201).

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

  Next, the game control device 600 executes a special winning opening switch monitoring process (step A1202). In the big prize opening switch monitoring process, the winning game balls are detected by the count switches 605a to 605m provided in the special variable winning device 41, and the number of the winning game balls is monitored.

  Next, the game control apparatus 600 updates the special figure game process timer by -1 if the special figure game process timer has not already expired (step A1203). Then, it is checked whether or not the special figure game processing timer has expired (step A1205). Note that the special figure game processing timer is set with an initial value of the variation time of the special figure fluctuation display game to be executed, and the value of the special figure game processing timer is decremented by 1 in the process of step A1203. When the value of the special figure game processing timer becomes 0, it is determined that the time is up. Note that the variation time may be measured by updating the variation control timer only when the variation display game is executed.

  When the special game process timer has not expired (the result of Step A1205 is “N”), the game control apparatus 600 executes the processes after Step A1217.

  On the other hand, when the special game processing timer expires (the result of step A1205 is “Y”), the game control device 600 refers to the special game to be branched to the process corresponding to the special game process number. The sequence branch table is set in the register (step A1206). Further, the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is acquired based on the table (step A1207). Then, the return address after the branch process ends is saved in the stack area (step A1208), and the process is branched according to the game process number (step A1209).

  When the game process number is “0” (the result of step A1209 is “0”), the game control apparatus 600 executes a special figure routine process (step A1210). The special chart routine process monitors the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game, sets the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game, sets the effects, sets the information necessary to execute the special figure fluctuation processing, etc. Do. Details of the special figure routine processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the game process number is “1” (the result of step A1209 is “1”), the game control apparatus 600 executes the special figure changing process (step A1211). In the special figure changing process, the stop display time of the identification information in the special figure changing display game, the setting of information necessary for performing the special figure display process, and the like are performed. Details of the special figure changing process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the game process number is “2” (the result of step A1209 is “2”), the game control apparatus 600 executes a special figure display process (step A1212). In the special figure display process, if the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is a big hit, the fanfare command setting according to the type of the big hit, the fanfare time corresponding to the big winning opening opening pattern of each big hit, Information necessary for performing fanfare / interval processing is set. In addition, information necessary for performing the big hit round determination process is set. Details of the special figure display processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the game process number is “3” (the result of step A1209 is “3”), the game control apparatus 600 executes the fanfare / inter-interval process (step A1213). In the fanfare / interval processing, setting of the opening time of the big prize opening, updating of the number of times of opening, setting of information necessary for performing the processing during opening of the big prize opening, and the like are performed.

  When the game process number is “4” (the result of step A1209 is “4”), the game control apparatus 600 executes a special winning opening opening process (step A1214). The processing during opening of the big prize opening is necessary to set an interval command if the big hit round is not the final round, while setting the command of the big hit end screen if the big round is the final round, or to perform the big prize opening remaining ball processing Set information.

  When the game process number is “5” (the result of step A1209 is “5”), the game control apparatus 600 executes the big winning opening remaining ball process (step A1215). In the winning ball remaining ball processing, when the big hit round is the final round, the time for the remaining ball in the big winning mouth to be discharged is set, or the information necessary to perform the big hit end processing is set Or

  In the winning prize remaining ball process, information necessary for updating the special symbol process timer and performing the fanfare / interval process or the big hit end process is set. In addition, it is determined whether the maximum opening time of the grand prize opening has elapsed, or a predetermined number (predetermined number) of game balls have been won in the big prize opening, and the opening / closing door 41a is closed when any of the conditions is met. To do. After this is repeatedly executed for a predetermined number of rounds, the special figure game process number is set to “6”.

  When the game process number is “6” (the result of step A1209 is “6”), the game control device 600 executes a jackpot end process (step A1216). In the jackpot end process, information necessary for performing the special figure routine process in step A1209 is set. Details of the big hit end process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, the game control device 600 prepares a table for controlling the variation of symbols in the collective display device 50 (special display 1 display 51) (step A1217). Subsequently, the symbol variation control process corresponding to the collective display device 50 (special figure 1 display 51) is executed (step A1218).

  Further, the game control device 600 prepares a table for controlling the variation of symbols in the collective display device 50 (special figure 2 display 52) (step A1219). Subsequently, the symbol variation control process corresponding to the collective display device 50 (special figure 2 display 52) is executed (step A1220).

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

  When the start port switch monitoring process is started, the game control device 600 first prepares a table for setting information on hold due to a game ball winning in the first start winning port 37a (step A1301).

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 executes a special-purpose start port switch common process that is executed in common when a game ball wins the first start winning port 37a or the second starting winning port 37b (step A1302). . The details of the special figure start port switch common process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in the game control device 600, the ordinary electric accessory (ordinary variable winning device, opening / closing member 37c of the second start winning port 37b) is operating, that is, the opening / closing member 37c of the second starting winning port 37b is a game. It is determined whether or not the ball is open so that a winning of a ball is possible (step A1303). When the ordinary electric accessory is in operation (the result of step A1303 is “Y”), the processing after step A1305 is executed.

  On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory is not in operation (the result of Step A1303 is “N”), the game control device 600 determines whether or not a general electric power wrong prize has occurred (Step A1304).

  More specifically, the second power prize winning opening 37b cannot receive a game ball when the opening / closing member 37c is closed, and can receive a game ball only when the open / close member 37c is open. Therefore, when the game ball wins in the closed state, there is a high possibility that some abnormality or fraud has occurred, and when there is a game ball won in the closed state, the number is counted as the number of illegal wins. In the process of step A1304, it is determined whether or not the number of illegal prizes thus counted is equal to or greater than a predetermined fraud occurrence determination number (upper limit value, for example, 5).

  The game control device 600 relates to a special figure variation display game as winning or invalidating a game ball to the second start winning opening 37b when a general electric power illegal winning has occurred (the result of step A1304 is “Y”). The start port switch monitoring process is terminated without executing the process.

  On the other hand, the game control device 600 prepares a table for setting information on hold by the second start winning port 37b when the ordinary electric power illegal winning has not occurred (the result of Step A1304 is “N”) (Step S1304). A1305), special figure start port switch common processing is executed (step A1306). Thereafter, the start port switch monitoring process is terminated.

[Special figure start port switch common processing]
Next, the details of the special figure start port switch common process (step A1302, step A1306) in the start port switch monitoring process described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure start port switch common process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The special figure starting port switch common processing is when a signal is input from the first starting port switch 601 or the second starting port switch 602 because a game ball has won the first starting winning port 37a or the second starting winning port 37b. This process is executed in common.

  First, the game control device 600 checks whether a signal is input from a monitored start port switch (for example, the first start port switch 601) of the first start port switch 601 and the second start port switch 602. (Step A1401). If no signal is input from the monitoring target start port switch (the result of step A1401 is "N"), the special-purpose start port switch common process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when a signal is input from the start port switch to be monitored (the result of step A1401 is “Y”), the game control device 600 has latch data in the random number latch register corresponding to the start port to be monitored. Whether or not random numbers have been extracted (step A1402). If the random number has not been extracted (the result of step A1402 is “N”), the special figure start port switch common process is terminated.

  When there is latch data in the random number latch register corresponding to the monitored start port (the result of step A1402 is “Y”), the game control device 600 sets the start port winning flag corresponding to the monitored start port switch. Saving in a predetermined area of the RWM (step A1403). Furthermore, the big hit random number extracted to the hard random number latch register corresponding to the monitoring target start port switch is loaded, and preparation for use in the subsequent processing is performed (step A1404).

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 outputs the number of times information related to the number of times of winning in the start winning port corresponding to the monitored start port switch is output to the management device outside the gaming machine 1 (start port signal output). Load) (step A1405). Then, it is updated by adding 1 to the loaded value (step A1406), and it is checked whether or not the start port signal output count overflows (step A1407).

  When the start port signal output count does not overflow (the result of step A1407 is “N”), the game control device 600 sets the updated start port signal output count value to the RWM start port signal output count area. (Step A1408).

  The game control device 600 updates the update target corresponding to the monitored start port switch after the processing of step A1408 is completed or when the start port signal output count overflows (the result of step A1407 is “Y”). It is determined whether or not the number of special figure pending (starting memory) is less than the upper limit value (step A1409).

  When the special figure hold number is less than the upper limit value (the result of step A1409 is “Y”), the game control device 600 sets information corresponding to the winning detected by the start port switch. Specifically, first, 1 is added to the number of special figure hold to be updated (for example, the number of special figure 1 hold) to update (step A1410).

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 prepares a decoration special figure hold number command corresponding to the start port switch to be monitored and the special figure hold number (step A1411). The decoration special figure reservation number command is composed of a MODE part and an ACTION part. At this time, the prefetch result corresponding to the newly generated start memory may be transmitted together with the decoration special figure hold number command. For example, a value indicating the prefetching result may be added to the ACTION part of the decoration special figure reservation number command.

  More specifically, the game control device 600 first prepares a decoration special figure hold number command (MODE) for the start port switch to be monitored, and further displays a decoration special figure hold number command ( ACTION) is prepared. Then, a command setting process for setting the prepared special figure reservation number command is executed (step A1412).

  Next, the game control device 600 calculates the address of the random number save area corresponding to the updated special figure hold number (step A1413). Then, the big hit random number acquired in the process of step A1404 is saved in the big hit random number save area of the RWM (step A1414). Further, the jackpot symbol random number of the start port switch to be monitored is extracted and prepared (step A1415). Thereafter, the prepared jackpot symbol random number is saved in the RWM jackpot symbol random number saving area (step A1416).

  Subsequently, the game control apparatus 600 extracts a variation pattern random number, and saves the extracted value in the corresponding variation pattern random number storage area of the RWM (step A1417). Specifically, the fluctuation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 are extracted and saved in the corresponding fluctuation pattern random number storage areas. The variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 are used, for example, for individually setting the variation patterns of the first half and the second half, or for executing a specific effect.

  Fluctuation pattern random numbers (variation patterns 1 to 3) for determining a variation pattern in the first or second special figure variation display game (including the execution time of the variation display game in variation display without various reach and reach), Unlike the big hit symbol random number which is updated by the software of the random number generation circuit, it is updated by the game control program. Note that the update of the variation pattern random number is not limited to being performed by the game control program, but may be performed by hardware or software of the random number generation circuit.

  Then, the game control device 600 loads a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the monitored start port switch saved in the RWM in the process of step A1416, and executes the special figure hold information determination process (step A1418). Details of the special figure hold information determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, the special figure start port switch common process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the special figure hold number is not less than the upper limit (the result of step A1409 is “N”), the game control apparatus 600 prepares a decorative special figure hold number command (pending overflow command) (step A1419). Command setting processing is executed (step A1420). Then, the special figure start port switch common process is terminated.

[Special figure hold information judgment processing]
Next, the details of the special figure hold information determination process (step A1418) in the special figure start port switch common process (FIG. 10) described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special figure hold information determination processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The special figure hold information determination process is a prefetching process for determining the result related information (game result information) corresponding to the start memory before the start timing of the special figure variation display game based on each start memory.

  The game control device 600 first determines whether or not the pre-reading effect (notice) execution condition is satisfied (step A1501). The execution condition of the prefetch effect is that prefetch prohibition information is not set. If the execution condition for the prefetch effect is not satisfied (the result of step A1501 is “N”), the game control device 600 ends the special figure hold information determination process.

  On the other hand, the game control device 600 determines whether or not the newly stored start memory is a big hit when the execution condition of the prefetch effect is satisfied (the result of step A1501 is “Y”). Processing is executed (step A1502). The big hit determination process determines whether or not the result of the variable display game related to the start memory is a big hit by determining whether or not the big hit random number value included in the pending start memory matches the big hit determination value. judge.

  The game control device 600 determines whether or not the determination result of the jackpot determination process in step A1502 is a jackpot (step A1503). If the determination result of the big hit determination process is not a big hit (the result of step A1503 is “N”), the stoppage stop symbol pattern is set as the stop symbol pattern (step A1506). And the process after step A1507 is performed.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of the jackpot determination process is a jackpot (the result of step A1503 is “Y”), the game control device 600 uses the jackpot symbol random number check table corresponding to the winning start port as the identification symbol at the time of the jackpot. It is set as a table for identification (step A1504). In the jackpot symbol random number check table, a determination value of a random number indicating a distribution rate of whether or not the jackpot is hit and a jackpot stop symbol pattern corresponding to the determination value are defined.

  Further, the game control device 600 checks the jackpot symbol random number from the jackpot symbol random number check table set in the process of step A1504, and acquires and sets the corresponding jackpot symbol stop symbol pattern (step A1505).

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 saves the jackpot stop symbol pattern set in the process of Step A1505 or the loss stop symbol pattern set in the process of Step A1506 in the prefetch stop symbol stop pattern area (Step A1507). Further, a pre-read symbol command corresponding to the target start port switch and stop symbol pattern is prepared (step A1508), and command setting processing is executed (step A1509).

  Next, the game control device 600 executes special figure information setting processing for setting special figure information set for the monitoring target start port (step A1510). Details of the special figure information setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 prepares the latter half variation pattern setting information table corresponding to the start target to be monitored in order to set the latter half variation pattern among the variation modes in the special figure variation display game (step A1510). Then, the variation pattern setting process for setting the entire variation pattern is executed (step A1511). Details of the variation pattern setting process will be described later with reference to FIG. Note that a variation pattern setting process may be defined for each result of the special figure fluctuation display game, and a corresponding fluctuation pattern setting process may be executed according to the result of the target special figure fluctuation display game.

  Finally, the game control device 600 prepares a prefetch variation pattern command corresponding to the first and second variation numbers set in the variation pattern setting process (step A1513), and executes the command setting process (step A1514). Thereafter, the special figure hold information determination process is terminated.

  As described above, in the special figure hold information determination process, before executing the special figure fluctuation display game corresponding to the start memory, the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is acquired and notified to the effect control device 700. Is possible. The effect control device 700 changes the display mode of the start-up memory display displayed on the display device 35, for example, and gives the player the result of the special map variable display game before the start timing of the special map variable display game. Inform. Here, the game control device 600 functions as a prior determination unit, and the effect control device 700 functions as a prior notification unit.

[Special figure routine processing]
Next, the details of the special figure routine process (step A1210) in the special figure game process described above will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure routine processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control device 600 first determines whether or not the special figure 2 hold number (second start memory number) is 0 (step A1601a). Further, when the special figure 2 hold number is 0 (the result of step A1601a is "Y"), it is determined whether or not the first start memory number (special figure 1 hold number) is 0 (step A1606). .

  When the special figure 2 hold number is not 0 (the result of step A1601a is “N”), the game control apparatus 600 determines whether or not the change order flag is special figure 2 (step A1601b). The change order flag is a flag indicating whether the next change display game to be executed is the first special figure change display game or the second special figure change display game. In the present embodiment, the special figure fluctuation display game is executed in the order of winning, without giving priority to the second special figure fluctuation display game over the first special figure fluctuation display game.

  Here, the fluctuation order flag will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change order flag save area for storing a change order flag according to the first embodiment of this invention. The change order flag save area is stored in the RAM 611c of the game microcomputer 611 of the game control device 600. In the present embodiment, the first special figure variation display game and the second special figure variation display game are each configured to be held four times at maximum, and the execution of the maximum eight variations display game can be suspended.

  The change order flag save area stores a change order flag corresponding to the start winning opening that has sequentially won the areas from 00H to 07H in the order of winning. When the variation display game being executed ends, a variation order flag is acquired from the region for variation waiting hold 1 and the variation order flag stored in the region for variation waiting suspension 2 is sequentially shifted.

  Now, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG. When the change order flag is not special figure 2 (the result of step A1601b is “N”), the game control apparatus 600 does not execute the special figure 2 variable display game, so the first start memory number (special figure 1 hold number) ) Is 0 or not (step A1606).

  When the change order flag is special figure 2 (the result of step A1601b is “Y”), the game control apparatus 600 prepares a decoration special figure reservation number command corresponding to the number of special figure 2 reservations after the -1 update. (Step A1602), command setting processing is executed (Step A1603). Furthermore, the special figure 2 fluctuation start process for executing the special figure fluctuation display game is executed (step A1604). Details of the special figure 2 fluctuation start process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, the game control device 600 executes a special figure changing process transition setting process (special figure 2) for preparing a table (for the second special figure) for shifting to the special figure changing process (step A1605), Special figure routine processing ends.

  In addition, when the special figure 1 hold number is not 0 (the result of step A1606 is “N”), the game control device 600 issues a decoration special figure hold number command corresponding to the updated special figure 1 hold number. Prepare (step A1607) and execute command setting processing (step A1608). Furthermore, the special figure 1 fluctuation start process for executing the special figure fluctuation display game is executed (step A1609). Details of the special figure 1 fluctuation start process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, the game control device 600 executes a special figure changing process transition setting process (special figure 1) for preparing a table (for the first special figure) for shifting to the special figure changing process (step A1610). Special figure routine processing ends.

  It should be noted that the decoration special figure hold number command may be transmitted to the effect control apparatus 700 only when the hold number changes.

