JP2014213021A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further improve taste of a game by notifying a player of an expectation degree of a specific display result using a reservation display where a display is continued even during a variable display of identification information.SOLUTION: On the basis of a determination result before a variable display is started, performance control means displays a reservation display corresponding to a reservation storage subject to the determination in a normal mode or a specific mode, when starting the variable display of performance symbols, displays the reservation display corresponding to the variable display on a prescribed area as a variable-display-correspondence reservation display and, when the reservation display is displayed in the normal mode before the variable display is started, during execution of the variable display corresponding to the reservation display, changes a mode of the variable-display-correspondence reservation display displayed on the prescribed area to the specific mode according to whether or not the display result of the performance symbols falls out jackpot symbols. A rate of the display result becoming the jackpot symbols, is differed between a case of changing to the specific mode during execution of the variable display and a case of changing to the specific mode before the variable display is started.

Description

  The present invention performs variable display of identification information based on the fact that the variable display start condition is satisfied after the game medium has passed through the starting area, and the player when the display result of the identification information becomes the specific display result. The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that is controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player.

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

  The specific game state means a state in which a predetermined game value is given and is advantageous for the player. Specifically, the specific game state is, for example, a state in which a special variable winning device is advantageous for a player who is likely to win a ball (a big hit game state), or a state in which a right to be advantageous for a player has occurred. In this state, a predetermined game value such as a state where conditions for paying out premium game media are easily established is given.

  In such a gaming machine, the fact that the display result of the variable display device that displays the symbol as identification information is a combination of specific display modes (specific display result) determined in advance is referred to as “big hit”. When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and a transition is made to a specific gaming state (a big winning gaming state) where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. Then, the number of times the special winning opening is opened is a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds).

  Further, if the variable display cannot be started when the game medium passes through the start area and the execution condition for the variable display of the identification information is satisfied, the satisfaction of the execution condition is stored as the pending storage. The number of on-hold storage is displayed in a predetermined display mode (on-hold display) so that the player can visually recognize it. The hold display is generally erased when variable display based on hold storage is started. However, there is a gaming machine that displays a hold display corresponding to the variable display when the variable display is started (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 uses the display mode of the pending display corresponding to the variable display being executed displayed in the predetermined area, and informs the player about the effects during the variable display. I will provide a.

JP 2011-171 A

  The gaming machine described in Patent Literature 1 provides information (for example, the number of temporary stops) related to the effect during the variable display to the player by the hold display corresponding to the variable display during the execution. The hold display corresponding to the variable display does not represent the degree of expectation for the specific display result of the identification information (for example, the probability that the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed) in a variable manner.

  Therefore, the present invention uses the hold display corresponding to the variable display under execution displayed during the variable display of the identification information to notify the player of the expectation for the specific display result, thereby further enhancing the interest of the game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can be played.

(1) In the gaming machine according to the present invention, after a game medium (for example, a game ball) passes through a starting area (for example, the first starting winning port 13 and the second starting winning port 14), a variable display start condition (for example, The variable display of the identification information is performed based on the fact that neither the variable display of the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is executed and the game is not a big hit gaming state. A gaming machine that controls to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player when the display result becomes a specific display result (for example, a big hit symbol), and when the game medium passes through the starting area In addition, numerical data extraction means (for example, a game control micro computer) for extracting numerical data (for example, a jackpot determining random number) for determining whether or not the display result of variable display is to be a specific display result. A predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4) for the variable display of the identification information in which the start condition is not satisfied although the game medium has passed through the start area) Limit storage means for storing numerical data extracted by the numerical data extraction means as reserved storage (for example, a first reserved storage buffer and a second reserved storage buffer), and a hold display according to the number of reserved memories. Display units (for example, the first hold storage display unit 18c and the second hold storage display unit 18d) displayed according to the order in which the start conditions are established, and stored in the hold storage means when variable display of identification information is started. Pre-determining means for determining whether or not to change the display result of the variable display to the specific display result (for example, a game control microcomputer) The display result of variable display becomes the specific display result on the basis of the storage stored in the storage unit before the determination by the pre-determining unit). A determination unit for determining whether or not the determination is made by the hold determination unit based on the determination result of the hold determination unit and the determination result of the hold determination unit (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the part executing the processes of steps S221 and S223). By executing the normal display (for example, “blue”) or the specific display (for example, “red”), the hold display before starting variable display (see FIG. 31) is executed. On-hold display means (for example, the part that executes the processing of steps S6006 and S6016 in the production control microcomputer 100); When variable display of identification information is started, variable display-compatible hold display means (for example, for effect control) that displays a hold display corresponding to the variable display as a variable display-compatible hold display in a predetermined area (for example, hold box 9F) In the microcomputer 100, when the hold display is displayed in the normal mode by the hold display means in the part that executes the process of step S818), the display result of the variable display during execution of the variable display corresponding to the hold display Depending on whether or not the result becomes the specific display result, the variable display corresponding hold display mode displayed in the predetermined area is changed to the specific display mode (for example, in the production control microcomputer 100, step S844). , S845, S856, S847), and when the variable display of the identification information is started Normal movement control for moving and displaying the hold display corresponding to the hold storage stored in the hold storage means to the area according to the order in which the start condition is satisfied (for example, moving the hold display to an empty area); The hold display movement control is executed to execute the digestion movement control (for example, the movement of the hold display to the hold box 9F) that deletes the hold display corresponding to the variable display as the variable display hold display after moving to the predetermined area. And the holding display movement control means takes a longer time for the digestion movement control than the time required for the normal movement control (for example, the holding display movement control means holds more than the time required for moving to an area where the holding display is vacant). Increase the time to move to the box 9F), when the hold display changing means changes the hold display mode to the specific mode, and when the hold display means sets the hold display mode to the specific mode The rate at which the display result of variable display becomes the specific display result differs depending on the time (see FIG. 31: for example, in the hold notice effect determination table used in the case of a big win, it is used when the super reach is off With respect to the on-hold notice effect determination table, when the variable display is started (specifically, “before reach” and “at reach effect”), a pattern (pattern 5) that changes to a “red” mode at the time of start winning is displayed. Compared with the pattern (pattern 6, 7, 8, 9) which changes to the mode of “red”, a smaller judgment value is assigned (the ratio of the assigned judgment value is lower).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to increase both the player's expectation for the hold display and the player's expectation for the variable display of the identification information being executed, thereby further enhancing the interest of the game. .

(2) In the gaming machine of the above (1), the hold display changing means changes the hold display mode corresponding to the variable display being executed according to the hold display mode before the variable display is started. Focusing on different ratios (see FIG. 31: “Before reach” and “During reach”, for example), “Blue” is used compared to the case where the hold display mode before starting variable display is “Yellow”. In some cases, the display mode of the hold display may be changed at a higher rate after the variable display starts).
According to such a configuration, the player can be focused on the hold display before the variable display is started.

(3) In the gaming machine of the above (1) or (2), the hold display changing means displays a predetermined image on the display unit and displays a hold display corresponding to the variable display being executed displayed in the predetermined area. A display effect is performed such that the hold display mode corresponding to the variable display being executed is changed by the action of the predetermined image (see FIG. 27 [left side] (C) and FIG. 27 [right side] (E)). Regardless of the timing of changing the hold display mode, the display of the predetermined image may be started at a common timing (see FIG. 27).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to increase the player's expectation by displaying the predetermined image, and it is easy to change the timing of changing the hold display mode corresponding to the variable display being executed by the predetermined image. It is prevented from being grasped.

(4) In the above gaming machines (1) to (3), predetermined effect executing means for executing a predetermined effect (for example, a normal notice effect or a super reach effect) (for example, in the effect control microcomputer 100, step S824). ˜S826, S841 to S843) and when the predetermined effect executing means is performing the predetermined effect, the execution of the variable display start hold notice by the hold display means is limited (for example, the effect) The control microcomputer 100 may include a portion for executing the processes of steps S851 to S854, S6005, S6007, S6015, and S6017.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the predetermined effect from being easily grasped, and to prevent the effect of the predetermined effect from being hindered.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a relay board | substrate, an effect control board | substrate, a lamp driver board | substrate, and an audio | voice output board | substrate. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main process which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows the big hit determination table and the big hit classification determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a preservation | save area | region (hold buffer). It is a flowchart which shows a winning time determination process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result designation | designated command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a jackpot end process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main process which the microcomputer for production control performs. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a command analysis process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the determination result memory buffer at the time of winning. It is explanatory drawing which shows the random number which the microcomputer for production control uses. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a change of a hold display. It is explanatory drawing which shows. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the change of a hold display. It is explanatory drawing which shows. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a normal notice effect. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a reservation notice process. It is explanatory drawing which shows a reservation notice effect determination table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect design change start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of an effect symbol. It is a flowchart which shows a normal notice effect determination process. It is explanatory drawing which shows a normal notice effect determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a process table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect design change stop process.

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

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

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

  On the left side of the lower part of the game board 6, a first special symbol display (first variable display portion) 8a for variably displaying the first special symbol as identification information is provided. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 8a is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. In other words, the first special symbol display 8a is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. On the lower right side of the game board 6, a second special symbol display (second variable display portion) 8b for variably displaying the second special symbol as identification information is provided. The second special symbol display 8b is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the second special symbol display 8b is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9.

