JP2015112129A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the interest of a game in the case where a shooting promotion notification is executed.SOLUTION: After a predetermined condition is established (e.g., a success drawing pattern is stopped and displayed), a variable winning device (e.g., a special variable winning device) is actuated on the basis of the passage of a game ball through a specific area (e.g., a specific gate). After the predetermined condition was established, moreover, there is executed a shooting promotion notification for promoting the shooting operation of the game ball toward the specific area. In any of plural kinds of operation modes (e.g., opening controls of 29 seconds and 1 second) of different advantages, moreover, the variable winning device can be activated, and a shooting promotion notification (e.g., right shooting performances A to C) of a plurality of kinds for indicating the advantage of the operation mode of the variable winning device can be executed. In accordance with the kind of the established predetermined condition, moreover, the shooting promotion notification of any of a plurality kinds of notification modes is executed at a different ratio according to the kind of the established predetermined condition.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine capable of playing a game using a game medium.

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined prize value is given to the player There is something that was configured. Furthermore, variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information in the variable display means becomes a specific display result, a predetermined game value Are configured to give the player.

  The winning value means that a winning ball is paid out or a score or a prize is given in accordance with the winning of a game ball in the winning area. In addition, the game value means that when a specific display result is obtained, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine becomes an advantageous state for a player who is easy to win, and for the player. For example, a right to be advantageous can be generated, and a condition for paying out a winning ball can be easily established.

  In a pachinko machine, a specific display mode determined in advance is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display of a special symbol (identification information) that is started by variable display means based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening. When it is made, “big hit (specific game state)” occurs. The derived display is to stop and display the symbol. When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit 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. And the number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round.

  Some of such gaming machines are configured to perform a launch promotion notification that prompts a launch operation of a game medium toward a specific area after a predetermined condition is established. For example, in Patent Document 1, if the passage of a game medium (game ball) is not detected from the exit of the rail unit after a predetermined condition is satisfied (winning lottery is won), “Please launch the ball normally! It is described that the firing promotion notification is performed in a manner such as “”.

  Further, for example, Patent Document 2 describes that a plurality of types of right-handed instruction notifications that prompt the player to launch a game medium (game ball) into the right game area are executed. Further, Patent Document 2 describes that the ratio of the 16-round or 8-round big hit state is different depending on which type of right-handed instruction notification is executed.

JP 2006-034357 (paragraph 0248-0250) JP2013-223582A (paragraphs 0351-0355, FIG. 41)

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, by executing the firing promotion notification, the variable winning device is operated based on the fact that the game medium has passed through the specific area after the predetermined condition is established (the transition to the big hit gaming state) The player is prevented from being disadvantaged when configured as described above. However, the notification mode of the launch promotion notification is only a uniform mode, and it is not possible to sufficiently enhance the interest of the game when the launch promotion notification is executed. Patent Document 2 describes that a plurality of types of right-handed instruction notifications are executed as notifications related to the launch promotion notification. However, the fact that a game medium has passed through a specific area after a predetermined condition is satisfied. It is not configured to operate the variable winning device based on the above, and even if the configuration described in Patent Document 2 is used, the interest of the game when executing the firing promotion notification cannot be sufficiently enhanced.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the gaming machine which can improve the interest of the game in the case of performing launch promotion notification.

(Means 1) A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of playing a game using a game medium (for example, a game ball), and after a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed). Based on the fact that the game medium has passed through a specific area (for example, the specific gate 200), variable winning device control means (for example, a special variable winning ball device 20 (large winning port)) is operated (for example, Steps S133 to S137, S1401 to S1407, and S1451 to S1466 in the game control microcomputer 560) and a firing promotion notification (for example, prompting a game medium launching operation toward a specific area after a predetermined condition is satisfied) 43 (6), 44 (6), and right-handed effects shown in FIG. 45 (6)). And the variable winning device control means is a variable winning device in any one of a plurality of types of operating modes having different merits. (For example, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, it is possible to perform 29 seconds of winning prize opening control and 1 second of winning prize opening control) The firing promotion notification execution means is capable of executing the firing promotion notification of a plurality of types of notification modes that suggest the advantage of the operation mode of the variable winning device (for example, as shown in FIG. 3 types of right-handed effects can be executed), and the firing promotion notification of one of the notification modes of a plurality of notification modes is executed at a different rate depending on the type of the predetermined condition that is satisfied. (For example, as shown in FIG. 36, the execution rate of the right-handed effect A is high in the normal big hit or the probability variable big hit in which 29 seconds of opening control is performed, and the right-handed effect in the sudden normal big hit in which opening control of 1 second is performed. The execution ratio of C is high). According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the interest of the game when executing the firing promotion notification.

(Means 2) In the means 1, the variable winning device control means includes a first operation control for operating the variable winning device in the first operation mode (for example, a big hit control based on a normal big hit or a probable big hit shown in FIG. 9), The second operation control for operating the variable winning device in the second operation mode different from the one operation mode (for example, the big hit control based on the appearance probability variable big hit shown in FIG. 10 (2)), and more advantageous than the second operation mode. The third operation control (for example, the big hit control based on the sudden normal big hit shown in FIG. 10 (1)) for operating the variable winning device in the third operation mode with a low degree can be executed, Launch promotion notification of one of the notification modes of a plurality of types of notification at a different rate depending on the type of operation control executed among the first operation control, the second operation control, or the third operation control. (For example, as shown in FIG. 36, the execution rate of the right-handed effect A is high in the normal big hit and the probable big hit, and the right-handed effect C is high in the apparent probability big hit and the sudden normal big hit). It may be. According to such a configuration, it is possible to effectively execute the launch promotion notification for the operation control of the variable winning device performed in a plurality of types of operation modes.

(Means 3) In the means 1, the variable winning device control means includes a first operation control for operating the variable winning device in the first operation mode (for example, a big hit control based on the normal big hit or the probability variable big hit shown in FIG. 9), The second operation control for operating the variable winning device in the second operation mode different from the one operation mode (for example, the big hit control based on the appearance probability variable big hit shown in FIG. 10 (2)), and more advantageous than the second operation mode. It is possible to execute the third operation control (for example, the big hit control based on the sudden normal big hit shown in FIG. 10 (1)) that operates the variable winning device in the third operation mode with a low degree, and suggests the first operation control. A first effect (for example, a win effect that is executed when a normal big hit or a probable big hit shown in FIG. 43 (7)) and a second effect (for example, FIG. 45 (7) to ( 9) In the case of a sudden normal jackpot shown in FIG. 44 (7), for example, and a third effect that suggests the third operation control after the defeat effect that is executed in the case of a false appearance probability big hit. (For example, steps S8207 to S8213, S1902 to S1906, S1903 to S1914, S2902 to S2906, S2908 to S2909, S2911 to S2913 in the microcomputer 100 for effect control) The portion for executing S3903 to S3907, S3909 to S3910, and S3912 to S3914), and when the second operation control is executed, the production execution means includes at least a production having an aspect similar to the third production. Production can be performed (for example, defeat performance shown in FIG. 44 (7)) After executing the defeat effect shown in FIG. 45 (7) in the same manner as in FIG. 45 (8), the launch effect notification executing means executes the first effect. The firing promotion notification of one of the notification modes of a plurality of types of notification is executed at a different rate between the case and the case where the second effect is executed (for example, as shown in FIG. When the winning effect is executed with a big hit, the execution rate of the right-handed effect A is high, and when the revival effect is executed after the defeat effect with a fake probable big hit, the execution rate of the right-handed effect C is high. (High). According to such a configuration, it is possible to effectively execute the second effect including at least the same effect as the third effect.

(Means 4) In any one of the means 1 to 3, the variable prize-winning device control means performs a predetermined period after the game medium passes through the specific area (for example, as shown in FIG. In the case of 1), the fanfare production period is 1 second.As shown in FIG. 10, the operation control of the variable prize-winning device is started after the appearance of the big change or 30 seconds. An effect that suggests an operation mode of the variable winning device after the game medium passes through the specific area until the operation control of the variable winning device is started (for example, a victory effect shown in FIG. 43 (7), FIG. Production execution means capable of executing the defeat production shown in 44 (7) and the production of the revival production after the defeat production shown in FIGS. 45 (7) to (9) (for example, in the production control microcomputer 100). Steps S8207 to S8213, S1902 to S1906, S1903 to S1914, S2902 to S2906, S2908 to S2909, S2911 to S2913, S3903 to S3907, S3909 to S3910, and S3912 to S3914) are included. Also good. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the operating mode of the variable winning device from being recognized before performing the effect suggesting the operating mode of the variable winning device.

(Means 5) In any one of the means 1 to 4, the firing promotion notification executing means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the predetermined condition is satisfied a predetermined number of times (for example, five times) or more. Compared to the case where the number of times is less than the predetermined number, the firing promotion notification (for example, the reduced right-handed effect shown in FIG. 47 (6)) is executed that is less noticeable (for example, in the second embodiment, (Steps S864A, S864B, S869 to S871, and S8202 to S8206 in the production control microcomputer 100) may be configured. According to such a configuration, when the number of times that the predetermined condition is satisfied is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the notification mode of the firing promotion notification is made inconspicuous so that unnecessary notification can be reduced.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows a jackpot determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the big hit classification determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the opening pattern of a big prize opening. It is explanatory drawing which shows the opening pattern of a big prize opening. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a pending | holding buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result designation | designated command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows the big winning opening opening pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows a big winning opening open process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol display control process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows command analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a process table. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a right-handed effect determination table. It is a flowchart which shows big hit effect processing. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit display process. It is a flowchart which shows a process during a round. It is a flowchart which shows a round post-process. It is a flowchart which shows a round post-process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end effect process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the production | presentation aspect of the battle production performed when it becomes a probable big hit, the right-handed production, and the victory production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the production | presentation aspect of the battle production, right-handed production, and defeat production which are performed when suddenly a big hit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the production | presentation aspect of the battle production, the right-handed production, the defeat production, and the resurrection production which are performed when it becomes a masquerade probability variation big hit. It is a flowchart which shows the production | presentation symbol fluctuation | variation stop process in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the production | presentation aspect of the right-handed effect in 2nd Embodiment.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the front.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the display color reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol (a display color different from the loss. Sometimes it is displayed in blue, whereas it is displayed in red when it is a big hit. Note that the display color may be varied depending on the type of jackpot (whether it is probable jackpot or normal jackpot). In addition, the display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening (for example, sudden big hit other than the normal big hit), and multiple types of big hits with different numbers of rounds If the control is possible, the display color may be varied according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game. Also, as in this embodiment, even if the number of rounds per jackpot is the same, for example, the opening time of the big prize opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), so When there is a big hit that can not be expected to win a game ball and a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening long time (for example, 29 seconds) per round The display color may be made different depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to substantially win the big winning opening. In addition, for example, when there is a big hit that cannot be expected and a big hit that cannot be expected due to the difference in the number of times the big winning opening is opened per round, The display color may be varied depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to win the mouth.

  Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the display color reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol (display color different from the loss. Sometimes it is displayed in blue, whereas it is displayed in red when it is a big hit. Note that the display color may be varied depending on the type of jackpot (whether it is probable jackpot or normal jackpot). In addition, the display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening (for example, sudden big hit other than the normal big hit), and multiple types of big hits with different numbers of rounds If the control is possible, the display color may be varied according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game. Also, as in this embodiment, even if the number of rounds per jackpot is the same, for example, the opening time of the big prize opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), so When there is a big hit that can not be expected to win a game ball and a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening long time (for example, 29 seconds) per round The display color may be made different depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to substantially win the big winning opening. In addition, for example, when there is a big hit that cannot be expected and a big hit that cannot be expected due to the difference in the number of times the big winning opening is opened per round, The display color may be varied depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to win the mouth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a special variable winning ball apparatus 20 that forms a big winning opening is provided below the variable winning ball apparatus 15. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 includes an opening / closing plate, and after a specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the special display unit 9 is displayed on the right side of the effect display device 9. In a specific game state (a big hit game state) that occurs when a game ball enters the provided specific gate 200, the open / close plate is controlled to be opened by the solenoid 21, so that the big winning opening serving as a winning area is opened. become. The game ball that has won the big winning opening is detected by the count switch 23.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, a specific gate 200 is provided on the right side of the effect display device 9, and a game ball that has entered the specific gate 200 is detected by a specific gate switch 200a. In this embodiment, when the big hit symbol is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, and the effect display device 9, and the big hit gaming state is started immediately. Instead, after the big hit symbol is derived and displayed, the big hit gaming state is started based on the fact that the game ball enters the specific gate 200 and is detected by the specific gate switch 200a.