  On the other hand, when the special figure 1 hold number is 0 (the result of step A1606 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 600 determines whether or not a customer waiting demonstration has already started (step A1611). If the customer waiting demo has not started, that is, if it has not been started (the result of step A1611 is “N”), the customer waiting demo flag is saved in the customer waiting demo flag area (step A1612). Subsequently, a customer waiting demo command is prepared (step A1613), and a command setting process is executed (step A1614).

  On the other hand, when the customer waiting demo has already started (the result of step A1606 is “Y”), the game control device 600 has already set the customer waiting demo flag in the customer waiting demo flag area, Since the demo command has already been transmitted to the effect control device 700, the processing after step A1615 is executed.

  Finally, the game control device 600 executes the special figure normal process transition setting process 1 for preparing a table for shifting to the special figure normal process (step A1615). Specifically, a process of setting a processing number “0” corresponding to the special figure routine processing, a flag (big prize opening fraud monitoring information) for defining a big prize opening fraud monitoring period, and the like in the table is executed. Thereafter, the special figure routine processing is terminated.

[Special figure change start processing]
Next, details of the special figure change start process (step A1604, step A1609) in the special figure ordinary process described above will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure fluctuation start process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14A shows the special figure 1 fluctuation start process executed at the start of the first special figure fluctuation display game. , (B) is a special figure 2 fluctuation start process executed at the start of the second special figure fluctuation display game. First, the special figure 1 fluctuation start process will be described.

  The game control device 600 saves the special figure 1 fluctuation flag (fluctuating flag) in the fluctuation symbol discrimination area of the RWM (step A1701). Next, a big hit flag 1 setting process for setting the big hit flag 1 when the result of the first special figure variation display game corresponding to the earliest start memory is a big hit is executed (step A1702).

  Next, the game control device 600 executes a special figure 1 stop symbol setting process corresponding to the setting of the first special figure stop symbol (special figure 1 stop symbol) (step A1703). Details of the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 executes special figure information setting processing for setting special figure information (step A1708). Details of the special figure information setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Further, the game control device 600 prepares a special figure 1 pattern setting information table for setting information related to the fluctuation pattern (variation display time) for the special figure 1 based on the random number stored as the start memory (step A1705). . Subsequently, a variation pattern setting process for setting a variation pattern of the first special figure variation display game is executed (step A1706). Details of the variation pattern setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Finally, the game control device 600 executes a change start information setting process for setting information for starting the first special figure change display game (step A1707), and ends the special figure 1 change start process. Details of the change start information setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Moreover, the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (step A1609) shown in (B) is the same procedure as the special figure 1 fluctuation start process, and a process corresponding to special figure 2 is executed instead of special figure 1.

[Big hit flag setting process]
Next, the details of the big hit flag 1 setting process in the above-described special figure 1 fluctuation start process will be described. FIG. 15A is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of jackpot flag 1 setting processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control device 600 first saves the deviation information in the jackpot flag 1 area, and clears the previous save contents with the deviation information (step A4001).

  Next, the game control device 600 loads and prepares the jackpot random number for the special figure 1 to be determined from the RWM special chart random number save area (the special figure 1 start storage area) (step A4002). ), A jackpot determination process is executed (step A4003). The big hit determination process is a process for determining whether or not the result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit, and the details will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, the game control device 600 determines whether or not the determination target jackpot random number is a jackpot (step A4004).

  Next, when the determination result of the big hit determination process is a big hit (the result of step A4004 is “Y”), the game control device 600 overwrites and saves the big hit information in the big hit flag 1 area (step A4005). . After overwriting the jackpot information in the jackpot flag 1 area, or when the determination result of the jackpot determination process is not a jackpot (the result of step A4004 is “N”), this process is terminated.

  FIG. 15B is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the big hit flag 2 setting process according to the first embodiment of this invention. The big hit flag 2 setting process is the same procedure as the big hit flag 1 setting process, and the RWM area used for the process is different.

  Next, details of the special figure stop symbol setting process (step A1703, step A1713) in the special figure fluctuation start process described above will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure of special figure 1 stop symbol setting processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special figure 2 stop symbol setting processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control device 600 first determines whether or not the big hit flag 1 is set, that is, whether or not the result of the target special figure 1 fluctuation display game is a big hit (step A1801a). If the big hit flag 1 is set (the result of step A1801a is “Y”), the random number is stored from the special figure 1 big hit symbol random number storage area corresponding to the holding number 1, that is, the start memory where the change starts. Load (step A1802a). Further, a jackpot symbol table for special figure 1 is set as a table for determining a stop symbol (step A1803a).

  Next, the game control apparatus 600 acquires the stop symbol number corresponding to the jackpot symbol random number acquired by the process of step A1802a from the jackpot symbol table for special figure 1 set by the process of step A1803a, and acquires the stop symbol acquired. The number is saved in the special figure 1 stop symbol area (step A1804a).

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 sets a jackpot stop symbol information table corresponding to the current gaming state (step A1805a). Then, the stop symbol pattern corresponding to the stop symbol number is acquired from the jackpot stop symbol information table and saved in the stop symbol pattern area (step A1806a). Further, a probability variation determination flag corresponding to the stop symbol number is acquired and saved in the probability variation determination flag area (step A1807a).

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag 1 is not set (the result of Step A1801a is “N”), the game control device 600 acquires the stop symbol number at the time of loss, and stops the acquired stop symbol number as the special symbol 1 stop. Save in the symbol area (step A1808a). Further, the stop symbol pattern corresponding to the stop symbol number is saved in the stop symbol pattern area (step A1809a).

  When the processing of step A1807a or step A1809a is completed, the game control device 600 prepares a decoration special figure 1 command consisting of an ACTION part and a MODE part corresponding to the stop symbol pattern from the decoration special figure command table (step A1810a). Furthermore, the decoration special figure command acquired by the process of step A1810a is saved in the decoration special figure command area (step A1811a), and the command setting process is executed (step A1812a).

  Furthermore, the game control device 600 saves the symbol data corresponding to the stopped symbol number in the test signal output data area (step A1813a). Finally, the jackpot symbol random number saving area for special figure 1 is cleared to 0 (step A1814a), and the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process is terminated.

  In addition, the special figure 2 stop symbol setting process shown in FIG. 17 is performed in the same manner as the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process because the process corresponding to the special figure 2 is executed instead of the special figure 1, and the description thereof is omitted. To do.

[Big hit judgment processing]
Next, details of the jackpot determination in the jackpot flag setting process described above will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for jackpot determination processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The jackpot determination process is a process for determining whether or not the jackpot random number acquired at the time of winning and stored in the special figure start storage area is a numerical value within a predetermined range set as a jackpot determination value. Specifically, the upper limit value and lower limit value of the determination value are compared with the jackpot random value according to the gaming state (probability state) at the time of determination.

  The game control device 600 first sets the lower limit determination value of the big hit determination value (step A4101). The lower limit determination value is the same numerical value for both the low probability determination value and the high probability determination value.

  Next, the game control device 600 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot random number to be determined is less than the lower limit determination value set in the process of step A4101 (step A4102). When the value of the big hit random number to be determined is less than the lower limit determination value (the result of step A4103 is “Y”), a deviation is set as the determination result (step A4107), and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the value of the big hit random number to be determined is not less than the lower limit determination value (the result of step A4102 is “N”), the game control device 600 determines whether or not the current time is a high probability, that is, the current It is determined whether or not the gaming state is a probable change state (step A4103). If it is a high probability (the result of step A4103 is “Y”), an upper limit determination value for a high probability is set (step A4104). If the probability is not high (the result of step A4103 is “N”), an upper limit determination value for the low probability is set (step A4105).

  Next, the game control device 600 determines whether or not the value of the jackpot random number to be determined is larger than the upper limit determination value set in the process of step A4104 or A4105 (step A4106). If the value of the big hit random number to be determined exceeds the upper limit determination value (the result of step A4106 is “Y”), a deviation is set as the determination result (step A4107), and this process ends.

  On the other hand, if the value of the jackpot random number to be determined does not exceed the upper limit determination value (the result of Step A4106 is “N”), the value of the jackpot random number is a value corresponding to the jackpot determination value, and thus the game control device 600 Sets the jackpot as the determination result (step A4108), and ends this processing.

[Special figure information setting process]
Next, details of the special figure information setting process (step A1704, step A1714) in the special figure fluctuation start process described above will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special figure information setting processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control device 600 first determines whether or not the game state is a time-short state (step A1901). If it is not the time saving state (the result of Step A1901 is “N”), a normal variation pattern selection group information table is set (Step A1902). On the other hand, if the time is short (the result of step A1901 is “Y”), the time variation variable pattern selection group information table is set (step A1903).

  When the variation pattern selection group information table is set, the game control device 600 loads the special figure holding number corresponding to the variation symbol determination flag from the set variation pattern selection group information table (step A1904). Further, the fluctuation pattern selection group information corresponding to the special figure hold number is acquired and saved in the fluctuation distribution information 1 area (step A1905).

  Thereby, in the fluctuation distribution information 1 area, the type of special figure (Special figure 1 or Special figure 2) for starting the fluctuation, the number-of-holds information that is information on the number of start memories for the type of special figure, The variable distribution information 1 obtained from the game state information including information on whether or not the state is saved is saved. This fluctuation distribution information 1 is used to select a fluctuation group later.

  A variation group includes a plurality of variation patterns. When determining a variation pattern, first select the variation group, and then select one variation pattern from the variation group. It has become. When selecting one fluctuation pattern, another new random number may be acquired.

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 sets a distribution base pointer table (step A1906), and acquires a distribution base pointer corresponding to the stop symbol pattern (step A1907). Furthermore, the effect mode number is added to the acquired distribution base pointer (step A1908), the value after the addition is saved in the variable distribution information 2 area (step A1909), and the special figure information setting process is terminated.

  Thereby, the variable distribution information 2 acquired based on the stop symbol pattern information and the effect mode information is saved in the variable distribution information 2 area. This fluctuation distribution information 2 is used to select a fluctuation group later. In addition, as for the production mode, one production mode is set from a plurality of production modes according to the probability state, the presence / absence of the short-time state, the progress status of the special figure variation display game, and the like.

[Variation pattern setting process]
Next, the details of the variation pattern setting process (step A1706, step A1716) in the special figure variation start process described above will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of variation pattern setting processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. Note that the fluctuation patterns are the first half fluctuation pattern that is a fluctuation mode from the start of the special figure fluctuation display game to the reach state, and the second half fluctuation that is a fluctuation aspect from the reach state to the end of the special figure fluctuation display game. First, the second half variation pattern is set first, and then the first half variation pattern is set.

  When the variation pattern setting process is started, the game control device 600 first sets the variation group selection address table (step A2001), and acquires and prepares the address of the latter half variation group table corresponding to the variation distribution information 2. (Step A2002).

  Then, the game control device 600 determines whether or not the effect mode number is less than 2 (either 0 or 1) (step A2003). If the effect mode number is not less than 2 (the result of Step A2003 is “N”), it is determined whether or not the stop symbol pattern is a discontinuation stop symbol pattern (Step A2004). If the stop symbol pattern is not an outlier stop symbol pattern (the result of step A2004 is “N”), the variable pattern random number 1 is loaded from the target variable pattern random number 1 storage area (for the number of holdings 1) and prepared. (Step A2007).

  On the other hand, the game control device 600 determines that the production mode number is less than 2 (the result of step A2003 is “Y”), or the stop symbol pattern is an outlier stop symbol pattern (the result of step A2004 is “ Y "), the address of the table corresponding to the fluctuation distribution information 1 is acquired from the latter half fluctuation group table prepared in the process of step A2002 (step A2005). Next, the acquired address is prepared as the address of the second-half fluctuation group (step A2006), and the fluctuation pattern random number 1 is loaded from the target fluctuation pattern random number 1 storage area (for holding number 1) and prepared (step A2007).

  In addition, when the production mode number is less than 2 or when the stop symbol pattern is an outlier stop symbol pattern, the number of start memories is obtained by acquiring an address based on the variable distribution information 1 corresponding to the hold number information. The selection pattern of the variation pattern varies depending on the type.

  Thereafter, the game control device 600 executes a 2-byte distribution process for selecting the latter half variation selection table of the special figure variation display game from the latter half variation group table based on the variation pattern random number 1 (step A2008). The address of the latter half variation selection table selected by the 2-byte distribution process is acquired and prepared (step A2009). Further, the fluctuation pattern random number 2 is loaded from the target fluctuation pattern random number 2 storage area (for the holding number 1) and prepared (step A2010).

  Further, the game control device 600 executes a distribution process for selecting the latter half variation pattern of the special figure variation display game from the latter half variation selection table (second half variation pattern group) based on the variation pattern random number 2 (step A2011). Then, the latter half variation number selected by the distribution process is acquired and saved in the latter half variation number area (step A2012). By this process, the latter half fluctuation pattern is set.

  Next, the game control device 600 sets the first half variation group table (step A2013), and calculates a table selection pointer based on the variation distribution information 1 and the variation distribution information 2 (including the determined second half variation number). (Step A2014). Then, the address of the first half variation selection table corresponding to the calculated pointer is acquired and prepared (step A2015), and a random number is loaded from the target variation pattern random number 3 storage area (for holding number 1) and prepared (step A2016). ).

  After that, the game control device 600 executes a sorting process for selecting the first variation pattern (first variation number) of the special figure variation display game from the first variation selection table (first variation pattern group) based on the variation pattern random number 3 ( Step A2017). Then, the first half variation number selected by the distribution process is acquired and saved in the first half variation number area (step A2018), and the variation pattern setting process is terminated. By this processing, the first half variation pattern is set, and the variation pattern of the special figure variation display game is set.

[Variation start information setting process]
Next, the details of the change start information setting process (step A1707, step A1717) in the special figure change start process described above will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of change start information setting processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  When the variation start information setting process is started, the game control device 600 first clears the random number storage areas of the target variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 (step A2101). Next, the first half variation time value table is set (step A2102), and the first half variation time value corresponding to the first half variation number is acquired (step A2103). Further, the latter half variation time value table is set (step A2104), and the latter half variation time value corresponding to the latter half variation number is acquired (step A2105).

  Then, the game control device 600 adds the first half variation time value and the second half variation time value (step A2106), and saves the addition value in the special figure game processing timer area (step A2107). Thereafter, a variation command (MODE) corresponding to the first variation number is prepared (step A2108), a variation command (ACTION) corresponding to the second variation number is prepared (step A2109), and command setting processing is performed (step A2110). .

  Next, the game control device 600 updates the special figure holding number corresponding to the variation symbol determination flag by −1 (step A2111), and sets the address of the random number storage area corresponding to the variation symbol determination flag (step A2112). Further, the random number storage area is shifted (step A2113), and the free area after the shift is cleared to 0 (step A2114).

  Thereafter, the game control device 600 first clears the stop extension information area as a process related to extension of the stop time for displaying the result of the special figure change display game (step A2115). If the stop symbol pattern is a discontinuation stop symbol pattern (the result of step A2116 is “Y”) and the production mode number is 3 (the result of step A2117 is “Y”), the special symbol high probability (high It is determined whether or not it is in the (probability state) (step A2118).

  The game control device 600 saves the stop extension information 1 in the stop extension information area (step A2119) when the special figure high probability is not in effect (the result of step A2118 is “N”), and stops corresponding to the stop extension information. An information command is prepared (step A2121), command setting processing (step A2122) is performed, and variation start information setting processing is terminated. Thereby, the stop time is set to the special figure extension display time 1 (first extended stop time) which is longer than the normal special figure display time (normal stop time).

  Further, when the special control probability is high (the result of Step A2118 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 600 saves the stop extension information 2 in the stop extension information area (Step A2120). Then, a stop information command corresponding to the stop extension information is prepared (step A2121), and command setting processing is executed (step A2122). Thereafter, the variation start information setting process is terminated. As a result, the stop time is set to the special figure extended display time 2 (second extended stop time) that is longer than the normal special figure display time. If the extended display time is not set, the stop information command may not be transmitted to the effect control device 700. Further, even if the extended display time is set by managing the number of rotations after the end of the big hit by the effect control device 700, the stop information command may not be issued.

  On the other hand, the game control device 600 determines that the stop symbol pattern is not the outlier stop symbol pattern (the result of step A2116 is “N”) or the effect mode number is not three (the result of step A2117 is “N”). Then, the variation start information setting process is terminated. In this case, the stop time extension is not set and the normal stop time is set.

  In this way, the stop time of the special figure fluctuation display game is set at the start of the special figure fluctuation display game based on the result of the special figure fluctuation display game, the specific rotation speed, and the state of the production mode. It has come to be. As a result, for example, it is possible to set an effect that is continuous between the variation time and the stop time, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  Through the above processing, information related to the start of the special figure variation display game is set. In other words, the game control device 600 serves as a determination unit that determines various random values stored in the start storage unit (game control device 600). In addition, the game control device 600 constitutes a variation pattern determining means that can determine the variation pattern of the identification information executed in the variation display game based on the determination information of the start memory.

