JP2015123285A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a possibility of executing no performance in a game machine configured to execute an operation performance.SOLUTION: The game machine includes: a first operation performance (e.g., a first button forenotice performance) capable of executing a first performance (e.g., a display of "Chance!" and "Heat-up!") on the basis of the fact that an operation (e.g., a depressing operation of a push button 120) is executed within a first operation valid period with an operation command notification (e.g., a first button forenotice display and a gage display); and a second operation performance (e.g., a second button forenotice performance) capable of executing a second performance (e.g., a display of "Chance!" and "Heat-up!") on the basis of the fact that an operation is executed within a second operation valid period without any operation command notification. When an operation is executed in a period when the first operation valid period and the second operation valid period are overlapped, the game machine executes the second performance preferentially to the first performance.

Description

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

  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 be able to execute an action effect accompanied by an action by a player. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that an operation effect (hidden button effect that is executed based on the operation of the effect button in Patent Document 1) is performed without an operation instruction notification instructing the player's operation. Has been. Patent Document 1 describes a mode in which operation valid periods do not overlap among a plurality of effects.

JP2012-176188 (paragraph 0385-0393, FIG. 36)

  However, in a gaming machine configured to be able to execute an operation effect as described in Patent Document 1, if the operation effective period is configured to overlap between a plurality of operation effects, an operation by the player is performed. There is a risk that neither production will be executed.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the possibility that none of the effects will be executed in the gaming machine configured to be able to execute the operation effects.

(Means 1) A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of playing a game, and an operation instruction notification for instructing a player's operation (for example, a first button notice display and a gauge display as an operation instruction notification) ) And the first effect (for example, “chance!” Display based on the operation (for example, pressing operation of the push button 120) being performed within the first operation effective period (for example, the first operation effective period)). Within the second operation valid period (for example, the second operation valid period) without the operation instruction notification and the first action effect (for example, the first button notice effect) capable of executing “Intense heat!” A second action effect (for example, a second button notice effect) capable of executing a second effect (for example, “Chance!” Or “5 points!”) Is executed based on the action. Action production execution means (example) For example, the operation control execution means is provided when the first operation effective period and the second operation effective period are overlapped with each other. Executes the second effect in preference to the first effect (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 does not execute the processes of steps S8135 to S8138 when the result is Y in step S8133 and N in step S8134. Thus, priority is given to switching to the second effect). According to such a configuration, by executing the second effect in preference to the first effect, in the gaming machine configured to be able to execute the operation effect, the possibility that any effect will not be executed can be reduced. it can.

(Means 2) In the means 1, the motion effect execution means performs a predetermined display (for example, a second button notice display (display of a star-shaped image)) for indicating the second motion effective period and erases the predetermined display The second effect may be executed on the basis of the operation performed during the period until it is performed (for example, the portion of steps S8106 to S8118 in the effect control microcomputer 100). According to such a configuration, it is possible to indicate to the player that the player operates in the second motion effect by a predetermined display different from the operation instruction notification in the first motion effect.

(Means 3) In the means 1 or 2, the motion effect execution means starts the execution of the second motion effect prior to the start of the execution of the first motion effect, and ends the execution of the second motion effect. (E.g., as shown in FIG. 39, the second button notice effect is started from the timing T1 before the first button notice effect start timing T2, and the first button notice effect is displayed). The second button notice effect may be ended at a timing T3 before the end timing T4). According to such a configuration, it is possible to more appropriately execute the effects of both the first action effect and the second action effect by preventing the end times of the operation valid periods from overlapping in time. it can.

(Means 4) In any one of the means 1 to 3, the gaming machine can execute variable display of identification information (for example, the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the effect symbol), The motion effect execution means can execute the first effect together with the second effect during execution of one variable display, and can execute the first effect without executing the second effect (for example, the effect The control microcomputer 100 determines the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect by the individual lottery processing in the notice effect setting process shown in FIG. It is possible to determine the execution of both of the effects, and it is also possible to determine the sole execution of only the first button notice effect), and by changing the display mode with time, the first action is present. An operation instruction notification (for example, the gauge display 202 shown in FIGS. 38 (3) and (4)) is executed in such a manner as to indicate the start and end of the period (for example, steps S8125 and S8126 in the production control microcomputer 100). , S8129 and S8130 are executed), when the first effect is executed together with the second effect, and when the first effect is executed without executing the second effect, the operation instruction notification is executed in the same manner. (For example, the production control microcomputer 100 does not distinguish between the case where both the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect are executed, and the case where only the first button notice effect is executed independently. (S8125, S8126, S8129, S8130 may be executed). According to such a configuration, the first operation effect can be executed in the same manner when both the first effect and the second effect are executed and when the first effect is executed alone.

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 CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 4 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows a big hit determination table, a small hit determination table, and a big hit type determination table. 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 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 storage 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 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 history storage process. It is a flowchart which shows a history storage process. 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 process data. It is a flowchart which shows a notification effect setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a 1st button notification effect determination table and a 2nd button notification effect determination table. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. 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 the production | generation aspect of a 1st button notice effect and a 2nd button notice effect. It is a timing chart which shows the execution timing of the 1st button notice effect and the 2nd button notice effect. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change in a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change in a modification. It is a timing chart which shows the execution timing of the 1st button notice effect and the 2nd button notice effect in a modification.

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

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

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

  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.

  Note that, in this embodiment, a case is shown in which the effect symbol display is performed as a liquid crystal display effect in the effect display device 9, but the effect performed in the effect display device 9 is the one shown in this embodiment. For example, an effect having a predetermined story characteristic may be executed, and an effect may be executed in which the result of the story is displayed based on the determination result of the jackpot determination or the variation pattern. For example, perform a battle effect where professional wrestling or soccer matches and enemy characters fight, perform an effect to win the game or battle if it is a big hit, and perform an effect to defeat the game or battle if it is off Also good. Further, for example, instead of displaying the result such as winning or losing, an effect may be executed in which a predetermined story such as a story is developed in order.

  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, but it is displayed in red when it is a big hit, and the display color may be different depending on the type of big hit (whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit). 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, a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit). If it is controllable, the display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game, and the number of rounds per jackpot is the same as in this embodiment. Even if there is, for example, the opening time of the big prize opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), and the big winnings per round and the big winning prize opening per round cannot be expected substantially. If the opening time is long (for example, 30 seconds) and there is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball in the big winning opening, whether or not the game ball can be expected to win in the big winning opening. The display color may be different depending on the number of times, and for example, the number of opening of the big winning opening per round is different, so that it is possible to expect the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening. Even when there is a big hit that cannot be made, 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.

  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, but it is displayed in red when it is a big hit, and the display color may be different depending on the type of big hit (whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit). 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, a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit). If it is controllable, the display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game, and the number of rounds per jackpot is the same as in this embodiment. Even if there is, for example, the opening time of the big prize opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), and the big winnings per round and the big winning prize opening per round cannot be expected substantially. If the opening time is long (for example, 30 seconds) and there is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball in the big winning opening, whether or not the game ball can be expected to win in the big winning opening. The display color may be different depending on the number of times, and for example, the number of opening of the big winning opening per round is different, so that it is possible to expect the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening. Even when there is a big hit that cannot be made, 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.

  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.

  In addition, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there is provided a total pending storage display unit 18c for displaying the total number (total number of pending pending storage) that is the sum of the first reserved memory count and the second reserved memory count. ing. In this embodiment, since the total pending storage display unit 18c that displays the total number is provided as described above, it is easy to grasp the total number of execution conditions that have not met the variable display start condition. be able to. In addition, you may make it provide the 1st reservation memory display part which displays the 1st reservation memory number, and the 2nd reservation memory display part which displays the 2nd reservation memory number.

  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 when the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, and the specific display result (big hit symbol) on the second special symbol display 8b. When the open / close plate is controlled to be open by the solenoid 21 in the specific game state (big hit game state) that occurs when the symbol is derived and displayed, the big winning opening serving as the winning area is opened. 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 (probability variation state), and the game ball is likely to start and win (that is, special symbol indicators 8a and 8b and effects). The display device 9 shifts to a high base state that is a gaming state controlled so that a variable display execution condition on the display device 9 is easily established (in this embodiment, shifts to a time-short state). 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.

  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 supply created on the power supply board. 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 (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, etc.) 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 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 that provides detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, and the count switch 23 to the game control microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Further, the CPU 56 transmits a display result designation command designating a display result (usually big hit, probable big hit, sudden probable big hit, small hit or out) stored in the backup RAM to the effect control board 80 (step). S44). Then, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S44, for example, when the value of a special symbol pointer (to be described later) is also stored in the backup RAM, the CPU 56 also transmits a first symbol variation designation command and a second symbol variation designation command (see FIG. 8). You may make it do. In this case, the production control microcomputer 100 may resume the variation display of the fourth symbol based on the reception of the first symbol variation designation command or the second symbol variation designation command.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms). 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 execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the stop symbol of the special symbol when it is not a big hit, or a random number for determining whether to reach when it is not a big hit, The random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is the initial value of the count value of the counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to win for a normal symbol (normal random number generation counter for normal symbol determination). It is a random number to determine. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls game devices such as an effect display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the game machine itself. In the process of transmitting a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, or a game machine control process), the count value of the random number for determination per normal symbol is one round (the random number for determination per normal symbol is taken). When the value is incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value of the possible values), an initial value is set in the counter.

  In this embodiment, the reach effect is executed using effect symbols that are variably displayed on the effect display device 9. In addition, when the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the reach effect is always executed. May be stopped). When the display result of the special symbol is not a jackpot symbol, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether to execute the reach effect by performing a lottery to determine the variation pattern type and variation pattern using random numbers. To do. However, it is the production control microcomputer 100 that actually executes the reach production control.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S34 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output, for example, when a power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a decrease in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, and the count switch 23 are input via the input driver circuit 58, and their state is determined (switch processing: step S21). ).

  Next, the CPU 56 has a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b, a normal symbol display 10, a first special symbol hold storage display 18a, a second special symbol hold storage display 18b, a normal symbol. A display control process for controlling the display of the on-hold storage display 41 is executed (step S22). About the 1st special symbol display 8a, the 2nd special symbol display 8b, and the normal symbol display 10, a drive signal is output with respect to each display according to the content of the output buffer set by step S32, S33. Execute control.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 4 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes in steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  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. Finally, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R in the effect display device 9 (provided that the probability sudden hit is sudden) In some cases, the probability change big hit symbol (for example, “135”) is stopped and displayed without being reached).

  When “5”, which is a small hit, is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display variable display mode is “suddenly probable big hit” on the effect display device 9. In the same manner as in the case where the effect symbol is variably displayed, a predetermined small hit symbol (the same symbol as the sudden probability variation big hit symbol, for example, "135") may be stopped and displayed. The display effect in the effect display device 9 corresponding to the fact that “5”, which is the small hit symbol, is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b is referred to as a “small hit” variable display mode. .

  Here, the small win is a hit that is allowed up to a small number of times that the big winning opening is opened compared to the big win (in this embodiment, the opening for 0.1 second is twice). When the small hit game ends, the game state does not change. That is, there is no transition from the probability variation state to the normal state or from the normal state to the certain variation state. In addition, the sudden probability change big hit is allowed up to a small number of times of opening of the big prize opening in the big hit gaming state (in this embodiment, the opening for 0.1 second is twice), but the opening time of the big prize opening is extremely large. It is a big jackpot that is a short jackpot and the game state after the big jackpot game is shifted to a probabilistic state (that is, by doing so, it appears to the player as if it suddenly became a probable state) Is). In other words, in this embodiment, the sudden winning odds and the small wins have the same opening pattern of the big prize opening. By controlling in such a way, if the winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 seconds, it is impossible to recognize whether it is suddenly a big hit or a small hit, so a high probability state for the player (Probable change state) can be expected, and the interest of the game can be improved.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1 (MR1): Determines the type of jackpot (normal jackpot, probability variation jackpot, sudden probability variation jackpot described later) (for jackpot 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 S23 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. 7A 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 jackpot determination table used in a normal state and a short time state (that is, a gaming state that is not a probability change state) and a probability change jackpot determination table used in a probability change state. Each value described in the left column of FIG. 7 (A) is set in the normal jackpot determination table, and each value described in the right column of FIG. 7 (A) is set in the probability change jackpot determination table. Is set. The numerical value described in FIG. 7A is a jackpot determination value.