  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 corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  In this embodiment, the RAM 55, which is a backup RAM, has at least a special symbol display result (determined as a big hit) in addition to a special symbol process flag, a probability variation flag, etc. as data according to the control state of the game control means. Whether or not (for example, jackpot flag), determination result of jackpot type) and the value of the round number counter are stored. As will be described later, when the power failure recovery process is performed after a power failure occurs during the big hit game, the backed-up special symbol display result and the round number specified by the value of the round number counter are calculated. A power failure recovery designation command is transmitted (see steps S43 and S44 described later).

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

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

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

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

  Further, an input driver circuit 58 for supplying detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the specific gate switch 200a to the game control microcomputer 560 is also provided on the main board 31. It is installed. The main board also includes an output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a big winning opening in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560. 31.

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

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

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

  The effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 controls the display of the frame LED 28 provided on the frame side via the lamp driver board 35 and from the speaker 27 via the audio output board 70. Control the sound output.

  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).

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

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

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the LED is input to the LED driver 352 via the input driver 351. The LED driver 352 supplies a current to a light emitter such as the frame LED 28 based on a signal for driving the LED.

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

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 in response to the start of power supply to the game machine and the reset signal to the game control microcomputer 560 becoming high level. It is. When the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 executes a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid. The main processing after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, an interrupt mode for maskable interrupts is set (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set for the stack pointer (step S3). In step S2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the game control microcomputer 560 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is Set to the mode indicating the interrupt address. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the power supply stop process, a checksum is calculated by the same process as described above, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area may be different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, the initialization process (the process of steps S10 to S14) executed when the power is turned on, not when the power supply is stopped is stopped. Run.

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

  Further, the CPU 56 generates a power failure recovery designation command based on the stored contents backed up in the RAM 55 (backup RAM) (step S43). In this case, for example, the CPU 56 determines whether or not a big hit game was played when a power failure occurred based on the value of the special symbol process flag backed up in the RAM 55 (specifically, the value of the special process flag is a big hit game) Whether or not it is a value of 5 to 6). When the big hit game is being played, a power failure recovery designation command including the display result of the special symbol backed up in the RAM 55 and the number of rounds specified by the value of the round number counter is generated. In addition, if the game is not a big hit game, a power failure recovery designation command is generated that can specify that the other game state (during symbol change display or demonstration display) is present when a power failure occurs. Next, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command when the generated power supply is recovered (step S44).

  In steps S43 and S44, for example, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the variable display is in progress at the time of the power failure, whether or not it is after the variable display, whether or not the big hit game is started, and whether or not the big hit game is in progress. Specify (for example, the value of the special symbol process flag that is backed up and the presence or absence of the jackpot flag), and generate and send a power failure recovery specification command with information that can be specified. Also good. Then, the production control microcomputer 100 identifies these pieces of information based on the received power failure recovery designation command, determines whether or not the variable display is being performed at the time of the power failure, whether or not it is after the variable display, and starts the big hit game You may make it alert | report whether it was before and whether it was in jackpot game. In this case, for example, such information may be displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9, or a dedicated lamp or the like may be provided and the dedicated lamp may be turned on for notification. Further, when the notification is made using the dedicated lamp, the notification may be made by turning on the lamp under the control of the game control microcomputer 560 side.

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

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

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

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

  Then, the CPU 56 executes a timer interrupt setting process for setting a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms) ( Step S16). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 4 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 4 ms.

  When the timer interrupt setting is completed, the CPU 56 first disables the interrupt (step S17), executes the initial value random number update process (step S18a) and the display random number update process (step S18b), The interrupt is permitted again (step S19). That is, the CPU 56 sets the interrupt disabled state when the initial value random number update process and the display random number update process are executed, and interrupts enable state when the initial value random number update process and the display random number update process are finished. To.

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

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

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

  Next, the timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. When a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main process, specifically, in a period during which interruption is permitted during execution of the loop process of steps S17 to S19, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 A timer interrupt process that is activated in response to the occurrence of a timer interrupt is executed. In the timer interrupt process, the CPU 56 first executes a power-off process (power-off detection process) for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether the power-on signal is turned on) (step S20). And CPU56 inputs the detection signal of switches, such as the gate switch 32a, the 1st starting port switch 13a, the 2nd starting port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the specific gate switch 200a, via the switch circuit 58, Switch input is detected (switch processing: step S21). Specifically, if the state of the input port for inputting the detection signal of each switch is ON, the value of the switch timer provided corresponding to each switch is incremented by one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 executes prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 (step S32). Specifically, the payout control micro mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to the winning detection based on any one of the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 being turned on. A payout control command (prize ball number signal) indicating the number of prize balls is output to the computer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

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

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

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a status display lamp display process for setting status display control data for displaying each status display lamp in an output buffer for setting the status display control data (step S38). In this case, for example, when a big hit occurs, status display control data for displaying a status indicator indicating that a big hit has occurred is set in the output buffer at the timing when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed. In addition, for example, when the gaming state is controlled to a high probability state (for example, a probable change state) or a short time state, state display control data for displaying a state indicator lamp indicating a high probability state or a short time state To the output buffer.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S39), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 4 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes in steps S21 to S39 (excluding steps S31 and 33) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

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

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

  In this embodiment, when the big win symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state. Eventually, the effect symbols are all stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R in the effect display device 9 (however, suddenly a big hit or a fake appears suddenly) (In the case of a probable big hit, there is a case where the fluctuation starts again after reaching the reach and suddenly the big hit symbol (for example, “135”) is stopped and displayed.)

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1 (MR1): Determines the big hit type (normal big hit, probability variation big hit, apparent probability variation big hit, sudden normal big hit, which will be described later) (for big hit type determination)
(2) Random 2 (MR2): The type (type) of the variation pattern is determined (for variation pattern type determination)
(3) Random 3 (MR3): A variation pattern (variation time) is determined (for variation pattern determination)
(4) Random 4 (MR4): Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(5) Random 5 (MR5): Determine the initial value of random 4 (for determining the initial value of random 4)

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern is first determined using the variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and then the variation pattern determined using the variation pattern determination random number (random 3). One of the variation patterns included in the pattern type is determined. Thus, in this embodiment, the variation pattern is determined by a two-stage lottery process.

  The variation pattern type is a group of a plurality of variation patterns according to the characteristics of the variation mode. For example, a plurality of variation patterns are grouped by reach type, and include a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with normal reach, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with super reach A, and a variation pattern with super reach B. It may be divided into variable pattern types. Further, for example, a plurality of variation patterns are grouped by the number of re-variations of pseudo-continuations, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern without pseudo-ream, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of one re-variation, It may be divided into a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of two variations and a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of three variations. Further, for example, a plurality of variation patterns may be grouped according to the presence / absence of a specific effect such as a pseudo ream or a slip effect.

  In step S25 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, the game control microcomputer 560 uses a counter for generating the jackpot type determination random number (1) and the random number for determination per ordinary symbol (4). Count up (add 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers (random 2, random 3) or initial value random numbers (random 5). In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may use random numbers other than said random number. In this embodiment, a random number generated by hardware incorporated in the game control microcomputer 560 (or hardware external to the game control microcomputer 560) is used as the jackpot determination random number. Note that a software random number instead of a hardware random number may be used as the jackpot determination random number.

  FIG. 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 numerical value described in the left column of FIG. 7 is set in the normal jackpot determination table, and each numerical value described in the right column of FIG. 7 is set in the probability variation big hit determination table. The numerical value described in FIG. 7 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 jackpot determination random number (random R). If it matches the big hit determination value, the special symbol is decided to be big hit (normal big hit, probability variation big hit, apparent probability variation big hit, sudden normal big hit, which will be described later). Note that the “probability” shown in FIG. 7 indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Further, deciding whether or not to win a jackpot means deciding whether or not to shift to the jackpot gaming state, but the stop symbol in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is determined. It also means deciding whether or not to make a jackpot symbol.

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

  The jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b, when it is determined that the variable display result is a jackpot symbol, based on the random number (random 1) for determining the jackpot type, the jackpot type is set to “normal jackpot”, “ This table is referred to in order to determine any one of “probable big hit”, “apparent probability big hit”, and “sudden normal big hit”.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 (A) and 8 (B), “normal” is used when the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and when the second special symbol is displayed as a variable symbol. The total of the allocations for the “big hit” and “suddenly normal big hit” (the big hit that is shifted to only the short-time state after the big hit game) is the same with 40 judgment values, but when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed There is an allocation for both “normal jackpot” and “sudden normal jackpot” (30 judgment values are assigned to “normal jackpot” and 10 judgment values are assigned to “sudden normal jackpot”. On the other hand, when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed, only the “sudden normal big hit” is allocated.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the variation display of the first special symbol is performed, 40 judgment values are assigned to the “probable big hit”, While 20 decision values are assigned to “probable big hit”, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the variation display of the second special symbol is performed, “probable big hit” is set. On the other hand, 50 decision values are assigned, and 10 decision values are assigned to the “apparent probability variation big hit”. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, the ratio determined as the “apparent probability variation big hit” compared to the case where the variable display of the second special symbol is executed. Is slightly higher.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the types of jackpots include “normal jackpot”, “probable variation jackpot”, “apparent probability variation jackpot”, and “sudden normal jackpot”.

  "Probability change big hit" is controlled to 15 rounds of big hit gaming state, the big winning opening is opened for a long period of 29 seconds per round, and after the big hit gaming state ends, it shifts to the probable change state (high probability state) It is a big hit (in this embodiment, it is shifted to the probability variation state and also to the time reduction state. See steps S167 and S168 described later). After the transition to the probability variation state, the probability variation state is maintained until the next big hit occurs (see step S132 described later).

  In addition, the “ordinary big hit” is controlled to 15 rounds of big hit gaming state, the big winning opening is opened for a long time of 29 seconds per round, and after the big hit gaming state is finished, it is not shifted to the probable change state. It is a big hit that is shifted only to the state (see step S169 described later). Then, after shifting to the time reduction state, the time reduction state is maintained until the execution of the variable symbol display of the special symbol and the effect symbol is completed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) (see steps S138 to S141 described later). In this embodiment, even if a big hit occurs after the transition to the time reduction state and before the execution of the predetermined number of fluctuation displays is finished, the time reduction state ends (see step S132 described later).

  In addition, “sudden normal big hit” is a big hit where the number of opening of the big prize opening is less than 2 times compared to “probable big hit” and “normal big hit”, and the opening time per time is as short as 1 second. After the big hit game is over, it is a big hit that is not shifted to the probable change state but only the short time state (see steps S167 and S168 described later). Then, after shifting to the time reduction state, the time reduction state is maintained until the execution of the variable symbol display of the special symbol and the effect symbol is completed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) (see steps S138 to S141 described later). In this embodiment, even if a big hit occurs after the transition to the time reduction state and before the execution of the predetermined number of fluctuation displays is finished, the time reduction state ends (see step S132 described later). Therefore, in this embodiment, when a normal big hit is suddenly generated, it is very rare for a game ball to win a big winning opening, but it is possible to make it appear as if the game has suddenly shifted to a short-time state.

  Note that sudden normal big hits are not limited to those shown in this embodiment, but can be displayed as if they suddenly shifted to a short-time state, for example, the number of times the big winning opening is opened is a probable big hit. Or, it is 15 times like the normal big hit, but only the opening time per time may be a short big hit of 1 second.

  “Fake probable big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to a 15-round big hit gaming state and shifts to a probable change state (high probability state) after the big hit gaming state is completed (in this implementation). In the embodiment, the state is shifted to the probability variation state and the time reduction state (see steps S167 and S168 described later). After the transition to the probability variation state, the probability variation state is maintained until the next big hit occurs (see step S132 described later). However, in the case of “apparent odd jackpot”, unlike the “probable jackpot”, the big prize mouth is opened twice for a short one second only in the first first round and then the big prize mouth for a long period of 29 seconds. After that, from the second round to the fifteenth round, a control is performed to open the big prize opening only for a long period of 29 seconds as in “probability big hit”.