  Then, the information related to the start of the special figure variation display game is transmitted to the effect control device 700, and the effect control device 700 has the variation pattern determined based on the reception of the information related to the start of the special figure variation display game. Correspondingly, the detailed production contents in the decoration special figure fluctuation display game are set. The information related to the start of the special figure variation display game includes a decoration special figure hold number command including information related to the start memory number (holding number), a decoration special figure command including information related to the stop symbol, and a fluctuation of the special figure variation display game. A variation command including information related to the pattern and a stop information command including information related to extension of the stop time are listed, and the commands are transmitted to the effect control device 700 in this order. In particular, by transmitting the decoration special figure command before the variation command, the processing in the effect control device 700 can be efficiently advanced.

[Special figure changing process]
Next, details of the special figure changing process (step A1211) in the special figure game process described above will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special-figure changing processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control apparatus 600 first determines whether or not there is stop extension information (stop extension information 1 or 2) (step A2301). If there is no stop extension information (the result of step A2301 is “N”), the normal special figure display time (for example, 600 ms) is saved in the special figure game processing timer area (step A2302). Then, the special figure display process transition setting process is executed (step A2306), and the special figure changing process is terminated.

  In addition, when there is stop extension information (the result of Step A2301 is “Y”), the game control device 600 determines whether or not it is stop extension information 1 (Step A2303). If it is the stop extension information 1 (the result of step A2303 is “Y”), the special figure extension display time 1 (for example, 3500 ms) is saved in the special figure game processing timer area (step A2304). Then, the special figure display process transition setting process is executed (step A2306), and the special figure display process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the game control device 600 is not the stop extension information 1 (the result of step A2303 is “N”), that is, if it is the stop extension information 2, the special figure extension display time 2 (for example, 14300 ms) is displayed. Save in the processing timer area (step A2305). Then, the special figure display process transition setting process is executed (step A2306), and the special figure display process is terminated. That is, the game control device 600 serves as a stop time setting means for setting a stop time for displaying the stop result mode of the variable display game.

[Special figure display processing]
Next, the details of the special figure display process (step A1212) in the special figure game process described above will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special figure display processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control device 600 first loads the big hit flag 2 set in the big hit flag 2 setting process in the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (step A2501), and clears the RWM big hit flag 2 area (step A2502). Then, it is determined whether or not the loaded jackpot flag 2 is a jackpot (step A2503).

  When the loaded big hit flag 2 is a big hit (the result of step A2503 is “Y”), the game control device 600 clears the RWM big hit flag 1 area (step A2511). Then, the test signal relating to the start of the big hit (special figure 2 big hit) of the second special figure variation display game is saved in the test signal output data area of the RWM (step A2512).

  On the other hand, when the loaded big hit flag 2 is not big hit (the result of step A2503 is “N”), the game control device 600 sets the big hit flag set in the big hit flag 1 setting process in the special figure 1 fluctuation start process. 1 is loaded (step A2504), and the RWM jackpot flag 1 area is cleared (step A2505). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the loaded jackpot flag 1 is a jackpot (step A2506).

  When the big hit flag 1 is not big hit (the result of step A2506 is “N”), the game control device 600 executes the production mode information check process regarding the setting of the production mode (step A2507), and the special state is set to the time saving state. A time-reduced variation number update process for managing the number of executions of the variable display game is executed (step A2508), and a high probability variation number update process for managing the number of executions of the variable display game to be in a high probability state is executed (step A2508). A2509). Then, a special figure normal process transition setting process is executed (step A2510), and then the special figure display process is terminated. Note that the number of executions in the short-time state may be managed at the start of the change.

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag 1 is a big hit (the result of step A2506 is “Y”), the game control device 600 sends a test signal regarding the start of the big hit (special figure 1 big hit) of the first special figure variable display game. The data is saved in the test signal output data area of the RWM (step A2511). And the process after step A2514 is performed.

  The game control device 600 sets a round number upper limit value table when the special figure 1 or the special figure 2 is a big hit (step A2514). The round number upper limit table is a table in which an upper limit value of the number of rounds corresponding to the type of jackpot is defined.

  Next, the game control apparatus 600 acquires the round number upper limit value corresponding to the round number upper limit information, and saves the round number upper limit value in the round number upper limit area of the RWM (step A2515). Subsequently, a round LED pointer corresponding to the round number upper limit determination flag is acquired, and the round LED pointer is saved in the round LED pointer area of the RWM (step A2516). As a result, the number of big hits is displayed on the round number display portion 59.

  After that, the game control device 600 loads and prepares a decoration special figure command corresponding to the stop symbol pattern information related to the decoration special figure variation display game displayed on the display device 35 from the decoration special figure command area of the RWM (step A2517), a command setting process for the decoration special figure command is executed (step A2518).

  Next, the game control device 600 prepares a probability information command corresponding to information in which the probability that the hit result is the normal probability state (low probability state) in the normal map variable display game and the special map variable display game (step A2519), command setting processing is executed (step A2520).

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 loads a stop symbol pattern number indicating a stop symbol of the special symbol variation display game being executed from the RWM, and prepares a fanfare command corresponding to the stop symbol pattern number (step A2521). Command setting processing is executed (step A2522). Since the output fanfare differs depending on the type of jackpot (for example, 15R probability variation jackpot and 2R probability variation jackpot), the corresponding fanfare command is set to be transmitted to the effect control device 700.

  Next, the game control device 600 saves in the external information output data area of the RWM the prize winning opening information and the signal corresponding to the probability state of the winning result in the usual figure variation display game and the special figure variation display game. (Step A2523). Thereafter, the big hit fanfare time (for example, 6000 ms or 48 ms) corresponding to the special winning opening information is saved in the special game processing timer area (step A2524).

  Then, the game control device 600 clears the large winning opening illegal number area of the large winning opening (special variable winning apparatus 41) corresponding to the large winning opening information (step A2525). Further, the fraud monitoring period non-period flag is saved in the large prize opening fraud monitoring period flag area corresponding to the big prize opening release information (step A2526).

  Next, the game control device 600 loads the special figure game mode flag (step A2527), and saves the loaded flag in the special figure game mode flag save area (step A2528). Thereby, the information on the production mode when the special result occurs is stored. Then, the effect mode after the end of the special gaming state is determined based on the information stored later.

  Then, the game control device 600 executes a fanfare / interval process transition setting process 1 for shifting to a fanfare / interval process (step A2529), and ends the special figure display process. The fanfare / interval process transition setting process 1 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[Fanfare / interval process transition setting process 1]
Next, details of the fanfare / interval process transition setting process 1 (step A2529) in the special figure display process described above will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the fanfare / interval process transition setting process 1 according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 sets “3”, which is a processing number corresponding to the fanfare / interval processing (step A2801), and saves the processing number in the special game processing number area (step A2802).

  Next, the game control device 600 saves a signal related to the start of the big hit (special game state) in the external information output data area (step A2803), and signals related to the end of the high probability state and the short time state in the test signal output data area. Save (step A2804).

  Thereafter, the game control device 600 clears the round number area for managing the number of rounds executed in the special gaming state (step A2805), and saves the low probability number in the gaming state display number area (step A2806). . Further, the normal game low probability & normal power no support flag is saved in the normal game mode flag area (step A2807).

  Then, the game control device 600 clears the variation symbol determination flag area (step A2808), and further turns off the game state display LED (third game state display unit 59) corresponding to the display of the high probability state. The probability notification flag area is cleared (step A2809). Then, a special figure low probability & no short time flag is saved in the special figure game mode flag area (step A2810).

  Next, the game control device 600 saves the probability information command (low probability) in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery that saves the command output to the effect control device 700 at the time of power failure recovery (step A2811), and executes it in a short time state. The time reduction variation frequency area for managing the number of possible special figure variation display games is cleared (step A2812). As a result, the high-probability state and the short-time state are terminated, and a normal probability state and a normal operation state are obtained.

  Thereafter, the game control device 600 saves the number of the effect mode 1 in the effect mode number area (step A2813), and clears the effect remaining rotation speed area (step A2814). Then, the no-update code is saved in the next mode transition information area (step A2815), and further, the effect mode 1 command is saved in the effect mode command area (step A2816). Thereafter, the fanfare / interval process transition setting process 1 is terminated. As a result, the information on the effect mode is once cleared with the occurrence of the special game state.

[Direction mode information check processing]
Next, details of the effect mode information check process (step A2507) in the special figure display process described above will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the effect mode information check process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control device 600 first determines whether or not the next mode transition information is a no-update code (step A2901). If the next mode transition information is a no-update code (the result of step A2901 is “Y”), the effect mode information check process is terminated. In this case, the effect mode is not changed according to the number of executed special figure variation display games, for example, when the effect mode that continues until the next big hit in the high probability state is selected. It is.

  In addition, when the next mode transition information is not a no-update code (the result of step A2901 is “N”), the game control apparatus 600 has an effect remaining that is the number of times that the special figure variable display game can be executed until the effect mode is changed. The number of revolutions is updated by -1 (step A2902). Then, it is determined whether or not the remaining rotational speed of the effect has become 0 (step A2903).

  When the remaining number of rotations of the effect becomes 0 (the result of step A2903 is “Y”), that is, when the effect mode is changed from the next special figure variation display game, the game control device 600 has the effect mode information address. A table is set (step A2904), and the address of the table corresponding to the next mode transition information is acquired (step A2905).

  Then, the game control apparatus 600 acquires the effect mode number of the effect mode to be transferred and saves it in the effect mode number area (step A2906), acquires the effect remaining speed of the effect mode to be transferred, and acquires the effect remaining speed area. (Step A2907). Further, the next mode transition information of the effect mode to be transitioned is acquired and saved in the next mode transition information area (step A2908).

  Thereafter, the game control device 600 prepares a command corresponding to the new effect mode number (step A2909), and saves the command in the effect mode command area (step A2910). Thereafter, a command setting process is executed (step A2911), and the effect mode information check process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the game control device 600 determines that the remaining production speed is not 0 (the result of step A2903 is “N”), that is, when the current production mode continues in the next special figure variation display game. It is determined whether the rotational speed is a specified rotational speed (for example, 8 times) (step A2912).

  When the remaining effect rotation speed is not the prescribed rotation speed (the result of step A2912 is “N”), the game control apparatus 600 ends the effect mode information check process. On the other hand, when the remaining number of rotations of the effect is the specified number of rotations (the result of Step A2912 is “Y”), prefetching prohibition information prohibiting execution of the prefetching notice is saved (Step A2913).

  Further, the game control device 600 loads the special figure hold number (step A2914), and further prepares an effect mode switching preparation command corresponding to the special figure hold number (step A2915). Here, the details of the effect mode switching preparation command will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effect mode switching preparation command according to the first embodiment of this invention. In the present embodiment, as described above, the special figure variation display game is executed in the order of winning, without preferentially executing the second special figure variation display game, and the start memory for up to eight times can be held. The effect mode switching preparation command is defined only corresponding to the number of special figure hold, and the special figure hold number corresponds to 0 to 8 as shown in FIG. The effect mode switching preparation command includes a MODE portion (“A5h”) indicating that it is an effect mode switching preparation command and an ACTION portion (“01h” to “09h”) corresponding to the number of special figure reservations.

  Now, the description returns to the effect mode information check process of FIG. When the production mode switching preparation command is prepared, the game control device 600 executes a command setting process for transmitting the production mode switching preparation command to the production control device 700 (step A2916), and then performs the production mode information check. The process ends. As a result, it is possible to perform an effect of notifying the switching before the specified rotational speed for switching the effect mode.

  Since the game control device 600 manages the production mode as described above, for example, control such as generation of a specific reach only in a specific production mode can be performed, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[Time shortening fluctuation count update processing]
Next, the details of the time shortening variation number update process (step A2508) in the above-described special figure display process will be described. FIG. 27A is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of time-reduced variation frequency update processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control device 600 first determines whether or not the special drawing time is short (short time state) (step A3001). If the special drawing time is not short (the result of step A3001 is “N”), the time shortening variation number updating process is terminated. If the special drawing time is short (the result of step A3001 is “Y”), the time shortening fluctuation count for managing the number of executions of the special figure fluctuation display game to be in the short running state is updated by −1 (step A3002). Then, it is determined whether or not the time shortening fluctuation count has become 0 (step A3003).

  When the time reduction variation count is not zero (the result of step A3003 is “N”), that is, when the time-short state continues in the next special figure variation display game, the game control device 600 updates the time reduction variation count processing. Exit. When the time shortening variation count is 0 (the result of step A3003 is “Y”), that is, when the time-short state ends in this special figure variation display game, a probability information command (time-short end) is prepared. (Step A3004), command setting processing is executed (Step A3005). Thereafter, a time-short end setting process is executed (step A3006). Details of the time reduction end setting process will be described later with reference to FIG. 28A.

[High probability change count update processing]
Next, the details of the high probability variation number update process (step A2509) in the above-described special figure display process will be described. FIG. 27B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of high probability variation number update processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the game control device 600 determines whether or not a special figure high probability (high probability state) is in progress (step A3010). If it is not in the special figure high probability (the result of step A3010 is “N”), the high probability variation number update process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the special control probability is high (the result of step A3010 is “Y”), the game control device 600 manages the number of executions of the special reference variation display game to be in a high probability state. The number of times is updated by -1 (step A3011), and it is determined whether or not the number of special figure high probability fluctuations is 0 (step A3012).

  When the number of special figure high probability fluctuations is not 0 (the result of step A3012 is “N”), that is, when the high probability state continues in the next special figure fluctuation display game, The number updating process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of times of special figure high probability variation is 0 (the result of step A3012 is “Y”), that is, when the high probability state ends in this special figure variation display game, A probability information command (special figure high probability end) is prepared (step A3013), and command setting processing is executed (step A3014). After that, the special figure high probability end setting process is executed (step A3015), and the high probability variation number update process is ended. Details of the special figure high probability end setting process will be described later with reference to FIG. 28B.

[Time-saving end setting processing]
Next, details of the time reduction end setting process (step A3007) in the above-described time reduction variation number update process will be described. FIG. 28A is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a time-saving end setting process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control apparatus 600 first saves a signal related to the end of time reduction in the external information output data area (step A3101), and further saves a signal related to the end of time reduction in the test signal output data area (step A3102).

  Next, the game control device 600 saves the ordinary figure low probability & no power support flag in the ordinary game mode flag area (step A3103), and the special figure high probability & no hour flag in the special game mode flag area. Save (step A3104). Thereafter, the time saving end setting process ends.

[Special figure high probability end setting process]
Next, details of the special figure high probability end setting process (step A3011) in the above-described high probability variation number update process will be described. FIG. 28B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of high probability end setting processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control apparatus 600 first saves a signal related to the special figure high probability end in the external information output data area (step A3111), and further saves a signal related to the special figure high probability end in the test signal output data area (step A3112). ).

  Next, the game control apparatus 600 saves the low probability number in the game state display number area (step A3113), and saves the special figure low probability & no short time flag in the special figure game mode flag area (step A3114). . Further, the probability information command (low probability) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery (step A3115), and the prefetch prohibition information is cleared (step A3116).

[Big hits end processing]
Next, the details of the jackpot end process (step A1217) in the special figure game process described above will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a big hit end process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the game control device 600 is set when the probability variation determination flag set based on the type of the special result that triggered the execution of the special game state this time becomes the short-time state after the end of the special game state. It is determined whether or not the data has a short time (step A3201).

  The game control device 600 executes jackpot end setting processing 1 (step A3202) when it is not data with time reduction (the result of step A3201 is “N”). On the other hand, if it is data with time reduction (the result of step A3201 is “Y”), jackpot end setting processing 2 is executed (step A3203). Details of the jackpot end setting process 1 and the jackpot end setting process 2 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, the game control device 600 prepares a probability information command corresponding to the special figure game mode flag (step A3204), and executes a command setting process (step A3205).

  Next, the game control device 600 first sets an effect mode information setting table corresponding to the stop symbol pattern in order to save information necessary for managing the effect mode (step A3206). Then, with reference to the set production mode information setting table, the production mode number of the production mode set after the end of the special gaming state is acquired and saved in the production mode number area (step A3207). Further, the effect remaining speed of the effect mode set after the end of the special game state is acquired and saved in the effect remaining speed region (step A3208), and the next mode transition to the effect mode set after the end of the special game state is performed. Information is acquired and saved in the next mode transition information area (step A3209).

  Thereafter, the game control device 600 prepares a command corresponding to the new effect mode number (step A3210), saves the command in the effect mode command area (step A3211), and executes a command setting process (step A3212). Finally, the special figure normal process transition setting process 3 is executed (step A3213), and the jackpot end process ends.

[Big jackpot end setting processing]
Next, details of the jackpot end setting process 1 (step A3202) and the jackpot end setting process 2 (step A3203) in the jackpot end process described above will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the jackpot end setting process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) shows the jackpot end setting process 1 and (B) shows the jackpot end setting process 2.

  First, the jackpot end setting process 1 will be described. The game control device 600 first saves a signal related to the start of high probability in the external information output data area (step A3301), and saves a signal related to the start of high probability in the test signal output data area (step A3302).