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

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

  In this embodiment, two special symbol indicators 8a and 8b are provided, but the gaming machine may include only one special symbol indicator.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In this embodiment, a variation display of the effect symbol is used as the effect of the liquid crystal display in the effect display device 9, but the effect performed in the effect display device 9 is not limited to the variation display of the effect symbol. It is also possible to execute an effect having a predetermined story characteristic and display an effect that displays the result of the story based on the determination result of the big hit determination or the variation pattern.

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

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

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

  When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to be in the open state, the game ball heading for the variable winning ball device 15 is very likely to win the second start winning port 14.

  On the side of the first special symbol display 8a, the number of effective winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13, that is, the first reserved memory number (the reserved memory is also referred to as the start memory or the start prize memory) is displayed. A first special symbol storage memory display 18a comprising four displays is provided. The first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 each time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

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

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

The display screen of the effect display device 9 has a display area of a hold box (variable display-compatible hold display section) 9F that displays a hold display corresponding to the variable display being executed as a variable display-compatible hold display.

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

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

  In this embodiment, as will be described later, the game control microcomputer 560 that controls the change display of the special symbol transmits a change pattern command that can specify the change time, and the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the change pattern command. The variation display of the effect symbol is controlled according to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command. Therefore, since the variation time is specified based on the variation pattern command, the variation display of the special symbol and the variation display of the effect symbol are executed in synchronization. Synchronizing means that the change start timing and the change end timing are substantially the same.

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

  The game area 6 is also provided with winning ports (ordinary winning ports) 29, 30, 33, and 39 for paying out a predetermined number of premium game balls determined in advance based on winning of the game balls. The game balls won in the winning openings 29, 30, 33, 39 are detected by the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a.

  A normal symbol display 10 is provided on the right side of the game board 6. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “◯” and “x”) called normal symbols.

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

  On the left and right sides of the game area 7 of the game board 6, there are provided decorative LEDs 25 that are displayed blinking during the game, and at the lower part there is an outlet 26 for taking in a hit ball that has not won. In addition, two speakers 27 that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a frame LED 28 provided on the front frame is provided.

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

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

  In this embodiment, when the probability change big hit, the game state is shifted to a high probability state (probability change state: a game state in which the probability of making a big hit compared to the normal state), and the game A high base state (high frequency state) which is a gaming state controlled so that the ball is easy to start and win (that is, the variable display execution condition in the special symbol display 8 and the effect display device 9 is easily established). Migrate to In the high base state, the frequency at which the variable winning ball device 15 is opened is increased, or the time during which the variable winning ball device 15 is open is extended, compared to the case where the high base state is not set. This makes it easier to start a prize.

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

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

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

  The random number circuit 503 is a hardware circuit that is used to generate a random number for determination to determine whether or not to win a jackpot based on a display result of variable symbol special display. The random number circuit 503 has a random number generation function for updating numerical data according to a set update rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set. The read numerical data is used as a random value.

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

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

  Further, an input driver circuit 58 for supplying detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 13a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a to the game control microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. Yes. The main board also includes an output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a big winning opening in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560. 31.

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

  An information output circuit (not shown) that outputs an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer is also mounted on the main board 31.

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

  In addition, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 controls the display of the decoration LED 25 provided on the game board and the frame LED 28 provided on the frame side via the lamp driver board 35. The sound output from the speaker 27 is controlled via the sound output board 70.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Further, the CPU 56 transmits a display result designation command designating the display result stored in the backup RAM to the effect control board 80 (step S44). Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In this embodiment, the value of a variable time timer (to be described later) is also stored in the backup RAM area. Therefore, when the power failure is restored, after the display result designation command is transmitted in step S44, measurement of the saved variation time timer value is resumed, and the variation display of the special symbol is resumed and saved. When the value of the changed time timer has timed out, a symbol determination designation command to be described later is further transmitted. In this embodiment, a special symbol process flag value, which will be described later, is also stored in the backup RAM area. Therefore, when the power failure is recovered, the special symbol process is resumed from the process corresponding to the value of the stored special symbol process flag.

  Note that the display result designation command is not necessarily transmitted when the power failure is restored, but the CPU 56 may first confirm whether or not the value of the variable time timer stored in the backup RAM area is zero. . If the value of the variation time timer is not 0, it is determined that a power failure occurs during the variation, and a display result designation command is transmitted. It may be determined that the state has not been reached, and the display result designation command may not be transmitted.

  Further, the CPU 56 may first check whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag stored in the backup RAM area is 3. If the value of the special symbol process flag is 3, it is determined that a power failure occurs during the fluctuation, and a display result designation command is transmitted. The display result designation command may not be transmitted because it is determined that it is not in the middle.

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a register of the CTC built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

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

  In this embodiment, the reach effect is executed using effect symbols that are variably displayed on the effect display device 9. Further, when the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the reach effect is always executed. When the display result of the special symbol is not a jackpot symbol, the CPU 56 determines whether to execute the reach effect by performing a lottery to determine a variation pattern using a random number. However, it is the production control microcomputer 100 that actually executes the reach production control.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 executes display control processing for performing display control of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 (step S22). For the special symbol display 8 and the normal symbol display 10, control for outputting a drive signal to each display is executed according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S32 and S33.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S32).

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

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

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes of steps S21 to S33 (except for step S29) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes in steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1: Determine the type of jackpot (probable jackpot, normal jackpot) (for determining jackpot type)
(2) Random 2: Determine (variation time) of variation pattern (for variation pattern determination)
(3) Random 3: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for determining per normal symbol)
(4) Random 4: Determine initial value of random 3 (for determining random 3 initial value)

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

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54 and is a table in which a jackpot determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The jackpot determination table includes a normal-time jackpot determination table used in a normal state (a gaming state that is not a probability change state) and a probability change jackpot determination table used in a probability change state. Each value described in the left column of FIG. 7 (A) is set in the normal jackpot determination table, and each value described in the right column of FIG. 7 (A) is set in the probability change jackpot determination table. Is set. The numerical value described in FIG. 7A is a jackpot determination value.

  The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and uses the extracted value as the value of the big hit determination random number (random R). The big hit determination random number value is shown in FIG. If it matches any of the big hit determination values, it is decided to make a big hit (probability big hit or normal big hit) for the special symbol. Note that the “probability” shown in FIG. 7A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Further, deciding whether or not to make a big hit means deciding whether or not to shift to the big win gaming state, but decides whether or not to make the stop symbol in the special symbol display 8 a big hit symbol. It also means that.

  FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot type determination table stored in the ROM 54. The jackpot type judgment table shows that when the variable display result is determined to be a jackpot symbol, the jackpot type is set to “normal jackpot” or “probability jackpot” based on the random number for determining the jackpot type (random 2). It is a table that is referenced to determine one of them. The big hit type determination table is a numerical value to be compared with a random 1 value, and a determination value (big hit type determination value) corresponding to each of “normal big hit” and “probability big hit” is set. When the value of random 1 matches any of the jackpot type determination values, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type as a type corresponding to the matched jackpot type determination value.

The “ordinary big hit” is a big hit in which the big winning opening is opened 15 times (15 rounds) during the big hit game, and when the big hit game is finished, the gaming state is shifted to the non-probable change state (low probability state). In addition, when the big hit game ends, the gaming state shifts to a short time state (high base state). The time-short state continues until the special symbol variable display (variation) is executed 100 times. The “probable big hit” is a big hit that will change the gaming state to the probable state (high probability state) when the big winning game is opened 15 times (15 rounds) during the big hit game and the big hit game ends. In addition, when the big hit game ends, the gaming state shifts to a short time state (high base state). The time-short state continues until the next big hit occurs.
In this embodiment, there are “normal big hit” and “probability big hit” as the big hit types, but there may be other big hit types.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern used in this embodiment. In FIG. 8, “EXT” indicates EXT data of the second byte in the effect control command having a two-byte structure. “Time” indicates the variation time of the special symbol (variable display period of identification information).

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, each variation pattern of the special symbol depends on the difference in various production modes, such as whether it is out-of-game, jackpot, reach or not, and reach mode when reaching Several types are available. The reach effect is executed in the effect display device 9 controlled by the effect control microcomputer 100.

  “Normal fluctuation” is a fluctuation pattern without a reach mode. “Normal reach” is a variation pattern with a predetermined reach mode. “Super-reach” is a variation pattern with a reach form different from “normal reach”, but even if the “super-reach” reach form is executed following the reach form of “normal reach”. Good. Note that the difference in reach form means that a change in a different form (speed, rotation direction, etc.) is performed or a character or the like appears in the reach change time. In addition, “normal reach” and “super reach” may or may not be a big hit, but the selection ratio of “super reach” in the case of out of reach (in the case of out of reach) The selectivity of “super reach” in the case of a big hit is higher than the selectivity / selection of reach (super reach + normal reach).

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation time variable) for designating a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the variable symbol special display. (Variation pattern command including information) (corresponding to the variation pattern XX). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each of the usable variation patterns shown in FIG. 8, there is a variation pattern command corresponding to each variation pattern specified by the number. “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when receiving the command 80XX (H), the effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to start variable display of effect symbols.

  Commands 8C01 (H) to 8C03 (H) are effect control commands that can specify whether or not to make a big hit, and the type of big hit. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display results of the effect symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C03 (H), so the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C03 (H) are referred to as display result designation commands.