  The jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b are numerical values that are compared with a random 1 value, and are determinations corresponding to “normal jackpot”, “probable variation jackpot”, “apparent probability variation jackpot”, and “sudden normal jackpot”. Value (big hit type judgment value) 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.

  Next, the opening pattern of the big winning opening in the big hit will be described. 9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams showing the opening pattern of the special winning opening.

  First, with reference to FIG. 9, the opening pattern of the big winning opening when the big hit type is determined as the normal big hit or the probable big hit is described. In this embodiment, when the big hit type is determined to be a normal big hit or a probable big hit, 1 second (in this example, a fanfare effect period) has elapsed since the passage of the game ball of the specific gate 200 was detected. After controlling the grand prize opening for 29 seconds per round, the big prize opening is controlled to be closed for 1 second (however, 1 second when the big prize opening is closed is an interval period). Then, by repeating the round of such an open mode 15 times, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation of controlling the grand prize winning opening to the closed state for 1 second after controlling it to the open state for 29 seconds continues 15 times. Repeated. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the big hit type is determined to be the normal big hit or the probable big hit, the opening time of the big winning opening is as long as 29 seconds, and the opening operation that can sufficiently expect the winning of the game ball is continued 15 times. And executed.

  Further, in this embodiment, as will be described later, a battle effect is performed in such a manner that a friend and an enemy character perform a battle during the variation display of the effect symbol. After the symbols are stopped and displayed, the victory effect is executed in such a manner that the ally character wins the battle from the fanfare effect period to the round effect period of the first round. As described above, in this embodiment, by executing the victory effect, it is possible to make the player recognize that the big winning opening is long and the game value is a normal big hit or a probable big hit.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10 (1), the opening pattern of the big winning opening in the normal big hit will be described. In this embodiment, when suddenly controlled to the big hit game state based on the normal big hit, 30 seconds (in this example, the fanfare effect period) have elapsed since the passage of the game ball of the specific gate 200 has been detected. After controlling the grand prize opening for 1 second per round, the special prize opening is controlled to be closed for 1 second (however, 1 second when the big prize opening is closed is an interval period). Then, by repeating such an open mode round twice, as shown in FIG. 10 (1), the operation of controlling the grand prize opening to the open state for 1 second and then controlling to the closed state for 1 second is performed. Repeated continuously.

  Further, in this embodiment, as will be described later, a battle effect is performed in such a manner that a friend and an enemy character perform a battle during the variation display of the effect symbol. After the symbols are stopped and displayed, the defeat effect is executed in such a manner that the ally character loses the battle over the effect period (round period, interval period) during the big hit game from the fanfare effect period. As described above, in this embodiment, by performing the defeat effect, it is possible to make the player recognize that the game is suddenly a big hit with a short opening time of the big prize opening and a low game value. In this embodiment, when the normal big hit is suddenly made, the opening time of the big prize opening is extremely short, so that the fanfare effect period is increased to 30 seconds to ensure the effect period of the defeat effect.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10 (2), a description will be given of the opening pattern of the big winning opening in the appearance probability variation big hit. In this embodiment, in the case of being controlled to the big hit gaming state based on the apparent probability variation big hit, the big hit is 30 seconds (in this example, the fanfare effect period) after the passage of the game ball of the specific gate 200 is detected. The first round of the game is started, the grand prize opening is controlled to be open for 1 second and then closed for 1 second, and then the grand prize opening is controlled to be open for 29 seconds, and then the big prize is won. The mouth is controlled to be closed for 1 second (however, 1 second when the winning prize opening is finally closed is an interval period). Then, from the second round to the fifteenth round, after the grand prize opening is controlled to be open for 29 seconds per round, the big prize opening is controlled to be closed for 1 second (however, the big prize opening is closed). 1 second is an interval period). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the jackpot type is determined to be a seemingly promising jackpot, the kite suddenly appears as if it is a regular jackpot, and the opening time of the big prize opening is as long as 29 seconds. The opening operation in which the winning of the ball can be expected sufficiently is continuously executed 15 times.

  In this embodiment, in the case of a phantom probability variation jackpot, first, a short winning opening for one second is suddenly opened twice as in the case of a normal jackpot. In the same manner as above, since the long winning opening for 29 seconds is performed 15 times, it can be said that the jackpot has substantially the same advantageous degree as the normal jackpot or the probability variation jackpot.

  Further, in this embodiment, as will be described later, a battle effect is performed in such a manner that a friend and an enemy character perform a battle during the variation display of the effect symbol. After the symbol is stopped and displayed, after the defeat effect in which the ally character has defeated the battle over the period of the two short-term releases from the fanfare effect period to the first round effect period, the ally character The revival effect is executed in a manner that makes it possible to resurrect and win the battle. As such, in this embodiment, after the defeat effect is performed, the revival effect is executed, so that it is assumed that the game is suddenly a big hit with a short opening time of the big prize opening and a low game value. It is possible to make the player recognize that the opening time of the game will be a big hit with a long game value. In this embodiment, the fanfare effect period is suddenly increased to 30 seconds as in the case of the normal big hit, since it suddenly looks like a normal big hit when it looks like a promising big hit.

  Note that it may be configured not to open the short prize winning opening for 1 second in the case of a masquerade probability big hit. For example, in the case of a fake probable big hit, it may be possible to perform a 29-second long winning opening just like a normal big win or a probable big hit, just by executing a revival effect after a defeat effect.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case is shown in which the apparent probability variation big hit is a big hit with the same degree of advantage as the normal big hit or the probability variation big hit, but the advantage degree of the apparent probability variable big hit is lower than the normal big hit or the probability variable big hit. You may comprise. For example, in the case of a masquerade probable big hit, after opening the short prize winning opening for 1 second twice or once performing the defeat production, the frog suddenly pretends to be a normal jackpot. , 29 seconds of opening the big winning opening may be executed less than 15 times (for example, 4 times or 8 times), so that the degree of advantage becomes lower than the normal big hit or the probable big hit.

  In addition, in this embodiment, although the case where the fanfare production period is increased to 30 seconds for the purpose of ensuring the production period of the defeat production and the resurrection production is shown, it is not always necessary to lengthen the fanfare production period. For example, instead of immediately opening the big prize opening in the first round after the start of the big hit game, the opening of the big prize opening may be started after a closing period of 30 seconds. Any method may be used as long as the production period of the defeat production or the revival production is ensured by some method. Further, as long as the defeat production and the revival production period are secured, it is not always necessary to secure the 30-second period, and other periods such as 20 seconds or 40 seconds may be secured.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the variation display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed, a big hit occurs once and the gaming state is controlled to the probability variation state (in this case, the time reduction state is set). Is also controlled), the variation display of the second special symbol is almost continuously executed. Then, as long as the fluctuation display result of the second special symbol becomes a probability variation big hit or a fake probability variation big hit during the probability variation state, the victory effect or the resurrection effect is executed and the probability variation state is continued. As already described, in this embodiment, when the variation display of the second special symbol is executed, there is no allocation to the normal big hit, and only the normal big hit is suddenly allocated except for the probable big hit and the apparent variable big hit. Since there is no (see FIG. 8 (B)), when the probability change state is in effect, the defeat effect is executed and the probability change state ends when the normal big hit suddenly occurs.

  FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) for designating a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to variable display of the special symbol. (Each corresponding to a variation pattern XX). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each variation pattern that can be used, there is a variation pattern command corresponding to each variation pattern specified by the number. “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when receiving the command 80XX (H), the effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to start variable display of effect symbols.

  Commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit and the type of big hit. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the effect symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H), and the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are referred to as display result designation commands.

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

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

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization designation command: power-on designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Specifically, the command 9000 (H) is transmitted when the initialization process is executed at the start of power supply to the gaming machine (see steps S10 to S14).

  Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. Specifically, command 9200 (H) is transmitted when a power failure recovery process is executed at the start of power supply to the gaming machine (see steps S41 to S44).

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

  The commands A001 to A004 (H) are effect control commands for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). In this embodiment, depending on the type of jackpot, a jackpot start 1 designation command, a jackpot start 2 designation command, a jackpot start 3 designation command, or a sudden normal jackpot start designation command is used. Specifically, if it is “ordinary big hit”, the big hit start 1 designation command (A001 (H)) is used, and if it is “probable big hit”, the big hit start 2 designation command (A002 (H)) is used. In the case of “apparent probability big hit”, the big hit start 3 designation command (A003 (H)) is used, and in the case of “sudden normal big hit”, the sudden normal big hit start designation command (A004 (H)). Is used.

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

  The command A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. Note that the value indicating the number of rounds in internal control (not the apparent number of rounds) is set in the EXT data and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 in the designation command after the special winning opening is opened. Therefore, the production control microcomputer 100 can recognize how many rounds in the big hit game are to end by confirming the EXT data of the designation command after the big winning opening is opened. For example, if “01 (H)” is set as the EXT data, it can be recognized that the round 1 of the big hit game is completed, and if “07 (H)” is set as the EXT data. , It can be recognized that the end of round 7 of the jackpot game.

  The commands A301 (H) to A304 (H) are effect control commands for displaying a jackpot end screen, that is, designating the end of the jackpot game (a jackpot end designation command: an ending designation command). In this embodiment, depending on the type of jackpot, a jackpot end 1 designation command, a jackpot end 2 designation command, a jackpot end 3 designation command, or a sudden normal jackpot termination designation command is used. Specifically, when it is “normal big hit”, the big hit end 1 designation command (A301 (H)) is used, and when it is “probable big hit”, the big hit end 2 designation command (A302 (H)) is used. In the case of “apparent probability big hit”, the big hit end 3 designation command (A303 (H)) is used, and in the case of “sudden normal big hit”, the sudden normal big hit end designation command (A304 (H)). Is used.

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

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

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

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

  Also, for example, if the same first reserved memory number is specified, an effect control command specifying the addition or subtraction of the first reserved memory number is transmitted by making the MODE data common and different EXT data. You may do it. For example, when the common MODE data “C0 (H)” is used and the subtraction of the first reserved memory number is designated, the command C000 (H) is transmitted, and the addition of the first reserved memory number is designated. The command C001 (H) may be transmitted. Further, when specifying the second reserved memory number, the MODE data is made different, and when specifying the subtraction of the second reserved memory number, the command C100 (H) is transmitted, and the second reserved memory number is determined. When adding is designated, the command C101 (H) may be transmitted.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the effect display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the display state of the lamp is changed, and the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70. To do.

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

  In this embodiment, the 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.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the variable pattern command and the display result designation command are displayed as variable display (variation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol. An effect display that can be used in common with the variable display (variation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the second special symbol on the symbol display 8b, and that produces an effect with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It is possible to prevent an increase in the types of commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 when controlling the effect parts such as the device 9.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process (step S28) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 detects that the first start port switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning port 13 or that the game ball has won the second start winning port 14. If the second start opening switch 14a is turned on, that is, if a start winning to the first start winning opening 13 or a start winning to the second start winning opening 14 has occurred, the start opening switch passing process is performed. Execute (Steps S321 and S322). Then, any one of steps S300 to S307 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S307 is performed according to the internal state.

  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. The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the fourth symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. When the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S305 (5 in this example) on condition that the specific gate switch 200a is turned on. If the big hit flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (0 in this example). In this embodiment, as will be described later, a special symbol display control for stopping and displaying a special symbol stop symbol in the special symbol display control process based on the fact that the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The data is set in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data (see FIG. 25), and the special symbol stop symbol is actually stopped and displayed in accordance with the set 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 a presentation control command for a round display during the big hit gaming state to the microcomputer 100 for the presentation control, a process for controlling the opening / closing of the big prize opening, and the like are performed. When the opening of all the big winnings in the round is completed 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. 14 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process in step S322. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the first start port switch 13a is in an ON state (step S211). If the first start port switch 13a is not on, the process proceeds to step S217. If the first start port switch 13a is on, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the first reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the first reserved memory for counting the first reserved memory number). It is confirmed whether or not the value of the number counter is 4 (step S212). If the first reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S217.

  If the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S213), and the value of the total reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S214). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the first reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 15) (step S215). . In the process of step S215, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and a variation pattern A random number for determination (random 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. Note that the variation pattern type determination random number (random 2) and the variation pattern determination random number (random 3) are not extracted and stored in advance in the storage area in the start port switch passing process (at the time of start winning). You may make it extract at the time of the change start of 1 special symbol. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 directly extracts a value from a variation pattern type determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2) in a variation pattern setting process to be described later, A value may be directly extracted from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a determination random number (random 3).