  Next, the game control device 600 saves the ordinary figure low probability & no ordinary power support flag in the ordinary figure game mode flag area (step A3303), and the special figure high probability & no hourly flag in the special figure game mode flag area. Save (step A3304). After that, the probability information command (high probability / no time saving) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery (step A3305), and the time shortening variation frequency area is cleared (step A3306). Finally, the special figure high probability variation number initial value is saved in the special figure high probability variation number area (step A3307), and the jackpot end setting process 1 is terminated.

  By the above processing, after the special game state is ended, the probability state of the special figure variation display game becomes a high probability state and a state without time reduction (so-called latent probability variation state). Also, by clearing the short-time fluctuation frequency area and setting the special figure high probability fluctuation frequency initial value (eg, 70) in the special figure high probability fluctuation frequency area, the special figure fluctuation display game of a predetermined number of times (eg, 70 times) is set. Execution causes the latent probability change state to end.

  Subsequently, the jackpot end setting process 2 will be described. The game control device 600 first saves a signal related to the start of high probability / short time in the external information output data area (step A3311), and saves a signal related to start of high probability / short time in the test signal output data area (step A3312). ).

  Next, the game control device 600 saves the ordinary figure high probability & ordinary power support flag in the ordinary figure game mode flag area (step A3313), and saves the special figure high probability / short time flag in the special figure game mode flag area. (Step A3314). After that, the probability information command (high probability / short time) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery (step A3315), and the initial value (for example, 70 times) of the time shortening fluctuation count is saved in the time shortening fluctuation count area (step A3316). ). Further, the initial value of the special figure high probability fluctuation number is saved in the special figure high probability fluctuation number area (step A3317), and the jackpot end setting process 2 is ended.

  With the above processing, after the special game state is ended, the probability state of the special figure variation display game becomes a high probability state and a time-short state (so-called probability change state). Further, by setting the initial value of the short-time fluctuation number (for example, 70) in the short-time fluctuation frequency area and the special figure high-probability fluctuation frequency initial value (for example, 70) in the special-figure high probability fluctuation frequency area, The probability variation state ends when the special figure variation display game is executed.

  It should be noted that the initial value for the number of short-time fluctuations and the special figure high probability fluctuation number initial value may be set to different numbers. For example, by setting the initial value of the special figure high probability variation number to be increased by the maximum start memory number (for example, 8), even if the prefetching notice is executed in the high probability state until the end of the probability variation state, the prefetching notice Even if no prohibition period is provided, it is possible to prevent a flaw from occurring in the contents of the pre-reading notice. Also, the initial value of the special figure high probability variation number may be set to a value smaller than the initial value of the short time variation number.

  The above is description of the process performed with the game control apparatus 600 (main board | substrate). Next, the effect control executed based on the command received from the game control device 600 will be described. The effect control is executed by the effect control device 700 (sub board).

[1st CPU main processing (production control device)]
Next, details of the 1st CPU main process executed by the effect control device 700 will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a 1st CPU main process executed by the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 710 of the effect control device 700 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This process is executed when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 prohibits interruption (step B1001). Next, the RAM 711 as a work area is cleared to 0 (step B1002). Next, CPU initialization processing is executed (step B1003). Next, initial values necessary for executing various processes are set in the RAM 711 (step B1004), and a random number initialization process is executed (step B1005).

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 activates various interrupt timers for generating an interrupt at a predetermined timing (for example, 1 millisecond) (step B1006). Then, interrupt is permitted (step B1007). Command reception interrupt processing is executed at the timing of interrupt generation.

  Here, the main control microcomputer 710 clears WDT (watchdog timer) (step B1008). The WDT is activated by the above-described CPU initialization process (step B1003) and monitors whether the CPU is operating normally. If the WDT is not cleared after a certain period, the WDT times out and the CPU is reset.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes an effect button input process of detecting an operation signal of the effect button 17 by the player and performing a process according to the detected signal (step B1009). Next, a game control command analysis process for analyzing the game control command received from the game control device 600 is executed (step B1010).

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a test mode process (step B1011). In the test mode process, an inspection command is received at the time of inspection at the time of factory shipment, and the lighting of the LED is inspected. Therefore, the test mode process is executed when the CPU is inspected at the time of factory shipment.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a 1st scene control process for controlling a scene (display content) to be displayed on the display device 35 based on the control command analyzed in the game control command analysis process (step B1010) ( Step B1012).

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a gaming machine error monitoring process for monitoring the occurrence of an abnormality in the gaming machine 1 (step B1013). In addition to the abnormality relating to the effect control device 700, when a command for instructing error notification is received from the game control device 600, a predetermined process such as alarm sound notification is executed. Further, the effect control device 700 executes effect command editing processing for editing a command to be transmitted to the video control microcomputer 720 (step B1014).

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes sound control processing for controlling sound output from the speaker 10 (step B1015). Next, decoration control processing for controlling decoration devices such as LEDs (board decoration device 760, frame decoration device 21) is executed (step B1016), and further, an electric accessory driven by a motor and a solenoid, movable illumination, etc. A motor / SOL control process for controlling the effect devices (board effect device 770, frame effect device 22) is executed (step B1017).

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a random number update process for updating the random number (step B1018), and returns to the process of step B1008. Thereafter, the processing from step B1008 to step B1018 is repeated.

[1st scene control processing]
Next, details of the 1st scene control process in the 1st main process described above will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the 1st scene control process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in the testing mode (step B1301). In the case of the in-test mode (the result of step B1301 is “Y”), it is not necessary to actually perform the production control, and thus this processing is terminated.

  When the gaming machine 1 is not in the testing mode (the result of Step B1301 is “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not the scene change command transmitted from the gaming control device 600 has been received. (Step B1302). If the scene change command has not been received (the result of step B1302 is “N”), the processing after step B1307 is executed.

  When the scene change command is received (the result of step B1302 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 acquires the updated (current) gaming state (step B1303) and receives a valid command. It is determined whether or not (step B1304). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the change destination scene matches the current gaming state. If a valid command has not been received (the result of step B1304 is “N”), the processing after step B1307 is executed.

  When a valid command is received (the result of step B1304 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 saves the received command in a predetermined area of the memory (RAM) (step B1305), and an effect request flag Is set (step B1306). The effect request flag is a flag indicating that it is time to change the scene, and a process according to whether or not the effect request flag is set is executed in the changing process (step B1311) described later.

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 executes processing corresponding to the received command identifier (step B1307).

  If the received command is a “power-on command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a power-on process (step B1308). In the power-on process, the screen displayed when the gaming machine 1 is powered on is controlled.

  If the received command is a “power failure recovery command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a power failure recovery process (step B1309). In the power failure recovery process, the screen displayed when the gaming machine 1 recovers from the power failure is controlled. It should be noted that no special process is executed when the customer waiting process is executed before the power failure.

  If the received command is a “customer waiting demo command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a customer waiting process (step B1310). In the customer waiting process, the screen displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last execution of the variable display game is controlled.

  If the received command is a “fluctuation pattern command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a changing process (step B1311). In the changing process, information necessary for displaying a scene corresponding to the set change pattern is acquired, and effect control corresponding to the set change pattern is performed.

  When the received command is a “symbol stop command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a symbol stop process (step B1312). In the symbol stop process, the symbol variation display is stopped at the specified symbol.

  If the received command is a “fanfare command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a fanfare process (step B1313). In the fanfare process, a fanfare sound corresponding to the generated jackpot is output from the speaker 10.

  If the received command is a “large-open / open n-th command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a process during a round (step B1314). In the round process, effect control during each round in the special gaming state is performed.

  If the received command is an “interval command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes an interval process (step B1315). In the interval process, effect control between each round in the special gaming state is performed.

  If the received command is an “ending command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes an ending process (step B1316). In the ending process, effect control is performed when the special gaming state is finished.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes symbol command reception processing (step B1317). The symbol command includes information for designating a stop symbol.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a hold number command reception process (step B1318). The hold number command is a command for notifying the updated hold number. In the hold number command reception process, the hold display and the like are updated based on the received hold number.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a prefetch command reception process (step B1319). The prefetch command reception process is a process for setting a prefetch effect mode based on the content of the received prefetch command. Details of the prefetch command reception process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a probability information command reception process (step B1320), and ends this process. The probability information command reception process is a process for setting a gaming state such as an internal probability based on the received probability information command. The probability information command includes, for example, a high accuracy / short time command, a low accuracy / short time command, a low accuracy / no support command, and the like. When the probability information command reception process ends, the 1st scene control process ends, and the process returns to the 1st main process.

[Read-ahead command reception processing]
Next, details of the prefetch command reception process (step B1318) in the above-described first scene control process will be described. FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of prefetch command reception processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not it is during the prefetch prohibition period (step B1801). If it is not during the prefetch prohibition period (the result of step B1801 is “N”), it is further determined whether or not an effect mode switching preparation command has been received (step B1802). When the effect mode switching preparation command is received (the result of step B1802 is “Y”), the prefetch prohibition period information is saved (step B1803).

  On the other hand, when the pre-reading prohibition period is in effect (the result of step B1801 is “Y”), or after the pre-reading period information is saved, the main control microcomputer 710 has a high probability of winning the special figure variation display game. It is determined whether or not the state has ended (step B1804). When the winning probability of the special figure variation display game is high (the result of step B1804 is “Y”), the timing of performing the pre-reading notice and the timing of actually executing the variation display game Since the winning probabilities may be different, the prefetch prohibition period information is cleared so that no contradiction occurs (step B1805).

  On the other hand, the main control microcomputer 710 ends the process when the winning probability of the special figure variation display game has not ended the high probability state (the result of Step B1804 is “N”).

  On the other hand, when the effect control mode preparation command has not been received (step B1802: “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether a prefetch command has been received (step B1806). If the prefetch command has not been received (the result of step B1806 is “N”), this process ends.

  When receiving the prefetch command (the result of step B1806 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 saves the prefetch information in the corresponding start storage area (step B1807). Further, it is checked and determined whether or not the information related to the big hit is included in the start memory (steps B1808 and B1809). If the information about the big hit is not included (the result of Step B1809 is “N”), this processing is terminated.

  When the start memory corresponding to the pre-read information includes information about the big hit (the result of step B1809 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 gives a big hit effect in order to notify the occurrence of the big hit. A setting process (step B1810) and a notice effect setting process are executed (step B1811), and this process ends.

  Even when the information related to the big hit is not included in the start memory corresponding to the prefetch information, the notice effect setting process (step B1811) may be executed with a predetermined probability. In this case, if it is determined that the information related to the big hit is not included in the start memory (the result of step B1809 is “N”), the start memory corresponding to the pre-read information includes information related to the execution of the predetermined variation pattern. If information regarding the execution of the predetermined variation pattern is included, it is determined whether or not to execute the notice effect setting process (step B1811) based on a predetermined random number.

  Thereby, various notice effects can be executed, and the effect of the game can be improved.

[Pre-reading notice prohibition period]
Next, an execution mode of the prefetch notice at the timing when the specific game state ends will be described. In this embodiment, since the winning probability of the special figure variation display game shifts from the high probability state to the low probability state at the timing when the specific gaming state ends, the probability state at the time of winning and the probability state at the start of the variation display game are May be different. Therefore, a predetermined period before the end of the specific gaming state, a period for prohibiting prefetching notice (prefetching prohibition period) is provided. By providing a prefetch prohibition period in this way, an effect that betrays the player's expectation for the occurrence of a big hit, such as no big hit or even reach even though a prefetch notice with a high degree of expectation of big hit is given Can be prevented.

  FIGS. 34A and 34B are diagrams for explaining the prefetch prohibition period according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 34A shows that the prefetch prohibition period is fixed, and FIG. 34B shows that the prefetch prohibition period (prefetch enable period) is variable. This case is shown.

  As shown in (A), when the prefetch prohibition period is fixed, execution of the prefetch notice is prohibited for a predetermined period until the specific gaming state ends. For example, the prefetch prohibition period is set corresponding to the maximum start memory number. In the present embodiment, since the maximum starting memory number is 8, pre-reading notice is prohibited for winnings during the execution of the last eight variable display games in which the specific gaming state is ended.

  By setting in this way, it is possible to reliably prevent the special figure variation display game executed after the end of the specific gaming state from being determined in advance in a high probability state.

  If the start memory is stored to the maximum when the pre-reading prohibition period is reached, the variable display game corresponding to the start memory is executed and a new start memory can be stored, and then the newly stored start Memory is executed in a low probability state. On the other hand, when the start memory is not stored to the maximum, the corresponding special figure variation display game is executed in a high probability state by the number of start memories that can be stored when the prefetch prohibition period is reached.

  Therefore, in the mode shown in (B), the start-up memory stored at the time (determination base point, predetermined time) when the remaining number of fluctuations in the specific gaming state matches the maximum start-up memory number (8 in the present embodiment) is read ahead. The pre-reading prohibition period is set until the notice is executed and thereafter the specific gaming state ends. In this case, since the starting memory number at the determination base point is variable, the prefetch prohibition period is also variable. Further, the prefetchable period is also variable and corresponds to the number of start memories at the determination base point.

  By making the prefetchable period variable and suppressing the prefetch notice prohibition period, it becomes possible to make a prefetch notice in more variable display games executed in a specific gaming state. In addition, since the period during which the pre-reading notice can be executed is variable corresponding to the number of starting memories at the determination base point (predetermined time), various pre-reading notices can be executed. Furthermore, it becomes possible to be amazed whether or not the pre-reading notice is executed with respect to the start memory at the determination base point, and it is possible to enjoy the production from the determination base point.

[Prefetchable range (screen transition)]
As described above, the prefetchable range when the prefetch prohibition period is variable will be described. FIG. 35 is a screen transition diagram illustrating the prefetchable range according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  On the screen (A), the variable display game immediately before the remaining number of games in the specific gaming state reaches the maximum start memory number of 8 is executed, and at the timing of the screen (B), the variable display game ends. Yes.

  On the screen (C), a variable display game in which the number of remaining games in the specific gaming state corresponds to the maximum start memory number is started, and a prefetch prohibition period is set at this time. At this time, the start-up memory already stored at the time when the pre-reading prohibition period is set can be pre-read, and based on the winning game balls as shown in the screens (D), (F), and (H). Pre-reading notice is prohibited for starting memory.

  Further, a prefetching period or a prefetching prohibition period may be notified. For example, as shown in the screens (E), (G), and (I), a middle symbol that stops when the result of the variable display game is out of correspondence may correspond to a prefetchable period. With this configuration, the period during which the pre-reading notice can be executed (preliminary notice effect execution period) is clarified, and the expectation of the pre-reading notice can be increased.

  Further, the shape and color of the start memory in which the special figure variation display game is executed during the prefetch period may be changed, or the last start memory of the prefetch period may be changed. Furthermore, the shape and color of the object corresponding to the start memory, such as a pedestal on which the start memory is arranged, may be changed. By configuring in this way, the execution timing of the pre-reading effect becomes clear and the player can see whether or not the effect occurs.

  On the other hand, the prefetching period or the prefetching prohibition period may not be notified. By configuring in this way, it becomes unclear how long the pre-reading effect will occur, the player can be surprised when the effect occurs, and the interest can be enhanced.

  In addition, when the specific gaming state is finished, the prefetching notice may be executed for the start memory stored during the prefetch prohibition period. However, the prefetch notice in which the color or the like of the start memory changes is different from the normal execution timing. It is impossible to execute. For this reason, pre-reading effects using identification symbols, pre-reading effects that display other characters, pre-read effects using characters and board decoration members (LEDs, etc.), pre-read effects using sound, etc. are executed (prior to change) Notice production). By configuring in this way, it becomes possible to execute a pre-reading effect for all the start memories, so that a variety of effects can be executed.

  Here, a modification in which a prefetch effect based on the start-up memory stored during the prefetch prohibition period is executed after the specific gaming state is completed will be described. In the case of performing the pre-reading notice for the start-up memory stored in the pre-reading prohibition period, the process (step A2913) of saving the prefetching prohibition information in the effect mode information check process (FIG. 25) is not executed. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to always perform a prefetch effect in step A1501 of the special figure hold information determination process (FIG. 11). At this time, the process (step A3116) for clearing the prefetch prohibition information in the special figure high probability end setting process (FIG. 28B) is deleted.

[Prefetch command reception processing (variable prefetch notice prohibition period)]
FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a prefetch command reception process procedure for changing the prefetch prohibition period according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  In the prefetch command reception process of this modification, even if the prefetch command is received during the prefetch prohibition period, after the specific game state (the special figure high probability state) is completed, Pre-reading notice is possible.

  Therefore, when the prefetch command reception process is executed, the effect control device 700 first determines whether or not a prefetch command has been received (step B2001). If a prefetch command has been received (the result of step B2001 is “Y”), the prefetch information is saved in the corresponding start storage area (step B2002).

  After that, as in the prefetch command reception process of the present embodiment shown in FIG. The execution of the prefetch effect other than during the prefetch prohibition period is the same as in FIG.