  7B and 7C are explanatory diagrams showing a small hit determination table. The small hit determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54 and is a table in which a small hit determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The small hit determination table includes a small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) used when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, and a small hit determination table used when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. (For the second special symbol). Each value described in FIG. 7B is set in the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol), and the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol) is set in FIG. Each numerical value listed is set. Also, the numerical values described in FIGS. 7B and 7C are small hit determination values.

  Note that it may be determined that a small hit is made only when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, and the small hit may not be provided when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. In this case, the small hit determination table for the second special symbol shown in FIG. In this embodiment, when the gaming state is shifted to the probability changing state, the variation display of the second special symbol is mainly executed. Even if the game state is shifted to the probability change state, a small hit will be generated, and if it is configured to produce an effect asking whether or not the probability change will occur, even though the current game state is the probability change state On the contrary, it makes the player feel annoying. Therefore, if it is configured so that the small hit does not occur during the variation display of the second special symbol, if the gaming state is the probability variation state, it is difficult for the small hit to occur and the excessive effect is not given to the probability variation. This can prevent the player from feeling annoyed.

  The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and sets the extracted value as the value of the big hit determination random number (random R). The big hit determination random number is shown in FIG. If it matches any of the big hit determination values, the special symbol is decided to be a big hit (a normal big hit, a probability variation big hit, and a sudden probability variation big hit described later). Further, when the big hit determination random number value matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. Note that the “probability” shown in FIG. 7A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Further, “probabilities” shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C indicate the probability (ratio) of small hits. 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. Further, determining whether or not to make a small hit means determining whether or not to shift to the small hit gaming state, but stopping in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. It also means determining whether or not the symbol is to be a small hit symbol.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, when the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) is used, the small hit is determined at a ratio of 1/300. On the other hand, when using the small hit determination table (second special symbol), a case where the small hit is determined at a ratio of 1/3000 will be described. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the start winning prize is given to the first start winning opening 13 and the first special symbol variation display is executed, the start winning prize is given to the second starting winning prize slot 14 and the second special symbol is displayed. The ratio determined as “small hit” is higher than when the variable display is executed.

  FIGS. 7D and 7E are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination tables 131 a and 131 b stored in the ROM 54. Among these, FIG. 7D determines the jackpot type using the holding memory based on the fact that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 (that is, when the first special symbol variation display is performed). This is a jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol) 131a. FIG. 7E 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 determine that the jackpot type is “normal jackpot”, “ This table is referred to in order to determine one of “probability big hit” and “sudden probability big hit”. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, in the jackpot type determination table 131a, five determination values are assigned to “suddenly probable big hit” (40 minutes). Is determined to be a sudden probability change big hit at a rate of 5), whereas in the big hit type determination table 131b, one determination value is assigned to "sudden probability change big hit" (a ratio of 1/40) Will suddenly be determined to be a promising big hit). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the first special symbol variation display is executed by starting the first start winning port 13 and the second special symbol of the second special symbol is displayed. Compared with the case where the variable display is executed, the ratio determined as “suddenly probable big hit” is high. Note that “sudden probability variation big hit” is assigned only to the first special symbol jackpot type determination table 131a, and “sudden probability variation big hit” is not assigned to the second special symbol big hit type determination table 131b (ie. It may be determined that “suddenly probable big hit” may be determined only when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 (D) and 7 (E), a sudden probability variation jackpot as the first specific gaming state to which a predetermined amount of game value is given and an amount larger than the game value The first specific gaming state may be determined at a high rate when the first special symbol variation display is executed, and may be determined as a 15-round normal big hit or probable big hit as the second specific gaming state to which the game value is given. However, the game value to be given is not limited to the number of rounds as shown in this embodiment. For example, as compared with the first specific gaming state, the second specific gaming state in which the allowable amount of the winning number (count number) of game balls to the big winning opening per round is increased as the gaming value is determined. Also good. Further, for example, as compared with the first specific gaming state, the second specific gaming state in which the opening time of the big winning opening per game during the big hit may be determined as the gaming value. In addition, for example, even if the same 15 round big hits, the first specific gaming state that opens the big winning opening once per round and the second specific gaming state that opens the big winning opening multiple times per round It may be prepared to increase the gaming value of the second specific gaming state by substantially increasing the number of times the special winning opening is opened. In this case, for example, in any case of the first specific gaming state or the second specific gaming state, when the big winning opening is opened 15 times (in this case, all 15 rounds in the case of the first specific gaming state) In the case of the second specific gaming state, there is an undigested round remaining), and it is possible to execute an effect in such a manner as to inquire whether or not the jackpot continues further. And in the case of the first specific gaming state, all the 15 rounds have been finished internally, so the big hit game is finished, and in the case of the second specific gaming state, there remains an undigested round internally. For this reason, the jackpot game may be continued (the effect that the bonus winning opening is additionally started with a bonus after finishing the bonus hit of 15 times).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, the types of jackpots include “normal jackpot”, “probability variation jackpot”, and “sudden probability variation jackpot”. In this embodiment, the case where the number of rounds executed in the jackpot game is two types of 15 rounds and 2 rounds, but the number of rounds executed in the jackpot game is shown in this embodiment. Not limited to those. For example, a 10R probability variable jackpot that is controlled for a 10-round jackpot game, a 7R probability variable jackpot that is controlled for a 7-round jackpot game, and a 5R probability variable jackpot that is controlled for a 5-round jackpot game may be provided. In this embodiment, there are three types of jackpot types, “normal jackpot”, “probability big hit”, and “sudden probability big hit”. However, the number is not limited to three, for example, four or more types. A big hit type may be provided. Conversely, the jackpot type may be less than three types, for example, only two types may be provided as the jackpot type.

  The “ordinary big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to the 15-round big hit gaming state and is shifted to the short-time state only after the big hit gaming state ends (see step S167 described later). Then, after shifting to the time reduction state, when the variable display is finished a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment), the time reduction state is ended (see steps S168 and S137 to S140). Even if the variable display is not finished a predetermined number of times, the time saving state is also finished when the next big hit occurs (see step S132).

  The “probable big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to 15 rounds of the big hit gaming state and shifts to the probable change state after the big hit gaming state is finished (in this embodiment, the game is changed to the probable change state and the short time state is also entered. (See steps S169 and S170 described later). Then, until the next big hit occurs, the probability variation state and the time reduction state continue (see step S132).

  In addition, “suddenly promising big hit” means that the number of times of opening the big prize opening is smaller than in “normal big hit” or “probable big hit” (in this embodiment, opening for 0.1 seconds is allowed twice). Is a big hit. In other words, when “suddenly promising big hit”, the game is controlled to a two round big hit gaming state. In addition, in “normal big hit” and “probable big hit”, the opening time of the big winning opening per round is as long as 29 seconds, whereas in “sudden probable big hit”, the opening time of the big winning opening per round is long. It is extremely short, 0.1 seconds, and it is almost impossible to expect a game ball to win a big winning opening during a big hit game. In this embodiment, after the sudden probability change big hit gaming state is finished, the state is changed to the probability change state (in this embodiment, the state is changed to the probability change state and also to the short time state. Step S169, which will be described later). (See S170). Then, until the next big hit occurs, the probability variation state and the time reduction state continue (see step S132).

  It should be noted that the mode of sudden probability change big hit is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, the number of times of opening of the big prize opening may be 15 times (15 rounds), which is the same as the normal big hit or suddenly probable big hit, and only the opening time of the big prize opening may be made extremely short as 0.1 seconds.

  As described above, in this embodiment, even in the case of “small hit”, the big winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 seconds, and the big hit gaming state by “suddenly probable big hit” Similar control is performed. In the case of “small hit”, the game state does not change after the opening of the big winning opening twice, and the game state before “small hit” is maintained. By doing so, it is made impossible to recognize whether it is “suddenly promising big hit” or “small hit”, and the interest of the game is improved. In addition, when it is configured so that all the big hit types are probable big hits, it is not necessary to provide the small hits. In addition, when all big hit types are probabilistic big hits, if you make a small hit, it will only shift to the probable change state (high probability state) and suddenly probable big hits without the short time state (high base state). (It is preferable that the opening pattern of the big prize opening is the same in the case of the sudden probability big hit and the small win).

  The big hit type determination tables 131a and 131b are numerical values to be compared with a random 1 value, and corresponding to the “normal big hit”, “probability variable big hit”, and “sudden probable big hit” (big hit type determination 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.

  FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) that specifies a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the 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, whether or not to make a big hit, and a big hit type. 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. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the gaming control microcomputer 560 transmits a power failure recovery designation command if data is stored in the backup RAM, and if not, initialization designation is performed. Send a command.

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

  The commands A001 to A003 (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, a big hit start 1 designation command, a big hit start 2 designation command, or a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command is used according to the type of big hit. Specifically, when “ordinary big hit” is specified, the big hit start 1 designation command (A001 (H)) is used, and when “probable big hit”, the big hit start 2 designation command (A002 (H)) is used. In the case of “sudden probability change big hit” or “small hit”, a small hit / sudden probability change big hit start designation command (A003 (H)) is used. Note that the game control microcomputer 560 may be configured to transmit a fanfare designation command for suddenly probable big hit start designation in the case of a sudden big hit, but not to send a fanfare designation command in the case of a small hit. Good.

  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. Since the value specifying the round is set in the EXT data for each round, and the command for opening a special prize opening is transmitted, a different command for opening a special prize opening is transmitted for each round. For example, when executing the first round during the big hit game, a special winning opening opening designation command (A101 (H)) for specifying round 1 is transmitted, and when executing the tenth round during the big hit game. Is a special winning opening open designation command (A10A (H)) for designating round 10. 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. In addition, since the value specifying the round is set in the EXT data for each round and the designation command after opening the special winning opening is transmitted, a different designation command after opening the special winning opening is transmitted for each round. For example, when ending the first round during the big hit game, a designation command (A201 (H)) after the big winning opening is designated to designate round 1, and when the tenth round during the big hit game is ended. Is sent after a special winning opening opening command (A30A (H)) for designating round 10.

  Command A301 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game (a jackpot end 1 designation command: an ending 1 designation command). The big hit end 1 designation command (A301 (H)) is used when the big hit game by “normal big hit” is ended. Command A 302 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, specifying the end of the jackpot game (a jackpot end 2 designation command: an ending 2 designation command). The jackpot end 2 designation command (A302 (H)) is used to end the jackpot game by the “probable big hit”. Command A 303 (H) is an effect control command (small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command: ending 3 designation command) that designates the end of the small hit game or the sudden probability change big hit game. Note that the game control microcomputer 560 is configured to transmit an ending designation command for suddenly probable big hit end designation in the case of sudden probable big hit, but not to send an ending designation command in the case of small hit. Also good.

  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. The command B001 (H) is an effect control command (probability change state background designation command) for designating a background display when the gaming state is the probability change state. Command B002 (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.

  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, as the hold memory information, an effect control command (first hold memory number addition designation indicating that the hold memory number has increased or decreased for the first hold memory number and the second hold memory number, respectively). Command, second reserved memory number addition designation command) is transmitted, but the form of the reserved memory information is not limited to that shown in this embodiment, and for example, the following types of reserved memory Information may be transmitted.

(1) Only one command is transmitted as the reserved storage information, and in the one command, which of the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory is increased is specified, and the increased number of reserved memories is increased (The first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number) may be set as EXT data and transmitted.

(2) Only one command is transmitted as the hold storage information, and in the one command, which of the first hold storage and the second hold storage is increased is specified, and the total number of the hold storage is set to the EXT data. May be set and transmitted.

(3) Designate which of the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 is won as the hold storage information (whether the first hold storage or the second hold storage has increased). In addition to transmitting the production control command (first start winning designation command, second start winning designation command), a reserved memory number designation command for designating the reserved memory number is transmitted separately. The total pending storage number may be set as EXT data for transmission.