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

  Command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display (fluctuation) of the effect symbol (decoration symbol) is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. When receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variable display (fluctuation) of the effect symbol and derives and displays the display result.

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

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

  Command A001 (H) is an effect control command for displaying a fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of a big hit game (hereinafter also referred to as a big hit start designation command or a fanfare designation command).

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

  The command A301 (H) is an effect control command (a jackpot end designation command) for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, designating the end of the jackpot game.

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

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

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

  Command C4XX (H) is an effect control command (winning determination result designation command) indicating the content of the determination result at the time of winning (the result of the determination process executed when the start winning is generated). In this embodiment, in the winning determination process described later (see FIG. 14), the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not a start winning has occurred at the first starting winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening 14. It is determined whether or not a big hit is made based on the start winning, and a variable display variation pattern based on the start winning is determined. Then, a determination result is set in the EXT data of the determination result designation command at the time of winning, and control to transmit to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 8, the reach effect is executed after the variable symbol display state of the effect symbol reaches the reach state, and finally the effect display device In FIG. 9, the effect symbols are all stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R for “left”, “middle”, and “right”.

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

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

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process (step S26) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56). As described above, in the special symbol process, processing for controlling the first special symbol indicator 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 detects that the game ball has won the first start port switch 13a or the second start port 14 for detecting that the game ball has won the first start game port 13. If the second start port switch 14a is turned on, i.e., if a start winning to the first start winning port 13 or the second start port switch 14 has occurred, the first start port switch passing process is executed ( Steps S311, S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S307 is performed.

  The processes in steps S300 to S307 are as follows.

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

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

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

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the design control microcomputer 100 determines the symbol. Control to transmit the specified command is performed, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to step S304.

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. When the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. When the big hit flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300. In this embodiment, as will be described later, a special symbol display control for stopping and displaying a special symbol stop symbol in the special symbol display control process based on the fact that the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The data is set in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data, and the special symbol stop symbol is actually stopped and displayed according to the setting contents of the output buffer in the display control processing in step S22.

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

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

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

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process in step S312.

  In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the first start port switch 13a is turned on (step S211A). If the first start port switch 13a is on, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the first reserved memory number counter for counting the first reserved memory number is 4 which is the upper limit value (step). S212A). If the value of the first reserved memory number counter is 4, the process proceeds to step S211B.

  If the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S213A), and the value of the total reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S214A).

  Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the first reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S215A). . In the process of step S215A, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) and a variation pattern determination random number (random 2) that are software random numbers are extracted, Stored in the save area. It should be noted that the random number for determining the variation pattern (random 2) is not extracted and stored in the storage area in advance in the start-port switch passing process (when starting winning a prize), but is extracted at the start of variation of the first special symbol. May be. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 2) in a variation pattern setting process described later.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (holding storage buffer) for storing random numbers and the like corresponding to holding storage. As shown in FIG. 13, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value of the second reserved storage number (4 in this example) is secured in the second reserved storage buffer. The first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

  Further, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gaming state is a high base state. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the time reduction flag is set (step S216A). If it is set, the process proceeds to step S219A. When the time reduction flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more (step S217A). When the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more (that is, in the big hit gaming state), the CPU 56 proceeds to step S219A.

  When the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 5, a prize presentation effect process is performed in which a fluctuation display result or a fluctuation pattern when the fluctuation (variable display) based on the detected start prize is subsequently executed is determined in advance at the start prize. Is executed (step S218A). And CPU56 performs control which transmits the 1st reserved memory number addition designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for presentation control (step S219A).

  When transmitting an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the CPU 56 sets the address of a command transmission table (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) corresponding to the effect control command as a pointer. . And the address of the command transmission table according to an effect control command is set to a pointer, and an effect control command is transmitted in an effect control command control process (step S28).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the second start port switch 14a is turned on (step S211B). If the second start port switch 14a is on, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the second reserved memory number counter for counting the second reserved memory number is 4 which is the upper limit value (step). S212B). If the value of the second reserved memory number counter is 4, the process is terminated.

  If the value of the second reserved memory number counter is not 4, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S213B) and increases the value of the total reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S214B).

  Then, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in the storage area in the second reserved storage buffer (step S215B). In the process of step S215B, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) and a variation pattern determination random number (random 2) that are software random numbers are extracted, and a storage area Stored in In addition, the random number for determining the variation pattern (random 2) is not extracted in the start port switch passing process (at the time of starting winning a prize) and stored in advance in the storage area, but is extracted at the start of variation of the second special symbol. May be. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 2) in the variation pattern setting process.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a winning determination process (step S218B). In addition, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a combined pending storage number designation command to the effect control CPU 101 (step S219B).

  Note that the processing in step S218B may not be executed during the big hit game, as in the case of the first start winning. Further, the process of step S218A is executed only in the low base state, but the process of step S218B may be executed only in the high base state.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the winning determination process in steps S218A and S218B. In the winning determination process, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot determination random number (random R) extracted in the processes of steps S215A and S215B and stored in the holding storage buffer, and the normal jackpot determination value shown in the left column of FIG. And confirms whether or not they match (step S221).

  In this embodiment, at the timing of starting the variation of the special symbol and the effect symbol, it is determined whether or not to make a big hit in the special symbol normal processing described later, or the variation pattern is determined in the variation pattern setting processing. Apart from that, at the timing when the game ball wins the first start winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening 14, the determination process at the time of winning is executed before the variation based on the start winning starts. To do. By transmitting the determination result in the determination process at the time of winning to the effect control microcomputer 100, the effect control microcomputer 100 holds a notice of a big hit or reach before the change of the effect symbol is executed. A notice effect (pre-read notice effect) is executed.

  When the jackpot determination random number (random R) matches the jackpot determination value, the CPU 56 obtains the jackpot type determination random number and the jackpot type determination table extracted in the processing of steps S215A and S215B and stored in the holding storage buffer. The jackpot type is determined by using (Step S224). Then, data corresponding to the jackpot type (“04” or “05”: see FIG. 10) is set as the EXT data of the winning determination result designation command (step S225). Then, the process proceeds to step S231.

  When the jackpot determination random number (random R) does not match the jackpot determination value, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the game state at the start of the variation (variable display) started based on the start winning is a certain change state. (Step S222). If the probability change state is not reached, the process proceeds to step S226.

  In the process of step S222, if the current gaming state is a probability change state (if the probability change flag is set), the CPU 56 matches the normal jackpot determination value (see FIG. 7B) in the reserved storage buffer. If there is a holding memory having a big hit type determining random number (excluding a holding memory currently being determined), it is determined that the gaming state does not become a probable change state. In addition, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the big hit type determination random number matches the determination value (see FIG. 7B) for the probable change big hit in the reserved storage buffer when the current gaming state is the normal state (the probability change flag is not set). It is determined that the gaming state does not become the probability change state even when there is no holding memory (excluding the holding memory currently being determined) having.

  When the gaming state is in a probable state, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot determination random number (random R) extracted in the processing of steps S215A and S215B and stored in the holding storage buffer and the probable change shown in the right column of FIG. The jackpot determination value at the time is compared, and it is confirmed whether or not they match (step S223). If they match, the process proceeds to step S224.

  If they do not match, the CPU 56 uses the variation pattern determination random number extracted in the processing of steps S215A and S215B and stored in the reserved storage buffer, and the variation pattern determination table to determine that the variation pattern has a reach variation pattern with a reach effect. It is determined whether or not (steps S226 and S227). The variation pattern determination table will be described later. In addition, when the total number of pending storage is large, the average fluctuation time is shortened. In the fluctuation pattern determination table, a specific reach fluctuation pattern (for example, super reach) is used regardless of the number of total pending storage. When a common determination (which is compared with the value of the variation pattern determination random number) is assigned, the CPU 56 determines that the value of the variation pattern determination random number matches the determination value regardless of the total pending storage number. It can be determined that a specific reach fluctuation pattern is obtained.

  When the fluctuation pattern becomes a reach fluctuation pattern, the EXT data of the winning determination result designation command corresponds to the reach deviation according to the type of reach (the fluctuation pattern is a reach fluctuation pattern, but the display result is a deviation pattern) Data to be performed (“02” or “03”: see FIG. 10) is set (step S228). Then, the process proceeds to step S231.

  If the variation pattern does not become the reach variation pattern, the data corresponding to the non-reach deviation (the variation pattern is not the reach variation pattern and the display result is the deviated symbol) as the EXT data of the winning determination result designation command. 01 ”(see FIG. 10) is set (step S229). Then, the process proceeds to step S231.

  In step S231, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the winning determination result designation command in which the EXT data is set in the processes of steps S225, S228, and S229 to the effect control microcomputer 100.

  15 and 16 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total pending storage number is 0, the process is terminated.

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

  In this embodiment, by executing the processing of steps S52 to S54, the variation display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variation display of the first special symbol. That is, control is performed so that the second start condition for starting the variable display of the second special symbol is established in preference to the first start condition for starting the variable display of the first special symbol. In this embodiment, the variation display of the second special symbol is executed in preference to the variation display of the first special symbol. However, a game ball is provided at the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14. In accordance with the start winning order in which the first prize is won, the fluctuation display of the first special symbol or the fluctuation display of the second special symbol may be executed. Also, for example, the first special symbol variation display may be executed in preference to the second special symbol variation display.