  On the other hand, in this modification, after the specific gaming state (special figure high probability state) ends, a prefetch effect based on the start-up memory saved during the prefetch prohibition period is executed (step B2003). The effect control device 700 starts the prefetch prohibition period upon receipt of the effect mode switching preparation command (step A2915), and ends the prefetch prohibition period with a command (step A3116) indicating the end of the special figure high probability state. In this way, the prefetch prohibition period is monitored by the effect control device 700, and execution of the prefetch notice is controlled.

  Furthermore, a pre-reading notice is executed using a pre-reading determination table in a high probability state in a specific gaming state, and then a pre-reading notice is used using a pre-reading determination table in a low probability state even after the pre-reading prohibition period is set. It may be continued. By configuring in this way, it becomes possible to continuously execute the pre-reading notice, and it is possible to produce various effects. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent a flaw from occurring between the result of the pre-reading notice and the result of the corresponding special figure change display game.

  When the prefetching notice is continued using the prefetching judgment table in the low probability state after the prefetching prohibition period is set, the prefetching notice is always executed, so the result of the special figure variation display game is judged until the prefetching prohibition period. A table with a high probability state may be used as the table to be used, and a table with a low probability state may be used after the prefetch prohibition period.

  Note that the prefetching effect after setting the prefetching prohibition period may be executed only in the case of a big hit. In this case, it may be clearly notified by changing the start memory display.

  Also, if the number of high-probability states is different from the number of time reductions (the time reductions are ended first), the remaining high-probability state games after the time reduction will cause a big hit in the variable display game, and look ahead Since the player can expect both the production to occur, the player's interest in the production can be enhanced.

(Modified example of pre-reading notice)
In the pre-reading notice described above, the pre-reading prohibition period is made variable by performing the pre-reading notice in accordance with the start memory at the judgment base point, but the pre-read notice in the high probability state is monitored by monitoring the start memory until the end of the specific gaming state. Is controlled to the maximum extent.

  FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating the prefetch notice monitoring period according to the first embodiment of this invention. In this modified example, the pre-reading prohibition period is set until the specific gaming state ends when the remaining number of fluctuations in the specific gaming state matches the starting memory number. For example, if the number of starting memories is 5, and the remaining number of games in the specific gaming state is 5, the prefetch prohibition period is set at this point.

  By controlling in this way, it becomes possible to execute the pre-reading notice until the specific gaming state is finished, so that the pre-fetching notice can be executed even immediately before the end of the specific gaming state in which the gaming state changes. Can be varied.

[Special figure hold information judgment processing]
In this modification, it is determined whether or not the number of remaining specific game states matches the number of special figure hold at the timing when a game ball is won at the start winning opening, and start memory for performing prefetch determination in a high probability state is stored. Identify. FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special figure hold information determination processing according to the modification of the first embodiment of this invention.

  When the special figure hold information determination process is started, the game control device 600 first determines whether or not the prefetch period is being extended (step A3801). If the pre-reading period is not being extended (the result of step A3801 is “N”), normal special figure holding information determination processing after step A1501 is executed.

  On the other hand, when the pre-reading period is being extended (the result of step A3801 is “Y”), the game control device 600 loads the special figure hold number (step A3802), and further, the specified rotation speed and the special figure hold number It is determined whether or not the difference is 0 (step A3803). If the difference between the specified rotational speed and the special figure hold number is not 0 (the result of step A3803 is “N”), the normal special figure hold information determination process after step A1501 is executed.

  When the difference between the specified number of rotations and the special figure hold number is 0 (the result of Step A3803 is “Y”), the game control device 600 prohibits prefetching because the period during which the prefetching notice in the high probability state has ended. The information is saved (step A3804), and the period extension information is cleared (step A3805). Thereafter, normal special figure hold information determination processing after step A1501 is executed.

[Direction mode information check processing]
Next, the timing at which the period extension information is saved will be described. FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the effect mode information check process according to the modification of the first embodiment of this invention. The period extension information is saved at the timing when the remaining effect rotation speed becomes the specified rotation speed in the effect mode information check process. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the specified rotational speed is 8, which is the maximum start memory number, and the period extension information is saved at the timing when the remaining production rotational speed becomes 8 (step A2920). Then, as described above, the period extension information is cleared at the timing when the special figure holding number (starting memory number) matches the remaining production rotation speed.

  Note that the processing from step A2901 to step A2912 is the same as the effect mode information check processing of the present embodiment.

[Prefetchable range (screen transition)]
FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating the prefetchable range of a modification of the first embodiment of this invention.

  On the screen (A), the variable display game is executed immediately before the remaining number of games in the specific gaming state reaches the maximum starting memory number of 8, and at this time, the effect remaining number of rotations matches the specified number of rotations ( The result of step A2912 is “Y”). Then, the period extension information is saved (step A2920).

  When the special figure variation display game being executed on the screen (A) is finished (screen (B)), on the screen (C), there is a variation display game in which the number of remaining games in the specific gaming state corresponds to the maximum start memory number. Be started. At this time, the special figure fluctuation display game being executed and the three special figure fluctuation display games that have not been stored are stored in the high probability state.

  Thereafter, the game ball wins the start winning opening, and the start memory number increases. In the screen (D), the starting memory number is increased from the state of the screen (C). Screen (E) shows that the start memory for the high probability state is stored until the execution of the special figure variation display game is completed. At this time, the remaining number of rotations of the effect coincides with the special figure hold number (the result of Step A3803 is “Y”), the prefetch prohibition information is cleared at this timing (Step A3804), and the period extension information is cleared (Step A3804). Step A3805). In this way, the pre-reading notice can be executed even for the start memory that is not stored in the start storage means at the timing when the number of remaining games in the specific gaming state matches the maximum start memory number. Further, it is possible to expect the pre-reading notice to be executed until the end of the specific gaming state, and the player's sense of expectation for the jackpot in the specific gaming state can be maintained until the end of the specific gaming state.

  In addition, as shown in the screen (E), the display of the start-reading start memory that is executed in the high probability state may be different from the normal display. Further, in the present embodiment, the number of start memories that can be prefetched is notified by the result of the special figure variation display game. On the screen (E), “7”, which is the number of special figure variation display games that can be prefetched, is displayed on the middle symbol, and is further highlighted.

  Then, as shown in the screens (F) to (I), the special-figure display game that is executed based on the winning game ball is prohibited from being prefetched until the specific game state ends. In addition, the number of start memories that can be prefetched is displayed (screen (G) (I)).

  As described above, according to the present modification, it is possible to perform the prefetching notice to the maximum extent until the specific gaming state ends by monitoring the period during which the prefetching notice does not cause a defect. This is particularly effective when the number of times that the specific gaming state continues is short. For example, when the number of continuations of the specific gaming state is 10, if the pre-reading notice is prohibited when the remaining number of fluctuations reaches the specified number of revolutions as in this embodiment, the pre-reading notice is only twice. However, by performing the control as in the present modification, it is possible to execute the prefetch notice as many times as the specific gaming state continues.

  In the gaming machine described so far, after the special gaming state is ended, the winning probability of the special figure variation display game is high, and the opening state of the opening / closing member 37c of the second start winning opening 37b becomes high. However, the content of the specific gaming state may be different according to the generated big hit. For example, the opening frequency of the opening / closing member 37c of the second start winning opening 37b may be increased while the winning probability of the special figure variation display game remains low. Hereinafter, an example in which the winning probability of the special figure variation display game is set to a high probability (probability variation state) and the low probability (time-short state) is mixed depending on the type of jackpot. In any case, after the special gaming state is finished, the opening frequency of the opening / closing member 37c of the second start winning opening 37b is set to be high.

[Big hits end processing]
First, the jackpot ending process in the special figure game process described above will be described. FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a procedure for jackpot end processing according to a modification of the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control device 600 first sets a high probability set when the probability variation determination flag set based on the type of special result that triggered the execution of the special gaming state becomes a high probability state after the special gaming state ends. It is determined whether the data is probability data (step A3221).

  If the game control device 600 is not high-probability data (the result of step A3201 is “N”), it executes jackpot end setting processing 1 (step A3202). On the other hand, if the data is high probability data (the result of step A3201 is “Y”), the jackpot end setting process 2 is executed (step A3203). The processing after step A 3204 is the same as in FIG.

[Big jackpot end setting processing]
Next, the details of the jackpot end setting process 1 (step A3202) and the jackpot end setting process 2 (step A3203) in the jackpot end process in the modified example of the embodiment described above will be described. FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the jackpot end setting process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) shows the jackpot end setting process 1 and (B) shows the jackpot end setting process 2.

  First, the jackpot end setting process 1 will be described. First, the game control device 600 saves a signal related to the start of time reduction in the external information output data area (step A3321), and saves a signal related to the start of time reduction in the test signal output data area (step A3322).

  Next, the game control device 600 saves the ordinary high probability & ordinary power support flag in the ordinary game mode flag area (step A3323), and saves the special figure low probability & hourly flag in the special game mode flag area. (Step A3324). Thereafter, the probability information command (short time) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery (step A3325), the initial value (eg, 70) of the time reduction fluctuation count is saved in the time reduction fluctuation count area (step A3326), and the big hit ends The setting process 1 ends.

  By the above processing, after the special gaming state is ended, the probability state of the special figure variation display game becomes the normal probability state and the time shortened state. In addition, by setting an initial value (eg, 70) of the time variation number in the time variation region, the time reduction state ends when the special figure variation display game is executed a predetermined number of times (eg, 70 times).

  Subsequently, the jackpot end setting process 2 will be described. First, the game control apparatus 600 saves a signal related to the start of high probability in the external information output data area (step A3331), and saves a signal related to the start of high probability in the test signal output data area (step A3332).

  Next, the game control device 600 saves the ordinary figure high probability & ordinary power support flag in the ordinary figure game mode flag area (step A3333), and saves the special figure high probability & hourly flag in the special figure game mode flag area. (Step A3334). Thereafter, the probability information command (high probability) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery (step A3335), the time shortening variation frequency area is cleared (step A3336), and the jackpot end setting process 2 is ended.

  By the above processing, after the special game state is ended, the probability state of the special figure variation display game becomes a high probability state and the time is reduced until the next special result mode is derived.

  As described above, by executing the big hit end setting process, it is possible to shift to a specific game state such as a probability change state or a short time state after the special game state ends. Thereafter, the special figure variation display game is executed in the specific gaming state, and the processing for ending the specific gaming state is different. Specifically, the time reduction variation number update process in the special figure display process is different, and the high probability variation number update process is not performed.

[Time shortening fluctuation count update processing]
Next, the details of the time shortening variation number update process (step A2508) in the above-described special figure display process will be described. FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the time reduction variation frequency update process according to the modification of the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the game control device 600 determines whether or not a special figure high probability (high probability state) is in effect (step A3021). When the special figure high probability is in effect (the result of step A3021 is “Y”), the time shortening variation number update process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the game control device 600 executes the processing from step A3001 to step A3006 when the special figure high probability is not in effect (the result of step A3021 is “Y”). The processing from step A3001 to step A3006 is the same as the time shortening variation number update processing shown in FIG. 27A. Note that the short-time end setting process in step A3006 is partially different from the short-time end setting process shown in FIG. 28A.

[Time-saving end setting processing]
FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a time-short end setting process according to a modification of the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control apparatus 600 first saves a signal related to the end of time reduction in the external information output data area (step A3101), and further saves a signal related to the end of time reduction in the test signal output data area (step A3102).

  Next, the game control device 600 saves the low probability number in the game state display number area (step A3121), and saves the ordinary low probability & no power support flag in the ordinary game mode flag area (step A3121). A3103). Further, the special figure low probability & no short time flag is saved in the special figure game mode flag area (step A3122), and the probability information command (low probability) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery (step A3123). Finally, the prefetch prohibition information is cleared (step A3124), and the time-saving end setting process ends.

  As described above, the prefetching advance notice can be executed thereafter by clearing the prefetching prohibition information at the end of the short time state (specific game state). Note that the prefetch prohibition information is saved in the production mode information check process as described above.

  As described above, even if the winning probability of the special figure variation display game is high after the big hit and the case where the winning probability is not high are mixed, the execution control of the pre-reading notice is performed similarly. Is possible. If the winning probability of the special figure fluctuation display game does not become high after the big hit, the prefetch notice prohibition control may not be performed.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, the number of changeable display games that can be prefetched is notified in the variable display game. However, in the variable display game of the second embodiment, the variable display of the identification symbol is simulated. It is possible to execute pseudo continuous fluctuation that is stopped and re-variable.

  Further, in the pseudo continuous variation of the present embodiment, the number of stops corresponds to the reliability of the variation display game. In addition, it is possible to execute quasi-continuous fluctuation before, after reaching, or before and after reaching.

  Furthermore, it is determined whether or not the pseudo continuous variation is executed based on the variation pattern command (variation time) transmitted from the game control device 600. The same applies to the number of stops. Note that the game control device 600 may be configured to determine whether or not to execute pseudo continuous variation (and the number of stops) by previously defining a variation pattern command corresponding to pseudo continuous variation.

  In the pseudo continuous fluctuation, the period from the start of the fluctuation to the temporary stop (stop display) is referred to as “pseudo fluctuation display”, and the symbol stopped and displayed at this time is referred to as “pseudo identification information”. In addition, “determined display” refers to the display of a pattern (determined identification information) indicating the result of the variation display game after the pseudo continuous variation is completed. In the following embodiments, description of the same processing as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  The effect mode of the variation display game including the pseudo continuous variation is determined by the variation pattern information setting process in the variation process (step B1311) in the first scene control process of the first embodiment described above. First, the changing process will be described.

[Fluctuation processing]
FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the changing process according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not an effect request flag is set (step B1501). When the effect request flag is set (the result of step B1501 is “Y”), various information is set.

  Specifically, the main control microcomputer 710 first clears PB (push button) information (step B1502). The PB (push button) information is input information by the effect button 17.

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 sets a movable body request (step B1503). That is, the operation mode of the movable illumination or the electric accessory is set according to the contents of the production.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 executes variation pattern information setting processing (step B1504). In the variation pattern information setting process, a stop symbol of the special figure variation display game is set, or a variation time and a notice effect are set based on the variation pattern command. Furthermore, whether or not the aforementioned pseudo continuous variation can be executed and the number of stops are also set. Details of the variation pattern information setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes random number seed initialization processing (step B1505). The random number seed initialization process is a process for initializing a random number seed used for determining the contents of the production.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 sets a scene sequence table corresponding to the set variation pattern (step B1506). Thereafter, a variable time setting process for setting the variable time is executed (step B1507). Then, the first scene is set, and a scene update timer is set (step B1508). Finally, the effect request flag is cleared (step B1509), and the changing process ends.

  On the other hand, when the effect request flag is not set (the result of step B1501 is “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not the scene update timer has become 0 (step B1511). When the scene update timer reaches 0 (the result of step B1511 is “Y”), that is, in the case of scene switching timing, the next scene data set in the scene sequence table is set (step B1512).

  Furthermore, the main control microcomputer 710 operates various movable accessories (direction devices) corresponding to the scene. Specifically, the back side production operation control process (step B1513), the bottom production operation control process (step B1514), the top production operation control process (step B1515), and the right part production operation control process (step B1516) are executed. .

[Variation pattern information setting process]
Next, details of the variation pattern information setting processing (step B1504) in the above-described variation processing will be described. FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of variation pattern information setting processing according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not pseudo continuous execution information that is set when performing pseudo continuous variation is set (step B1601). If the quasi-continuous execution information is not set (the result of Step B1601 is “N”), stop symbol information is acquired. Note that the case where the pseudo continuous execution information is not set is, for example, the case where the pseudo continuous variation is not executed and the pseudo continuous variation is not executed.

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 saves the hold information (step B1603), and further acquires the gaming state (step B1604). Further, the effect information stored in the start storage area is acquired (step B1605). The effect information corresponds to information such as whether or not to execute quasi-continuous variation and the type of reach.

  The main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not to execute pseudo continuous variation based on the effect information acquired in the process of step B1605 (step B1606). When the quasi-continuous variation is not executed (the result of step B1606 is “N”), the stop symbol acquired by the process of step B1602 is set (step B1607). Finally, a variation pattern is determined based on the gaming state acquired in the process of step B1604 and the effect information acquired in the process of step B1605 (step B1608), and this process ends.

  On the other hand, when executing the pseudo continuous variation (the result of Step B1606 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 saves the pseudo continuous number of times based on the acquired effect information (Step B1609). Further, pseudo continuous execution information is saved (step B1610).

  Subsequently, the first fluctuation display is executed. First, the main control microcomputer 710 adds 1 to the number of times of pseudo continuous monitoring (step B1611). Further, left and right symbols are set (step B1612). At this time, if the left and right symbols are set to the same symbol, reach occurs.

  Furthermore, the main control microcomputer 710 sets a stop symbol of the middle symbol based on the number of pseudo consecutive times (step B1613). Furthermore, a fixed display pattern is selected based on the number of pseudo-continuations and the number of times of pseudo-continuous monitoring (step B1614). Further, a variation pattern corresponding to pseudo variation display (single variation display in pseudo continuous variation) is determined (step B1615).