(4) Designating which of the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 the start winning prize (whether the first holding memory or the second holding memory has increased) is designated as the hold memory information In addition to transmitting the production control command (first start winning designation command, second start winning designation command), a reserved memory number designation command for designating the reserved memory number is transmitted separately. The increased reserved memory number (first reserved memory number or second reserved memory number) may be set and transmitted as EXT data.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command described above from the game control micro computer 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. 8 and 9, the display state of the lamp is changed, or 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. 8 and FIG. 9, 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. 10 and FIG. 11 are flowcharts showing an example of a program of special symbol process (step S26) 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 turns on the first start winning opening 13 when the first start opening switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 is turned on. If a winning has occurred, a first start port switch passage process is executed (steps S311 and S312). If the second start port switch 14a for detecting that the game ball has won the second start winning port 14 is turned on, that is, the start winning to the second start winning port 14 has occurred. Then, the second start port switch passing process is executed (steps S313, S314). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 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 S310 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 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 the variable symbol special display can be started, the game control microcomputer 560 confirms the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage buffer (total number of reserved storage). The stored number of numerical data stored in the hold storage buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the combined hold 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. Further, control is performed to transmit a variation pattern command corresponding to the determined variation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100, and a variation time timer for measuring the variation time of the special symbol 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 (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0). 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. 21), and the stop symbol of the special symbol is actually stopped and displayed according to the setting contents of the output buffer in the display control processing in step S22.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. In addition, control is performed to transmit the special winning opening open designation command to the production control microcomputer 100, the execution time of the special winning opening open processing is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set in step S306. To a value corresponding to (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. Further, since the value specifying the round is set in the EXT data for each round and the command for opening the special prize opening is specified, a different command for opening the special prize opening is transmitted for each round. For example, when executing the first round during the big hit game, a special winning opening opening designation command (A101 (H)) for specifying round 1 is transmitted, and when executing the tenth round during the big hit game. Is a special winning opening open designation command (A10A (H)) for designating round 10.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. In the special prize opening opening process, a process for confirming the establishment of the closing condition of the special prize opening is performed. If the closing condition for the special prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. In addition, control is performed to transmit the designation command after the big hit release to the microcomputer 100 for effect control, and when all rounds are finished, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set to a value corresponding to step S307 (this In the example, update to 7).

  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.

  Small hit release pre-processing (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the pre-opening process for small hits, control is performed to open the big prize opening. 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 S309 (9 in this example). Note that the pre-opening process for small hits is executed every time the big winning opening during the small hit game is opened. It is also a process to start.

  Small hit release processing (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. Processing to confirm the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening is performed. When the closing condition of the big prize opening is satisfied and the number of opening of the big prize opening still remains, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. Update. In addition, when all the releases are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (10 in this example) corresponding to step S310.

  Small hit end process (step S310): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the small hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the start-port switch passing process in steps S312 and S314. Among these, FIG. 12A is a flowchart showing the first start port switch passing process in step S312. FIG. 12B is a flowchart showing the second start port switch passing process in step S314.

  First, the first start port switch passing process will be described with reference to FIG. In the first start port switch passing process that is executed when the first start port switch 13a is in the on state, the CPU 56 first determines whether or not the first reserved memory number has reached the upper limit (specifically, the first Whether or not the value of the first reserved memory number counter for counting the number of one reserved memory is 4) is confirmed (step S1211A). If the first reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the processing is terminated as it is.

  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 S1212A), and the value of the total reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S1213A). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the first reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S1214A). . In the process of step S1214A, 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. In addition, the random number for random pattern determination (random 3) is not extracted in the first start port switch passing process (at the time of start winning) and stored in the storage area in advance, but is extracted at the start of the variation of the first special symbol. You may do it. 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.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (holding storage buffer) for storing random numbers and the like corresponding to holding storage. As shown in FIG. 13, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value of the second reserved storage number (4 in this example) is secured in the second reserved storage buffer. 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 S1215A).

  Next, the second start port switch passing process will be described with reference to FIG. In the second start port switch passing process executed when 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 hold port number). Whether or not the value of the second reserved memory number counter for counting the memory number is 4 is confirmed (step S1211B). 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 S1212B), and the value of the aggregated reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S1213B). 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. 13) (step S1214B). . In the process of step S1214B, 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 random number for random pattern determination (random 3) is not extracted in the second start port switch passing process (at the time of start winning) and stored in the storage area in advance, but is extracted at the start of the variation of the second special symbol. You may do it. 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 S1215B).

  14 and 15 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 random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = 1 in the first reserved memory buffer. Is stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55. In addition, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = 1 in the second reserved memory buffer. Store 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 subtracts 1 from the count value of the first reserved memory number counter, and in the reserved specific area and the first reserved memory buffer. Shift the contents of each storage area. In addition, 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 reserved specific area and the second reserved memory buffer are shifted. To do.

  That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 stores the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory buffer of the RAM 55. Each stored random number value is stored in a storage area corresponding to the first reserved storage number = n−1. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, each stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved memory buffer of the RAM 55. The random value is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n−1. In addition, the CPU 56 adds the values (values indicating “first” or “second”) stored in the storage area corresponding to the total reserved storage number = m (m = 2 to 8) in the reserved specific area. Store in the storage area corresponding to the number of reserved storage = m−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. Further, the order in which the values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the total number of pending storages are extracted always matches the order of the total number of pending storages = 1-8.

  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. In addition, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a time-short state background designation command when only the time-short flag indicating the time-short state is set and the probability variation flag is not set. If 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.

  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. And the address of the command transmission table according to an effect control command is set to a pointer, and an effect control command is transmitted in an effect control command control process (step S28). In this embodiment, when the change of the special symbol is started, the background designation command, the fluctuation pattern command, the display result designation command, the reserved memory number subtraction designation command (the first reserved memory number subtraction) for each timer interrupt. The designation command or the second reserved memory number subtraction designation command) is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 in this order. 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 number subtraction designation command (a first pending storage number subtraction designation command or a second pending storage number 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 S310 can be made common between the case of targeting the first special symbol and the case of targeting the second special symbol.

  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 is for determining the big hit that has been extracted in step S1214A of the first start port switch passing process or step S1214B of the second start port switch passing process and previously stored in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer. A random number is read and a big hit judgment is performed. The big hit determination module compares the big hit determination value or the small hit determination value (see FIG. 7) determined in advance with the big hit determination random number, and executes a process of determining to be a big hit or a small hit if they match. It is a program to do. That is, it is a program that executes a big hit determination or a small hit determination process.

  The big hit determination process is configured such that when the gaming state is in a probable change state, the probability of winning a big hit is higher than in the case where the gaming state is in a non-probable change state (a normal state or a short time state). Specifically, a jackpot determination table at the time of probability change in which a large number of jackpot determination values are set in advance (a table in which the value on the right side of FIG. 7A in the ROM 54 is set) and the number of jackpot determination values are variable. There is provided a normal big hit determination table (a table in which the numerical values on the left side of FIG. 7A in the ROM 54 are set) set to be smaller than the hour big hit determination table. 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 it is in the 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. 7A, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a big hit. When it is determined to be a big hit (step S61), the process proceeds to step S71. Note that deciding whether to win or not is to decide whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state, but to decide whether or not to stop the special symbol display as a big hit symbol. But there is.

  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 “probability big hit” or “sudden probability big hit”, and is set in the process of ending the big hit game. Then, after the jackpot game is over, it is reset when the next jackpot occurs.

  If the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) does not match any of the big hit determination values (N in step S61), the CPU 56 uses the small hit determination table (see FIGS. 7B and 7C). Then, the small hit determination process is performed. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a small hit. In this case, the CPU 56 confirms the data indicated by the special symbol pointer. If the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is “first”, the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) shown in FIG. ) To determine whether or not to make a small hit. Further, when the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is “second”, it is determined whether or not to make a small hit using the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol) shown in FIG. . If it is determined to be a small hit (step S62), the CPU 56 sets a small hit flag indicating a small hit (step S63), and proceeds to step S75.

  If the random R value does not match either the big hit determination value or the small hit determination value (N in step S62), that is, if it is out of place, the process proceeds to step S75 as it is.

  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. 7D. 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.

  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" or "Suddenly probable big hit") is determined as the type of big hit (step S73). In this case, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type extracted in step S1214A of the first start port switch passing process or step S1214B of the second start port switch passing process and stored in advance in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer. The random number is read and the jackpot type is determined. Further, in this case, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, it is compared with the case where the variable display of the second special symbol is executed. Therefore, the rate at which suddenly probable big hits are selected is high.

  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 “suddenly probable big hit”, “03” is set as data indicating the big hit type.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a special symbol stop symbol (step S75). Specifically, when neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, “−” which is a loss symbol is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the big hit flag is set, one of “1”, “3”, and “7”, which is a big hit symbol, is determined as a special symbol stop symbol according to the determination result of the big hit type. That is, when the big hit type is determined to be “suddenly promising big hit”, “1” is decided as a special symbol stop symbol, and when “normal big hit” is decided, “3” is decided as a special symbol stop symbol. If “probable big hit” is determined, “7” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the small hit flag is set, “5” as the small hit symbol is determined as the 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. 16 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 S91). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects one of the big hit variation pattern type determination table as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types (step) S92). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

  When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S93). When the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects the small hit variation pattern type determination table as a table used to determine one of a plurality of variation pattern types (step S94). ). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

  When the small 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 S95). The time reduction flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability change state or the time reduction state, and is reset when the time reduction state ends. Specifically, when it is determined to be “ordinary jackpot”, the time reduction flag is set in the process of ending the jackpot game. In addition, after the big hit game is over, it is reset when the variable display is finished a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 100 times). Even before the end of the predetermined number of fluctuation displays, the hourly flag is reset even when the next big hit occurs. Further, when it is determined to be “probability big hit” or “sudden probability big hit”, the probability variation flag is set and the time-short flag is set in the process of ending the big hit game. When the next big hit occurs, the time reduction flag is reset together with the probability variation flag.

  If the time flag is not set (N in Step S95), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (Step S96). If the total number of pending storages is less than 3 (N in step S96), the CPU 56 uses the normal variation pattern type determination as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types. A table is selected (step S97). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

  When the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (Y in step S96), the CPU 56 uses the shortening variation pattern as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types. A type determination table is selected (step S98). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

  If the time reduction flag is set (Y in step S95), that is, if the gaming state is a probability change state or a time reduction state (in this embodiment, the time reduction state is always set when the state is changed to the probability change state. (Refer to steps S169 and S170), if it is determined as Y in step S95, the CPU 56 may change the variation pattern type. As a table used to determine one of a plurality of types, a time-varying variation pattern type determination table for time reduction is selected (step S99). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

  In this embodiment, by executing the processing of steps S95 to S99, when the gaming state is the normal state and the total number of pending storages is 3 or more, the loss variation pattern type determination table for shortening Is selected. Further, when the gaming state is a probability change state or a time-short state, a time-varying variation pattern type determination table for time reduction is selected. In this case, the variation pattern type including the variation pattern of the shortened variation may be determined as the variation pattern type in the process of step S100 described later. When the variation pattern type including the variation pattern of the shortened variation is determined, The variation pattern of the shortening variation is determined as the variation pattern in the process of step S102. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the game state is a probability change state or a short time state, or when the total number of pending storages is 3 or more, a change display of a shortened change may be performed.

  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 it in the process of steps S92, S94, S97, S98 or S99. By referring to the table, the variation pattern type is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S100).

  Next, based on the determination result of the variation pattern type in step S100, the CPU 56 uses a hit variation pattern determination table or an outlier variation pattern determination table as a table used to determine one of a plurality of variation patterns. Is selected (step S101). 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 S101. Is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S102). 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 production control microcomputer 100 (step S103). 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 change pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S104).

  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 S105). 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 S106).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 transmits one of the presentation control commands (display result 1 designation to display result 5 designation) (see FIG. 8) in accordance with the determined big hit type, small hit, and loss. Control. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S110). If not set, the process proceeds to step S116. When the big hit flag is set, if the type of the big hit is “normal big hit”, control is performed to transmit a display result 2 designation command (steps S111 and S112). Whether or not it is “ordinary 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 processing is “01”. . Further, when the big hit type is “probability big hit”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 3 designation command (steps S113 and S114). Whether or not it is “probable 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 processing is “02”. . When neither “normal big hit” nor “probability big hit” (that is, “sudden probability big hit”), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 4 designation command (step S115).