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

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

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

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

  Then, the CPU 56 decreases the number of lighting of the special symbol reservation storage display (the first special symbol reservation storage display 18a or the second special symbol reservation storage display 18b) indicated by the special symbol pointer by 1 (step S57). Further, the value of the reserved memory number counter (the first reserved memory number counter or the second reserved memory number counter) indicated by the special symbol pointer is decremented by 1 (step S58). In addition, the value of the total pending storage number is decreased by one. That is, 1 is subtracted from the count value of the total pending storage number counter (step S59).

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determining random number) from the random number buffer area and determines whether or not to make a jackpot. That is, it is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot determination random number matches one of the jackpot determination values (see FIG. 7A) set in the jackpot determination table (step S61). The CPU 56 reads the jackpot determination random number extracted in step S216A of the first start port switch passing process or step S216B of the second start port switch passing process and stored in advance in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer. The jackpot determination (processing for comparing the value of the random number for determining the jackpot with the jackpot determination value) is performed. Specifically, according to the current gaming state, the CPU 56 determines that the jackpot for the special symbol when the value of the jackpot determination random number (random R) matches any of the jackpot determination values shown in FIG. Decide on.

  Note that whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation state is determined by confirming whether or not the probability variation flag is set. The probability variation flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state, and is reset when the probability variation state is terminated. Specifically, it is set in the process of ending the big hit game after it has been decided to be a promising big hit, and when the big hit is decided, the special symbol change display is terminated and the stop symbol is reset at the timing to stop display Is done.

  If it is determined to be a big hit, the process proceeds to step S71. Note that deciding whether to win or not is to decide whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state, but to decide whether or not to stop the special symbol display as a big hit symbol. But there is.

  When it is confirmed in step S61 that the value of random R (random number for jackpot determination) does not match any jackpot determination value, that is, when it is out of place, the process proceeds to step S74.

  In step S71, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag indicating that it is a big hit. Then, the CPU 56 uses the jackpot type determination table (see FIG. 7B) to select a type corresponding to the value that matches the value of the random number for random determination (random 1) stored in the random number buffer area (“ “Normal jackpot” and “Probability variation jackpot”) are determined as jackpot types (step S72).

  In addition, the CPU 56 sets data indicating the determined jackpot type in the jackpot type buffer in the RAM 55 (step S73). For example, when the jackpot type is “normal jackpot”, “01” is set as data indicating the jackpot type, and when the jackpot type is “probable big hit”, “02” is set as data indicating the jackpot type.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a special symbol stop symbol (step S74). Specifically, when the big hit flag is not set, “−”, which is a missing symbol, is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the big hit flag is set, depending on the determination result of the big hit type, one of the big hit symbols “3” and “7” is determined as the special symbol stop symbol. That is, when the jackpot type is determined as “normal jackpot”, “3” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. If “probable big hit” is determined, “7” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol.

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

  Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S75).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S91). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 decides to use the big hit variation pattern determination table (step S92). If the big hit flag is not set, it is decided to use the deviation variation pattern determination table (step S93).

  In the big hit variation pattern determination table, variation patterns (“02H” and “04H”) selected at the big hit shown in FIG. 8 are set, and a plurality of determination values are assigned to each variation pattern. Further, in the variation pattern determination table for deviation, variation patterns (“00H”, “01H”, “03H”) selected at the time of deviation shown in FIG. 8 are set, and a plurality of determination values are set for each variation pattern. Assigned. Note that the variation pattern determination table for loss is a variation pattern determination table when the gaming state is the normal state, and another variation pattern determination table is used when the gaming state is the probability variation state. For example, in the variation pattern determination table for deviation in the probability variation state, variation patterns (“01H”, “03H”, “05H”) selected at the time of deviation shown in FIG. 8 are set, and each variation pattern is set to each variation pattern. Multiple judgment values are assigned. Further, the variation pattern determination table for deviation in the time-short state (when not in the probability variation state but in the time-short state) shows the variation pattern (“01H” “03H” selected at the time of failure shown in FIG. “06H”) is set, and a plurality of determination values are assigned to each variation pattern.

  Note that the same table as the deviation variation pattern determination table in the probability variation state may be used as the deviation variation pattern determination table in the time reduction state.

  A plurality of tables corresponding to the total number of pending storages may be used as the deviation variation pattern determination table.

  The CPU 56 reads the variation pattern determination random number from the random number storage buffer, and based on the read variation pattern determination random number value, uses the big hit variation pattern determination table or the deviation variation pattern determination table to determine the variation pattern of the effect pattern. Determine (step S101). Specifically, the variation pattern corresponding to the determination value that matches the variation pattern determination random value is determined as the variation pattern of the effect symbol executed by the effect display device 9. In this embodiment, the random number for determining the variation pattern is extracted when the start prize is generated and stored in the random number storage buffer. However, the CPU 56 extracts the random number for determining the variation pattern at the start of variation of the special symbol (for example, The fluctuation pattern may be determined based on the extracted random number.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control for transmitting the symbol variation designation command (the first symbol variation designation command or the second symbol variation designation command) indicated by the special symbol pointer (step S103), and determines the variation pattern (variation time). ) Is performed to transmit an effect control command (variation pattern command) designating a variation pattern in accordance with () (step S102).

  Then, the CPU 56 sets the variation time in the special symbol process timer (step S104). Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S302 (step S105).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 determines any one of display control 1 designation to display result 3 designation according to whether or not the jackpot is determined and the type of jackpot determined (see FIG. 9). ) Is transmitted. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S111). If not set, the process proceeds to step S113.

  When the jackpot flag is set, control is performed to transmit an effect control command (see FIG. 9) of display result 2 designation to display result 3 designation according to the type of jackpot (type). The big hit type is determined based on the data set in the big hit type buffer in the process of step S73 of the special symbol normal process.

  In step S113, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 1 designation command.

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S114).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol variation processing, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the variation time timer (step S125), and when the variation time timer times out (step S126), terminates the variation of the special symbol, and the first special symbol display 8a or 2. Control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol on the special symbol display 8b is performed (step S127). If data indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a is terminated, and “second” is indicated in the special symbol pointer. When data is set, the variation of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is terminated. Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for production control is performed (step S128). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop process (step S304) (step S129). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process is terminated.

  In this embodiment, the special symbol variation display is specifically performed during the special symbol variation processing, and the special symbol process flag value is set to 3, so that the special symbol display control processing (step S32) is performed. 2), the special symbol display control data for special symbol variation display is set in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. In the display control process of step S22, the special symbol variation display is actually executed according to the setting contents of the output buffer.

  Further, in this embodiment, based on the value of the special symbol process flag being 4 (value indicating the special symbol stop process), the special symbol stop symbol (see step S32) in the special symbol display control process (see step S32). This is performed by setting special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the special symbol display control data in step S65 of the special symbol normal processing in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. Then, in the display control process of step S22, the special symbol stop symbol is actually stopped and displayed according to the setting contents of the output buffer.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S133). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability change flag indicating the probability change state and the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state (high base state) if set (step S1). In step S134, control is performed to transmit a big hit start designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S135).

  In addition, a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (a time for which the effect display device 9 notifies that the jackpot has occurred, for example) is set in the jackpot display time timer (step S137). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-winner opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S138).

  If it is confirmed in step S133 that the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not a probability change flag indicating that the probability change state is set (step S140). If it is set, the process proceeds to step S147. When the probability variation flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag indicating that the time reduction state is set (step S141). If it is not set, and if the time reduction flag is set (that is, if the time change state is not the probability change state but the time reduction state), the time reduction counter indicating the number of times the special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state. The value of -1 is decremented (step S142). When the value of the time reduction counter after subtraction becomes 0 (step S144), the CPU 56 resets the time reduction flag (step S145). Moreover, control which transmits the low base state designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for effect control is performed (step S146).

  In step S147, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S160). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S164. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S161), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S162). Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is performed in the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S163), and the processing is ended.

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

  When the jackpot end display time has elapsed, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot type is a probability variation jackpot (step S166). Specifically, whether or not it is a probable big hit is determined based on the data set in the big hit type buffer in the process of step S73 of the special symbol normal process. If it is not a probable big hit, the process proceeds to step S172.

  When it is a probable big hit, the CPU 56 sets a probable change flag and shifts the gaming state to the probable change state (step S170). Further, the CPU 56 sets a time reduction flag (step S171). Then, control goes to a step S174.

  By executing the processing of steps S170 and S171, in this embodiment, when the jackpot game based on the probability variation big hit is finished, the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state (high probability state) and the short time state (high probability state). Base state) (ie, transition to high probability / high base state).

  In this embodiment, the time reduction flag set in step S173 is also used to determine whether or not to increase the number of times the variable winning ball device 15 is released. The time reduction flag is used to determine whether or not to shorten the variation time of the special symbol.

  In step S172, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined number (for example, 100) in a time reduction number counter for counting the number of time reductions (the number of possible fluctuations in the time reduction state) (step S172). Further, the CPU 56 sets a time reduction flag (step S173). Then, control goes to a step S174.

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

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

  Thereafter, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S175).

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the start interval of the effect control processing (step S701). Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 shifts to a loop process for checking the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When the timer interruption occurs, the production control microcomputer 100 sets a timer interruption flag in the timer interruption process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control microcomputer 100 clears the flag (step S703), and executes the following effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S705). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed. Furthermore, a random number update process for updating the count value of a counter for generating a random number such as a random number for effect design determination is executed (step S706). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and a ring buffer type command reception buffer capable of storing six 2-byte effect control commands. (Formed in RAM). A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 analyzes which command (see FIGS. 9 and 10) is the effect control command stored in the command reception buffer.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of command analysis processing (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the command reception buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) is stored in the command reception buffer. Check the contents of the command.