  In this embodiment, the player can recognize whether or not the pseudo continuous variation is continued by the temporarily stopped middle symbol. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 47, when a temporary stop is performed with a pseudo-continuous identification symbol (pseudo continuous determination symbol) having a mode different from a normal identification symbol, pseudo continuous variation is continued. When at least one quasi-continuous variation is executed, the processing from step B1611 to B1615 is executed.

  Thereafter, the main control microcomputer 710 ends the variation pattern information setting process. Then, when the variation pattern information setting process is executed next, the pseudo-continuous execution information has already been saved (the result of step B1601 is “Y”), so the main control microcomputer 710 calculates 1 from the number of pseudo-continuous times. It is determined whether or not the subtracted number is 0, that is, whether or not the pseudo continuous variation has ended (step B1616).

  When the pseudo continuous variation has not ended (the result of step B1616 is “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 reduces the number of pseudo continuous operations by 1 (step B1617) and executes the next pseudo continuous variation display. In addition, the processing from step B1611 to step B1615 is executed.

  On the other hand, if the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of pseudo-continuations is 0, that is, the last pseudo-continuous variation (the result of step B1616 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 performs the variation display game being executed. It is determined whether or not the result is a big hit (step B1618). If it is not a big hit (the result of step B1618 is “N”), a stop symbol for losing is set (step B1622).

  On the other hand, when the result of the variable display game being executed is a big hit (the result of Step B1618 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not the number of pseudo-continuous monitoring is 3 (Step S16). B1619). When the number of quasi-continuous monitoring reaches 3 (the result of step B1619 is “Y”), a jackpot finalizing effect is set (step B1620). Further, each stop symbol (left, middle, right) is set (step B1621).

  When the setting of the stop symbol is completed, the main control microcomputer 710 sets a variation pattern after the end of the pseudo continuous variation (step B1623). Further, the pseudo continuous execution information is cleared (step B1624), and the number of pseudo continuous monitoring times is cleared (step B1625). Thereafter, this process is terminated.

[Pseudo continuous display and pseudo continuous pattern]
Next, a specific example of pseudo continuous variation in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pseudo continuous variation pattern according to the second embodiment of this invention. FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pseudo-continuous pattern according to the second embodiment of this invention. Here, the case where the left and right symbols are set to the same value, that is, when reach occurs will be described.

  In the present embodiment, when the variable display game is started, the left and right symbols are stopped, and when the middle symbol is temporarily stopped by the pseudo continuous determination display (pseudo continuous determination symbol), the next (pseudo) continuous display is started. . On the other hand, when the middle symbol is temporarily stopped in the pseudo-continuous display (pseudo-continuous design) similar to the pseudo-continuous display (pseudo continuous confirmation symbol), then it stops at the corresponding identification symbol and the variable display game ends. (Gase production).

  In the present embodiment, a maximum of three pseudo continuous fluctuations are executed. Each time the pseudo continuous variation is executed, the identification information of the medium symbol to be stopped is set so as to approach the symbol (reach symbol, reference identification information) that becomes a big hit. That is, when the number of pseudo-continuations is 3, first, a pseudo-continuous confirmation display (pseudo-continuous confirmation symbol) corresponding to a symbol (update identification information) corresponding to ± 3 identification information of the reach symbol (reference identification information). ) Temporarily stops the middle symbol (stopped display). Then, in the third stop display, the middle symbol is temporarily stopped in the pseudo-continuous display (pseudo continuous determination symbol) corresponding to the ± 1 symbol (update identification information) of the reach symbol, and the last fluctuation is started. Stop this.

  As shown in FIG. 47, in this embodiment, when the third quasi-continuous variation is executed, the big hit is determined. Further, the higher the number of pseudo-continuous times, the higher the reach of reliability. Note that in the case of a gaze effect, pseudo continuous variation is not executed and normal (N) reach is achieved.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 48, there are two types of pseudo-continuous symbols, pseudo-continuous symbols and pseudo-continuous symbols, and the pseudo continuous variation is continued only when the pseudo-continuous symbols are temporarily stopped. . In addition, three types of symbols, character-type, live-action type, and premier, are defined in the pseudo-continuous symbols, and are set so that the degree of expectation of jackpot increases in order. For example, when the number of pseudo-continuations is 3, the first temporary stop may be a character system, the second may be a live-action system, and the third may be a premier system. Even when the number of pseudo consecutive times is two or less, the reliability may be notified by the symbol (pseudo-identification information) that is stopped and displayed last.

  Note that only one of the pseudo-continuous symbols and the pseudo-continuous symbols is stored in the image ROM 704, and the other symbol is subjected to coloring or color removal processing when the VDP 730 develops the drawing data in the frame buffer. Display data may be created by doing so. With this configuration, the capacity of the image ROM 704 can be reduced.

  Thus, the execution mode of the notification effect is notified by the middle symbol (update identification information) that is stopped and displayed for each pseudo-variable display, and the period until the result of the variable display game is derived is notified by the update identification information. Therefore, it is possible to execute a notice effect that makes it easy to understand the contents of the effect.

[Pseudo continuous variation after reach]
Subsequently, the screen transition of pseudo continuous fluctuation after the occurrence of reach will be described with reference to FIGS. 49 to 51. FIGS. 49 to 51 are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen transition of pseudo continuous variation after the occurrence of reach according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  Screen (A) shows a state in which the variable display game is being executed. Thereafter, reach occurs (screen (B)). Then, “4” is once displayed as the middle symbol (screen (C)).

  When “5” is displayed from the state of the screen (C) (screen (D1)), the normal reach effect is executed without executing the pseudo continuous variation (screen (E1)). For example, after “5” is displayed, “6” → “7” → “8” fluctuates like frame advance, and SP reach occurs. In the case of normal reach, the operation stops at “8” as it is, and the deviation is confirmed. When a big hit occurs in normal reach, it may be stopped at “7” without changing to “8”.

  On the other hand, when the effect of pattern turning (swing fluctuation, color reversal, effect addition, etc.) is executed while the middle symbol is “4” from the state of the screen (C), the display changes to pseudo continuous display (character system). (Screen (D2)). Further, when the display is changed to the pseudo continuous determination display (screen (E2)), the pseudo continuous 2 is executed. In addition, when a pseudo | simulation series is performed, the fluctuation | variation from a screen (A) to a screen (E2) respond | corresponds to the pseudo | simulation series 1. FIG. If the pseudo continuous display does not change to the pseudo continuous confirmation display, the display is stopped as it is and the deviation is confirmed.

  Subsequently, when the pseudo-ream 2 is started (screen (F)), reach occurs again (screen (G)). At this time, a character-type notice may be made in the background. By generating a reach at this stage, it can be suggested to the player that it will develop into a character-type reach.

  Thereafter, “5” is once displayed as a medium symbol (screen (H)). When “6” is displayed from the state of the screen (H) (screen (I1)), the normal reach effect is executed (screen (J1)) without executing the pseudo continuous variation. As shown in FIG. 47, the reach to be executed is SP reach (weak), but the normal reach may be determined as it is, or another reach may be generated.

  On the other hand, if the effect of pattern squeezing is executed while the middle symbol is “5” from the state of the screen (H), the display is changed to the pseudo-continuous display (actual shooting system) (screen (I2)). Further, when the display is changed to the pseudo continuous determination display (screen (J2)), the pseudo continuous 3 is executed. When the pseudo continuous display does not change to the pseudo continuous display, the screen transitions to the screen (J1) and SP reach (weak) is executed.

  Subsequently, when pseudo-ream 3 is started (screen (K)), reach occurs again (screen (L)). At this time, a live-action notice may be given in the background. When reach occurs at this stage, it can be suggested to the player that it will develop into a live-action reach.

  Thereafter, “6” is once displayed as a medium symbol (screen (M)). When “7” is displayed from the state of the screen (M) (screen (N1)), the middle symbol is changed again, and a normal reach effect is executed (screen (O1)). As shown in FIG. 47, the reach to be executed is SP reach (strong), but the normal reach may be determined as it is, or another reach may be generated.

  On the other hand, when the effect of the design change is executed from the state of the screen (M) while the middle design is “6”, the display is changed to the pseudo continuous display (screen (N2)). Further, when the display is changed to the pseudo continuous confirmation display (premier) (screen (O2)), the big hit confirmation effect is executed. In the big hit finalizing production, there are full rotation reach and premier production. Further, without executing the big hit finalizing effect, “7” may be displayed as it is and the big hit finalizing may be performed. If the pseudo continuous display does not change to the pseudo continuous fixed display, the screen transitions to the screen (O1) and SP reach (strong) or the like is executed. By configuring in this way, it is possible to set a plurality of production scenes in which the occurrence of a big hit is determined by a single change, and it is possible to provide a plurality of points for the player to enhance the interest.

[Pseudo continuous fluctuation before reach]
Subsequently, the screen transition of the pseudo continuous fluctuation before the occurrence of reach will be described with reference to FIGS. 52 to 54. FIGS. 52 to 54 are diagrams illustrating an example of screen transition of pseudo continuous fluctuation before reach occurrence according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  Screen (A) shows a state in which the variable display game is being executed. Then, as shown in the screen (B), after the left symbol stops, whether or not the pseudo continuous variation is executed is determined depending on whether or not the right symbol stops with a symbol different from the left symbol. When the right symbol stops at the same symbol as the left symbol, reach occurs (screen (C1)). When reach occurs, a normal reach effect is generated, or the pseudo-ream effect after reach shown in FIGS. 49 to 51 is executed.

  From the state of the screen (B), when the right symbol stops at a symbol different from the left symbol, and when the middle symbol is “4” and the effect of symbol-swing is executed, the display changes to pseudo-continuous display (character system) (Screen (C2)). Further, when the display is changed to the pseudo continuous determination display (screen (D)), the pseudo continuous 2 is executed. Note that if the display does not change from the pseudo continuous display to the pseudo continuous confirmation display, the process stops as it is, and the deviation is confirmed.

  Subsequently, when the pseudo sequence 2 is started (screen (E)), as in the case shown in the screen (B), the pseudo continuous variation is caused by whether or not the right symbol stops at a symbol different from the left symbol. It is determined whether or not to execute (screen (F)). When the right symbol stops at the same symbol as the left symbol, a reach occurs (screen (G1)), and as described above, a normal reach effect occurs or a post-reach pseudo-continuous effect is executed. . The pseudo-continuous effect after reach executed at this time may be pseudo-ream 1 (after reach) or pseudo-ream 2 (after reach).

  From the state of screen (F), when the right symbol stops at a symbol different from the left symbol, and when the middle symbol is “5” and the effect of the pattern is executed, the display changes to the pseudo-continuous display (live action). (Screen (G2)). Further, when the display is changed to the pseudo continuous determination display (screen (H)), the pseudo continuous 3 is executed. Note that if the display does not change from the pseudo continuous display to the pseudo continuous confirmation display, the process stops as it is, and the deviation is confirmed.

  Subsequently, when the pseudo-ream 3 is started (screen (I)), whether or not the right symbol stops at a symbol different from the left symbol as in the screen (B) and screen (F). Determines whether or not pseudo continuous variation is executed (screen (J)). When the right symbol stops at the same symbol as the left symbol, a reach occurs (screen (K1)), and as described above, a normal reach effect occurs or a post-reach pseudo-continuous effect is executed. . The pseudo-continuous effect after reach executed at this time may be pseudo-ream 1 (after reach) or pseudo-ream 3 (after reach).

  From the state of the screen (J), when the right symbol stops at a symbol different from the left symbol, and when the middle symbol is “6” and the effect of the design is executed, the display is changed to the pseudo continuous display (premier). (Screen (K2)). Further, when the display is changed to the pseudo continuous confirmation display (screen (L)), the big hit confirmation effect is executed. For the big hit finalizing effect, for example, a premier effect is displayed, and then all symbols are made translucent and full rotation reach is performed. Note that if the display does not change from the pseudo continuous display to the pseudo continuous confirmation display, the process stops as it is, and the deviation is confirmed.

[Effect of pseudo continuous fluctuation]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform an unprecedented notification effect such as notifying whether or not a big hit will occur depending on whether or not the pseudo continuous determination display is performed in the pseudo continuous 3. it can. Furthermore, after the pseudo-continuous confirmation display is displayed at a predetermined stage of the pseudo-continuous, it is possible to fully enjoy a premier effect such as a big hit confirmation effect.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to execute quasi-continuous fluctuation with the occurrence of reach. In this case, the big hit may be determined when a total of three or more pseudo continuous fluctuations are executed before and after the occurrence of reach. Furthermore, in the pseudo continuous variation executed after the fourth time, after determining the big hit, the type of the big hit may be notified, or the number of rounds in the special gaming state may be notified. For example, after executing the pseudo continuous fluctuation before reach twice, reach is generated, and further, three times of pseudo continuous fluctuation are executed, and the type of jackpot and the number of rounds are notified in the process of executing pseudo continuous fluctuation.

  In this way, by performing pseudo-continuous variation before or after the occurrence of reach, or across the occurrence of reach, the production pattern of pseudo-continuous production is diversified to enhance the interest of the player, and the production pattern is diversified. In addition, it is possible to execute a notice effect that makes it easy to understand the contents of the effect.

  According to the present embodiment, the number of pseudo continuous fluctuations (the number of times the pseudo identification information is updated) corresponds to the execution mode of the notification effect of the variable display game, and the stop pattern of pseudo continuous fluctuations (pseudo identification information) is the variable display game. Since it is determined based on the confirmed identification information, it is possible to execute a notice effect that makes it easy to understand the contents of the effect, and to enhance the interest of the player. Note that the execution mode of the notification effect of the variable display game includes an effect including a reach effect such as a pseudo continuous change after the occurrence of reach, and an effect including no reach effect such as a pseudo continuous change before the reach occurs. ing.

(Third embodiment)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, after the special gaming state is finished, the winning probability of the variable display game is high (high probability state), and the second start winning opening 37b is in the easy winning state (short time state). The specific game state (probability change state) is configured to continue until a predetermined number of executions of the variable display game are completed. On the other hand, in the specific gaming state of the third embodiment, a case where the state becomes a short-time state without entering the high-probability state and a case where the state becomes a high-probability state without entering the time-short state are included.

  For example, the special winning opening may be opened and closed a plurality of times (for example, 0.6 seconds × 2 times) to end the special gaming state, and then enter the high probability state instead of the short time state (so-called 2R probability variation big hit). In addition, while the big prize opening operates in the same manner as the 2R probability variation big hit, a so-called small hit is generated in which the probability state does not change. At this time, it is impossible for the player to determine whether the 2R probability variation big hit or the small hit has occurred only in the special game state. Therefore, in the present embodiment, interest is enhanced by obscure the notification of the probability state (non-notification mode). In addition, there is a non-notification mode by obscuring the notification of the probability state while shifting to the short-time state after the special gaming state ends.

  Therefore, when a game is executed without clearly informing the probability state, it is necessary to drive the player's willingness to play the game, for example, by performing an effect to expect the current mode to be a probability variation mode. . In the present embodiment, it is configured to suggest an expectation degree that the probability state is a high probability by the stop symbol. Specifically, in the variable display game executed in the non-notification mode, state suggestion identification information suggesting a probability state is set as a stop symbol. The stop symbol is set in the effect symbol setting process in the changing process. First, the changing process will be described.

[Fluctuation processing]
FIG. 55 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the changing process according to the third embodiment of this invention. In the changing process of the present embodiment, an effect symbol setting process (step B1520) is executed instead of the changing process of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 45 and the changing pattern information setting process (step B1504). Is different.

  The effect symbol setting process determines whether or not to change (develop) the stop symbol in the state suggestion identification information suggesting the probability state, and further determines the state suggestion identification information to be changed. Details of the effect symbol setting process will be described later with reference to FIG. In addition, the change to the state suggestion identification information does not change the identification information such as numerals, but for example, the character is old or rejuvenated. The change of the character will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Direction design setting processing]
FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing a procedure of effect symbol setting processing according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not the production symbol fixing information is set (step B1701). The effect symbol fixing information is set when the symbol is fixed without changing to the state suggestion identification information after the change is stopped. Therefore, when the effect symbol fixed information is set (the result of Step B1701 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 ends this process because it is not necessary to change the stop symbol.

  On the other hand, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not a symbol pattern is selected (step B1702) when the effect symbol fixed information is not set (the result of step B1701 is “N”). A design (development) pattern is a pattern in which a stop design changes (develops) into state suggestion identification information.

  The main control microcomputer 710 sets the symbol pattern selection table (step B1703) when the symbol pattern is not selected (the result of step B1702 is “Y”). Then, a symbol pattern is determined from the set symbol pattern selection table (step B1704), and the maximum development number of symbols is saved (step B1705).

  When the symbol pattern is selected (the result of step B1702 is “Y” or after the processing of step B1705 is completed), the distribution table for determining the effect symbol according to the gaming state is set. First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not the current probability state has a high probability (step B1706).

  When the current probability state is high probability (the result of step B1706 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 sets the high probability non-electric support distribution table (step B1707). Further, it is determined whether or not power support is in progress (the normal power support state) (step B1708). When the electric support is in progress (the result of step B1708 is “Y”), the high probability electric support distribution table is set (step B1709).