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set (N in step S110), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S116). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 5 designation command (step S117). When the small hit flag is not set (N in Step S116), that is, when it is out of place, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 1 designation command (Step S118).

  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 S119).

  FIG. 18 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 confirms whether or not a reserved memory number subtraction designation command (first reserved memory number subtraction designation command or second reserved memory number subtraction designation command) has already been transmitted ( Step S1121). Whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command has already been transmitted indicates whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command has been transmitted when the pending storage number subtraction designation command is transmitted in step S1122, which will be described later, for example. The stored number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag may be set, and in step S1121, 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 to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1122). 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 variable time timer (step S1125). When the variable time timer times out (step S1126), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1127). 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 S1128). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 19 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). If the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability change flag indicating the probability change state and the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state if set (step S132). Control to send a big hit start designation command to the microcomputer 100 is performed (step S133). Specifically, when the type of jackpot is “normal jackpot”, a jackpot start 1 designation command (command A001 (H)) is transmitted. If the type of jackpot is “probable big hit”, a jackpot start 2 designation command (command A002 (H)) is transmitted. When the big hit type is sudden probability change big hit, a small hit / sudden probability change big hit start designation command (command A003 (H)) is transmitted. Whether the big hit type is “normal big hit”, “probable big hit” or “suddenly probable big hit” is data indicating the big hit type stored in the RAM 55 (data stored in the big hit type buffer) Based on the determination.

  In addition, a value corresponding to the big hit display time (for example, the time when the effect display device 9 notifies that the big hit has occurred) is set in the big hit display time timer (step S134). In addition, the number of times of opening (for example, “15 times in case of“ normal big hit ”or“ probable big hit ”, 2 times in case of“ suddenly promising big hit ”) is set in the special winning opening opening number counter (step S135). . The round time per round in the big hit game is also set. Specifically, in the case of sudden probability change big hit, 0.1 seconds is set as the round time, and in the case of normal big hit or probability change big hit, 29 seconds is set as the round time. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-winner opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S136).

  On the other hand, if the big hit flag is not set in step S131, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the hourly number counter that indicates the number of times that the special symbol can be changed in the timeless state is 0 (step S137). If the value of the time reduction counter is not 0, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the time reduction counter by −1 (step S138). When the value of the time reduction counter after subtraction becomes 0 (step S139), the CPU 56 resets the time reduction flag (step S140).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S141). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 transmits a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start command (command A003 (H)) to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S142). In addition, a value corresponding to the small hit display time (for example, the time when the effect display device 9 notifies that the small hit has occurred) is set in the small hit display time timer (step S143). Further, the number of times of opening (for example, 2 times) is set in the special winning opening opening number counter (step S144). In addition, the opening time per time of the big winning opening in the small hit game is set. Specifically, the same 0.1 second as the round time for the sudden probability change big hit is set as the opening time of one big winning opening in the small hit game. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit start pre-processing (step S308) (step S145).

  If the small hit flag is not set (N in step S141), 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 S146).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S160). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S164. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S161), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S162). Here, when it is “ordinary big hit”, a big hit end 1 designation command (command A301 (H)) is transmitted, and when it is “probable big hit”, a big hit end 2 designation command (command A302 (H)) is transmitted. ) Is transmitted, and in the case of “sudden probability sudden change big hit”, a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command (command A303 (H)) is sent. 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 big hit end display timer (step S164). 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 or not the big hit that ends this time is a normal big hit (step S166). Whether or not it is “ordinary 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 processing is “01”. . If it is a normal big hit, the CPU 56 sets a time reduction flag and shifts to a time reduction state (step S167). Further, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) in the time reduction number counter (step S168).

  If it is not a normal big hit (that is, if the probability variation big hit or sudden probability variation big hit), the CPU 56 sets the probability variation flag to shift to the probability variation state (step S169) and sets the time reduction flag to shift to the time reduction state. (Step S170).

  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. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol display control process (step S32) 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 S32), 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. 22 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the 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. 23 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. 8 and 9) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is. Note that the interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal is executed in preference to the timer interrupt process executed every 4 ms.

  FIG. 24 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 any jackpot start designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start designation command reception flag corresponding to the received jackpot start designation command (step S622). Specifically, the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag when a jackpot start 1 designation command (command A001 (H)) is received, and sets the jackpot start 2 designation command (command A002 ( H)) is received, the big hit start 2 designation command reception flag is set, and the small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command (command A003 (H)) is received. Set the start specification command reception flag.

  If the received effect control command is any jackpot end designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end designation command reception flag corresponding to the received jackpot end designation command (step S624). Specifically, if the CPU 101 for effect control receives a jackpot end 1 designation command (command A301 (H)), it sets a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag and sets a jackpot end 2 designation command (command A302 ( H)) is received, the big hit end 2 designation command reception flag is set, and the small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command (command A303 (H)) is received, the small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit. Set the end specification command reception flag.

  If the received effect control command is another command, effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S625). Then, control goes to a step S611. For example, the effect control CPU 101 sets the first symbol variation designation command reception flag when receiving the first symbol variation designation command, and receives the second symbol variation designation command when receiving the second symbol variation designation command. Set the reception flag.

  FIG. 25 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 first performs a history storage process related to the history storage service (step S800A).

  The history accumulation service is a service provided by a gaming machine that accumulates a game history, a communication terminal possessed by the player, and an external server. Specifically, the history accumulation service outputs information (for example, a two-dimensional code) related to a game history accumulated by the gaming machine, and a communication terminal (for example, a mobile phone) possessed by the player acquires the information. (Reading) is a service that enables browsing of game history and acquisition of benefits by connecting to a server through Internet communication or the like. In the present embodiment, a point based on the content of the effect that has occurred (a point in an assigned image to be described later) is used as a game history, but is not limited to this. Information related to the game such as the big hit type, the small hit type, the number of times of reach, the number of times of quasi-continuous play, the game time, the total number of winnings, and the number of mission achievements may be used as the game history.

  Here, a procedure for performing history accumulation will be described. First, the player acquires an authentication ID and a password by connecting a communication terminal to the server in advance before the game starts. Then, the player inputs the authentication ID and password to the gaming machine at an arbitrary timing and starts the game. The gaming machine measures the game history of the started game and temporarily accumulates it. Then, triggered by the fact that the game is terminated by the player, the address information for connecting the communication terminal to the server and the game history information are output by the gaming machine. In the present embodiment, the address information and the game history information are output from the gaming machine by being displayed in a two-dimensional code. The player acquires the two-dimensional code using the camera function of the communication terminal and connects the communication terminal to the server using the acquired address information. And a server accumulate | stores the game history acquired from the communication terminal, and provision of services, such as provision of a privilege and browsing of a game history, is attained. In this embodiment, the address information and game history information output by the gaming machine are displayed as a two-dimensional code. For example, the address information and the game history information are displayed as character information or output as voice information. It may be sent to the communication terminal by e-mail or infrared communication.

  In the present embodiment, when the history is accumulated, the game history accumulation is started by the player acquiring the authentication ID and password from the server in advance and inputting them into the gaming machine. It is not a thing. For example, it indicates that a player starts accumulating game history by acquiring only a password and inputting it into the gaming machine, or indicates that the player starts accumulating history without acquiring either an authentication ID or password The game history may be accumulated by performing an operation. Further, in the history accumulation, the game history is accumulated by the server, but the game history is accumulated in the gaming machine (that is, the history accumulation is completed only by the gaming machine without using the server). Also good. In this case, for example, even if the gaming machine can be viewed by the player by starting accumulation of the game history by an operation from the player and displaying the game history by an instruction from the player, Good.

  After step S800A, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the game history update condition is satisfied (step S800B), and if not, the process proceeds to step S800D. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the game history is based on the fact that the second button notice effect (point) is executed and the game history update condition establishment flag is set in step S8116 of the effect symbol changing process. The update condition is satisfied. It should be noted that the game history update condition may be, for example, the occurrence of a box notice effect that changes to an assigned image to which points are given in the history storage service, without being limited to the mode shown in this embodiment.

  When the game history update condition is satisfied in step S800B, the effect control CPU 101 updates and stores the established game history (step S800C). Specifically, a value obtained by adding the point indicated by the assigned image to the stored point is stored. For example, when an added image indicating 5 points is displayed when 30 points are stored, 35 points are stored.

  Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the last game was played (that is, whether or not the game was not performed for a predetermined time) (step S800D). When the predetermined time has elapsed, the game history is cleared (step S800E). Specifically, the accumulated points are set to 0 points. Thereafter, the effect mode and the volume are cleared (step S800F). In the present embodiment, a plurality of effect modes having different effect contents are provided, and it is configured to be able to set in which effect mode the game is played based on the operation by the player. Therefore, in step S800F, the effect control CPU 101 is initialized by setting to a predetermined effect mode. The plurality of effect modes includes a history accumulation effect mode indicating that the history is being accumulated. The history accumulation is started and the history accumulation effect mode is set. After the setting, the effect mode can be changed based on the operation by the player. Further, the effect mode set in step S800F is an effect mode other than the history accumulation effect mode. In the present embodiment, the volume of the production sound output from the speaker 27 can be set based on an operation by the player. Therefore, in step S800F, the effect control CPU 101 is initialized by setting the volume to a predetermined value. As a result, when a game is not performed for a predetermined time, it is considered that the game by the player who has played the game so far has ended, and the game history, the production mode and the volume can be returned to the initial settings. It is possible to cause a player who performs a game to play a game with an initial setting. In this embodiment, the player can always select the volume and the production mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the player can select the volume and the production mode only when the history is being accumulated. It is good also as a simple structure. In addition, when the history is being accumulated, even if a predetermined time has elapsed since the last game was played (that is, when no game was played for a predetermined time), the game history, the production mode, and the volume May not be cleared.

  If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the last game was played in step S800D, or after step S800F, the effect control CPU 101 selects one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. Perform the process. 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 jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

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

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

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

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

  26 and 27 are flowcharts showing the history accumulation process (step S800A). In the history accumulation process, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the history accumulation flag is set (step S3301). If the history accumulation flag is not set, an operation input image for history accumulation is displayed (step S3303). The operation input image is an image in which the player can input an authentication ID and a password. Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not an input operation has been accepted (step S3304). When the input operation is accepted, it is determined whether or not the user authentication is successful (step S3305). If successful, the image during history accumulation is displayed (step S3306), the production mode is set to the history accumulation production mode indicating that the history is being accumulated, and the volume is set to a predetermined value (step S3307). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets a history accumulation flag (step S3308), and ends the history accumulation processing. The history accumulation image is a so-called menu screen, and “history accumulation end” for ending the history accumulation is an image that can be selected by the player. It should be noted that the image may be an image from which “game history display” for browsing the game history can be selected. When the input operation is not accepted, the history accumulation process is terminated as it is. In step S3306, an image indicating that the authentication is successful or an image indicating that the accumulation of the game history is started may be displayed in addition to the image being accumulated. In that case, the image may be displayed together with the image being accumulated, or any one of the images may be displayed.

  When the history accumulation flag is set in step S3301, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the game end flag is set (step S3401). The game end flag is a flag indicating that a history accumulation end image is being displayed. The history accumulation end image is an image indicating that history accumulation is terminated, and is an image including a two-dimensional code described later. If the game end flag is not set, that is, if the history is being accumulated, it is determined whether a history accumulation end instruction has been received from the player (step S3406). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a history storage end instruction has been received from the player by determining whether or not the item “history storage end” on the menu screen has been selected and determined. When the history accumulation end instruction is not received, the history accumulation process is terminated as it is. When the history accumulation end instruction is received, the effect control CPU 101 reads the game history (step S3407), and generates a two-dimensional code image based on the read game history information (step S3408). Here, an example of a specific method for generating an image of a two-dimensional code will be described. The effect control CPU 101 encrypts the read game history with a common key. Then, the effect control CPU 101 adds the encrypted character string as a parameter to a predetermined URL of the server, and converts it into a two-dimensional code.