  Note that the command is stored in the command reception buffer, specifically, by detecting that the effect control INT signal output from the game control microcomputer 560 has risen, and by first executing an interrupt process, the 1-byte MODE is stored. Data is fetched and stored in the command reception buffer. Next, after the effect control INT signal is turned off, it is detected that the next effect control INT signal has risen, and the 1-byte EXT data is captured by the interrupt process, and the next area of the command reception buffer Stored in Through the above processing, one effect control command (2-byte command) is fetched and stored in the command reception buffer.

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

  If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 stores the received variation pattern command in a variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S622). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets a variation pattern command reception flag (step S623).

  If the received effect control command is a display result designation command (step S624), the effect control CPU 101 forms the received display result designation command (display result 1 designation command to display result 3 designation command) in the RAM. Is stored in the display result designation command storage area (step S625).

  If the received effect control command is a winning determination result specifying command (step S651), the effect control CPU 101 uses the received winning determination result specifying command in the winning determination result storage buffer formed in the RAM. The first storage area is stored (step S652).

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of a winning determination result storage buffer. As shown in FIG. 24, in the winning determination result storage buffer, an area (storage areas 1 to 8) corresponding to the maximum value (8 in this example) of the total pending storage number is secured.

  In each storage area, an area for storing a winning determination result designation command, an area for storing a pending storage step addition designation command (a first pending storage step addition designation command, a second pending storage step addition designation command), There is a normal mode flag area.

  Although the normal mode flag is determined whether or not to execute the memory advance notice (also referred to as “hold notice”), execution of the memory advance notice is restricted based on a predetermined restriction condition being satisfied. This is a flag (corresponding to “1”). When the normal mode flag is set, the hold display in the corresponding first hold storage display unit 18c or second hold storage display unit 18d is displayed in the normal mode (in this embodiment, “blue”). . The normal mode flag in each storage area of the winning determination result storage buffer is initialized to “0” in the initialization process (step S701) when the power is turned on.

  FIG. 24 shows an example in which five winning determination result designation commands are received (corresponding to the case where the number of stored storages is 5).

  If the received effect control command is the first reserved memory number addition designation command (step S661), the effect control CPU 101 uses the received first reserved memory number addition designation command as a winning determination result formed in the RAM. Store in the first free storage area of the storage buffer (step S662). If the received effect control command is the second reserved memory number addition designation command (step S663), the effect control CPU 101 uses the received second reserved memory number addition designation command at the time of winning formed in the RAM. The data is stored in the first free storage area of the determination result storage buffer (step S664).

  When the received command read in step S612 is another effect control command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received command (step S671).

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing random numbers used by the production control microcomputer 100. As shown in FIG. 25, in this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 includes random numbers SR1-1 to SR1-3 for determining the first to third final stop symbols, random numbers SR2 for determining the holding notice effect, A normal notice effect determining random number SSR3 is used. Note that random numbers other than these may be used in order to enhance the effect.

  The random numbers SR1-1 to SR1-3 for determining the first to third final stop symbols are “left”, “middle”, “in” in the display area of the effect display device 9 as stop symbols that are variable display results of the effect symbols. This is a random number used to determine the effect symbol (final stop symbol) to be stopped and displayed in each symbol display area of “Right”. The final stop symbols are three effect symbols that are finally stopped and displayed in each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas when the variable display of the effect symbols ends. In addition, the combination of the jackpot symbol of the effect symbol is determined by any one random number among the random numbers SR1-1 to SR1-3 for determining the first to third final stop symbols.

  The on-hold notice effect determination random number SR2 is a random number used to determine whether or not to execute a hold notice (memory notice) as a pre-read notice effect.

  The normal announcement effect determination random number SR3 is used to determine whether or not to execute the normal announcement effect (effect for notifying the possibility that the display result of the variable display being executed becomes a big hit symbol (reliability)). The random number used. Note that the normal notice effect is a notice effect executed during one variable display.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a change example of the hold display. FIG. 26 shows an example of a change before change start mode in which the hold display mode (display mode) changes before the variable display (change) of the effect symbol based on the start winning is started. FIG. 26 illustrates a case where a start winning is generated as a time point before the variable display (variation) is started.

  In the example shown in FIG. 26, when a variable display of effect symbols is being executed in the left middle right symbol display areas 9L, 9C, 9R (see FIG. 26 (A)), if a new start win occurs, a hold is made. Although the number of displays increases by one, the hold display corresponding to the new start-up prize (referred to as hold display A) may be displayed in a mode different from the normal mode (see FIG. 26B).

  After that, when the variable display based on the hold display A can be started (see FIG. 26C), the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) starts the variable display. The hold display A is displayed inside the hold box 9F (see FIGS. 26D and 26E). The production control microcomputer 100 deletes the hold display A from the normal display area.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of a change in the hold display. On the left side of FIG. 27, an example of a change in front of reach after the start of variable display (fluctuation) of effect symbols and before the reach is reached is shown.

  In the example shown in FIG. 27 [left side], when variable display can be started (see FIG. 27 [left side] (A)), the production control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the production control CPU 101). When a variable display is started, a hold display (hold display B) corresponding to the variable display to be started is displayed inside the hold box 9F (see FIG. 27 [left side (B))] . The production control microcomputer 100 deletes the hold display B from the normal display area.

  Thereafter, before reaching reach, the production control microcomputer 100 displays a predetermined character image 9a on a display screen (for example, in the vicinity of the hold display unit 9F) (see FIG. 27 [left side] (C)). . Moreover, the production control microcomputer 100 changes the mode of the hold display inside the hold box 9F (see FIG. 27 [left side] (C)).

  After reaching reach, the final stop symbol is derived and displayed (see FIG. 27 [left side] (D, E)).

  In the example shown in FIG. 27 [right side], when the variable display can be started (see FIG. 27 [right side] (A)), the production control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the production control CPU 101). When the variable display is started, a hold display (hold display C) corresponding to the variable display to be started is displayed inside the hold box 9F (see FIG. 27 [Right side] (see FIG. 27)). . The production control microcomputer 100 deletes the hold display C from the normal display area.

  Thereafter, before reaching reach, the production control microcomputer 100 displays a predetermined character image 9a on a display screen (for example, in the vicinity of the hold display unit 9F) (see FIG. 27 [Right side] (see (C))). . At this time, the mode of the hold display does not change inside the hold box 9F.

  Then, after reaching reach, the production control microcomputer 100 changes the mode of the hold display inside the hold box 9F (see FIG. 27 [Right side (D, E)).

  Starting from the start of variable display, the time when the display of the character image 9a is started in FIG. 27 [Right] is the same as the time when the display of the character image 9a is started in FIG. 27 [Left].

  In this embodiment, only the character image 9a is used, but a plurality of types of character images may be selected and used. In that case, the production control microcomputer 100 selects a specific character image at a higher rate in the case of a big hit than in the case of a loss. Moreover, you may vary the ratio which changes the mode of a hold display according to the difference in a character image.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the character image 9a is displayed, the production control microcomputer 100 performs control so that the hold display mode always changes before reaching or after reaching. When the mode of the hold display is not changed (see patterns 1, 4 and 5 in FIG. 31), the character image 9a is not displayed, but the mode of the hold display is not changed before reaching and after reaching the reach. Alternatively, the character image 9a may be displayed.

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a normal notice effect. In the example shown in FIG. 28, when the variable display can be started (see FIG. 28A), the production control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the production control CPU 101) starts the variable display. When this is done, a hold display (hold display D) corresponding to the variable display to be started is displayed inside the hold box 9F (see FIG. 28 (B)). The production control microcomputer 100 deletes the hold display D from the normal display area.

  Thereafter, at a predetermined time during variable display, the effect control microcomputer 100 displays the image 9c for the normal notice effect on the display screen (see FIG. 28C)). Then, the normal notice effect is executed by changing the mode of the image 9c (see FIGS. 28D and 28E).

  In addition, the aspect of the normal notice effect illustrated in FIG. 28 is an example, and the notice effect of another aspect using an image, sound, LED, or the like can be executed. Moreover, you may make it select what to perform from several types of normal notice effects.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 executes the hold notice process (step S800A), and then performs one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled and variable display of the effect symbol is realized. However, control related to variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the first special symbol is also the second. Control related to the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol is also executed in one effect control process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the normal notice process (step S800A). In the normal notice process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the first reserved memory number addition designation command or the second reserved memory number addition designation command has been received (step S6001). In order to determine whether or not the first reserved memory number addition designation command or the second reserved memory number addition designation command has been received, for example, the fact that the command has been received in the processing of steps S662 and S664 shown in FIG. Set the flag to indicate. In step S6001, whether or not the first reserved memory number addition designation command or the second reserved memory number addition designation command has been received can be confirmed depending on whether or not the flag is set.

  When the first reserved memory number addition designation command or the second reserved memory number addition designation command is received, the pending notice effect is determined based on the winning determination result command (step S6002). The winning determination result command used in the process of step S6002 is a command corresponding to the received first reserved memory number addition designation command or second reserved memory number addition designation command. That is, in the winning determination result storage buffer (see FIG. 24), it is the winning determination result command stored in the storage area where the last command is stored (the storage area where the latest command is stored).

  FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hold notice effect determination table used in the process of step S6002. In the hold notice effect determination table illustrated in FIG. 31, the hold display mode at the time of starting winning, the hold display mode before reach, the hold display mode after reach, and the determination value are set correspondingly. ing. FIG. 31 shows the number of determination values.

  In the example shown in FIG. 31, the patterns of “blue”, “blue”, and “blue” for the hold display mode at the time of starting winning, the hold display mode before reach, and the hold display mode after reach are “Pending notice”. This pattern corresponds to not executing. This is because “blue” is the normal mode of the hold display.

  The patterns of “blue”, “blue”, and “yellow” are patterns corresponding to executing the hold notice only during the reach production (after the reach). The patterns of “blue”, “yellow”, and “yellow” are patterns corresponding to executing the hold notice only before reaching. The patterns of “yellow”, “yellow”, and “yellow” are patterns corresponding to executing the hold notice only at the time of start winning. The “red”, “red”, and “red” patterns are also patterns corresponding to executing the hold notice only at the time of start winning.

  The patterns “yellow”, “red”, and “red” correspond to the execution of the hold notice at the time of starting winning and before reaching. The patterns “blue”, “red”, and “red” correspond to the execution of the hold notice only before reaching. The “yellow”, “yellow”, and “red” patterns are patterns corresponding to execution of a hold notice during start winning and during reach production. The patterns of “blue”, “yellow”, and “red” are patterns corresponding to execution of a hold notice before reach and during reach production.

  In this embodiment, when the winning determination result command is a command indicating a jackpot, it is used in a hold notice effect determination table (a hold notice effect determination table used in the case of a jackpot). There is an on-hold announcement effect determination table used when the winning determination result command is a command indicating super reach (out of hold) (on hold notice effect determination table used in case of super reach out).

  In addition, in the hold notice effect determination table used in the case of a big hit, the display mode of the hold display becomes “red” at the time of start winning as compared with the hold notice effect determination table used in the case of super-reaching. Many judgment values are assigned to the pattern 5). That is, the production control microcomputer 100 displays the hold display in a specific manner at different rates when it is determined that the specific display result is obtained before the variable display is started and when it is determined that the specific display result is not obtained. .

  Also, focusing on the “red” aspect, the hold notice effect determination table used in the case of a big hit is later than the hold notice effect determination table used in the case of a loss of super reach (in this example, The pattern (patterns 8 and 9) that changes to the “red” mode during “reaching production”) changes to the “red” mode at an early timing (in this example, “at the time of start winning” and “before reach”). Compared to the patterns (patterns 6 and 7), more judgment values are assigned (the ratio of the assigned judgment values is higher). In other words, the production control microcomputer 100 varies the ratio at which of the plurality of timings the display mode is changed to the specific mode depending on whether or not the display result of the variable display becomes the specific display result.

  Focusing on the mode of “red”, in the hold notice effect determination table used in the case of big hit, “red” in the start winning prize is compared with the hold notice effect determination table used in the case of super-reaching. A pattern that changes to a mode (pattern 5), a pattern that changes to a red mode (patterns 6, 7, 8, Compared to 9), a smaller judgment value is assigned (the ratio of assigned judgment values is lower). That is, the ratio at which the display result of the variable display becomes the specific display result when the mode of the hold display changes to the specific mode during the variable display and when the mode of the hold display changes to the specific mode before the variable display starts Is different.

  In addition, in both the hold notice effect determination table and the hold notice effect determination table used in the case of a big hit, if variable display starts (specifically, “before reach” and “during reach effect”), variable display starts Compared to the case where the previous hold display mode is “yellow”, the case where it is “blue” changes at a higher rate after the variable display starts, and the hold display mode changes. That is, the production control microcomputer 100 varies the ratio of changing the hold display mode according to the hold display mode before the variable display is started.

  Note that the method of assigning the determination value in the hold notice effect determination table shown in FIG. In that case, in the hold notice effect determination table used in the case of a big hit, a pattern that finally becomes a “red” aspect (specific form) as compared with the hold notice effect determination table used in the case of a super-reach loss. The ratio of the number of judgment values assigned to is high, the ratio of the number of judgment values assigned to the pattern that finally becomes the “yellow” mode is medium, and finally the mode of “blue” (specific mode) is obtained. It is preferable that the ratio of the number of determination values assigned to the pattern is the lowest.

  Further, before the variable display starts, the hold display mode may not be set to the “red” mode (specific mode).

  Further, in this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 displays the hold display mode at all times (at the time of the start winning, before the reach, and after the reach) before starting the variable display (for example, at the start winning). The mode until the variable display is started is determined before starting the variable display based on the winning determination result command, and during the variable display start, for example, the variable display is being performed based on the display result designation command (before reach, You may make it determine the aspect of (after reach).

  When separately determined based on a predetermined ratio at the time of starting winning and before starting variable display, the ratio of the timing at which the mode of the hold display changes can be made different. Furthermore, before starting variable display, the mode before reach and the mode after reach may be determined separately based on a predetermined ratio. Even in that case, it is possible to vary the ratio of the timing at which the mode of the hold display changes.

  In step S6002, the effect control CPU 101 extracts a hold notice determination random number, and holds a pattern corresponding to a determination value (determination value set in the hold notice effect determination table) that matches the extracted random number. The pattern is determined to change the display. In addition, when the winning judgment result designation command indicates a big hit, the hold notice effect determination table used in the case of a big win is used, and when the super reach is lost, it is used when the super reach is lost. Use the hold notice effect determination table.

  It should be noted that the effect control CPU 101 determines that the winning determination result command indicates a big hit or a super reach loss (a winning determination result 3 designation command, a winning determination result 4 designation command, or a winning determination result). In the case other than (when 5 designation command is received) (when receiving a winning judgment result 1 designation command or a winning judgment result 2 designation command), the pending notice mode (pattern) is set to pattern 1. (See FIG. 31) and the process proceeds to step S6009. Pattern 1 is a pattern that does not execute the hold notice.

  In addition, when the first reserved memory number addition designation command has been received (step S6004), the effect control CPU 101 is configured on the condition that the hold advance notice start restriction flag is not set (step S6005), and step S6002. The hold display in the first hold storage display unit 18c is incremented by 1 (step S6006) in the mode determined in the above process (the mode of “start-up winning”).

  When the hold advance notice start restriction flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 increases the hold display in the first hold storage display unit 18c by 1 in the normal mode (the “blue” mode) (step S6007). Further, a normal mode flag is set (step S6008).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 stores the pattern determined in step S6002 in the pending notice pattern storage area in the winning determination result buffer (see FIG. 24) (step S6009).

  When the first reserved memory number addition designation command has not been received (when the second reserved memory number addition designation command has been received), the production control CPU 101 has not set the pending notice start restriction flag. (Step S6015), the hold display on the second hold storage display unit 18d is incremented by 1 (step S6016) in the mode determined in the process of step S6002 (the mode of "start winning prize").

  When the hold advance notice start restriction flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 increments the hold display in the second hold storage display unit 18d by 1 in the normal mode (the “blue” mode) (step S6017). Further, a normal mode flag is set (step S6018). Then, control goes to a step S6019.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the variation pattern reception flag is set (step S811). If it has been set, the flag is reset (step S812). Then, the effect control CPU 101 changes the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the normal mode flag (see FIG. 24) is set (step S815). The normal mode flag corresponds to variable display starting from now. That is, it is a normal mode flag in the storage area 1 of the winning determination result storage buffer.

  If the normal mode flag is set, the normal mode flag is reset (step S816), and the hold display is changed to the determined display mode ("blue", "yellow" or "red") (step). S817).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 performs display control to move the hold display to the hold box 9F (step S818). That is, the hold display is performed in the hold box 9F, and the hold display in the normal display area is reduced by one. When the first reserved memory number addition designation command is stored in the storage area 1 of the winning determination result storage buffer, the held display on the first reserved memory display unit 18c is reduced by 1 and the second reserved memory number is added. When the designated command is stored, the hold display of the second hold storage display unit 18d is reduced by one.

  Further, the production control CPU 101 reads out the hold notice pattern (see FIG. 31) stored in the hold notice pattern storage area in the storage area 1 of the winning determination result storage buffer and stores it in a predetermined area of the RAM (see FIG. 31). Step S819).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 deletes the winning determination result designation command and the like stored in the storage area 1 of the winning determination result storage buffer, and shifts the contents of the winning determination result storage buffer (step S820). That is, the contents of the storage area n (n: 2 to 8) are shifted to the storage area (n−1).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 reads the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S821).

  In addition, the CPU 101 for effect control determines the display result (stop symbol) of the effect symbol according to the data stored in the display result designation command storage area (that is, the received display result designation command) (step S822).

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stop symbol (final stop symbol) of the effect symbol. In the example shown in FIG. 34, in the example shown in FIG. 34, when the received display result designation command indicates a normal big hit (when the received display result designation command is a display result 2 designation command), the effect control is performed. The CPU 101 determines a combination of performance symbols in which the three symbols are even numbers (a stop symbol that usually reminds the occurrence of a big jackpot) as the stop symbols. When the received display result designation command indicates a probable big hit (when the received display result designation command is a display result 3 designation command), the production control CPU 101 uses odd symbols (probability variation) as 3 symbols as stop symbols. The combination of effect symbols arranged in a stop symbol reminiscent of the occurrence of a big hit) is determined.