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not it is the special figure extension display time (step B1710). In this embodiment, after the symbol stops, the time may be extended until the next variable display game is started, and this extended time is the special figure extended display time. When the main control microcomputer 710 is in the special figure extension display time (the result of step B1710 is “Y”), it does not affect whether or not the power transmission support state affects the development of the symbol. The minute table is set (step B1709).

  On the other hand, when the current probability state is not high probability (the result of Step B1706 is “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 sets the low probability non-electric support distribution table (Step B1712). Further, it is determined whether or not the electric support is in progress (step B1713). If the electric support is in progress (the result of step B1713 is “Y”), the low probability electric support distribution table is set (step B1714).

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not it is the special figure extension display time (step B1715). If it is during the special figure extension display time (the result of step B1715 is “Y”), the low probability distribution table is set (step B1716).

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 determines an effect design based on the set distribution table (step B1717). At this time, whether or not to develop the symbol is determined by a random number or the like. That is, the design is not always developed, but is controlled so that the design develops stochastically.

  The main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not to develop the symbol (step B1718). If the symbol is not developed (the result of step B1718 is “N”), this process ends. On the other hand, when the symbol is developed (the result of step B1718 is “Y”), whether the maximum development number is reached when the symbol is developed next, that is, whether the symbol has been developed up to just before the maximum development number. Is determined (step B1719). If the development has not progressed to just before the maximum number of developments (the result of step B1719 is “N”), this process ends. If it has been developed up to just before the maximum number of developments (the result of step B1719 is “Y”), the production symbol cannot be further developed, so the production symbol fixed information is saved (step B1720), and this processing is performed. Exit.

[State suggestion identification information]
Then, an example of the state suggestion identification information in this embodiment is demonstrated. In this embodiment, a character corresponds to each identification symbol. As the state suggestion identification information, the younger the character, the higher the degree of expectation that is high probability. FIG. 57 is a diagram illustrating an example of state suggestion identification information according to the third embodiment of this invention.

  Each symbol has a high expectation of high probability in the order of youth, middle-aged (black), middle-aged (shaded), elderly (black), elderly (shaded), elderly (white) as state suggestion identification information It is set to be. The state suggestion identification information shown in FIG. 57 is a symbol dedicated to the non-notification mode (latency mode) of the probability state, and is controlled so as not to be displayed during normal times.

  Furthermore, children's designs may be prepared. At this time, the child may have a lower expectation level than that of the young man, and may gradually develop from an old man (white), and after becoming a youth, change to a child and notify that the expectation is actually lower.

[Design (Development) Pattern]
Next, the design (development) pattern in which the state suggestion identification information shown in FIG. 57 changes will be described. FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating an example of the selection probability of the symbol development pattern in the latent mode according to the third embodiment of this invention. FIG. 59 is a diagram showing an example of a design development pattern according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  First, FIG. 58 will be described. In the time reduction state, four patterns are defined until the next big hit occurs 20 times, 40 times, 70 times. In addition, when the number of times of the short-time state is determined (20 times, 40 times, 70 times), the winning probability of the variable display game is low, and the short-time state continues until the next big hit. Has a high probability.

  When the probability state is not notified in the short time state, the state suggestion identification information changes based on the design (development) pattern. When the winning probability of the variable display game is low, any one of patterns 1, 3, and 5 shown in FIG. 59 is selected. In addition, a pattern with a high probability of expectation is selected as the number of time reductions increases. On the other hand, when the probability is high, all patterns are selected. In addition to the patterns 2, 4, 6, and 7 in which the high probability state is determined, patterns 1, 3, and 5 that are not notified of the high probability state are also selected.

  In the non-notification state that is not the time reduction state, any one of the patterns 1, 3, and 5 is selected at the low probability as in the case of the time reduction state. On the other hand, at the time of high probability, all patterns can be selected as in the case of the short time state. In addition, by making the pattern to be distributed between the high probability and the low probability almost uniform, it becomes difficult to guess which probability state is displayed until the state suggestion identification information that confirms the high probability is displayed to the player. In this way, the player's thrilling feeling is continued.

  Here, each symbol pattern will be described with reference to FIG. Pattern 1 and pattern 2 are patterns that rejuvenate sequentially from the elderly (white). Pattern 1 develops before becoming youth, and pattern 2 evolves until youth. As shown in FIG. 58, pattern 1 is set to be easily selected in the case of a low probability, and it is easy to produce an effect in which the design (state suggestion identification information) develops, so that the player's expectation is enhanced. Can do.

  The pattern 3 and the pattern 4 are less developed than the pattern 1 and the pattern 2. Therefore, the probability state can be notified earlier than in the case of pattern 1. Moreover, since the pattern 5 and the pattern 6 develop further fewer symbols and the character suddenly rejuvenates, it can surprise the player.

  Furthermore, as shown in pattern 7, it is possible to execute an unexpectedly rich production by suddenly determining a high probability.

  As described above, it is possible to diversify the selection of the type of state suggestion identification information by defining development patterns rich in variations.

  Note that the character may not only rejuvenate (step up) but also change so as to age (step down). In this case, in the effect symbol setting process (FIG. 56), not only the symbol development (rejuvenation) but also the decline (aging) is determined in the process of step B1718. At this time, the “maximum number of developments” in step B1705 is the “maximum number of changes”. Then, it is determined whether or not the maximum change number of each pattern has been reached in the process of step B1719, and the effect symbol fixed information may be saved in the process of step B1720.

  Moreover, you may make it perform the reach production corresponding to the kind of production design (character generation (old man, middle age, youth)) under change display. Furthermore, when the correspondence between the effect design being displayed in a variable manner and the reach effect to be executed is different, the degree of expectation may be increased. For example, if the symbol is “middle-aged” and the reach production is “old”, the expectation of the jackpot is high, and if the symbol is “old” and the reach production is “middle-aged”, the jackpot is fixed. You may do it.

  For example, when a symbol is faded (aged) and the player is disappointed, a reach occurs, and a player performs a reach production that does not correspond to the symbol, thereby notifying the player that the expectation of the big hit is high. It can enhance interest.

  As specific processing, in the lottery for stepping up or down a symbol, pre-reading of the start-up memory that is put on hold is performed, and if the start-up memory that causes a big hit is included, after the change with a predetermined probability Reach production that does not correspond to the design of By configuring in this way, it becomes possible not only to suggest a high probability of expectation in the latent mode by changing the design, but also to make a notice about the occurrence of the big hit, and it is possible to produce various effects.

〔Screen transition〕
Next, the development of symbols (state suggestion identification information) in the latent mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 60 is a screen transition diagram for explaining the development of the state suggestion identification information in the latent mode according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. In some cases, the latent mode A and (B) indicate the latent mode B when the time-short state is not set and when there is no specified number of times in the time-short state.

  In the latent mode A shown in (A), first, as shown in screens (1) and (2), the variable display game is continued for the elderly (white). When the change display stops at the timing of the development of the symbol (screen (3)), the displayed symbol (state suggestion identification information) starts rotating on the spot (screen (4)). After that, the design develops from the elderly (white) to the elderly (shaded).

  At this time, the symbols in the variable display game are fixed at the stage of the screen (3), and the variable display on the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52 is stopped.

  On the other hand, in the latent mode B shown in (B), as in the latent mode A, as shown in the screens (1) and (2), the variation display game is continued for the elderly (white). Then, at the timing of the development of the symbol, a display suggesting the development of the symbol such as “chance” is output on the screen during the fluctuation display (screen (3)). After that, when the change of the displayed symbol is stopped, the symbol developed into the elderly (shaded) is stopped and displayed.

[Design switching timing]
FIG. 61 is a timing chart of the variable display game according to the third embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a short time state (latent mode A) in which a specified number of times is defined, and (B) is not a short time state. When there is no specified number of times in the case and in the time-short state (latent mode B), (C) shows the case where symbol switching is performed at the start of fluctuation.

  As shown in (A), in the latent mode A, after the variable display game (this special figure) by the special figure display is stopped, the special figure extended display time is set, and the symbol switching (development) is performed during that time. . Therefore, the variable display game based on the decorative symbols viewed from the player is executed for a longer apparently than the variable display game based on the special graphic.

  On the other hand, as shown in (B), in the latent mode B, the symbol switching (development) is performed during the execution of the variation display game, and the variation display game with the decorative symbol and the variation display game with this special diagram are executed for the same time. Is done. Further, as shown in (C), symbol switching may be performed at the start of fluctuation.

  In the present embodiment, the latent mode is set according to the gaming state, but the symbol switching may be performed at any timing from (A) to (C) regardless of the gaming state or the specified number of times. Moreover, you may make it perform symbol switching at random in any timing of (A) to (C).

[Image data storage format]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 57, it is necessary to store, in the image ROM, symbol data including characters (state suggestion identifying information) corresponding to each stage (expectation) for each identification information (symbol). . Therefore, a larger capacity for storing image data is required. Here, with reference to FIG. 62, a mode in which the symbol data is stored will be described taking the case where the character is a young man as an example.

  FIGS. 62A and 62B are diagrams for explaining a mode for storing symbol data according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 62A shows a case where symbol data is held as it is, and FIG. 62B shows identification information (numbers and the like). When character data is held individually, (C) shows a case where identification information (numbers and the like) and character data are held separately, and further, character data is decomposed and held.

  In (A), symbol data is held for each identification information, character, and generation (expected degree). Therefore, a large amount of storage capacity is required. On the other hand, after acquiring data from the image ROM, it can be used as it is without synthesizing the image, so that the processing can be simplified and speeded up. This is effective when the capacity of the image ROM is sufficient or when the capacity of the symbol data is small.

  In (B), numeric (identification information) symbol data and single character symbol data are separately held. This is effective when there are a plurality of characters corresponding to the same identification information. However, for example, when the facial expression of the character changes, there is a problem that character data must be held for each facial expression. In addition, when displaying a symbol on the variable display device, it is necessary to synthesize numeric symbol data and character symbol data.

  Also, the numerical symbol data and the background image may be managed separately. When a plurality of background images are defined by defeating the same number (identification information), a capacity for storing image data can be saved.

  In (C), the character design data is separated from the number (identification information) design data, and the character design data is further divided and held for each part. As in the present embodiment, this is particularly effective when characters corresponding to the same identification information change in a predetermined order (age, generation) as described above.

  Specifically, character data is generated for each body type, hairstyle, eyes, and clothes, and a character is generated by a combination thereof. Also, another character can be generated by making the body form the same and making the hairstyle and clothes different.

  Furthermore, even with the same character, it is possible to generate characters with various facial expressions by changing facial parts such as eyes. Also, as in this embodiment, even if the generation is different even for the same character, preparing facial parts for each generation makes it easier for the player to recognize that the generation is the same character. It is possible to easily grasp the degree of expectation that the difference state, that is, the probability state is high probability.

  As shown in (C), by holding the pattern data, it is possible to generate many types of characters while making it possible to reduce the image data necessary for generating the characters. It is not necessary to store the numerical symbol data of the symbol data for each generation (for the sequential symbol data), and the capacity for holding the character image can be reduced, so that a storage area can be secured.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the suggestion of the gaming state controlled in the latent (non-notifying) mode is performed by the symbol (identification information), an unprecedented suggestion effect can be executed, and the game It is possible to increase the interest of the person who wants to play.

  Note that the pseudo continuous display symbols of the second embodiment may be associated with the state suggestion identification information. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the continuation of the pseudo-continuation and to notify the probability state.

(Fourth embodiment)
In a general gaming machine, when a game ball flowing down the game area wins a start winning opening, a variable display game is started. In particular, in the ordinary power support state, when the game ball passes through the normal gate, the ordinary electric accessory (second start winning opening) becomes in an easy-to-win state, and it becomes easier for the game ball to win the start winning opening. In recent years, there has been considered a gaming machine that makes it easy to win a game ball in place of a small amount of one or two prize balls when a game ball wins an ordinary electric accessory.

  In such a gaming machine, the variation time of the variation display game is further shortened and executed at short intervals. In such a case, since the start-up memory is digested at a high speed, the production in the ordinary power support state becomes monotonous, which may impair the interest of the player.

  Therefore, the fourth embodiment aims to make the production of the variable display game in the short-time state highly interesting while targeting the above gaming machines. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a variable display game (decorative special figure variable display game) executed on the display device can be executed without being based on the start-up memory. Further, when the result of the variable display game is a big hit, effects (notice effect, reach effect) corresponding to the big hit are executed. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described.

[Game board]
In the first to third embodiments, a winning hole or the like is arranged so that a game ball flows down on the left side of the game area even in a normal game state or a general power support state such as a specific game state. It had been. In the fourth embodiment, the game ball flows down to the left side of the game area in the normal game state, and the game ball flows down to the right side of the game area in the general power support state. The game board of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 63 is a front view of the game board 30 provided in the gaming machine 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, about the structure with the same function as the game board of 1st-3rd embodiment, the same code | symbol is provided and description is abbreviate | omitted and a difference is demonstrated.

  In the game board 30 of the first embodiment, the special variation winning device 41 is arranged at the lower center of the center case 34. However, in the present embodiment, the special variation winning device 41 is located on the lower right side of the center case 34. Is placed. Further, a normal start gate 36 is arranged on the upper side of the special variation winning device 41.

  Therefore, in the short-time state, in order to pass the game ball to the normal start gate 36, it is necessary to flow down the game ball to the game area on the right side of the center case 34 (so-called right hit). Similarly, it is necessary to make a right turn in the special game state after the big hit. On the other hand, in order to win a game ball in the first start winning opening 37a, it is necessary to make the game ball flow down to the left side of the game area (so-called left-handed).

[1st scene control processing]
Next, production control in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 64 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the first scene control process according to the fourth embodiment of this invention. It differs from the 1st scene control process of 1st Embodiment demonstrated in FIG. 32 by the point which performs alerting | reporting effect setting process last (step B1320). The notification effect setting process is a process for executing a notification effect game that is not based on the start-up memory. Details of the notification effect setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[Notification effect setting processing]
FIG. 65 is a flowchart showing a procedure of notification effect setting processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the notification effect game is executed even when the number of holds (starting memory number) is zero. In this process, the symbols and start memory display (hold display) displayed as a result of the notification effect game are set.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether notification effect information is set (step B1801). When the notification effect information is not set (the result of Step B1801 is “N”), it is determined whether or not the number of holds (starting storage number) is 0 (Step B1802). If the number of holds is not 0 (the result of step B1802 is “N”), this process ends.

  The main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not the symbol is stopped when the number of reservations is 0 (the result of step B1802 is “Y”) (step B1803). If the symbol is not stopped (the result of step B1803 is “N”), this process is terminated.

  When the symbol is stopped (the result of step B1803 is “Y”), main control microcomputer 710 determines the notification effect period (step B1804). The notice effect period (number of notice hold display) corresponds to the number of times of the notice effect game that is executed when the number of holds becomes zero, and provisional hold 1 to 8 is set.

  Further, the notification effect period is set based on the notification hold display number lottery table. FIG. 66 is a diagram showing a notification hold display number lottery table according to the fourth embodiment of this invention. The notification effect period (number of notification hold display) is determined by the winning probability of the variable display game and the random value (0 to 255). For example, when the winning probability of the variable display game is high and the value of the random number value is 0 to 165, 1 is set for the notification effect period (number of notification hold display).

  Moreover, in order not to execute the notification effect game based on the provisional start-up memory as much as possible, a high distribution rate is set to 1 for the number of notification hold displays regardless of the winning probability of the variable display game. Also, when the winning probability of the variable display game is high, if the number of notification hold display is an even number (2, 4, 6, 8), it is 7%, and if it is an odd number (1, 3, 5), it is 2 % Distribution rate is set. When the winning probability of the variable display game is low, the number of notification pending displays is set to 2 to 8 at a distribution rate of 3%.

  Now, the description returns to the flowchart of the notification effect setting process of FIG. Further, the main control microcomputer 710 sets the number of effects (notification effect period, notification hold display number) in the notification monitoring counter (step B1805), and sets notification effect information (step B1806).

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 obtains a left symbol lottery table (step B1807). In the notification effect game of the present embodiment, the expected degree of the variable display game is notified to the left pattern. Further, the number of continuations in the short-time state is notified to the middle symbol and the right symbol as will be described later.

  An order is set in the symbol, and a symbol corresponding to a high probability or a low probability is set. The left symbol lottery table defines a left symbol that is actually set based on the probability state and the initial value of the number of notification hold displays. Details of the left symbol lottery table will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 67 is a diagram showing an example of the left symbol lottery table according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the symbols to be selected are defined for each winning probability of the variable display game and the number of notification hold displays. A symbol corresponding to the actual probability is selected for ± 0, and a symbol shifted by 1 in the order from the symbol corresponding to the actual probability is selected for +1. The same applies to +2.