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (hold buffer) for storing random numbers and the like corresponding to the hold memory. As shown in FIG. 15, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value of the second reserved storage number (4 in this example) is secured in the second reserved storage buffer. In this embodiment, the first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer include a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation A random number for pattern type determination (random 2) and a random number for variation pattern determination (random 3) are stored. The first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

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

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

  If the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S219), and the value of the aggregate reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S220). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the second reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 15) (step S221). . In the process of step S221, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and a variation pattern A random number for determination (random 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. It should be noted that the random number for random pattern determination (random 3) is not extracted and stored in the storage area in advance in the start-port switch passing process (at the time of start winning), but is extracted at the start of the variation of the second special symbol. May be. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) in a variation pattern setting process described later.

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

  16 and 17 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total pending storage number is 0, if the customer waiting demonstration designation command has not yet been transmitted, control is performed to send the customer waiting demonstration designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S51A), and the processing is performed. finish. For example, when the CPU 56 transmits a customer waiting demonstration designation command in step S51A, the CPU 56 sets a customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted flag indicating that the customer waiting demonstration designation command has been transmitted. When the special symbol normal processing after the next timer interruption is executed after sending the customer waiting demo designation command, the customer waiting demonstration request command is repeatedly set based on the fact that the customer waiting demo designation command transmission completed flag is set. Control should be performed so that the demo designation command is not transmitted. In this case, the customer waiting demonstration designation command transmission completion flag may be reset when the next special symbol variation display is started.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the special symbol normal process, first, data indicating “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first start winning opening 13, that is, “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first special symbol. ”Or“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second special symbol, that is,“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second start winning opening 14. Data is set in the special symbol pointer. In the subsequent processing in the special symbol process, processing corresponding to the data set in the special symbol pointer is executed. Therefore, the process of steps S300 to S307 can be shared between the case where the first special symbol is the target and the case where the second special symbol is the target.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area and executes a jackpot determination module. In this case, the CPU 56 reads out the jackpot determination random numbers extracted in steps S215 and S221 of the start port switch passage processing and stored in advance in the first hold storage buffer and the second hold storage buffer, and performs the jackpot determination. The jackpot determination module is a program that compares a jackpot determination value (see FIG. 7) determined in advance with a jackpot determination random number, and executes a process of determining a jackpot if they match. In other words, this is a program for executing the big hit determination process.

  The jackpot determination process is configured such that when the gaming state is a probable change state (high probability state), the probability of a big hit is higher than when the gaming state is a non-probability change state (normal game state and short-time state). ing. More specifically, a probability change jackpot determination table (a table in which the numerical values on the right side of FIG. 7 in the ROM 54 are set) in which a large number of jackpot determination values are set in advance, and a probability change jackpot determination table in which the number of jackpot determination values is set. And a normal big hit determination table (a table in which the numerical values on the left side of FIG. 7 in the ROM 54 are set) are set. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation state. If the gaming state is a probability variation state, the jackpot determination process is performed using the probability variation jackpot determination table, and the gaming state is normal. When in the gaming state or the short-time state, the big hit determination process is performed using the normal big hit determination table. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the big hit determination values shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a big hit. If it is decided to make a big hit (Y in step S61), the process proceeds to step S71. On the other hand, if it is decided not to win (N in step S61), the process proceeds to step S75. 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.

  Note that whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation state is determined by whether or not the probability variation flag is set. The probability variation flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state, and is reset when the probability variation state is terminated. Specifically, it is determined to be a probable jackpot or a fake odd jackpot, set in the process of ending the jackpot game, and when the jackpot is determined, the special symbol variation display is terminated and the stop symbol is stopped and displayed. Reset at timing.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the selected jackpot type determination table to select a type (“normal jackpot”, “probability change”) corresponding to the value of the random number for random determination (random 1) stored in the random number buffer area. "Big hit", "Fake probable big hit", "Sudden normal big hit") are determined as the types of big hit (step S73). In this case, the CPU 56 reads out the jackpot type determination random numbers extracted in steps S215 and S221 of the start port switch passing process and stored in advance in the first hold memory buffer and the second hold memory buffer, and determines the jackpot type. .

  Further, the CPU 56 sets data indicating the determined jackpot type in the jackpot type buffer in the RAM 55 (step S74). For example, when the big hit type is “normal big hit”, “01” is set as data indicating the big hit type, and when the big hit type is “probable big hit”, “02” is set as the data indicating the big hit type, When the big hit type is “apparent probability change big hit”, “03” is set as data indicating the big hit type, and when the big hit type is “sudden normal big hit”, “04” is set as the data indicating the big hit type. .

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a special symbol stop symbol (step S75). Specifically, when the big hit flag is not set, “−” as a special symbol is determined as a stop symbol of the special symbol. When the big hit flag is set, depending on the decision result of the big hit type, one of “1”, “2”, “3”, “7”, which becomes the big hit symbol, is determined as a special symbol stop symbol To do. In other words, when “normal big hit” is decided, “2” is decided as a special symbol stop symbol, and when “probable big hit” is decided, “7” is decided as a special symbol stop symbol, If it is determined that “probable big hit” is determined, “3” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. If the big hit type is determined “sudden normal big hit”, “1” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol.

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

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

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S80). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 determines which of the big hit variation pattern type determination tables as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types according to the big hit type. Is selected (step S81). Then, control goes to a step S89.

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

  If the time flag is not set (N in step S84), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (step S86). If the total number of pending storages is less than 3 (N in step S86), the CPU 56 determines the variation pattern type for normal use as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types. A table is selected (step S87). Then, control goes to a step S89.

  When the total pending storage number is 3 or more (Y in step S86), the CPU 56 uses the shortening variation pattern as a table to be used for determining one of a plurality of variation pattern types. A type determination table is selected (step S88). Then, control goes to a step S89.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S94). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result designation command transmission process (step S302) (step S95).

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

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

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit an effect control command (see FIG. 11) of any one of the display result 1 designation to the display result 5 designation in accordance with the determined jackpot type or deviation. Do. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S101). If not set, the process proceeds to step S109.

  When the big hit flag is set, if the big hit type is the normal big hit, control is performed to transmit a display result 2 designation command (steps S102 and S103). Whether or not it is a normal big hit can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is “01”.

  In addition, when the big hit type is a probable big hit, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 3 designation command (steps S104 and S105). Specifically, whether or not it is a probable big hit can be determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is “02”.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 4 designation command when the type of jackpot is a fake probability variation jackpot (steps S106 and S107). It can be determined whether or not it is a fake probable big hit, specifically by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is “03”.

  Then, when neither the normal big hit, the probable change big hit, nor the apparent likelihood big hit is (that is, when there is a sudden normal big hit), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 5 designation command (step S108).

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set (N in Step S101), that is, when it is out of place, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 1 designation command (Step S109).

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

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command has already been transmitted (step S121). Whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command has already been transmitted indicates, for example, that the pending storage number subtraction designation command has been transmitted when the pending storage number subtraction designation command is transmitted in step S122 described later. The stored number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag may be set, and in step S121, it may be confirmed whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag is set. Also, in this case, the set reserved memory number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag is reset by special symbol stop processing or jackpot end processing, which will be described later, when the special symbol fluctuation display is terminated or when the big jackpot is terminated. That's fine.

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

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

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S131). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56, if it is set, indicates the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state, the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state, and the number of special symbol fluctuations in the time reduction state. The short-time counter for counting is reset (step S132).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the specific gate switch 200a has been turned on (step S133). If the specific gate switch 200a is not in the on state, the process is terminated as it is. If the specific gate switch 200a is turned on, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a jackpot start designation command corresponding to the jackpot type to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S134). In this case, the CPU 56 performs control to send a big hit start 1 designation command if it is a normal big hit, performs control to send a big hit start 2 designation command if it is a probable big hit, and designates a big hit start 3 designation if it is a fake promising big hit. Control is performed to send a command, and if suddenly a big hit, suddenly a normal big hit start designation command is sent.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (time for notifying that the jackpot has occurred, for example, in the effect display device 9) in the timer before opening the big prize opening (step S135). In this case, the CPU 56 sets 1 second as the jackpot display time in the timer for opening the big winning opening if the normal jackpot or the probable big hit, and displays the jackpot on the timer before opening the big winning jack if the phantom probability changing big hit or the sudden normal jackpot. Set 30 seconds as the time. Further, the CPU 56 sets a round number counter (step S136). In this case, the CPU 56 sets 15 in the round number counter if it is a normal big hit, probability variation big hit, or apparent probability big hit, and if the sudden big hit is suddenly, it sets 2 in the round number counter.

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

  As described above, in this embodiment, the processing of steps S133 to S137 is executed, so that the big hit game is immediately started based on the fact that the big hit symbol is derived and displayed as a special symbol variation display result. Instead, after the big hit symbol is derived and displayed, the big hit game is started on the condition that the game ball passes through the specific gate 200 and the specific gate switch 200a is turned on.

  If the big hit flag is not set in step S131, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the value of the time reduction counter for counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol in the time reduction state is 0 (step S138). . If the value of the time reduction counter is not 0 (in this case, the time reduction counter is set based on a normal big hit and the time reduction counter is set), the CPU 56 The value is decremented by -1 (step S139). When the value of the time reduction counter after subtraction becomes 0 (step S140), the CPU 56 resets the time reduction flag (step S141).

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S142).

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the pre-opening process for the special winning opening in the special symbol process (step S305). In the process for pre-opening the big prize opening, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the timer before opening the big prize opening by 1 (step S1401). When the timer before opening the big prize opening times out (the value of the timer before opening the big prize opening is 0) (step S1402), the CPU 56 sets the current round number in the EXT data of the designation command during opening of the big prize opening, Control to transmit to the control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S1403).

  Next, the CPU 56 initializes a winning number counter (step S1404). That is, the value of the winning number counter is set to zero.

  Next, the CPU 56 controls the special winning opening to be in an open state (step S1405). Specifically, the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special variable winning ball apparatus 20.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets the opening time according to the jackpot type and the starting round to the opening / closing time timer for measuring the opening time or closing time of the big winning opening (step S1406). In this case, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to 29 seconds (the opening time of the first round) in the open / close time timer if it is a normal big hit or a probable big hit. Further, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to 1 second (first opening time of the first round) to the opening time timer if it is a fake probability big hit. Further, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to 1 second (the opening time of the first round) to the opening time timer if it is a sudden big hit.

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening process (step S306) (step S1407).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the special winning opening opening process (step S306) in the special symbol process. In the special prize opening opening process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the detection signal from the count switch 23 has been input (step S1451). When the count switch 23 is turned on, that is, when a game ball won in the big winning opening is detected (Y in step S1451), the value of the winning number counter is incremented by 1 (step S1452).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the winning number counter is 10 (step S1453). If the value of the winning number counter is 10, the process proceeds to step S1456.

  If the value of the winning number counter is less than 10 (N in step S1453), the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the open / close time timer (step S1454), and checks whether the open / close time timer has timed out (step S1455). If the open / close time timer has not timed out, the processing is terminated. If the opening / closing time timer has timed out, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the special winning opening is being opened (step S1456). Whether or not the special winning opening is being opened is determined by, for example, setting a flag when the special winning opening is opened, and confirming whether or not the flag is set in step S1456. That's fine.

  If the big prize opening is not open (that is, if the big prize opening is closed), the CPU 56 controls the big prize opening to be in an open state (step S1457). Specifically, the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special variable winning ball apparatus 20. Further, the CPU 56 sets an open / close time timer (step S1458). In this embodiment, the winning prize opening may be opened and closed several times during a single round only when the first round of presumed probable big change is performed. The processing of S1457 and S1458 is performed in the case of the first round of the apparent probability variation big hit. In step S 1458, the CPU 56 sets 1 second in the opening / closing time timer when performing the second opening of the first round per probability variation, and 29 seconds in the opening / closing time timer when performing the third opening. Set.

  If the special winning opening is being opened (Y in step S1456), the CPU 56 controls the special winning opening to be closed (step S1459). Specifically, the drive of the solenoid 21 is stopped and the open / close plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is closed.