  When determining the jackpot symbol, the CPU 101 for effect control extracts SR1-1 in the process of step S821, and uses SR1-1 to stop the left middle right stop symbol (the effect symbol with the left middle right symbol aligned). The combination).

  In the case of a loss, a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols in which two left and right symbols are aligned is determined.

  Specifically, for example, the effect control CPU 101 determines that SR1-1 to SR1-3 are not determined to be out-of-order and are not determined to reach. The left symbol is extracted using SR1-1, the middle symbol is determined using SR1-2, and the right symbol is determined using SR1-3. If the determined left and right symbols match, the right symbol is shifted by one symbol. When it is decided to reach, SR1-1 to SR1-2 are extracted, the left and right symbols are determined using SR1-1, and the middle symbol is determined using SR1-2. If the determined left middle right symbol is a chance, for example, the left symbol is shifted by one symbol.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 executes a normal notice effect determination process (step S823).

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing normal notice effect determination processing. In the normal notice effect determination process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the display result of the effect symbol is a big hit symbol (step S501). Note that whether or not the jackpot symbol is reached can be specified by the received display result designation command.

  When the display result of the effect symbol becomes a jackpot symbol, the effect control CPU 101 determines the notice effect based on the random number for determining the normal notice effect and the table A in the normal notice effect determination table (executes the normal notice effect). Is determined) (step S502).

  When the display result of the effect symbol does not become a big hit symbol (becomes a losing symbol), the effect control CPU 101 determines the notice effect based on the normal notice effect determining random number and the table B in the normal notice effect determining table ( (Determining whether or not to execute the normal notice effect) is performed (step S503).

  FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the normal notice effect determination table. In this embodiment, as the normal notice effect determination table, table A used when the display result of the effect symbol is a big hit symbol, and table B used when the display result of the effect symbol is out of sync There is.

  In addition, in the tables A and B, determination values (determination values relating to notification) according to the type of reach are set. Note that FIG. 36 also shows a determination value related to not giving notice, but a determination value related to not giving notice need not be set.

  The effect control CPU 101 extracts the normal notice effect determination random numbers in the processes of steps S502 and S503, and the determination value according to the type of the variation pattern in the normal notice effect determination table (variation pattern read out in the process of step S821). It is determined whether or not (determination value relating to notifying) and the random number for determining the normal notice effect match, and if there is a matching determination value, it is determined to execute the normal notice effect.

  If it is decided to execute the normal notice effect (step S504), the notice execution flag is set (step S505).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table according to the effect pattern of the variation pattern and the notice effect (step S824). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S825).

  In addition, the CPU 101 for effect control, according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1), effects device (effect display device 9 as an effect component, effect component as an effect component) Control of the various lamps and the speaker 27 as a production component is executed (step S826). For example, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image according to the variation pattern on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform on / off control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to output sound from the speaker 27.

  FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values and presentation control execution data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data) are collected. In the display control execution data, data indicating each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbols is described. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table, and performs control to display the effect design in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value.

  The process table shown in FIG. 37 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. The process table is prepared according to each variation pattern and production type. That is, it is prepared according to each variation pattern, the aspect of the normal notice effect, and the like.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command in the variation time timer (step S827).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value indicating the effect symbol changing process (step S802) (step S829).

  FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 are flowcharts showing the effect symbol changing process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation processing, the effect control CPU 101 decrements the values of the process timer and the variation time timer by 1 (steps S840A and S840B).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S841). If not timed out, the process proceeds to step S844. If the process timer has timed out, the process data is switched. That is, the process timer is started again by setting the process timer setting value set next in the process table in the process timer (step S842). Further, the control state for the effect device (effect part) is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S843).

  Further, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the change timing of the hold display mode before reach (for example, 4 seconds after the start of change) has come (step S844). Whether or not the timing for changing the state of the hold display before reach is reached is confirmed by, for example, the value of the variable time timer.

  When it is time to change the mode of the hold display before reach, the effect control CPU 101 performs the hold display in the hold box 9F according to the hold notice pattern (see FIG. 31) stored in the RAM in the process of step S819. Is changed (step S845). However, the hold display mode may not change in the process of step S845 (in the case of patterns 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8).

  In this embodiment, the production control CPU 101 executes the processing of steps S844 and S845 even if any of the hold notice patterns is stored in the RAM, but the hold notice of the hold display does not change. When patterns (patterns 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8) are stored, the processes of steps S844 and S845 may not be executed.

  In addition, when the reservation notice pattern is other than patterns 1, 4, and 5 (a pattern in which the hold display mode does not change during variable display), the production control CPU 101 changes the hold display mode before reach. Just before (for example, 2 seconds before), control for displaying the character image 9a on the display screen of the effect display device 9 is started. The effect control CPU 101 performs display control such that the character image 9a moves when the character image 9a is displayed.

  Then, when the on-hold display mode changes in the process of step S845, the effect control CPU 101 deletes the character image 9a from the display screen of the effect display device 9. However, when the mode of the hold display is changed both before and after the reach (in the case of pattern 9), when the mode of the hold display is changed in the process of step S847, the effect control CPU 101 performs the effect display. The character image 9a is erased from the display screen of the device 9. In addition, when the control for displaying the character image 9a on the display screen of the effect display device 9 is started, when “Y” is obtained in the process of step S846, no matter which reservation notice pattern is used, The character image 9 a may be erased from the display screen of the effect display device 9. When such control is performed, the display of the character image 9a is continued after changing from “blue” to “yellow” before the reach (when the patterns 3 and 9 are used). The player can maintain a sense of expectation to change to “red” during the performance.

  Further, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the change timing of the hold display mode during the reach production (for example, 13 seconds after the start of the change) has come (step S846). Note that whether or not it is the change timing of the hold display mode during the reach effect is confirmed, for example, by the value of the variation time timer.

  When it is time to change the mode of the hold display during the reach effect, the effect control CPU 101 performs the hold in the hold box 9F according to the hold notice pattern (see FIG. 31) stored in the RAM in the process of step S819. The display mode is changed (step S847). However, the hold display mode may not change in the process of step S847 (in the case of patterns 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7).

  In this embodiment, the production control CPU 101 executes the processes of steps S846 and S847 even if any of the hold notice patterns is stored in the RAM, but the hold notice of the hold display does not change. When patterns (patterns 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) are stored, the processes of steps S846 and S847 may not be executed.

  When the character image 9a is still displayed, the effect control CPU 101 deletes the character image 9a from the display screen of the effect display device 9 in the process of step S847.

  In addition, when the notice execution flag is set (step S851), the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the start timing of the normal notice effect (for example, 5 seconds after the start of variation) is reached (step S852). . Whether or not the start timing of the normal notice effect has come is confirmed by the value of the variable time timer, for example.

  When it is the start timing of the normal notice effect, a hold notice start restriction flag is set (step S854).

  If there are a plurality of types of normal notice effects, the process of step S852 may be executed for the notice effects that are executed at a high rate when a big hit is made.

  Further, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the start timing of the super reach production (for example, 22 seconds after the start of fluctuation) has come (step S853). Whether or not the start timing of the super reach effect has come is confirmed by the value of the variable time timer, for example. If it is time to start super reach production, the process proceeds to step S854.

  In addition, when the notice execution flag is set (step S855), the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the normal notice effect end timing has come (step S856). Whether or not the end timing of the normal notice effect has come is confirmed by, for example, the value of the variable time timer. When it is time to end the normal notice effect, the notice execution flag is reset (step S858), and the hold notice start restriction flag is reset (step S859).

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the super reach effect end timing has come (step S857). Note that whether or not the end time of the super reach effect has come is confirmed by, for example, the value of the variable time timer. When it is time to end the super reach production, the process proceeds to step S859.

  Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the variable time timer has timed out (step S861). When the variation time timer has timed out, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change stop process (step S803) (step S863). Even if the variable time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received is set (step S862), the effect control CPU 101 executes the process of step S863.

  By the processing of steps S851 to S854, steps S855 to S859, steps S6005, S6007, S6008, S6015, S6017, S6018 (see FIG. 30), and steps S815 to S817, the effect control CPU 101 performs normal notice effect or super reach effect. Is being executed, the start of the hold notice before the start of variable display (specifically, at the time of start winning) is prohibited. In this embodiment, when a variable display is newly started, a hold notice can be executed (see steps S815 to S817 in FIG. 33).

  In this embodiment, after the restriction on the execution of the hold notice is released, the hold notice can be executed when the variable display is newly started. However, the restriction on the execution of the hold notice is released. At the time (the execution time of step S859 in FIG. 39), the hold display may be set to the determined display mode (“blue”, “yellow”, or “red”).

  Further, in this embodiment, when the normal notice effect or the super reach effect is being executed, control is performed so that the hold notice is not started at the time of starting winning a prize, but the hold notice that has already been started is also executed. You may make it interrupt (it returns a display mode to "blue" which is a normal mode).

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, when the symbol confirmation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the symbol confirmation command reception flag (step S871), and the stop symbol determined in the process of step S822. Is controlled to be derived and displayed (step S872).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is decided to make a big hit (step S875). Whether or not it is decided to win is confirmed by, for example, a display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area. In addition, it can also be confirmed whether it is determined to be a big hit by the determined stop symbol. If it is not decided to win, the process proceeds to step S8312.