  Further, even if the winning probability of the variable display game is high or low, a symbol corresponding to the actual probability is easily selected, and a distribution rate is defined. On the other hand, the symbol between the high probability and the low probability may be easily selected so that the symbol approaches the actual probability as the game progresses. For example, if the high probability is set to “8” and the low probability is set to “2”, the initial symbol is set to “5” so that the player cannot grasp the probability state, and the symbol as the game progresses. It is also possible to approximate the actual probability by changing.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, since the probability that 1 is set for the notification hold display number is high, when the left symbol has already been set, the number of notification hold displays based on the set symbol is already set. The number of symbol changes may be set. In this case, +1 changes the display symbol so as to approach the symbol corresponding to the actual probability by +1 from the currently displayed symbol, and ± 0 does not change the display symbol. In this case, the left symbol lottery process described later is executed when the notification hold display number (notification effect period, number of effects) is newly set.

  Now, the description returns to the flowchart of the notification effect setting process of FIG. When the left symbol lottery table is acquired, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a left symbol lottery process for setting the left symbol based on the acquired left symbol lottery table (step B1807). Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the notification effect information is set (the result of Step B1801 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not it is the timing when the notification effect game ends (Step B1811). . If it is not the timing when the notification effect game is finished (the result of step B1811 is “N”), this process is finished.

  When it is time to end the notification effect game (the result of Step B1811 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether there is pending information (Step B1812). If there is hold information (the result of step B1812 is “Y”), the earliest notification hold display is changed to the normal hold display (step B1813). That is, when the start memory is newly added, the display is changed so that the temporary hold corresponds to the original start memory.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 updates the notification monitoring counter by −1 (step B1814), and determines whether or not the notification monitoring counter is 0 (step B1815). When the notification monitoring counter is 0 (the result of step B1815 is “Y”), the notification effect information is cleared (step B1815). The notification monitoring counter monitors the number of executions of the notification effect game, and when it reaches 0, newly determines the notification effect period and restarts the notification effect game.

  Then, the main control microcomputer 710 updates the notification hold display so as to decrease by 1 (step B1817), and executes the processing after step B1807 to draw the left symbol.

[Fluctuation processing]
Next, the changing process of the present embodiment will be described. The changing process is a process executed at the start and during the execution of the changing display game, as in the first embodiment. FIG. 68 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the changing process according to the fourth embodiment of this invention. The changing process of the present embodiment is different from the normal changing process in that the symbol management process, the effect symbol setting process, and the fluctuation pattern information setting process are executed.

  When the main control microcomputer 710 sets the movable body request (step B1503), the main control microcomputer 710 executes a symbol management process (step B1530). The symbol management process is a process of selecting and setting the middle symbol and the right symbol according to the number of time reductions. Details of the symbol management process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Furthermore, the main control microcomputer 710 executes an effect symbol setting process (step B1520). The effect symbol setting process is substantially the same as that in the third embodiment, and the effect symbol of the left symbol other than the middle symbol and the right symbol set in the symbol management process is set. Details of the effect symbol setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a variation pattern information setting process (step B1504), and executes the processes after step B1505. The variation pattern information setting process is the same as that of the second embodiment, but is controlled so as not to be executed when the time is short. The description is omitted.

[Design management processing]
FIG. 69 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of symbol management processing according to the fourth embodiment of this invention. As described above, the symbol management process is a process of setting the middle symbol and the right symbol in the time-short state (chance mode).

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not the gaming state is a chance mode (time-short state) (step B1901). If the gaming state is not the chance mode (the result of step B1901 is “N”), this process ends.

  When the gaming state is the chance mode (the result of step B1901 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 obtains the remaining number of times (time remaining number) (step B1902) and responds to the number of remaining times. The middle symbol and the right symbol are selected (step B1903).

  Finally, the main control microcomputer 710 sets the chance mode execution information (step B1904) and ends this process. When the chance mode execution information is set, control is performed so that the variation pattern information setting process for setting the variation pattern of the normal variation display game including pseudo continuous variation is not substantially executed.

[Direction design setting processing]
FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the effect symbol setting process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the effect symbol setting process is substantially the same as that of the third embodiment, and the process of setting the effect symbol of Step B1717 is changed to the process of setting the effect symbol for the left symbol.

[Example of fluctuation pattern (out of line)]
Although the control of the fourth embodiment has been described above, a specific variation pattern will be described. First, a case where the result of the variable display game by the special figure 2 display 52 is out of order will be described. FIG. 71 is a diagram showing an example of the variation time when the result of the variation display game by the special figure 2 display 52 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is out of place.

  As shown in FIG. 71, in the variable display game (second special figure variable display game) in the present embodiment, when the number of holds is 0, the change time is set to 10 seconds in order to accumulate the start memory, and the number of holds is In the case of 1 or more, the variation time is 2 seconds. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 72, in the notification effect game (decoration special figure variation display game), the effect time is set to 2 seconds regardless of the number of holds.

  FIG. 72 is a time chart showing a case where the result of the variable display game is lost in the short time state according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 72A is a time chart in which the variable display game is executed in a state where the number of holds is zero. (B) shows a case where no start memory is generated while the variable display game is being executed in a state where the number of holds is zero.

  As shown in (A), after the big hit (special game state) ends, the game state transitions to a time-short state. When the holding number is 1 or more, the variable display game and the notification effect game are executed at the same timing. When the number of holds is 0, the variation time of the variation display game is 10 seconds, but the variation time of the notification effect game remains 2 seconds. Even if the number of holds is the upper limit (4) and an overflow occurs, the variation time of the notification effect game is the same.

  Further, as shown in (B), after the number of holds becomes zero, the notification effect game is continued even if no new start memory is generated. At this time, the temporary start-up memory is displayed on the hold display. At this time, when a predetermined time elapses after the number of holds reaches 0, the variable display in the notification effect game may be stopped.

  Further, the effect control device 700 may receive a signal from the touch sensor provided in the operation unit 15 and stop the variable display in the notification effect game based on the received signal. Further, each time the notification effect game is executed, the player may be instructed to operate the effect button 17, and when the notification effect game is not operated, the variable display in the notification effect game may be stopped.

  If the number of start memories is 1 or more in the short time state, both the notification effect game and the variable display game have a change time of 2 seconds, so that the notification effect game can be regarded as a variable display game.

[Example of variation pattern (per hit)]
FIG. 73 is a diagram showing an example of the variation time when the result of the variation display game by the special figure 2 display 52 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is a big hit. When the result of the variable display game is a big hit, it is not necessary to store the start-up memory even if the number of holds is zero, so the variable time is 2 seconds.

  FIG. 74 is a time chart showing a case where the result of the variable display game is a big hit in the time saving state according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  When a big hit occurs, as described above, even if the number of holds is 0, the variation time is 2 seconds, so the variation display game and the notification effect game are executed at the same timing. When the result of the variable display game is a big hit, the game shifts to a special game state, and the variable display game and the notification effect game are not executed.

[Example of fluctuation fluctuation production]
Next, an example of an effect when the variable display game is out of play will be described. FIG. 75 is a diagram showing screen transition when the result of the variable display game is out of place in the short time state (chance mode) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, an effect suggesting an expectation degree that the chance mode is probabilistic is executed, and the expectation degree of whether or not the probable state is in the left pattern is shown. Referring to screen (1), a symbol including the character “Middle-aged C” is displayed on the left symbol. For example, if the expectation of high probability is high in the order of adolescents, middle-aged (black, shaded), and old people (black, shaded, white), I can grasp it. Moreover, you may make it alert | report an expectation degree in combination with identification information (number).

  In addition, when the variation display game starts to change, the left symbol rotates, and after the variable symbol display of the right symbol and the middle symbol is started, the symbol changes to a symbol with high expectation (screen (6) to screen (8)). By starting the change of the right symbol and the middle symbol and then changing the left symbol, it is possible to make the expectation notification effect stand out. It should be noted that it may be changed to a symbol with low expectation or may not be changed back to the original symbol after rotation.

  On the other hand, the middle symbol and the right symbol indicate the remaining number of time-short states. Each time the variable display game is executed, the remaining number of short times notified by the middle symbol and the right symbol is updated (screen (1) to screen (5)).

  If the combination of the short-time notification of the middle symbol and the right symbol and the left symbol results in a three-digit gaze, that is, a big hit mode, the expectation notification effect is executed and forced By changing the left symbol to +1, etc., it is made to match the variable display game.

  Also, since the number of time reductions is subtracted, it is not necessary to adjust again by adding +1 to the left symbol. On the other hand, by adjusting the left symbol to −1, the adjustment process for avoiding the gloomy eyes is executed again. However, since the execution frequency of the expectation notification effect can be increased, the player's expectation is enhanced. be able to.

[Example of fluctuating production without hold]
Next, an effect when the start-up memory is completely consumed and the number of holds becomes zero will be described. FIG. 76 is a diagram showing screen transition when the number of holds becomes 0 in the time-saving state (chance mode) according to the fourth embodiment of this invention.

  On the screens (1) and (2), the variable display game based on the last start memory is being executed. Then, when the variable display game being executed in the state where the number of holds is 0 ends, a notification effect period (number of notification hold display) is determined (step B1804 in FIG. 65). As described above, one of 1 to 8 is selected for the notification effect period (number of notification hold display). In the present embodiment, as shown in the screen (3), 8 is set in the notification effect period (the number of notification hold display), and eight temporary start-up memories are displayed. The temporary start memory is displayed in a mode different from the start memory that is generated when a game ball wins the pending start winning opening.

  Thereafter, as shown in the screen (4), the notification effect game is started based on the temporary start memory. At this time, it is processed in the same manner as the notification effect game based on the normal start memory, but the same value is displayed for the remaining number of short times notified by the middle symbol and the right symbol (screen (3) to screen (8)). .

  Probability change expectation notification by the left symbol is processed in the same manner as the notification effect game based on the normal start memory, but is determined by the left symbol displayed at the timing when all the temporary start memory is exhausted.

  Note that the notification effect game based on temporary start memory may execute an effect different from the case of normal start memory. For example, the variable display may be started after the left symbol is rotated in the horizontal axis (rotated in the vertical direction), or the variable display may be started after being lifted up once.

  In this way, even if the number of holds becomes zero, it is possible to make it appear that the variable display of the identification information is executed at regular intervals by the notification effect game that is executed following the variable display game.

[Examples of winning variation]
Next, an example of the effect when the variable display game is won will be described. FIG. 77 is a diagram showing screen transition when the result of the variable display game is out of place in the short time state (chance mode) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Screen (1) shows that the normal variable display game is out of play, and the remaining short time is 69 times. Thereafter, as shown in the screen (2), the variable display game is started. Here, a case where the variable display game being executed is a big hit will be described.

  When the result of the variable display game is a big hit, the decorative symbols are erased as shown in the screen (3) after the start of the change and before the fixed display. At this time, the decorative design may be reduced and displayed.

  Then, the fanfare starts with the decorative symbols still being erased, and then a “big hit” is displayed on the screen to notify that the big hit has occurred. At this time, the hold display is set to non-display, and the decorative symbol that is a combination of the big hit is displayed on the back side of the “big hit” (screen (4)). In addition, while the “big hit” is displayed, the display of the decorative pattern is made translucent or the color is lightened.

  After that, the display of “big hit” is finished, the decorative symbol that is a combination of big hits is displayed, and the game shifts to a round game (special game state).

  FIG. 78 is a timing chart showing a case where the result of the variable display game according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is a big hit.

  First, when a variable display game that is a big hit at time t1 is started (screen (2)), variable display is started on the decorative symbols (notification effect game) and the special figure 2 display 52. At time t2, the decorative symbols are erased (not displayed) (screen (3)). At this timing, the variable display game on the special figure 2 display 52 is continued.

  Thereafter, when the variable display game (notification effect game) is finished at time t3, a fanfare is output, and the decorative symbol becomes translucent. At this time, an effect of notifying that it is a “big hit” is executed (screen (4)).

  Further, at time t4, it is confirmed that the game is a big hit, and the decorative pattern of the combination that is a big hit changes from translucent to normal display. At time t5, the fanfare is finished and a round game (special game state) is started. About round game, it is as usual.

[Example of fluctuating effects when start-up memory is added during execution of notification effect game with temporary hold]
Next, a case will be described in which a game ball is won at the start winning opening and the start memory is added while the notification effect game by temporary holding is being executed. FIG. 79 is a diagram showing a screen transition when the number of holds increases while the notification effect game by temporary hold is executed in the time saving state (chance mode) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. .

  Screen (1) and screen (2) show a state in which the notification effect game is being executed with provisional hold. When the number of holds increases immediately before the end of the notification effect game, the earliest temporary hold is replaced with the normal start memory, and the notification effect game being executed ends (screen (3)).

  Then, in order to suggest that the normal variation display game based on the start memory is executed, as shown in the screen (4), the aspect of the variation start symbol is changed. Thereafter, the variable display game is started (screen (5)), and when the variable display game ends, the remaining time is decremented by 1 (screen (6)).

  Thereafter, when all the holdings are consumed, a notification effect game based on the temporary holding is executed (screen (7)). Then, even if a new hold occurs during the execution of the notification effect game, the notification notification game being executed is continued, and the earliest temporary hold is replaced with the normal start memory (screen (8)). . When the running notification effect game is finished (screen (9)), a variable display game based on a new hold is executed.

  FIG. 80 is a timing chart showing a case where the number of holds increases while the notification effect game with provisional hold according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is being executed.

  First, a notification effect game is started at time t1 (screen (2)), and when a game ball wins at the start winning opening at time t2, the first hold display of the notification hold display (start memory display) is usually displayed at this timing. Is switched to the hold display. Then, when the notification effect game being executed at time t3 ends (screen (3)), an effect suggesting that it is a variable display game based on normal start-up memory is executed until time t4 (screen (4)). . Thereafter, the variable display game is executed from time t4, and the notification hold display is shifted to the temporary hold every time the notification effect game is executed (screen (5)).

  In this way, even if the number of holds increases while the notification effect game is being executed, the notification effect game and the variable display game can be smoothly performed by waiting until the notification effect game being executed ends. It becomes possible to execute.

  According to this embodiment, since the notification of the predetermined result is not performed in the variable display game, the execution period of a plurality of variable display games can be maintained at a constant interval. Since the variable display game is executed at regular intervals regardless of the number of start memories, the player can enjoy a novel variable display game that has not existed before.

  In the present embodiment, the decoration special figure variation display game (notification effect game) is executed at a predetermined interval (2 seconds interval) in the short-time state (general power support state). Similarly, a decoration special figure fluctuation display game may be executed. In this case, information other than the notification of the probability state and the notification of the remaining short time is notified. For example, it may be the number of rotations after the end of the previous big hit or other information. Further, in the normal state, the execution interval of the decorative special figure variation display game (notification effect game) may be set longer than that in the time-short state.

  The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description of the invention but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

  The gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine as shown in the above embodiment, but can also be applied to gaming machines that use gaming balls such as arrange ball gaming machines and sparrow ball gaming machines.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 15 Operation part 17 Effect button 30 Game board 31 Game area 35 Fluctuation display apparatus (display apparatus)
36 general start gate 37a first start winning opening 37b second starting winning opening 37c opening / closing member (normal electric accessory)
41 Special variation prize winning device 51 First special figure fluctuation display section (Special figure 1 display)
52 Second Special Figure Change Display (Special Figure 2 Display)
600 Game Control Device 601 First Start Port Switch 602 Second Start Port Switch 603 Gate Switch 640 Payout Control Device 700 Production Control Device 704 Image ROM
710 Main control microcomputer (1stCPU)
711 RAM
720 Microcomputer for video control (2nd CPU)
730 VDP (Video Display Processor)

Claims (6)

A variable display device capable of executing a variable display game that displays a plurality of identification information in a variable manner based on establishment of a predetermined condition,
In a gaming machine capable of executing a special game that gives a player a predetermined game value when the result of the variable display game is a predetermined result,
Start memory means capable of storing start memory as the right to execute the variable display game;
Prior determination means capable of determining a result of the variable display game based on the start memory before executing the variable display game based on the start memory stored in the start storage means;
Based on the determination result by the prior determination means, prior notice effect means capable of executing an advance notice effect for informing the result of the variable display game;
Specific game execution means capable of executing a specific game as a game state different from the special game for a predetermined period after the end of the special game;
Prior notice effect execution period setting means for setting an advance notice effect execution period in which the advance notice effect by the advance notice effect means can be executed;
The advance notice effect execution period setting means permits execution of the advance notice effect corresponding to the start memory stored in the start memory means by a predetermined time set based on the end time of the specific game. A game machine characterized by setting a preliminary notice effect execution period so as to do.   2. The advance notice effect execution period setting unit varies the advance notice effect execution period based on the number of start memories stored in the start memory means at the predetermined time. Game machines. The prior notice effect means is:
In accordance with the execution of the variable display game, it is possible to execute a preliminary advance notice at the time of performing a prior notice effect,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the change prior notice effect can be executed with respect to the start memory stored in the start storage means at the predetermined time.   The said prior notice production | presentation means enabled execution of the prior notice production | presentation at the time of winning which performs a prior notice production corresponding to the start memory | storage being memorize | stored in the said start memory | storage means. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of 3.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the execution period of the advance notice effect.   The advance notice effect execution period setting means prohibits execution of the advance notice effect based on the end time of the specific game by the specific game execution means and the number of start memories stored in the start storage means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising advance notice prohibition means.