  Next, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not all the big winning openings during the round have been completed (step S1460). If all the opening of the big prize opening has not ended yet, the CPU 56 sets an open / close time timer (step S 1461), and ends the process for opening the big prize opening. In this embodiment, the winning prize opening may be opened and closed several times during one round only when the first round of the presumed probable big hit is performed, so that it is determined to be N in step S1460. The processing of S1461 is performed in the case of the first round of a masquerade probability big hit. In step S 1461, the CPU 56 sets 1 second in the open / close time timer.

  Further, in this embodiment, the determination process of step S1453 is performed, so that it is based on the fact that the number of winning prizes reaches 10 even if the opening time of the big winning prize has not elapsed. The winning opening will be closed, but even if it is the first round of a masquerade probable big hit that will be opened multiple times, the final 29-second opening can be expected substantially. Therefore, if it is determined as Y in step S1453, after the big winning opening is closed in step S1459, the process proceeds to step S1462 to end the round. If it is determined as Y in step S1453, the special winning opening may be closed without going through the determination process in step S1456 or step S1460, and the process may proceed to step S1462.

  If all of the big prize opening has been completed (Y in step S1460), the CPU 56 sets the current number of rounds in the EXT data, and transmits a designation command after the big prize opening is opened to the effect control microcomputer 100. Control is performed (step S1462).

  Next, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the value of the round number counter (step S 1463) and checks whether or not the value of the round number counter after the subtraction is 0 (step S 1464). If the value of the round counter is 0 (that is, all rounds in the jackpot game (the first round to the fifteenth round in the case of a normal jackpot, the probability variation jackpot or the fake chance jackpot). When the first round to the second round are completed), the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the first big hit end process (step S307) (step S1467). .

  If the value of the round number counter is not 0 (that is, if there are still remaining rounds), the CPU 56 sets the time before the round start (for example, the fact that a new round is started) to the timer before opening the big prize opening. A value (in this example, 1 second) corresponding to the time to be notified on the display device 9 (corresponding to the time period when performing the interval effect) is set (step S1465). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S1466).

  FIG. 24 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 a control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command according to the jackpot type is performed (step S162). Specifically, when the type of jackpot is normally a jackpot, a jackpot end 1 designation command is transmitted. If the type of jackpot is a probable change jackpot, a jackpot end 2 designation command is transmitted. Also, if the type of jackpot is a fake probability variation jackpot, a jackpot end 3 designation command is transmitted. If the type of jackpot is suddenly a normal jackpot, a normal jackpot end designation command is suddenly transmitted. Whether the big hit type is a normal big hit, a probable big hit, a fake probable big hit, or a sudden normal big hit is stored in the data indicating the big hit type stored in the RAM 55 (data stored in the big hit type buffer). Based on the determination.

  Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is performed in the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S163), and the processing is ended.

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

  If the big hit end display time has elapsed (Y in step S165), the CPU 56 checks whether the big hit type is a normal big hit or a sudden normal big hit (step S166). Whether or not the normal big hit or sudden normal big hit has occurred is specifically determined whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is “01” or “04”. This can be determined by checking. If neither the normal big hit nor the sudden normal big hit is obtained (that is, if the probability variation big hit or the apparent probability big hit), the CPU 56 sets the probability variation flag to shift the gaming state to the probability variation state (step S167), and also the time reduction flag Is set to shift the gaming state to the time saving state (step S168). Then, the process proceeds to step S171.

  If it is a normal big hit or a sudden big hit, the CPU 56 sets a time reduction flag and shifts the gaming state to the time reduction state (step S169). In addition, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) in a time reduction counter for counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol in the time reduction state (step S170). Then, the process proceeds to step S171.

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S171).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol display control process (step S36) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. In the special symbol display control process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (step S3201). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (that is, if the special symbol variation processing is being executed), the CPU 56 sets the special symbol display control data for special symbol variation display for setting the special symbol display control data. Processing for setting or updating the output buffer is performed (step S3202). In this case, the CPU 56 sets or updates special symbol display control data for performing variable display of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) indicated by the special symbol pointer. For example, if the fluctuation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds, the value of the special symbol display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by 1 every time 0.2 seconds elapse. After that, display control processing (see step S22) is executed, and a drive signal is output to the special symbol displays 8a and 8b in accordance with the contents of the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. The special symbol display on the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b is executed.

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

  In this embodiment, the special symbol display control data is set in the output buffer according to the value of the special symbol process flag. However, in the special symbol process, the start flag is set at the start of the variation of the special symbol. In addition, an end flag may be set at the end of the variation of the special symbol. In the special symbol display control process (step S36), the CPU 56 starts updating the value of the special symbol display control data based on the start flag being set, and based on the end flag being set. Thus, special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the stop symbol may be set.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, effect control CPU 101) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 4 ms) is performed (step S701). . Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring a timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.

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

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

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

  Next, a random number update process for updating a count value of a counter for generating a random number such as a jackpot symbol determining random number is executed (step S707). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer of a ring buffer type capable of storing six 2-byte configuration effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIGS. 11 and 12) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is.

  FIG. 28 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 reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the contents of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

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

  If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S614), the effect control CPU 101 stores the received variation pattern command in a variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S615). Then, a variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S616).

  If the received effect control command is a display result designation command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 forms the received display result designation command (display result 1 designation command to display result 5 designation command) in the RAM. Is stored in the display result designation command storage area (step S618).

  If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S619), the effect control CPU 101 sets a confirmed command reception flag (step S620).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot start designation command (a jackpot start 1 designation command, a jackpot start 2 designation command, a jackpot start 3 designation command, or a sudden normal jackpot start designation command) (step S621), the presentation control CPU 101 The jackpot start designation command reception flag corresponding to the received command is set (step S622). In this embodiment, the jackpot start designation command reception flag set in step S622 is also referred to as a fanfare flag.

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot end specifying command (a jackpot end 1 specifying command, a jackpot end 2 specifying command, a jackpot end 3 specifying command, or a sudden normal jackpot end specifying command) (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 Then, a jackpot end designation command reception flag corresponding to the received command is set (step S624).

  If the received effect control command is a command for opening a prize winning opening (step S625), the CPU 101 for effect control designates the instruction for opening a prize winning opening being received as a command for opening a prize winning opening formed in the RAM. Store in the command storage area (step S626). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets a special winning opening open flag indicating that the special winning opening open designation command has been received (step S627).

  If the received effect control command is a designation command after opening the big prize opening (step S628), the production control CPU 101 designates the received designation command after opening the special prize opening after opening the big prize opening. Store in the command storage area (step S629). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag after opening the special prize opening indicating that the designation command after opening the special prize opening has been received (step S630).

  If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S631). Then, control goes to a step S611. For example, if the effect control command received is the first symbol variation designation command, the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set, and if the received effect control command is the second symbol variation designation command, the second symbol variation designation command is set. Set the reception flag.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S808 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 symbols is realized. Control related to the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol is also executed in one effect control process. It should be noted that the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol and the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the second special symbol may be executed by separate effect control process processing. Good. Further, in this case, it may be determined which special symbol variation display is being executed depending on which representation control process processing is performing the variation display of the representation symbol.

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

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

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

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

  Big hit effect processing (step S804): After the display result of the effect symbol (stop symbol) is derived and displayed, the big hit effect for the period until the game ball passes the specific gate 200 and starts the big hit game (this example) Then, control for executing a right-handed effect) is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S805).

  Big hit display process (step S805): When the big hit is reached, after the variation time is over, the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a screen for notifying the occurrence of the big hit. Specifically, when a fanfare designation command for designating the start of a big hit is received, a fanfare effect (in this example, a victory effect, a defeat effect, or a resurrection effect) is executed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the in-round processing (step S806).

  In-round processing (step S806): Display control during round is performed. For example, if a display command indicating that the special winning opening is open is received, the display control of the number of rounds is performed.

  Post-round processing (step S807): Display control between rounds is performed. For example, when a display command after opening the big prize opening indicating that the big prize opening is after being opened (closed), an interval display is performed.

  Big hit end effect process (step S808): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit game state has ended. For example, when an ending designation command for designating the end of the big hit is received, an ending effect is executed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

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

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 first reads a variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S8001). Next, the production control CPU 101 determines the production symbol display result (stop symbol) according to the data stored in the display result designation command storage area (that is, the received display result designation command) (step S8002). .

  FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. As shown in FIG. 32, in the case of a normal big hit, the effect control CPU 101 determines a big hit symbol of a non-probable variation symbol as a stop symbol of the production symbol. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 32, a combination of effect symbols in which three symbols on the left, middle, and right are arranged in the same even number as the stop symbol of the effect symbols is determined. If it is a probability variation big hit, the CPU 101 for effect control determines the big hit symbol of the probability variation symbol as the stop symbol of the effect symbol. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 32, the combination of effect symbols in which the three symbols on the left, middle, and right are arranged in the same odd number as the stop symbol of the effect symbols is determined. In this case, the effect control CPU 101 extracts a random number for determining the stop symbol, and uses the stop symbol determination table in which the data indicating the combination of effect symbols and numerical values are associated with each other. Determine the combination. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating the combination of effect symbols corresponding to the numerical value matching the extracted random number. As for the effect symbols, a stop symbol that recalls a big hit is called a big hit symbol.

  In this embodiment, the probability variation symbol that recalls that the probability variation state is assumed is an odd symbol, and the non-probability variation symbol that recalls that the probability variation state does not occur is an even symbol. The non-probable variation symbols are not limited to those shown in this embodiment. For example, the probability variation design and the non-probability variation design may be distinguished by the display color of the design, or may be distinguished by the difference in the design font.

  If it is suddenly a normal big hit, the effect control CPU 101 suddenly determines the normal big hit symbol as a stop symbol of the production symbol. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 32, a combination of “135” effect symbols is determined as the stop symbol of the effect symbols.

  Further, in this embodiment, even in the case of a fake certainty big hit, a symbol similar to the normal big hit symbol is suddenly determined as the stop symbol of the effect symbol. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 32, a combination of “135” effect symbols is determined as the stop symbol of the effect symbols. By doing so, in this embodiment, at the stage where the stop symbol of the effect symbol is stopped and displayed, it is impossible to recognize whether it is suddenly a normal big hit or a fake probable big hit.

  In this embodiment, the case where the stop symbol of the effect symbol is made common only in the case of the apparent probability big hit and the sudden normal big hit is shown, but the stop symbol of the effect symbol in the case of the normal big hit or the probability variable big hit is also common. Thus, at the stage where the stop symbol of the effect symbol is stopped and displayed, it may not be possible to recognize whether it is a normal big hit or a probable big hit.

  If it is out of place, the effect control CPU 101 determines a combination of effect symbols (out of symbol) other than the above. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols (reach symbols) in which two left and right symbols are aligned is determined (see FIG. 32).

  When the pseudo-ream is specified by the variation pattern command, the effect control CPU 101 does not reach the chance symbol symbol (for example, “223” or “445”) as the temporary stop symbol in the pseudo-ream. The combination of the big hit symbol of the object and the symbol in which one symbol is shifted) is also determined.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 stores the data indicating the stop symbol of the effect symbol determined in step S8002 in the effect symbol display result storage area.

  The effect control CPU 101 may determine the stop symbol of the effect symbol by specifying the big hit or the loss or the big hit type based on the variation pattern command instead of the display result designation command. . For example, when the variation control command for big hit is received, the effect control CPU 101 determines a big hit symbol having the same pattern on the left and right, and when the sudden big fluctuation pattern command is suddenly received, “135 When a stop symbol such as “” is determined and a variation pattern command for disconnection is received, a symbol other than these may be determined.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes a notice effect setting process for determining whether or not the notice effect is to be executed in the effect display device 9 during the change display of the effect symbol and setting the effect aspect of the notice effect (step S8003). ).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the notice effect when the change pattern or notice effect is executed (step S8004). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S8005).

  FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process data set in the process table (step S8006). The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. The display control execution data includes, for example, data indicating each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbol (display of the effect display device 9 in addition to the display mode of the effect symbol) (Including other aspects of the screen) Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. Further, the production time in the production mode is set in the process timer set value. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table, displays the effect design in the form set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value, and displays the character image or background displayed on the display screen. Control to display. In addition, the flashing of the light emitter is controlled in a manner set in the lamp control execution data and the sound number data, and the sound output from the speaker 27 is controlled.