  The information included in the two-dimensional code is not limited to that shown in this embodiment, but the current date and time (year / year / month / day / hour / minute / second / day of the week) and other game histories (number of changes) \ / Number of normal jackpots / Number of probable big hits / Number of small hits / Variable number of decorative symbols displayed between the big hit and the big win / Number of winning balls), Current gaming state (probable change state or short time state, A two-dimensional code including a big hit game state), a current production mode, a game shop ID, a machine ID, a machine model ID, and a manufacturer ID that can identify the game machine manufacturer that manufactured the pachinko game machine may be generated.

  After step S3408, the effect control CPU 101 starts displaying the history accumulation end image including the generated two-dimensional code (step S3408a). Thereafter, the game history data is cleared (step S3408b), and the effect mode and volume settings are cleared (step S3409). In this way, an effect screen indicating that the history accumulation is terminated is displayed, and after the created two-dimensional code image is displayed on the effect display device 9, the game history is cleared. Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 sets a game-in-progress flag (step S3410), and sets a predetermined value (for example, 20 seconds) in the timer (step S3411).

  In step S3401, when the game end flag is set, that is, when the history accumulation end image is being displayed, timer subtraction processing is performed (step S3412), and it is determined whether or not the timer has timed out (step S3412). S3413). If the timer has not timed out, the history accumulation process is terminated. If timed out, the display of the history accumulation end image including the two-dimensional code is terminated (step S3414), the game completion flag and the history accumulation flag are reset (steps S3415 and S3416), and the history accumulation process is terminated as it is. In this embodiment, the history accumulation start / end can be executed at any timing, but the history accumulation start / end may not be executed for a predetermined period. For example, during the change (or during the change period (for example, during reach)), the history accumulation start / end may not be executed even if an operation from the player is accepted.

  FIG. 28 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). As described above, in this embodiment, the display result designation command is transmitted even when the power failure is restored (see step S44). However, as shown in FIG. Based on the fact that the variation pattern command has been received, the transition to the production symbol variation start processing is started and the variation display of the production symbol is started. Therefore, if the display result designation command is received without receiving the variation pattern command, the variation of the representation symbol The display will not start.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an 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 S8000). Next, the CPU 101 for effect control displays the display result (stop) of the effect symbol according to the variation pattern command read out in step S8000 and the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command). (Design) is determined (step S8001). That is, the display control result of the variable display of the identification information (stop of the design symbol) according to the variable display pattern (variation pattern) determined by the variable display pattern determination means by executing the process of step S8001 by the CPU 101 for the effect control. A display result determining means for determining (design) is realized. If the pseudo-ream is specified by the variation pattern command, the effect control CPU 101 determines that the chance stop symbol (for example, “223” or “445”) is used as the temporary stop symbol in the pseudo-ream in step S8001. The combination of the jackpot symbol that is not reachable and the symbol that is shifted by one symbol) is also determined. The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined effect stop symbols in the effect symbol display result storage area. In step S8001, the effect control CPU 101 may determine whether or not it is a big hit based on the received variation pattern command, and may determine the stop symbol of the effect symbol based only on the variation pattern command. .

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 30, when the received display result designation command indicates “ordinary big hit” (when the received display result designation command is the display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 stops. A combination of effect symbols in which three symbols are arranged in the same even number as symbols is determined. When the received display result designation command indicates “probable big hit” (when the received display result designation command is a display result 3 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses 3 symbols as stop symbols. A combination of performance symbols arranged with the same odd number of symbols is determined.

  Further, when the received display result designation command indicates “suddenly probable big hit” or “small hit” (when the received display result designation command is a display result 4 designation command or a display result 5 designation command), The effect control CPU 101 determines a combination of effect symbols such as “135” as the stop symbol. In the case of “out of” (when the received display result designation command is a display result 1 designation command), a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols in which two left and right symbols are aligned is determined. The combination of the three symbols derived and displayed on the effect display device 9 is the “stop symbol” of the effect symbol.

  The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, 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 to generate the stop symbol of the effect symbol. decide. 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 is reminiscent of a big hit (a combination of symbols in which the left, middle, and right are all the same symbols) is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol that recalls a loss is called a loss symbol. In addition, a symbol reminiscent of being probabilistic (an odd symbol in this embodiment) is also called a probabilistic symbol, and a symbol reminiscent of being in a probable state (even symbol in this embodiment) is a non-probable symbol. Also called.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes a notice effect setting process for determining whether or not to execute various notice effects in the effect display device 9 during the change display of the effect symbol and setting the effect aspect of the notice effect. S8002). In this embodiment, as will be described later, in the notice effect setting process, a button notice effect (in this example, a first button notice effect and a second button notice effect) accompanied by an operation by the push button 120 is set. In addition, you may comprise not only a button notice effect but other notice effects, such as a step-up notice effect, a mini character notice effect, and a movable object notice effect using a movable member.

  Next, when executing the variation pattern and the notice effect, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the notice effect (step S8003). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S8004).

  FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. In the display control execution data, data indicating each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbols is described. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and performs control to display the effect design in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value.

  The process table shown in FIG. 31 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern.

  When it is determined to execute the notice effect, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the notice effect in step S8003.

  In addition, 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 addition, the CPU 101 for effect control, according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1), effects device (effect display device 9 as an effect component, effect component as an effect component) The control of the various lamps and the speaker 27) as an effect part is executed (step S8005). For example, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image according to the variation pattern on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform on / off control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to output sound from the speaker 27.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 performs control so that the effect symbol is variably displayed by the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command on a one-to-one basis. The variation pattern to be used may be selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to.

  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 S8006).

  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 S8007).

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a notice effect setting process (step S8002) in the effect symbol variation start process. In this embodiment, the presence / absence and type of the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect are determined in the notice effect setting process. The “first button notice effect” is accompanied by an operation instruction notification for instructing the player to operate the push button 120, and the push button 120 is operated within the operation effective period (hereinafter referred to as the first operation effective period). This is a button notice effect that can execute the first effect (in this example, a notice effect that displays “chance” and a notice effect that displays “hot”). In addition, the “second button notice effect” is a second effect based on the operation of the push button 120 within the operation effective period (hereinafter referred to as the second operation effective period) without the operation instruction notification. In this example, it is a button notice effect capable of executing a notice effect and a point acquisition effect for displaying “chance”.

  In the notice effect setting process, the effect control CPU 101 first performs a lottery process based on a random number using a first button notice effect determination table for determining the presence and type of the first button notice effect and the first button. The presence / absence and type of the notice effect is determined (step S6501).

  33A and 33B are explanatory diagrams showing a specific example of the first button notice effect determination table. As shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B, in the first button notice effect determination table, “execute first button notice effect (chance)” and “first button notice effect (extreme heat) are executed. And “No first button notice effect” are assigned respectively.

  In this embodiment, the execution of the first button notice effect is determined, and when the first button notice effect (chance) is determined as the type of the first button notice effect, the operation instruction notification is started. Thereafter, “chance!” Is displayed as the first effect based on the operation of the push button 120 within the first operation valid period. Further, when the first button notice effect (intense heat) is determined as the type of the first button notice effect, the push button 120 is operated within the first operation valid period after the operation instruction notification is started. On the basis of the above, “Intense heat!” Is displayed as the first effect. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B, in this embodiment, the first button notice effect (chance) is executed when the first button notice effect (high heat) is executed. Compared with the case where it is done, the expectation degree (reliability) for the big hit is high.

  In step S6501, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not it is a big hit. In this case, for example, the effect control CPU 101 displays a display result 2 designation command or a display result 3 designation command in which the display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area (see step S618) indicates a normal big hit or a probable big hit. By confirming whether or not, it is possible to determine whether or not it is a big hit.

  In the case of losing, the effect control CPU 101 selects the losing first button notice effect determining table shown in FIG. In the case of a big hit, the CPU 101 for effect control selects the first button notice effect determination table for the big hit shown in FIG. Then, the effect control CPU 101 performs a lottery process based on a random number using the selected first button notice effect determination table, and determines the presence and type of the first button notice effect.

  In this embodiment, in the case of suddenly probable big hit or small hit, the first button notice effect determination table for losing shown in FIG. The type shall be determined. Note that the first button notice effect determination table for big hits shown in FIG. 33 (B) may be selected in the case of suddenly probable big hits or small hits, or the first for exclusive use of sudden probable big hits or small hits. A button notice effect determination table may be provided.

  In this embodiment, the first button notice effect (chance) and the first button notice effect (extreme heat) are shown as types of the first button notice effect. I can't catch it. For example, as one type of the first button notice effect, there may be one that displays a notice such as “Leach!” As the first effect and notifies the possibility of reaching. In addition, as a second button notice effect (points) to be described later, for example, as one type of the first button notice effect, a display such as “5 points acquired!” Is performed as the first effect. There may be a notification that the acquisition has been made. Further, in this case, for example, “5 points acquired!” Or “10 points acquired!” May be displayed as the first effect, and there are a plurality of points to be acquired. Also good. Further, in this case, the number of points to be acquired may be made to correspond to the expectation degree (reliability) for the big hit. Specifically, the expectation level (reliability) for the big hit may be increased as the number of points to be acquired increases.

  If the CPU 101 for effect control determines to execute the first button notice effect (Y in step S6502), the effect control CPU 101 displays a first button notice determination flag indicating that the execution of the first button notice effect is determined. Set (step S6503). In this case, the CPU 101 for effect control also has a predetermined storage area in which the determined type of the first button notice effect (first button notice effect (chance) or first button notice effect (extreme heat)) is also provided in the RAM. To remember.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs a lottery process based on a random number using the second button notice effect determination table for determining the presence and type of the second button notice effect, and the presence and type of the second button notice effect. Is determined (step S6504).

  33C and 33D are explanatory diagrams showing a specific example of the second button notice effect determination table. As shown in FIGS. 33 (C) and 33 (D), in the second button notice effect determination table, “execute second button notice effect (chance)” and “execute second button notice effect (point)”. And “No second button notice effect” is assigned to each of the determination values.

  In this embodiment, when the execution of the second button notice effect is determined, and when the second button notice effect (chance) is determined as the type of the second button notice effect, the operation instruction notification is not performed. Based on the operation of the push button 120 within the second operation valid period, “Chance!” Is displayed as the second effect. When the second button notice effect (point) is determined as the type of the second button notice effect, the push button 120 has been operated within the second operation valid period without notifying the operation instruction. Based on this, a display such as “5 points acquired!” Is performed as the second effect, and it is notified that predetermined points have been acquired.

  As shown in FIGS. 33 (C) and 33 (D), in this embodiment, the second button notice effect (chance) is executed and the second button notice effect (point) is executed. In the case where the expectation level (reliability) for the big hit is the same, the expectation level (reliability) for the big hit is higher when the second button notice effect (chance) is executed. Alternatively, the expectation level (reliability) for the big hit may be higher when the second button notice effect (point) is executed.

  In step S6504, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not it is a big hit. In this case, for example, the effect control CPU 101 displays a display result 2 designation command or a display result 3 designation command in which the display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area (see step S618) indicates a normal big hit or a probable big hit. By confirming whether or not, it is possible to determine whether or not it is a big hit.

  In the case of losing, the effect control CPU 101 selects the detaching second button notice effect determining table shown in FIG. In the case of a big hit, the CPU 101 for effect control selects the second button notice effect determination table for the big hit shown in FIG. Then, the effect control CPU 101 performs a lottery process based on a random number using the selected second button notice effect determination table, and determines the presence and type of the second button notice effect.

  In this embodiment, in the case of suddenly probable big hit or small hit, the second button notice effect determination table for losing shown in FIG. The type shall be determined. Note that the second button notice effect determination table for big hits shown in FIG. 33 (D) may be selected when suddenly probable big hits or small hits, or the second for exclusive use of sudden probable big hits or small hits. A button notice effect determination table may be provided.