  If it is determined to be a big hit, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the big win display process (step S804) (step S876).

  If it is not determined to be a big hit, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S877).

  As described above, in the above embodiment, when starting the variable display of the production symbol, the hold display corresponding to the variable display is displayed on the hold box 9F as the variable display-compatible hold display, and the variable display is displayed. During execution of the variable display, the variable display corresponding hold display mode displayed in the hold box 9F is changed to a specific mode according to whether or not the display result of the variable display becomes the specific display result. Depending on whether or not the symbol becomes a big hit symbol, the ratio of which timing is changed to the specific mode (“red” mode) among the plurality of timings is different. With such a configuration, it is possible to make the player pay attention to the hold display even before the variable display is started.

  Further, based on the determination result before the variable display is started (for example, at the time of starting winning), the hold display corresponding to the hold storage that is the object of the determination is set to the normal mode (“blue” mode) or specified. By displaying on the display screen of the effect display device in the mode (a mode of “red”), the hold notice before starting the variable display is executed, and when the variable display of the effect symbol is started, the hold display corresponding to the variable display is displayed. When the variable display corresponding to the hold display is displayed in the hold box 9F as the variable display corresponding hold display and the hold display is displayed in the normal mode before the variable display is started, the display of the effect design is performed. Depending on whether or not the result is a jackpot symbol, the variable display-compatible hold display mode displayed in the hold box 9F is changed to a specific mode, and the hold display mode is changed to a specific mode during variable display. Let When a, in the case where the embodiment of the hold display is changed to a specific embodiment before the variable display is started, the ratio of the display result of the performance symbols becomes big hit symbol is different. By being configured as such, it is possible to increase both the player's expectation for the hold display and the player's expectation for the variable display of the identification information being executed, thereby further enhancing the interest of the game. it can.

  In the above embodiment, the start prize is given as an example of “before variable display is started”. However, “before variable display is started” is before variable display based on the start prize is started. If so, it is not limited to the start winning prize. For example, when variable display is started based on the start winning that occurred before the start winning, or when the hold display is shifted in the first hold storage display unit 18c and the second hold storage display unit 18d. May be.

  In addition, the rate of shifting to the probability change state and the number of time reductions may be varied according to the timing of the change in the mode of holding display.

  Moreover, in said embodiment, although the 1st hold memory display part 18c, the 2nd hold memory display part 18d, and the hold box 9F were displayed on the display screen of the production | presentation display apparatus 9, the 1st hold memory display part 18c The second hold storage display unit 18d may be realized by a display device different from the hold box 9F. For example, the hold box 9F is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9, but the first hold storage display unit 18c and the second hold storage display unit 18d are connected to other display devices (for example, LED of each hold display). (Set) may be realized. Moreover, although the 1st hold memory display part 18c and the 2nd hold memory display part 18d are displayed on the display screen of the production | presentation display apparatus 9, the hold box 9F may be implement | achieved by another display apparatus.

  Further, the hold box 9F may be selectable from a plurality of types. In that case, according to the mode of the hold box 9F, the ratio of whether the mode of the hold display changes before the variable display is started or during the variable display may be varied.

  In the above embodiment, three types of hold display modes are used. However, the hold display modes may be two types or four or more types.

  In the above-described embodiment, the difference in color of the hold display is exemplified by the difference in color (“blue”, “yellow”, “red”). However, the example of the hold display is limited to the color. Absent. The difference in the mode of the hold display may be realized by the difference in the shape of the hold display.

  In the above embodiment, when the production control CPU 101 starts variable display, the CPU 101 moves the hold display to the hold box 9F and displays the hold display on the first hold storage display unit 18c or the second hold storage display unit 18d. Display control is reduced by one. At this time, the hold display in the hold storage where the variable display is started next is moved (shifted) to an area vacated by the hold display being moved to the hold box 9F. With respect to the variable display hold display started thereafter, the hold display is moved (shifted) sequentially to the vacant area according to the start order.

  Further, with respect to the hold display moved to the hold box 9F, a predetermined condition (for example, that a specific time has elapsed from the start of the variable display or that the effect symbol is stopped first in the variable display) is established by the variable display that has been started. Until the display in the hold box 9F is continued, the hold display in the hold box 9F is erased.

  Here, the movement of the holding display to the holding box 9F and the movement of the holding display to the vacant area in accordance with the control for reducing the holding display by 1 are executed in the same time, and after moving, the holding display moved to the holding box 9F. Is displayed until the time until the predetermined condition is satisfied. This makes it easier for the player to recognize when the hold display in the hold box 9F is displayed in a specific manner.

  Note that the movement of the hold display to the hold box 9F and the move of the hold display to the vacant area may be executed at different times. Can attract more attention. In particular, when the mode of the hold display is changed to a specific mode in relation to the movement of the hold display, or the move of the hold display to the hold box 9F is performed over a long time compared to the movement of the other hold display. Also good.

  Also, regarding the time for displaying the hold display in the hold box 9F, the time when the hold display is displayed in the specific mode may be longer than the time when the hold display is displayed in the normal mode. further. When the mode of the hold display is changed in the hold box 9F, it may be displayed for a longer time than when it has been changed before that. With these controls, the player's attention can be appropriately collected on the hold display.

  In the above embodiment, the production control board 80, the audio output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as the boards on which the circuit for controlling the production apparatus is mounted. You may mount on one board | substrate. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the effect display device 9 and the like is mounted and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (lamps, LEDs, speakers 27R, 27L, etc.) are mounted. Alternatively, two substrates, the second effect control substrate, may be provided.

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

  Further, in the above embodiment, the fluctuation time, the type of reach production, and the presence / absence of pseudo-continuity (the production in which at least one temporary stop and re-fluctuation of a symbol is executed during one variable display). In order to notify the effect control microcomputer 100 of the change pattern indicating the mode, an example of transmitting one change pattern command when starting change has been shown. However, the change pattern is controlled with two or more commands. The microcomputer 100 may be notified. Specifically, in the case of notifying with two commands, the game control microcomputer 560 is the first command before reaching a reach such as the presence or absence of a pseudo-ream, the presence or absence of a slide effect, etc. A command indicating the variation time and variation mode before the second stop is transmitted, and the second command is a so-called “reach” when the reach is reached, such as the type of reach and the presence / absence of a redrawing effect. You may make it transmit the command which shows the variation time after a 2nd stop) and a variation aspect. In that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 may perform effect control in variable display (variable display) based on the variable time derived from the combination of two commands. The game control microcomputer 560 may notify the change time by each of the two commands, and the effect control microcomputer 100 may select a specific change mode executed at each timing. . When two commands are transmitted, the two commands may be transmitted within the same timer interrupt. After transmitting the first command, a predetermined period elapses (for example, the next timer A second command may be sent (in interrupt). Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to such an example, and the order of transmission can be appropriately changed. In this way, by notifying the variation pattern with two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command can be reduced.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media as a prize, and encloses a game medium such as a game ball to give a score when a prize granting condition is satisfied. It can also be applied to a game machine of the type.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display device 8b 1st special symbol display device 9 Production display device 13 1st start winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 15 Variable winning device 31 Main board 80 Production control board 100 Micro for production control Computer 560 Microcomputer for game control

Claims (1)

After the game medium passes through the start area, the identification information is variably displayed based on the fact that the variable display start condition is satisfied, and the identification that is advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display becomes the specific display result. A gaming machine that controls the gaming state,
Numerical data extraction means for extracting numerical data for determining whether or not the display result of variable display is the specific display result when the game medium passes through the start area;
With respect to variable display of identification information in which a game medium has passed through the starting area but the start condition is not satisfied, the numerical data extracted by the numerical data extraction means is stored as reserved storage, up to a predetermined upper limit. Holding storage means;
A display unit that displays a hold display according to the number of the hold storage according to the order in which the start condition is satisfied;
Predetermining means for determining whether or not to change the display result of variable display to the specific display result based on the hold storage stored in the hold storage means when starting variable display of identification information;
Hold determination means for determining whether or not the display result of variable display becomes the specific display result based on the hold storage stored in the hold storage means before the determination by the prior determination means;
Based on the determination result of the hold determination means, a hold notice before starting variable display is executed by displaying the hold display corresponding to the hold storage determined by the hold determination means in a normal mode or a specific mode. Hold indication means,
Variable display-compatible hold display means for displaying a hold display corresponding to the variable display as a variable display-compatible hold display in a predetermined area when variable display of identification information is started;
When the hold display is displayed in the normal mode by the hold display means, depending on whether the display result of the variable display becomes the specific display result during execution of the variable display corresponding to the hold display, A hold display changing means for changing the variable display corresponding hold display displayed in the predetermined area to the specific form;
When the variable display of the identification information is started, the normal movement control for moving and displaying the hold display corresponding to the hold storage stored in the hold storage means to the area according to the order in which the start condition is satisfied; A holding display movement control means for performing a digestion movement control for erasing after moving the holding display corresponding to the variable display to the predetermined area as the variable display corresponding holding display;
The time required for the digestion movement control is longer than the time required for the normal movement control by the holding display movement control means,
When the hold display changing unit changes the hold display mode to the specific mode, and when the hold display unit changes the hold display mode to the specific mode, the variable display result is the specific display result. A gaming machine characterized by different proportions.