  The process table shown in FIG. 33 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. The process table is prepared according to the contents of each variation pattern and notice effect. If it is determined in step S8003 to execute the notice effect, the data corresponding to the notice effect is set, the process table is selected, and it is not decided to execute the notice effect. The process table for which data corresponding to the notice effect is not set is selected.

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

  In this embodiment, when a big hit or reach is reached, a battle effect is executed in such a manner that a friend and an enemy character perform a battle during the variation display of the effect symbol. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a big hit or a reach is designated by a variation pattern, a process table including a battle effect is selected in step S8004, and steps S8006 and S8105 are executed according to the selected process table. As a result, the battle effect is executed during the variation display of the effect symbol.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command in the variation time timer (step S8007).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802) (step S8008).

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol changing process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S8101) and subtracts 1 from the value of the change time timer (step S8102).

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

  If the variation time timer has timed out (step S8106), the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) (step S8107).

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, first, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to stop and display the stored stop symbol (out-of-order symbol or jackpot symbol) (step S861). The production control CPU 101 may perform control to stop and display the production symbol in response to the reception of the symbol confirmation designation command from the game control microcomputer 560.

  Next, when the jackpot symbol is not displayed in step S861 (that is, when the off symbol is displayed: N in step S862), the effect control CPU 101 resets a predetermined flag (step S863). For example, the effect control CPU 101 resets a command reception flag such as a display result designation command reception flag. The effect control CPU 101 may reset the command reception flag immediately after being referred to in the effect control process or the fourth symbol process (for example, as shown in step S811 in FIG. 30, the variation pattern). The fluctuation pattern command reception flag may be reset immediately after confirming the command reception flag). Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S864).

  When the big hit symbol is displayed in step S861 (Y in step S862), the effect control CPU 101 checks whether the big hit type is a normal big hit or a probable big hit (step S865). Whether or not it is a normal big hit or a probable big hit is specifically determined by checking whether a display result 2 designation command or a display result 3 designation command is stored in the display result designation command storage area. it can. If it is a normal big hit or a promising big hit, the CPU 101 for effect control selects the right-handed effect determination table 1 as a table for determining the mode of the right-handed effect (step S866). If neither the normal big hit nor the probable big hit is obtained (that is, if it is a false positive big hit or sudden normal big hit), the production control CPU 101 uses the right-handed effect determination table 2 as a table for determining the mode of the right-handed effect. Select (step S867).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 uses the right-handed effect determination table selected in steps S866 and S867 to perform a lottery using a random number for determining the right-handed effect mode, and determines the right-handed effect mode. (Step S868).

  It should be noted that the “right-handed effect” executed as a big hit effect is urged to perform a game ball launch operation aiming at the right side of the game area 7 in order to prompt a game ball launch operation toward the specific gate 200. Production. As already explained, in this embodiment, the big hit game is not started immediately after the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, but after the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the game ball further passes through the specific gate 200. A big hit game is started on the condition. In this case, in this embodiment, since the specific gate 200 is provided on the right side of the game area 7 (see FIG. 1), when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, The player is prompted to perform a launch operation aiming at the right side of the game area 7.

  FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of a right-handed effect determination table. Among these, FIG. 36A shows a specific example of the right-handed effect determination table 1 selected in step S866. FIG. 36B shows a specific example of the right-handed effect determination table 2 selected in step S867. As shown in FIG. 36, there are three types of right-handed effects A, right-handed effects A, right-handed effects B, and right-handed effects C. In this embodiment, as the right-handed effect, it is assumed that an effect of displaying an arrow image in a manner pointing to the right is executed. When the right-handed effect A is determined, a red arrow image is displayed. When the right-handed effect B is determined, a blue arrow image is displayed, and the right-handed effect C is determined. In this case, an image of a white arrow is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 36A, in this embodiment, when the right-handed effect determination table 1 is selected in the case of a normal big hit or a probable big hit, the ratio determined as the right-handed effect A is the highest. high. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the right-handed effect A is executed, it is possible to cause the player to expect a normal big hit or a probable big hit with a long opening time of the big prize opening and a high game value. As shown in FIG. 36 (B), in this embodiment, when the right-handed effect determination table 2 is selected in the case of suddenly big hit, the ratio determined as the right-handed effect C is the highest. high. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the right-handed effect C is executed, the player is given anxiety that the opening time of the big prize opening is short and the game value may suddenly become a normal big hit. it can. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right-handed effect determination table 2 shown in FIG. 36 (B) may be selected even in the case of a fake probable big hit, even if the right-handed effect C is executed. However, it is not always a normal big hit, and it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that it may become a big hit that has a long opening time of the big prize opening and a high game value due to a masquerade probable big hit.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects process data corresponding to the determined right-handed effect (step S869). Further, the production control CPU 101 starts a process timer (step S870). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the big hit effect process (step S804) (step S871).

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the pre-hit effect processing (step S804) in the effect control process. In the pre-hit effect processing, the production control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the fanfare flag (hit start designation command reception flag: see step S622) is set (step S8201). If the fanfare flag is not set, the production control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S8202), and the production device (production display device 9, speaker 27, frame LED 28, etc.) according to the contents of the process data n. Control is executed (step S8203).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S8204), and if the process timer has timed out, switches the process data (step S8205). That is, the process data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data) set next in the process table is switched. Then, the process timer set value in the next process data is set in the process timer and the process timer is started (step S8206).

  When the fanfare flag is set (Y in step S8201), the effect control CPU 101 checks whether the big hit type is a normal big hit or a probable big hit (step S8207). Whether or not it is a normal big hit or a probable big hit is specifically determined by checking whether a display result 2 designation command or a display result 3 designation command is stored in the display result designation command storage area. it can. If it is a normal big hit or a probable big hit, the CPU 101 for effect control selects process data corresponding to the winning effect (step S8208). In addition, since the player can recognize that it will normally be a big hit or a probable big hit if the win production is executed, the win production will be a normal big hit or a probable big hit with a long opening time of the big prize opening and a high game value. It can be said that this is a suggestion.

  If neither the normal big hit nor the probable big hit is found (N in step S8207), the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the big hit type is a false positive big hit (step S8209). Whether or not it is a masquerade probability change big hit can be specifically determined by confirming whether or not a display result 4 designation command is stored in the display result designation command storage area. If it is a prejudice probable big hit, the CPU 101 for effect control selects process data for executing the resurrection effect after the defeat effect (step S8210). In addition, if the revival stage is executed, the player can recognize that it will be a masquerade probable jackpot, so the revival stage is a stage that suggests that the opening time of the big prize opening will be long and the game value will be masquerade. It can be said that there is.

  If it is not a masquerade probable big hit (that is, if it is a sudden big win suddenly), the production control CPU 101 selects process data corresponding to the defeat production (step S8211). Note that if the defeat effect is executed, the player can recognize that it will suddenly be a big hit, so the defeat effect is an effect that suggests that the big winning opening is short and the game value is suddenly low. It can be said that there is.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 starts a process timer (step S8212). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S805) (step S8213).

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (step S805) in the effect control process. In the jackpot display process, the effect control CPU 101 first determines whether or not the big prize opening open flag indicating that the big prize opening open display command has been received (that is, the big prize opening at the start of round 1). It is confirmed whether or not a display command during opening has been received (step S1901). When the big prize opening open flag is not set (N in step S1901), the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S1902), and the effect device (effect display) Control of the apparatus 9, the speaker 27, the frame LED 28, etc.) is executed (step S1903).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S1904), and if the process timer has timed out, switches the process data (step S1905). That is, the process data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data) set next in the process table is switched. Then, the process timer set value in the next process data is set in the process timer and the process timer is started (step S1906).

  When the big prize opening open flag is set (Y in step S1901), that is, when the start timing of round 1 is reached, the production control CPU 101 resets the big prize opening open flag ( Step S1907).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the big hit type is a normal big hit or a probable big hit (step S1908). Whether or not it is a normal big hit or a probable big hit is specifically determined by checking whether a display result 2 designation command or a display result 3 designation command is stored in the display result designation command storage area. it can. If it is a normal big hit or a probable big hit, the CPU 101 for effect control selects process data corresponding to the winning effect (step S1909).

  If neither the normal big hit nor the probable big hit is found (N in step S1908), the production control CPU 101 confirms whether the big hit type is a fake probable big hit (step S1910). Whether or not it is a masquerade probability change big hit can be specifically determined by confirming whether or not a display result 4 designation command is stored in the display result designation command storage area. If it is a masquerade probable big hit, the CPU 101 for effect control selects process data for executing the resurrection effect after the defeat effect and then executing the effect during the round (step S1911).

  If it is not a masquerade probable big hit (that is, if it is a sudden big hit suddenly), the production control CPU 101 selects process data corresponding to the defeat production (step S1912).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 starts a process timer (step S1913), and sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the in-round processing (step S806) (step S1914).

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing mid-round processing (step S806) in the effect control process. In the in-round processing, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a flag after opening the big prize opening indicating that the designation command after opening the special prize opening has been received is set (step S2901). When the flag after opening the big prize opening is not set (N in step S2901), the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S2902), and the effect device (effect display) Control of the apparatus 9, the speaker 27, the frame LED 28, etc.) is executed (step S2903).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S2904), and if the process timer has timed out, switches the process data (step S2905). That is, the process data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data) set next in the process table is switched. Then, the process timer set value in the next process data is set in the process timer, and the process timer is started (step S2906).

  If the flag after opening the big prize opening is set in step S2901 (Y in step S2901), the effect control CPU 101 resets the flag after opening the big prize opening (step S2907).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the big hit type is a sudden big hit (step S2908). Whether or not it is a sudden big hit can be determined by confirming whether or not a display result 5 designation command is stored in the display result designation command storage area. If it is suddenly a big hit, the CPU 101 for effect control selects process data corresponding to the defeat effect (step S2909). If it is not suddenly a big hit, the effect control CPU 101 selects process data corresponding to the interval effect (step S2910). Then, the effect control CPU 101 starts a process timer (step S2911), and the effect device according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1, movable member control data 1). Control of the effect display device 9 as an effect component, various lamps as an effect component, and the speaker 27 as an effect component is executed (step S2912).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the round post-processing (step S807) (step S2913).

  40 and 41 are flowcharts showing the post-round processing (step S807) in the effect control process. In the round post-processing, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the jackpot end designation command reception flag (see step S624) is set (step S3901). When the big hit end designation command reception flag is not set (N of step S3901), the production control CPU 101 has set the big prize opening open flag indicating that the big prize opening open designation command has been received. It is confirmed whether or not (step S3902). When the big prize opening open flag is not set (N in Step S3902), the CPU 101 for effect control subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (Step S3903), and the effect device (effect display) Control of the device 9, the speaker 27, the LEDs 25, 28, etc.) is executed (step S3904).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S3905), and if the process timer has timed out, switches the process data (step S3906). That is, the process data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data) set next in the process table is switched. Then, the process timer set value in the next process data is set in the process timer, and the process timer is started (step S3907).

  When the big prize opening open flag is set (Y in step S3902), the effect control CPU 101 resets the big prize opening open flag (step S3908).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the big hit type is suddenly a normal big hit (step S3909). Whether or not it is a sudden big hit can be determined by confirming whether or not a display result 5 designation command is stored in the display result designation command storage area. If it is a sudden big hit suddenly, the production control CPU 101 selects process data corresponding to the defeat production (step S3910). If it is not suddenly a big hit, the effect control CPU 101 selects process data corresponding to the effect during the round (step S3911). Then, the effect control CPU 101 starts a process timer (step S3912), and the effect device according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1, movable member control data 1). Control of the effect display device 9 as an effect component, various lamps as an effect component, and the speaker 27 as an effect component is executed (step S3913).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the in-round processing (step S806) (step S3914).

  When the jackpot end designation command reception flag is set in step S3901 (Y in step S3901), the presentation control CPU 101 resets the jackpot end designation command reception flag (step S3915), and obtains process data corresponding to the ending presentation. Select (step S3916). In addition, the production control CPU 101 starts the production period measurement timer and the process timer (step S3917), and the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1, Control of the effect device (the effect display device 9 as the effect component, the various lamps as the effect component, and the speaker 27 as the effect component) is executed according to the movable member control data 1) (step S3918).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot end effect process (step S808) (step S3919).