  In this embodiment, the second button notice effect (chance) and the second button notice effect (point) are shown as the types of the second button notice effect. I can't. For example, as one type of the second button notice effect, there may be a display that displays “Intense heat!” As the second effect, or a reach such as “Reach!” As the second effect. There may be a notice of the possibility of becoming. Further, when notifying the point acquisition as in the second button notice effect (points), for example, when “5 points acquired!” And “10 points acquired!” Are displayed as the second effect. There may be a plurality of types of points to be acquired. In this case, the number of points to be acquired may correspond to the degree of expectation (reliability) for the big hit. Specifically, the expectation level (reliability) for the big hit may be increased as the number of points to be acquired increases.

  Then, if the CPU 101 for effect control determines to execute the second button notice effect (Y in step S6505), a second button notice determination flag indicating that the second button notice effect is determined to be executed is displayed. Set (step S6506). In this case, the effect control CPU 101 also stores the determined type of the second button notice effect (second button notice effect (chance) or second button notice effect (point)) in a predetermined storage area provided in the RAM. It shall be remembered.

  In this embodiment, the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect are determined by individual lottery processes by executing the processes of steps S6501 to S6506. Therefore, in this embodiment, the case where only the first button notice effect is executed alone, the case where only the second button notice effect is executed alone during the one-time variation display of the effect symbol, and the first There are cases where both the button notice effect and the second button notice effect are executed.

  In the case where both the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect are executed during the change display of one effect symbol, in this embodiment, the effect period of the second button notice effect is the first button notice effect. It is assumed that the production period of the second button notice effect ends before the production period of the first button notice effect. Further, in this embodiment, the production period of the first button notice effect coincides with the first operation valid period, and the effect period of the second button notice effect coincides with the second operation valid period. To do. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second operation effective period starts before the first operation effective period, and the second operation effective period ends before the first operation effective period.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where only the first button notice effect is executed alone, the case where only the second button notice effect is executed alone, during the one-time variation display of the effect symbol, and the first Various effects such as an operation instruction notification, a first effect, and a second effect are executed in the same effect mode without particular distinction between the case where both the button notice effect and the second button notice effect are executed.

  FIG. 34 to FIG. 36 are flowcharts showing the effect symbol changing process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation processing, the effect control CPU 101 first decrements the value of the process timer by 1 (step S8101) and decrements the value of the variation time timer by 1 (step S8102). When the process timer times out (step S8103), the process data is switched. 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 is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S8105).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the second button notice executing flag indicating that the second button notice effect is being executed is set (step S8106). If the second button notice execution flag is not set (that is, if the second button notice effect is not being executed), the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the second button notice determination flag is set. (Step S8107). If the second button advance notice determination flag is set (that is, if execution of the second button advance notice effect is determined), the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the second button notice effect start timing is reached. Is confirmed (step S8108). In addition, it can be specifically determined by confirming the value of the variable time timer whether or not it is the start timing of the second button notice effect.

  If it is the start timing of the second button notice effect, the effect control CPU 101 starts the second button notice display on the effect display device 9 and starts executing the second button notice effect (step S8109). Specifically, the effect control CPU 101 displays a star-shaped image (see FIG. 38) as the second button notice display on the effect display device 9. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the second button notice effect is executed, it can be recognized that the second operation valid period is displayed by displaying a star-shaped image or the like, but directly. The display for instructing the player to operate the push button 120 is not performed. In this embodiment, the push button 120 can be operated over a period until the star-shaped image as the second button notice display is deleted. That is, the second button notice display is displayed over the second operation effective period.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the second button notice execution flag and resets the second button notice determination flag (step S8110). Then, the process proceeds to step S8121.

  If the second button notice execution flag is set (that is, if the second button notice effect is being executed), the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the second button notice effect has ended. Confirmation is made (step S8111). Whether or not it is the end timing of the second button notice effect can be specifically determined by checking the value of the variable time timer.

  If it is not the end timing of the second button notice effect, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the pressing operation by the push button 120 has been detected (step S8112). Specifically, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not an operation detection signal from the push sensor 124 is input.

  If the pressing operation by the push button 120 is detected, whether or not the second operation completion flag indicating that the transition to the second presentation has already been made based on the operation of the push button 120 has been set by the CPU 101 for production control. Is confirmed (step S8113). If the second operated flag is not set, the CPU for effect control 101 checks whether or not the type of the determined second button notice effect is the second button notice effect (chance) (step S8114).

  If the type of the determined second button notice effect is the second button notice effect (chance), the effect control CPU 101 displays “chance!” As the second effect from the second button notice display on the effect display device 9. (Step S8115).

  If the type of the determined second button notice effect is not the second button notice effect (chance) (that is, if the second button notice effect (point)), the effect control CPU 101 satisfies the game history update condition. A game history update condition establishment flag indicating that the game has been completed is set (step S8116). Further, the effect control CPU 101 switches from the second button notice display to the display of the game history update condition establishment display (display of “5 points!”, Etc .; see FIG. 38) as the second effect in the effect display device 9 (see FIG. 38). Step S8117). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the second operated flag (step S8118), and proceeds to step S8121.

  In this embodiment, based on the fact that the game history update condition establishment flag is set in step S8116, it is determined as Y in step S800B of the effect control process, and 5 points are added as the game history in step S800C. Will be remembered. When the game history is updated in step S800C, the game history update condition establishment flag is reset.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the second operation valid period coincides with the effect period of the second button notice effect, the push button 120 is operated just before the second operation valid period ends. When the display is switched to the display of “chance!” Or the game history update condition establishment display and switched to the second effect, the execution period of the second effect may be almost lost. Therefore, when the push button 120 is operated immediately before the second operation effective period ends (for example, one second before), the second effect is displayed for a predetermined period (for example, from the time when the operation is detected, regardless of the remaining effect period). 5 seconds).

  It should be noted that the second operation valid period may not coincide with the effect period of the second button notice effect, and a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the operation was detected after the second operation valid period ended. From, the production period of the second button notice production may end. By doing so, even if the push button 120 is operated immediately before the end of the second operation effective period (for example, one second before), the execution period of the second effect is at least a predetermined period from the time when the operation is detected. (For example, 5 seconds) can be secured.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where the switch to the second effect is not performed unless the push button 120 is operated is shown, but the display of the second button notice display (for example, a star-shaped image) is ended. If the push button 120 has not been operated at all, it may be assumed that the push button 120 has been operated, and the switch to the second effect is performed.

  If it is the end timing of the second button notice effect, the effect control CPU 101 erases the second button notice display, the chance display, or the game history update condition establishment display from the effect display device 9, and the second button notice. The production ends (step S8119). In addition, the effect control CPU 101 resets the second button notice execution flag and, if it is set, resets the second operated flag (step S8120). Then, the process proceeds to step S8121.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not a first button notice executing flag indicating that the first button notice effect is being executed is set (step S8121). If the first button notice execution flag is not set (that is, if the first button notice effect is not being executed), the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the first button notice determination flag is set. (Step S8122). If the first button notice determination flag is set (that is, if execution of the first button notice effect is determined), the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not it is the start timing of the first button notice effect. Is confirmed (step S813). Note that whether or not it is the start timing of the first button notice effect can be specifically determined by checking the value of the variable time timer.

  If it is the start timing of the first button notice effect, the effect control CPU 101 starts the first button notice display on the effect display device 9 and starts executing the first button notice effect (step S8124). Specifically, the effect control CPU 101 displays “Press the button!” Or the like as the first button notice display on the effect display device 9 and instructs the player to operate the push button 120.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the first operation effective period in the gauge counter (step S8125), and the effect display device 9 displays the gauge according to the set gauge counter value (see FIG. 38). Is started (step S8126). Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to recognize that the push button 120 is operated by the first button notice display started in step S8124, and the first operation valid period is displayed by the gauge display started display in step S8126. The first button notice display and gauge display correspond to the operation instruction notification.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the first button notice execution flag and resets the first button notice determination flag (step S8127). Then, the process proceeds to step S8142.

  If the first button notice execution flag is set (that is, if the first button notice effect is being executed), the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not it is the end timing of the first button notice effect. Confirmation is made (step S8128). Whether or not it is the end timing of the first button notice effect can be specifically determined by checking the value of the variable time timer.

  If it is not the end timing of the first button notice effect, the gauge counter value is decremented by 1 (step S8129), and the effect display device 9 updates the gauge display according to the subtracted gauge counter value (step S8130). ). In addition, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not a pressing operation by the push button 120 has been detected (step S8131). Specifically, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not an operation detection signal from the push sensor 124 is input.

  If the pressing operation by the push button 120 is detected, whether or not the first operation completed flag indicating that the CPU 101 for effect control has already shifted to the first effect based on the operation of the push button 120 has been set is set. Is confirmed (step S8132). If the first operated flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the second button notice effect executing flag is set (step S8133). If the second button notice effect executing flag is set (that is, if the second button notice effect is being executed), it is confirmed whether or not the second operated flag is set (step S8134). If the second operation completion flag is not set, the process directly proceeds to step S8142 without executing the processes in steps S8135 to S8138.

  In this embodiment, there is an overlapping period between the first operation valid period of the first button notice effect and the second operation valid period of the second button notice effect, and it is determined as Y in step S8133. In this case, since both the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect are executed, it means that the first operation valid period and the second operation valid period are overlapped. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the operation of the push button 120 is performed during the overlapping period of the first operation valid period and the second operation valid period by performing the determination process in step S8133, step S8134 is performed. If it is N (that is, if the push button 120 has not been operated yet), priority is given to switching to the second effect in the second button notice effect without performing the processing of steps S8135 to S8138. I am trying to do it.

  If the second button notice execution flag is not set (that is, if the second button notice effect is not being executed), the process proceeds to step S8135, and the effect control CPU 101 determines the determined first button notice effect. It is confirmed whether or not the type is a first button notice effect (chance) (step S8135). Further, even when the second operation completed flag is set in step S8134 (that is, although the first operation valid period and the second operation valid period are overlapped, the push button 120 has already been operated once. Even when the switching to the first effect has ended, the process proceeds to step S8135, and the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the determined type of the first button notice effect is the first button notice effect (chance). Is confirmed (step S8135).

  If the type of the determined first button notice effect is the first button notice effect (chance), the effect control CPU 101 displays “Chance!” As the first effect from the first button notice display on the effect display device 9. (Step S8136). If the determined type of the first button notice effect is not the first button notice effect (chance) (that is, if the first button notice effect (intense heat)), the effect control CPU 101 uses the effect display device 9. The display is switched from the first button notice display to the display of “Intense heat!” (See FIG. 38) as the first effect (step S8137). Then, the production control CPU 101 sets the first operated flag (step S8138), and proceeds to step S8142.

  In this embodiment, since the first operation valid period coincides with the first button notice effect production period, the push button 120 is operated immediately before the first operation valid period ends. When the display is switched to the display of “Chance!” Or “Intense heat!” And switched to the first effect, the execution period of the first effect may be almost lost. Therefore, when the push button 120 is operated immediately before the end of the first operation effective period (for example, 1 second before), the first effect is detected for a predetermined period (for example, from the time when the operation is detected, regardless of the remaining effect period). 5 seconds).

  It should be noted that the first operation valid period may not coincide with the effect period of the first button notice effect, and a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the operation was detected after the first operation valid period ended. From, the production period of the first button notice production may end. By doing so, even if the push button 120 is operated immediately before the first operation effective period ends (for example, one second before), the execution period of the first effect is at least a predetermined period from the time when the operation is detected. (For example, 5 seconds) can be secured.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where the switch to the first effect is not performed unless the push button 120 is operated is shown, but the first button notice display (for example, “Press the button!” Display) If the push button 120 is not operated at all before the display of the gauge display is completed, it may be assumed that the push button 120 has been operated and the switching to the first effect is performed.

  If it is the end timing of the first button notice effect, the effect control CPU 101 erases the first button notice display, chance display, or intense heat display from the effect display device 9, and ends the first button notice effect. (Step S8139). Further, the effect control CPU 101 deletes the gauge display from the effect display device 9 and resets the gauge counter (step S8140). In addition, the effect control CPU 101 resets the first button notice execution flag and, if it is set, resets the first operated flag (step S8141). Then, the process proceeds to step S8142.

  Then, if the variation time timer has timed out (step S8142), 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 S8143).