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end effect process (step S808) in the effect control process. In the jackpot end effect process, the effect control CPU 101 first subtracts 1 from the value of the effect period measurement timer for measuring the effect period of the ending effect executed at the end of the jackpot game (step S971). The effect period measurement timer is set based on the fact that all rounds of the jackpot game are completed in the post-round processing (see step S807). Next, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the production period measurement timer has timed out (step S972).

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

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

  If the effect period measurement timer has timed out (Y in step S972), the effect control CPU 101 resets a predetermined flag (step S978). For example, the effect control CPU 101 resets command reception flags such as a first symbol variation designation command reception flag and a second symbol variation designation command reception flag. Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S979).

  Next, description will be made on the effects of the battle effect, the right-handed effect, the victory effect, the defeat effect, and the resurrection effect in this embodiment. FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of the effect aspect of the battle effect, the right-handed effect, and the victory effect that is executed when the probability variation is a big hit. FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the effects of a battle effect, a right-handed effect, and a defeat effect that are executed when a sudden big hit is made. FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the effect aspect of the battle effect, the right-handed effect, the defeat effect, and the resurrection effect that is executed when the appearance probability change is a big hit. 43 to 45, the aspect of the effect screen changes in the order of (1) (2) (3).

  First, a description will be given of an effect mode when the jackpot type is determined to be a promiscuous jackpot. When the jackpot type is determined to be a promising big hit, as shown in FIG. 43 (1), the effect display device 9 displays the variation display of the middle left and right effect symbols, and when the reach generation timing is reached, FIG. As shown in (2), the left and right effect symbols are stopped and displayed at the same symbol (in this example, symbol “7”), and reach is reached. In the reach state, the enemy character 300 first appears as shown in FIG. 43 (2), and then the friendly character 301 appears as shown in FIG. 43 (3). As shown in 5), the battle effect is executed in such a manner that the friendly character 301 and the enemy character 300 battle each other (see steps S8004, S8006, and S8105). In this case, as shown in FIGS. 43 (2) to 43 (5), while the battle effect is being executed, the change display of the effect symbol is reduced and displayed, for example, at the end of the display screen.

  Next, when the variation time elapses, as shown in FIG. 43 (6), the jackpot symbol of the probability variation symbol (in this example, a combination of symbols “777”) is stopped and displayed as the stop symbol of the effect symbol (step S861). reference). Also, as shown in FIG. 43 (6), a right-handed effect is executed by displaying an arrow image in a manner pointing to the right (see steps S865 to S869 and S8203). In the example shown in FIG. 43 (6), it is assumed that the right-handed effect A is determined as the right-handed effect mode (see FIG. 36), and a red arrow image 302 is displayed and the right-handed effect is executed. It shall be.

  Next, when the game ball passes through the specific gate 200, the big hit game is started. In this case, as shown in FIG. 43 (7), the victory effect is performed in such a manner that the teammate character 301 has won the battle from the fanfare effect period to the round effect period of the first round (steps S8208, S1903). (See S1909 and S2903).

  In addition, even when it is determined that the jackpot type is a normal jackpot, the battle effect, the right-handed effect, and the victory effect are executed in the same manner as in FIG. However, since the big hit symbol of the non-probability variable symbol is determined as the stop symbol of the production symbol in the case of the normal big hit, the reach form is reached with the reach symbol of the non-probable variable symbol in FIGS. 43 (2) to (5). In 43 (6) to (7), the big hit symbol of the non-probability variable symbol is stopped and displayed.

  Next, a description will be given of an effect mode in the case where a sudden big hit is suddenly determined as the big hit type. When the big hit type is suddenly determined as the normal big hit, as shown in FIG. 44 (1), the effect display device 9 executes the variation display of the left, middle and right effect symbols, and reaches the occurrence timing of the reach. As shown in 44 (2), the left and right effect symbols are stopped and displayed at the same symbol (in this example, symbol “7”), and reach is reached. In the reach state, first, the enemy character 300 appears as shown in FIG. 44 (2), then the friendly character 301 appears as shown in FIG. 44 (3), and FIGS. As shown in 5), the battle effect is executed in such a manner that the friendly character 301 and the enemy character 300 battle each other (see steps S8004, S8006, and S8105). In this case, as shown in FIGS. 44 (2) to 44 (5), while the battle effect is being executed, the effect symbol variation display is reduced and displayed, for example, at the end of the display screen.

  Next, when the variation time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 44 (5), for example, after all the effect symbols have been changed again, suddenly, as shown in FIG. The jackpot symbol (in this example, a combination of symbols “135”) is stopped and displayed (see step S861). Also, as shown in FIG. 44 (6), a right-handed effect is executed by displaying an arrow image in a manner pointing to the right (see steps S865 to S869 and S8203). In the example shown in FIG. 44 (6), it is assumed that the right-handed effect C is determined as the mode of the right-handed effect (see FIG. 36), and a white arrow image 303 is displayed and the right-handed effect is executed. It shall be.

  Next, when the game ball passes through the specific gate 200, the big hit game is started. In this case, as shown in FIG. 44 (7), the defeat effect is executed in such a manner that the ally character is defeated in the battle from the fanfare effect period to the effect period (round period, interval period) during the big hit game ( Steps S8211, S1903, S1912, S2903, S2909, S3904, and S3910).

  Next, a description will be given of the production mode when it is determined that the jackpot type is a fake probability variation jackpot. When it is determined that the jackpot type is a seemingly promiscuous jackpot, as shown in FIG. 45 (1), the effect display device 9 displays the variation display of the left middle right effect symbol, and the reach generation timing is reached. As shown in 45 (2), the left and right effect symbols are stopped and displayed at the same symbol (in this example, symbol “7”), and reach is reached. In the reach state, the enemy character 300 first appears as shown in FIG. 45 (2), then the friend character 301 appears as shown in FIG. 45 (3), and FIGS. As shown in 5), the battle effect is executed in such a manner that the friendly character 301 and the enemy character 300 battle each other (see steps S8004, S8006, and S8105). In this case, as shown in FIGS. 45 (2) to 45 (5), while the battle effect is being executed, the change display of the effect symbol is reduced and displayed, for example, at the end of the display screen.

  Next, when the variation time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 45 (5), for example, after all the effect symbols have been changed again, as shown in FIG. 45 (6), the jackpot symbol as the stop symbol of the effect symbol (In this example, the “135” symbol combination that is the same as the normal big hit symbol is suddenly stopped) (see step S861). Further, as shown in FIG. 45 (6), a right-handed effect is executed by displaying an arrow image in a manner pointing to the right (see steps S865 to S869 and S8203). In the example shown in FIG. 45 (6), it is assumed that the right-handed effect C is determined as the mode of the right-handed effect (see FIG. 36), the white arrow image 303 is displayed, and the right-handed effect is executed. It shall be.

  Next, when the game ball passes through the specific gate 200, the big hit game is started. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 45 (7) to (9), the ally character is defeated in the battle over the period in which the short-time opening is performed twice during the round production period of the first round from the fanfare production period. After the defeat effect of the aspect (see FIG. 45 (7)), the resurgence effect (see FIGS. 45 (8) to (9)) of the aspect that the ally character revived and won the battle is executed (step 45). (See S8210, S1903, S1911, S2903).

  In this embodiment, when a big hit or reach is reached, a battle effect is unconditionally executed, and when a big win is reached, a victory effect, a defeat effect, or a resurrection effect is executed. However, it is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, it may be configured such that the battle effect is executed only when the gaming state is the probability variation state, or may be configured so that the battle effect is executed only when the gaming state is the high base state. Further, for example, a gaming machine configured to shift to a specific mode may be configured to execute a battle effect only when in a specific mode. In this case, for example, in a gaming machine configured to shift to a so-called probability variation latency mode in which an effect that cannot be recognized as to whether or not it is in a probability variation state, the battle effect is performed only when the probability variation latency mode is in effect. You may comprise as follows. In addition, for example, in a gaming machine configured to shift to a so-called mission mode that presents mission conditions such as “reach within 10 fluctuations”, a battle effect is executed only when in the mission mode. It may be configured. In addition, for example, in a gaming machine configured to change an effect mode such as a background screen based on a predetermined time, a battle effect is executed only when in a specific effect mode. May be. In addition, in these cases, if the battle effect is not executed during the fluctuation display because it does not meet the conditions, it will be replaced with the victory effect, the defeat effect, and the resurrection effect, instead of the normal fanfare effect or the jackpot. You may make it perform the effect (game effect during a round, an interval effect) (for example, the effect which displays a character string also displays the current number of rounds etc.) etc. in a game.

  In addition, when performing a victory effect, a defeat effect, or a resurrection effect as shown in FIGS. 43 to 45, any big hit is made so that the stop symbol of the effect symbol is not known until the game ball passes through the specific gate 200. It is desirable to configure so as not to know the type. For example, the stop symbol of the effect symbol is not displayed immediately after the end of the variable display, but the stop symbol of the effect symbol is displayed based on detecting that the game ball has passed through the specific gate 200. Also good.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, after a predetermined condition is satisfied (in this example, the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed), the game ball has passed through a specific area (in this example, the specific gate 200). Based on that, the variable winning device (in this example, the special variable winning ball device 20 (large winning opening)) is operated. In addition, after the predetermined condition is established, a firing promotion notification (in this example, a right-handed effect) that prompts the player to launch a game ball toward the specific area is executed. In addition, the variable winning device is operated in any one of a plurality of types of operation modes (in this example, 29 seconds opening control and 1 second opening control, see FIGS. 9 and 10) having different advantages. It is possible to execute launch promotion notifications (in this example, right-handed effects A to C; see FIG. 36) of a plurality of types of notification modes that suggest the advantage of the operation mode of the variable winning device. . Then, the firing promotion notification of one of the plurality of notification modes is executed at a different rate depending on the type of the predetermined condition that is satisfied (in this example, as shown in FIG. 36, for 29 seconds, The execution rate of the right-handed effect A is high in the normal big hit or the probability variable big hit in which the release control is performed, and the execution rate of the right-handed effect C is high in the sudden normal big hit in which the opening control for 1 second is performed). Therefore, in the gaming machine configured to operate the variable winning device based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the specific area after the predetermined condition is satisfied, the advantage of the operating mode of the variable winning device by the notification mode of the firing promotion notification It is possible to have a sense of expectation for the game, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game when the firing promotion notification is executed.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, the first operation control (in this example, the big hit control based on the normal big hit or the probable big hit. See FIG. 9) for operating the variable winning device in the first operation mode, and the first action. The second operation control (in this example, the big hit control based on the appearance probability variable big hit. Refer to FIG. 10 (2)) for operating the variable prize-winning device in the second operation mode that is different from the mode, and the second operation mode. It is possible to execute the third operation control (in this example, the big hit control based on the normal big hit, see FIG. 10 (1)) for operating the variable winning device in the third operation mode with a low degree of advantage. And in the ratio which changes according to the kind of operation control performed among 1st action control, the 2nd action control, or the 3rd action control, the firing promotion notice of any notice form of a plurality of kinds of notice modes is carried out. (In this example, as shown in FIG. 36, the execution rate of the right-handed effect A is high in the normal big hit or the probable big hit, and the right-handed effect C is high in the apparent positive change big hit or the sudden normal big hit). Therefore, it is possible to effectively execute the firing promotion notification for the operation control of the variable winning device performed in a plurality of types of operation modes.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, the first operation control (in this example, the big hit control based on the normal big hit or the probable big hit. See FIG. 9) for operating the variable winning device in the first operation mode, and the first action. The second operation control (in this example, the big hit control based on the appearance probability variable big hit. Refer to FIG. 10 (2)) for operating the variable prize-winning device in the second operation mode that is different from the mode, and the second operation mode. It is possible to execute the third operation control (in this example, the big hit control based on the normal big hit, see FIG. 10 (1)) for operating the variable winning device in the third operation mode with a low degree of advantage. In addition, a first effect suggesting the first operation control (in this example, a victory effect executed when a normal big hit or a probable big hit is obtained; see FIG. 43 (7)) and a second effect suggesting the second action control. 2 effects (in this example, an effect of executing a resurrection effect after a defeat effect that is executed in the case of a masquerade probable big hit; see FIGS. 45 (7) to (9)) and a third operation control suggesting the third operation control. 3 effects (in this example, a defeat effect that is executed when a sudden big hit is suddenly made. See FIG. 44 (7)). Further, in this case, when the second operation control is executed, it is possible to execute the second effect including at least the same effect as the third effect (FIGS. 44 (7) and 45 (7) to 45). (See (9)). And the firing promotion alert | report of the alerting | reporting aspect in any one of several types of alerting | reporting aspects is performed in the ratio from which the case where a 1st effect is performed and the case where a 2nd effect is performed (in this example, As shown in FIG. 36, when the winning effect is executed with a normal big hit or a probable big hit, the execution rate of the right-handed effect A is high, and the revival effect is executed after the defeat effect with a fake probable big hit. In this case, the execution rate of right-handed effect C is high). Therefore, it is possible to effectively execute at least the second effect including the same effect as the third effect.