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a stop symbol display flag indicating that a stop symbol of the effect symbol is being displayed is set (step S8301). If the stop symbol display flag is set, the process proceeds to step S8305. In this embodiment, when a big hit symbol is displayed as the stop symbol of the effect symbol, a stop symbol display flag is set in step S8304. Then, the stop symbol display flag is reset when the fanfare effect is executed. Therefore, since the stop symbol display flag is set is a stage where the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, but the fanfare effect is not yet executed, the process of displaying the stop symbol of the effect symbol in step S8302 is executed. Instead, the process proceeds to step S8305.

  When the stop symbol display flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to stop and display the determined stop symbol (offset symbol, jackpot symbol) (step S8302).

  Next, when neither the big winning symbol nor the small winning symbol is displayed in the process of step S8302 (that is, when the off symbol is displayed) (N in step S8303), the presentation control CPU 101 proceeds to step S8311. To do.

  When the big hit symbol or the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the process of step S8302 (Y in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 sets the stop symbol display flag (step S8304) and receives the big hit start 1 designation command. A big hit start 1 designation command reception flag indicating that a big hit start 2 designation command has been received, or a big hit start 2 designation command reception flag indicating that a big hit start 2 designation command has been received, or a small hit / It is confirmed whether or not the sudden probability big hit start designation command reception flag is set (step S8305). When the jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag, jackpot start 2 designation command reception flag, or small hit / sudden probability sudden change jackpot start designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the stop symbol display flag. (Step S8306), a process table corresponding to the fanfare effect is selected (Step S8307). If the big hit start 1 designation command reception flag, big hit start 2 designation command reception flag, or small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 sets the flag that was set. To reset.

  Then, the production control CPU 101 starts the process timer by setting the process timer set value in the process timer (step S8308), and the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number) 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 data 1 and the movable member control data 1) (step S8309). Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) (step S8310).

  When it is determined that neither big hit nor small hit is made (N in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 resets a predetermined flag (step S8311). For example, the effect control CPU 101 resets the first symbol variation designation command reception flag and the second symbol variation 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. 28, the variation pattern). The fluctuation pattern command reception flag may be reset immediately after confirming the command reception flag). However, for example, because the symbol variation designation command is referred to in both the effect control process and the fourth symbol process, as shown in this embodiment, the effect symbol variation stop process or the like at the end of the variation. It is desirable to reset at the end of the big hit or at the end of the big hit effect processing.

  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 S8312).

  Next, a description will be given of the effects of the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect. FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the effect form of the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect. In addition, in FIG. 38, the aspect of an effect screen changes in order of (1) (2) (3) ....

  In the example shown in FIG. 38, it is assumed that both the execution of the first button notice effect and the execution of the second button notice effect are determined in the notice effect setting process. It is assumed that both the button notice effect and the second button notice effect are executed. Further, it is assumed that the first button notice effect (intense heat) is determined as the type of the first button notice effect, and the second button notice effect (point) is determined as the type of the second button notice effect.

  As shown in FIG. 38 (1), when the display display of the left middle right effect symbol is executed in the effect display device 9, first, when the start timing of the second button notice effect is reached, FIG. 38 (2). As shown in FIG. 4, the effect display device 9 displays a star-shaped image 200 as the second button notice display, and the second button notice effect is started (see step S8109). As described above, when the second button notice effect is executed, it is possible to recognize that the second operation valid period is displayed by displaying the star-shaped image 200 or the like, but the push button is directly displayed to the player. The display for instructing the operation 120 is not performed.

  In this embodiment, when the first button notice effect or the second button notice effect is being executed, as shown in FIGS. It is assumed that a shortened display is provided at the end of the display device 9.

  Next, when the start timing of the first button notice effect is reached during the execution of the second button notice effect, as shown in FIG. 38 (3), the effect display device 9 displays “Press the button! "Is displayed 201, and the first button notice effect is started (see step S8124). Thus, when the first button notice effect is executed, the first button notice display corresponding to the operation instruction display is performed, and a display for instructing the player to operate the push button 120 is performed directly. Is called.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 38 (3), the gauge display 202 is started in the effect display device 9 (see steps S8125 and S8126), and as shown in FIG. 38 (4), as the first operation effective period elapses. The gauge display 202 gradually decreases (see steps S8129 and S8130). As described above, in this embodiment, when the first button notice effect is executed, the gauge display 202 is performed, so that the remaining time of the first operation valid period is indicated, and the start of the first operation valid period. And end of life.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 38 (4), during the execution of the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect (during the overlapping period of the first operation valid period and the second operation valid period), the player It is assumed that the pressing operation of the push button 120 has been performed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 38 (4), the second button notice effect is given priority, and the second effect is switched based on the operation of the push button 120. In the example shown in FIG. 38 (4), the game history update condition is satisfied based on the fact that the type of the second button notice effect is the second button notice effect (points) (specifically, points are acquired). ) And the display of the game history update condition establishment display (in this example, display 203 such as “5 points acquired!”) Is switched as the second effect (see steps S8116 and S8117).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 38 (5), after the second button notice effect is finished, only the first button notice effect is executed (only during the first operation effective period). Sometimes, it is assumed that the push button 120 is pressed by the player. In this case, as shown in FIG. 38 (5), the first effect is switched based on the operation of the push button 120. In the example shown in FIG. 38 (5), the first button notice effect is the first button notice effect (severe heat), and the display is switched to the display 204 of “Severe heat!” As the first effect. (Refer to step S8137).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 38 (3) and (4), the operation of the push button 120 is instructed by performing a display 201 such as “Press the button!” As the first button notice display. However, when the operation instruction for the push button 120 is displayed as described above, the stick controller 122 other than the push button 120 is tilted or the stick controller 122 is pressed against the trigger button 121. Even when a pulling operation is performed, it may be handled as if there was an operation, and switching to the first effect or the second effect may be performed.

  Next, the execution timing of the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect will be described. FIG. 39 is a timing chart showing the execution timing of the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect. In the example shown in FIG. 39, both the execution of the first button notice effect and the execution of the second button notice effect are determined in the notice effect setting process, and the first button notice effect is displayed during the change display of one effect symbol. And the case where both of 2nd button notice productions are performed is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 39, the second button notice effect is started at the start timing T1 of the second button notice effect during the variation display of the effect symbol, and after the second button notice effect is started, the second button notice effect is started. At the end timing T3, the second button notice effect is ended. Further, when the start timing T2 of the first button notice effect is reached during the variation display of the effect symbol, the first button notice effect is started, and after the first button notice effect is started, the end timing T4 of the first button notice effect is set. Then, the first button notice effect is ended. As shown in FIG. 39, in this embodiment, the second button notice effect is started before the first button notice effect (see T1 and T2), and the second button notice effect is more than the second button notice effect. End first (see T3 and T4).

  Further, the second operation valid period of the second button notice effect (period from T1 to T3 shown in FIG. 39) and the first operation valid period of the first button notice effect (period from T2 to T4 shown in FIG. 39). Have overlapping periods (periods from T2 to T3 shown in FIG. 39). As shown in FIG. 39, when the operation of the push button 120 is performed during this overlapping period, the second button notice effect is given priority, and “Chance!” Is displayed as the second effect or “5 points are acquired. The display switches to “!”.

  On the other hand, when the operation of the push button 120 is performed when the overlap period ends and the period is only the first operation valid period (the period from T3 to T4 shown in FIG. 39), As shown, the first production is switched to the display of “Chance!” Or “Intense heat!”.

  In this embodiment, in the overlapping period of the first operation effective period and the second operation effective period, the operation of the second button notice effect is preferentially switched to the second effect. In this embodiment, since the second operation effective period ends before the first operation effective period, when the first operation effective period and the second operation effective period are overlapped, 2 The remaining period of the operation valid period is shorter. Therefore, in this embodiment, in other words, in the overlapping period of the one operation effective period and the second operation effective period, the button operation notice effect with the shorter remaining operation effective period (in this example, the second button notice effect) It can be said that the production is switched with priority given to the operation.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the first operation is valid with the operation instruction notification instructing the player's operation (in this example, the first button notice display and the gauge display as the operation instruction notification). Based on the operation performed within the period (in this example, the push button 120 was pressed within the first operation valid period), the first effect (in this example, “Chance!” The first action effect (in this example, the first button notice effect) that can be executed and the action was performed within the second action valid period without the action instruction notification (this example) Then, based on the fact that the push button 120 was pressed within the second operation valid period), the second effect (in this example, “Chance!” Display or “5 points!” Display) can be executed. A second motion effect (in this example, the second button preview) Run production) and the. In addition, when an operation is performed during a period in which the first operation effective period and the second operation effective period overlap, the second effect is executed with priority over the first effect. Therefore, by executing the second effect with priority over the first effect, it is possible to reduce the possibility that none of the effects will be executed in the gaming machine configured to be able to execute the operation effect.

  For example, if it is prevented that neither the 1st effect in a 1st operation effect and the 2nd effect in a 2nd operation effect will be performed, it describes in patent document 1 (Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2012-176188). What is necessary is just to comprise so that an operation | movement effective period (for example, operation effective period) may not overlap between several productions like the invention. However, if configured in this manner, the execution timing of each effect will be constrained, and the frequency of the effect will be reduced. Therefore, to prevent such a restriction from occurring, the first motion effect and the second motion effect must be configured to be executable, but in that case, the operation is effective between the multiple effects. A period (for example, operation effective period) overlaps and there exists a possibility that both effects may not be performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second effect is configured to be executed with priority over the first effect, or an effect with a shorter remaining operation effective period (for example, an operation effective period) as will be described later. Is configured to be executed with priority, so that the frequency of production is increased and the possibility that any production will not be executed is reduced.

  In addition, as a control method when the operation valid periods overlap, for example, both the first effect and the second effect are executed based on the player's operation (for example, operation) during the overlap period. However, with such a configuration, there is a possibility that the player may be confused as to which operation (for example, operation) is performed for which effect. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since any of the effects is preferentially executed, it is possible to prevent the player from being confused as such.

  In addition, for example, it may be configured to selectively operate (for example, operate) which effect the player executes in the overlapping period. The user's operation (for example, operation) is rather troublesome. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since any one of the effects is preferentially executed, it is possible to prevent the player from being bothered like that.

  In addition, for example, when the operation valid period overlaps, it may be configured to temporarily invalidate one of the operation valid periods and re-enable after the end of the overlap period. The processing load for invalidating and validating the operation valid period increases. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since any one of the effects is preferentially executed, such an increase in the processing burden associated with the invalidation or validation of the operation valid period is prevented. be able to.

  In this embodiment, the operation detecting means for detecting the player's action is an operating means such as the push button 120, and the action effect is a button notice effect executed in response to the operation of the push button 120. Although shown, it is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a non-contact type sensor such as an optical sensor or an infrared sensor is used as the motion detection means, and these non-contact type sensors detect a player's motion and output a detection signal. These non-contact type sensors The operation effect may be executed based on the input of the detection signal from.

  In this embodiment, the case where the push button 120 is used as the operation means has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, the button notice effect is executed based on the tilting operation from the stick controller 122. The button notification effect may be executed based on a push-pull operation on the trigger button 121 of the stick controller 122. Further, for example, when a gaming machine includes a jog dial or a cross key as an operation means, a button notice effect may be executed based on a rotation operation using the jog dial or an input operation from the cross key.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect are switched to the first effect or the second effect based on the operation of the push button 120 is shown. The operation in the one-button notice effect and the operation in the second button notice effect do not necessarily have to be exactly the same operation, and even if the operation (action) is slightly different as long as it can be regarded as almost the same operation (action). Good. Note that “an operation (action) that can be regarded as substantially the same” means, for example, that both the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect perform a long press operation, and the long press period is slightly different ( For example, 4 seconds and 5 seconds), the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect both perform a continuous hit operation, and the number of repeated hits is slightly different (for example, 8 times and 10 times), etc. However, it may be an operation (operation) at a level that can be regarded as almost the same although it is slightly different.

  In this embodiment, as a mode in which the second effect is executed with priority over the first effect, the second effect is given priority when an operation (action) is performed during the overlapping period of the operation effective period. Although executed, the case where the first effect is configured to be executable when further operations (actions) are performed thereafter is shown, but it is not limited to such a mode. For example, only the second effect may be executed, and the first effect may not be executed at all.