  Further, in this embodiment, especially when the appearance probability variation is a big hit, the right-handed effect C with a low expectation level is executed at a high rate (see FIG. 36). The production effect when the production appears can be enhanced.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, a predetermined period (in this example, a fanfare effect period. One second in the case of a normal big hit or a probable big hit. A fake probable big hit or a sudden normal big hit. In the case of, 30 seconds (see FIGS. 9 and 10), the operation control of the variable winning device is started. Then, during the period from when the game ball passes through the specific area to when the operation control of the variable winning device is started, an effect that suggests the operating mode of the variable winning device (in this example, the victory shown in FIG. 43 (7)). It is possible to execute the effect, the defeat effect shown in FIG. 44 (7), and the effect of executing the revival effect after the defeat effect shown in FIGS. 45 (7) to (9). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operating mode of the variable winning device from being recognized before performing the effect suggesting the operating mode of the variable winning device.

  In particular, in this embodiment, when a fake probabilistic jackpot is executed, the revival effect is executed after the defeat effect is executed in order to make the kite suddenly appear as if it is a normal jackpot. If the opening control of the big winning opening is started immediately at the timing when the game ball passes, it will be understood that the opening control for 29 seconds is performed, and the meaning of executing the revival effect is lost. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the case of a phantom probable big hit or a sudden normal big hit, a period of 30 seconds is provided as a fanfare production period before the opening control of the big prize opening is started, and after the defeat production Until the resurrection effect appears, it is impossible to recognize that it is a fake probable big hit, so that the effect of the resurrection effect is prevented from declining.

  In this embodiment, there is shown a case where there are a plurality of types of operation modes having different advantages as the operation modes of the variable winning device, but the state after the operation of the movable prize apparatus is a plurality of types of states having different advantages. It may be applied to a certain configuration. For example, the proportion of whether the probability variation state continues or ends after the big hit game may be different depending on which notification mode of firing promotion notification (right-handed effect) is executed. In addition, for example, in a gaming machine configured to have a plurality of types of times that are controlled to a certain change state or a short time state after the big hit game ends, depending on which notification mode of launch promotion notification (right-handed effect) is executed, the big hit You may comprise so that the ratio of how much a probability change state and a time-short state may continue after a game may differ may be comprised.

  Further, in this embodiment, there is a case where the game is shifted to the big hit game on the condition that the game ball has passed through the specific gate 200 as the specific area and the opening of the big winning opening is started. For example, a specific mouth may be provided as the specific area, and the game may be shifted to a big hit game on the condition that a game ball has entered the specific mouth, and the opening of the big winning opening may be started.

  In this embodiment, the specific area (specific gate 200) is provided on the right side of the game area 7. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, the specific area is not necessarily provided in the game area 7, and may be provided in an area other than the game area 7. Further, for example, a specific area may be provided in the vicinity of the display screen (liquid crystal display screen) of the effect display device 9 in the vicinity where normally the game ball hardly passes. In addition, for example, the specific area is configured to be provided with an opening / closing plate, etc., and is normally controlled to be in an open state on condition that the game ball cannot enter the specific area in a closed state and the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed. The game ball may be allowed to enter the specific area.

  Further, in this embodiment, as a series of effects, a battle effect is executed during the variable display, and the game is won during the fanfare effect period after the game ball passes through the specific gate 200 or during the effect of the jackpot game. Although the case where an effect, a defeat effect, and a resurrection effect are performed is shown, for example, a series of effects may be varied depending on the game situation. For example, depending on the number of so-called consecutive resorts (the number of consecutive big hits in the probability variation state), you can change the ally and enemy characters, or change the weapons used by the characters, battle effects and victory effects The defeat effect and the resurrection effect may be different.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the case where a battle effect, a victory effect, a defeat effect, and a resurrection effect are executed is shown, but the effect executed as a series of effects is not limited to the one shown in this embodiment. . For example, as a series of effects, an effect of displaying a series of scenes such as a drama scene or a live scene of a singer may be executed, as long as the player can recognize that the series of effects is in some form. Good.

  Further, in this embodiment, a case is shown in which a battle effect is executed during a variation display of effect symbols as part of a series of effects, but at least any of the big hits after the game ball has passed through the specific gate 200 It is only necessary to execute an effect that can be recognized (a victory effect, a defeat effect, a resurrection effect, or an equivalent effect), and a battle effect or other effect is always executed while the change pattern of the effect symbol is displayed. It does not have to be.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the case where an arrow image is displayed as a right-handed effect has been shown, but it is not limited to such a mode. For example, an effect may be executed in which the character points to the right as the right-handed effect, or a character string such as “attack right” is displayed as the character's speech. In addition, for example, as a right-handed effect, a right-handed lamp or LED is emitted, or a sound such as “hit right” is output from the speaker 27, and the right side of the game area 7 is aimed. Any mode that prompts the launching operation may be used. In addition, the way of making the right-handed effect is not limited to that shown in this embodiment, for example, the shape of the arrow image is changed, or the pattern displayed in the arrow image (for example, The cherry blossom pattern or the arabesque pattern) may be different. Further, for example, when a right-handed effect is executed using a lamp or LED, the emission color may be made different.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the case where the right-handed effect is performed regardless of the so-called consecutive resort count (the number of times that the big hit is continuously generated during the probability variation state) is shown, but the big hit is continuously generated. In this case, since it seems that the player sufficiently recognizes that the game ball needs to pass through the specific gate 200 provided in the game area 7 in order to shift to the big hit game, the image of the arrow The right-handed effect may be executed in a less conspicuous manner, such as by reducing the size of the image. Hereinafter, a second embodiment in which a right-handed effect is executed in a manner that is not conspicuous according to the number of consecutive resorts will be described.

  Note that in this embodiment, detailed description of the parts having the same configuration and processing as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and parts different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol fluctuation stopping process (step S803) in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the processes in steps S861 to S864 are the same as those shown in the first embodiment.

  When the big hit symbol is displayed (Y in step S862), the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the big hit number counter for counting the so-called number of consecutive games in the probability variation state or the non-probability variation state and the short time state to a predetermined value ( For example, it is confirmed whether or not 5) or more (step S864A). If the value of the big hit number counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (that is, if the number of consecutive hits is 5 or more), the effect control CPU 101 reduces the arrow image as a right-handed effect. The reduced right-handed effect of the aspect is determined (step S864B). Then, control goes to a step S869.

  Note that the processes in steps S865 to S870 are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  When the process timer is started in step S870, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the big hit type is a probable big hit or a fake probable big hit (step S870A). Whether or not it is a probable big hit or a fake probable big hit is specifically determined by checking whether the display result 3 designation command or the display result 4 designation command is stored in the display result designation command storage area. Can be judged. If it is a probable big hit or a fake probable big hit, the CPU 101 for effect control adds 1 to the value of the big hit number counter (step S870B). If neither the probability variation big hit nor the apparent probability variation big hit is present (ie, if it is a normal big hit or a sudden normal big hit), the effect control CPU 101 clears the big hit number counter (step S870C). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the big hit effect process (step S804) (step S871).

  Next, a description will be given of an effect mode of a right-handed effect in the second embodiment. FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the effect mode of the right-handed effect in the second embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 47, the example at the time of determining with probability variation big hit as a big hit type is shown as an example, and it assumes that the number of consecutive resorts has reached 5 times or more. In the example shown in FIG. 47, since the number of consecutive homes is 5 or more, the reduced right-handed effect is determined as the mode of the right-handed effect (see steps S864A and S864B), and as shown in FIG. 47 (6), A reduced arrow image 304 is displayed and a right-handed effect is executed.

  In FIG. 47, as an example, a case where a reduced right-handed effect is executed when the probability variation is a big hit is shown, but the number of consecutive resorts is 5 when a normal big hit, a fake probability big hit, or a sudden normal big hit. Even if the number of times has been reached, the reduced right-handed effect is executed in the same manner.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when the number of times that the predetermined condition is satisfied (in this example, the number of consecutive resorts) is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (in this example, 5 times), the predetermined condition Compared with the case where the number of times is established is less than the predetermined number of times, the firing promotion notification (in this example, a reduced right-handed effect) is executed in a notification mode that is less noticeable. For this reason, when the number of times that the predetermined condition is satisfied is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the notification mode of the firing promotion notification is made inconspicuous so that unnecessary notification can be reduced. That is, for example, when the number of consecutive games reaches a predetermined number, it is necessary for the player to pass the game ball to the specific gate 200 provided in the game area 7 in order to shift to the big hit game. Therefore, it is possible to reduce useless notification by executing the firing promotion notification in a notification mode that is not conspicuous.

  In addition, for example, when it is configured to perform a special reach effect or a jackpot effect as a series of effects when the number of consecutive resorts reaches a predetermined number, It is possible to concentrate the player on a special reach production or a big hit production executed as a production.

  In this embodiment, the “noticeable notification mode” is shown in which a reduced arrow image is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, an aspect in which an image of an arrow is displayed at a lighter density than usual, or an arrow image is displayed with a broken line or the like may be used as long as it is less noticeable to the player than at least normal display.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the case where the firing promotion notification is executed in a notification mode that is not noticeable when the predetermined number of times is 5 times or more is shown, the present invention is not limited to such a mode, for example, three times or four times. The firing promotion notification may be executed in a notification mode that is less noticeable when the above is true, or the firing promotion notification may be executed in a notification mode that is less noticeable when the number is six or more.

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

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, “the ratio is different” is not limited to those having different ratios such as A: B = 70%: 30% or A: B = 30%: 70%. , A: B = 100%: This is a concept that includes those with different ratios (that is, one with 100% allocation and the other with 0% allocation).

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the production control board 80, the audio output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as boards on which a circuit for controlling the production apparatus is mounted. May be mounted on one 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 27, etc.) are mounted. You may make it provide two board | substrates with two production | presentation control boards.

  In each of the above embodiments, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100. Or a sound / lamp board having a function of a circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and a function of a circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). An effect 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 such a case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the display control in accordance with the effect control command received directly from the game control microcomputer 560 in each of the above-described embodiments. Display control can be performed in accordance with commands received from the driver board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the game machine uses a game medium as an example. However, the game machine according to the present invention is not limited to a game machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media. The present invention can also be applied to an enclosing game machine that encloses a game medium such as a ball and gives a score when a prize granting condition is satisfied.

  Also, in each of the above embodiments, there is a gaming machine that is controlled to a probable change state after the big hit game based on the fact that there are a probable big hit and a normal big hit as the big hit type, and that the big hit type is determined to be a promiscuous big hit. However, it is not limited to such a gaming machine. For example, a special variable winning ball apparatus in which a predetermined probability changing area is provided (a certain variable winning ball apparatus may be provided in a single special variable winning ball apparatus, or a plurality of special variable winning balls may be provided. A probability variation area may be provided in a part of the device), and the probability variation is determined based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the probability variation area in the special variable winning ball device during the big hit game. The configuration described in each of the above embodiments can be applied to a gaming machine that is controlled to a certain change state after the completion.

  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 2nd special symbol display device 9 Production display device 13 1st starting winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 20 Special variable winning ball device 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
109 VDP
200 Specific gate

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing a game using a game medium,
Variable winning device control means for operating the variable winning device based on the fact that the game medium has passed through the specific area after the predetermined condition is established;
A firing promotion notification executing means for executing a firing promotion notification for prompting a launch operation of the game medium toward the specific area after the predetermined condition is satisfied;
The variable winning device control means is capable of operating the variable winning device in any one of a plurality of types of operating modes having different merits.
The firing promotion notification executing means is
The launch promotion notification of a plurality of types of notification modes suggesting the advantage of the operation mode of the variable winning device can be executed,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the firing promotion notification of any one of the plurality of types of notification modes is executed at a different rate depending on the type of the predetermined condition that is established.

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