  Further, according to this embodiment, a predetermined display for indicating the second operation valid period (in this example, the second button notice display (display of a star-shaped image)) is performed and the predetermined display is erased. The second effect is executed based on the operation performed during the period. Therefore, it is possible to indicate to the player that the operation is performed in the second operation effect (pressing the push button 120 in this example) by a predetermined display different from the operation instruction notification in the first operation effect.

  In this embodiment, a case where a star-shaped image (see FIG. 38) is displayed as the predetermined display (second button notice display) is not limited to such a mode. For example, if the display does not directly instruct the player to operate the push button 120 but can indicate the second operation valid period, for example, an image such as a floral pattern other than a star shape may be displayed. Various modes such as displaying a predetermined character can be considered.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the execution of the second motion effect is started before the start of the execution of the first motion effect, and the execution of the second motion effect is performed before the end of the execution of the second motion effect. Exit. Therefore, by preventing the end times of the operation valid periods from overlapping in time, it is possible to more appropriately execute both effects of the first action effect and the second action effect.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, both the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect can be executed, and only the first button notice effect can be executed independently, so that one variable display is possible. During the execution, the first effect can be executed together with the second effect, and the first effect can be executed without executing the second effect. Further, by changing the display mode with time, the operation instruction notification is performed in such a manner as to indicate the start and end of the first operation effective period (in this example, by gradually decreasing the gauge display, the first operation effective period The start and end of the. Then, the operation instruction notification is executed in the same manner when the first effect is executed together with the second effect and when the first effect is executed without executing the second effect. Therefore, the first operation effect can be executed in the same manner when both the first effect and the second effect are executed and when the first effect is executed alone.

  In this embodiment, a case is shown in which gauge display is performed as a display indicating the start and end of the first operation effective period by changing the display mode with time. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. . For example, instead of the gauge display, a countdown display may be performed as long as the display can indicate at least the start and end of the first operation effective period.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, since the second operation effective period ends before the first operation effective period, it is an overlapping period of the first operation effective period and the second operation effective period. The remaining period of the second operation effective period is shorter. Therefore, in other words, when the operation is performed during a period in which the first operation effective period and the second operation effective period overlap, the first operation effective period and the second operation out of the first effect and the second effect. The effect corresponding to the one with less remaining period is executed with priority over the other effect. Therefore, in the gaming machine configured to be able to execute the motion effect by executing the effect of the first effect and the second effect that ends in the operation effective period first with priority over the other effect, It is possible to reduce the possibility that the production will not be executed.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the operation corresponding to the operation effect in which the operation effective period corresponding to the operation effect that starts to be executed first among the first operation effect and the second operation effect is started later. The operation effective period is controlled so as to end before the effective period. Therefore, by preventing the end times of the operation valid periods from overlapping in time, it is possible to more appropriately execute both effects of the first action effect and the second action effect.

  In this embodiment, the case where the second operation valid period of the second button notice effect starts and ends earlier than the first operation valid period of the first button notice effect is fixed, For example, the first operation valid period of the first button notice effect may start earlier than the second operation valid period of the second button notice effect and end earlier. May be. Further, for example, it may be configured such that either one of the first operation effective period and the second operation effective period includes the other operation effective period. That is, both the beginning and end of the other operation effective period may be included in one operation effective period. Further, for example, the first operation effective period and the second operation effective period may be completely matched. Even in such a case, when the first operation valid period and the second operation valid period are overlapped according to the same process as the present embodiment (process shown in FIGS. 34 to 36). Alternatively, the operation of the second button notice effect may be given priority, and the second effect may be executed with priority over the first effect.

  Further, in the above case, it is determined which one of the first operation effective period and the second operation effective period is shorter, and if the remaining period of the first operation effective period is shorter, the first operation effective period is shorter. The first effect may be executed with priority, and if the remaining period of the second operation effective period is shorter, the second effect may be executed with priority. Hereinafter, a modified example in which which operation effective period is short and which is executed with priority given to either the first effect or the second effect will be described.

  FIG. 40 and FIG. 41 are flowcharts illustrating the effect symbol variation processing (step S802) in the modification. In this modification, the processes in steps S8101 to S8113 are the same as those shown in FIG. In this modified example, if the second operated flag is not set in step S8113, the effect control CPU 101 determines that the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect are being executed. It is confirmed whether or not the remaining period of the second operation valid period of the second button notice effect is shorter than the remaining period of the first operation valid period of the one button notice effect (step S8113X).

  The remaining period of the first operation valid period and the second operation valid period is, for example, the second operation valid period (in this example, the second button notice effect in the second button notice effect when the second button notice effect is started). A timer for measuring the same period as the effect period) is set, and when the first button notice effect is started in step S8124, the first operation valid period (in this example, the same as the effect period of the first button notice effect). It can be determined by setting timers for measuring (period) and checking the values of those timers.

  If the remaining period of the second operation effective period is not shorter than the remaining period of the first operation effective period (N in Step S8113X), the process of Step S8121 is performed without executing the processes of Steps S8114 to S8118. Migrate to

  When the remaining period of the second operation effective period is shorter than the remaining period of the first operation effective period (Y in step S8113X), the process proceeds to steps S8114 to S8118, and the second effect is preferentially executed. Processing is performed. In this modified example, even when the first button notice effect is not currently being executed, it is determined as Y in step S8113X, the process proceeds to steps S8114 to S8118, and the process of executing the second effect is performed. And

  Note that the processes in steps S8114 to S8132 are the same as those shown in FIGS.

  If the first operated flag is not set in step S8132, the effect control CPU 101 determines that the second button notice effect is being executed if both the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect are being executed. It is checked whether or not the remaining period of the first operation effective period of the first button notice effect is shorter than the remaining period of the second operation effective period (step S8133X).

  If the remaining period of the first operation effective period is not shorter than the remaining period of the second operation effective period (N in step S8133X), it is confirmed whether or not the second operation completed flag is set (step S8133X). S8134). If the second operation completion flag is not set, the process directly proceeds to the process of step S8142 shown in FIG. 36 without executing the processes of steps S8135 to S8138.

  If the remaining period of the first operation effective period is shorter than the remaining period of the second operation effective period (Y in step S8133X), the process proceeds to steps S8135 to S8138, and the first effect is prioritized and executed. Processing is performed. In this modification, even when the second button notice effect is not being executed, it is determined as Y in step S8133X, and the process proceeds to steps S8135 to S8138, and the process of executing the first effect is performed. And Further, even when the second operation completed flag is set in step S8134 (that is, although the first operation valid period and the second operation valid period are overlapped, the push button 120 has already been operated once. Even when switching to the first effect is completed, the process proceeds to steps S8135 to S8138, and the process of executing the first effect is performed.

  The processes after step S8135 are the same as those shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 42 is a timing chart showing the execution timing of the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect in the modification. In the example shown in FIG. 42, both the execution of the first button notice effect and the execution of the second button notice effect are determined in the notice effect setting process, and the first button notice effect is displayed during the one-time variation display of the effect symbol. And the case where both of 2nd button notice productions are performed is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 42, the second button notice effect is started at the start timing T1 of the second button notice effect during the variation display of the effect symbol, and after the second button notice effect is started, the second button notice effect is started. At the end timing T3, the second button notice effect is ended. Further, when the start timing T2 of the first button notice effect is reached during the variation display of the effect symbol, the first button notice effect is started, and after the first button notice effect is started, the end timing T4 of the first button notice effect is set. Then, the first button notice effect is ended. In the example shown in FIG. 42, the second button notice effect is started before the first button notice effect (see T1 and T2), and the second button notice effect ends before the second button notice effect. The case is shown (see T3 and T4).

  In addition, the second operation valid period of the second button notice effect (period from T1 to T3 shown in FIG. 42) and the first operation valid period of the first button notice effect (period from T2 to T4 shown in FIG. 42). Have overlapping periods (periods T2 to T3 shown in FIG. 42). Then, as shown in FIG. 42, when the operation of the push button 120 is performed during this overlapping period, which of the remaining period TA1 of the first operation effective period and the remaining period TA2 of the second operation effective period is shorter. It is determined (see steps S8113X and S8133X). In the example shown in FIG. 42, it is determined that the remaining period TA2 of the second operation effective period is shorter than the remaining period TA1 of the first operation effective period (see Y in step S8113X), and the second button notice effect has priority. As a second effect, the display switches to “Chance!” Display or “5 points!” Display.

  On the other hand, when the operation of the push button 120 is performed when the overlap period ends and the period of only the first operation effective period (the period from T3 to T4 shown in FIG. 42) is reached, FIG. As shown, the first production is switched to the display of “Chance!” Or “Intense heat!”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 42, as an example, the remaining period TA2 of the second operation effective period is shorter, but if the remaining period TA1 of the first operation effective period is shorter (Y in step S8133X) The first button notice effect is prioritized, and the first effect is switched to the display of “Chance!” Or “Intense heat!”.

  In the embodiment described above, a concealed notice effect (for example, a display screen of the effect display device 9) is executed in such a manner as to hide various images including the display in the first button notice effect and the second button notice effect. A so-called blackout effect for blackout or an effect of concealing part or all of the display screen of the effect display device 9 by moving the movable member may be executed. Then, in the first button notice effect or the second button notice effect, the execution of the concealment notice effect is restricted when the first button notice display or the second button notice display is switched to the first effect or the second effect. Good. In this case, for example, when switching to a display with a high expectation degree of jackpot, such as “Intense heat!” As the first effect or the second effect, or a display for notifying the acquisition of a high number of points even when points are acquired The execution of the concealment notice effect may be restricted when switching to. For example, the execution of the concealment notice effect may be restricted by not executing the concealment notice effect at all, or the display area of the first effect and the second effect is ensured. Execution of the concealment notice effect may be limited by limiting the display range.

  In addition, as a mode for limiting the execution of the concealment notice effect when configured as described above, for example, a mode for limiting the degree of concealment (for example, displaying a transparent image so as to cover an image to be concealed) Therefore, it is possible to provide a restriction mode that makes it difficult to visually recognize an image to be concealed. In addition, the concealment effect may be restricted by reducing the probability of occurrence of the concealment effect.

  In the above-described embodiment, in order to notify the effect control microcomputer 100 of the change pattern indicating the change mode such as the change time, the type of reach effect, the presence / absence of the pseudo-ream, etc., 1 is used when the change is started. 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 the above-described embodiment, “the ratio is different” is not limited to only those having different ratios such as A: B = 70%: 30% or A: B = 30%: 70%, This is a concept including a ratio that is different in a relationship of A: B = 100%: 0% (that is, one with 100% allocation and the other with 0% allocation).

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

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

  In the above embodiment, a pachinko machine is taken as an example of the gaming machine. However, according to the present invention, a predetermined number of bets are set by inserting medals, and a plurality of types are set according to the operation of the operation lever by the player. When the symbol is rotated and the symbol is stopped according to the stop button operation by the player, if the combination of the stop symbol becomes a specific symbol combination, it applies to a slot machine in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player It is also possible.

  In the above embodiment, 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, and a game ball The present invention can also be applied to an enclosed game machine that encloses game media such as the above and gives a score when a prize granting condition is satisfied.

  Also, in the above embodiment, the gaming machine that is controlled to the probability variation state after the big hit game is based on the fact that the big hit type is a probable big hit or a normal big hit and the big hit type is determined to be a promiscuous big hit. 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 the above embodiment can also be applied to a gaming machine that is controlled to a certain change state after the completion.

  The present invention is preferably applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine in which a player can play a predetermined game.

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 18c Total pending storage display unit 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
120 push button

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing a game,
A first action effect capable of executing the first effect based on an action made within the first action valid period accompanied by an action instruction notice for instructing a player's action, and a second action action without the action instruction notice. A motion effect executing means for executing a second motion effect capable of executing the second effect based on the operation being performed within the motion valid period;
The operation effect executing means executes the second effect with priority over the first effect when the operation is performed in a period in which the first operation effective period and the second operation effective period overlap. A gaming machine characterized by that.

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