JP2016086848A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of reducing load of arithmetic processing.SOLUTION: The game machine includes information storage means having a timer area being a storage area for writing time data to measure time elapse, and timing means for determining that a time of a measurement object elapses by writing the time data in the timer area, and updating a value of the time data until reaching a predetermined value in accordance with time elapse. The timing means determines the elapse of a variation time, the elapse of a prescribed stop time, and the elapse of a time related to opening control of a special winning port by special game control means by using the timer area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine played by a player.

  Conventionally, there is a gaming machine that performs a special symbol lottery or a normal symbol lottery, notifies the result by displaying the result, and executes a predetermined game (such as a big hit game) when winning (for example, non-patent literature) 1).

"Pachinko winning guide", Guide Works Co., Ltd., issued October 4, 2014, October 4, 2014 issue, pages 6-15, CR Pachinko AKB48 rose ritual

  In recent gaming machines, the processing load is increasing due to the complexity of game control and the diversification of effects. For this reason, reducing the processing load on the gaming machine is an important issue.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the processing load.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention employs the following configuration. In addition, reference numerals in parentheses, explanations, and the like indicate correspondence relationships with embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of one aspect of the present invention. Absent.

A gaming machine (1),
Acquisition means (100, S204, etc.) for acquiring game information (a set of random numbers) upon establishment of a start condition;
Based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means, a variation time determination means (100, S408) for determining a variation time which is a time during which the special symbol is variably displayed on the symbol display means (4a, 4b);
Special game determination means (100, S407) for determining whether or not to execute a special game (big hit game) for opening the special winning opening (23) based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means;
The special symbol is displayed on the symbol display means after the fluctuation time determined by the fluctuation time determination means and the fluctuation display, and then displayed for a predetermined stop time, thereby notifying the determination result by the special game determination means. Special symbol display control means (100, S410, S413),
Special game control means (see 100, FIG. 18 and the like) for executing a special game by controlling the opening of the special winning opening when the determination result indicating that the special game is executed is notified by the special symbol display control means; ,
Information storage means (103) having a timer area (11A in FIG. 21) which is a storage area for writing time data and measuring the passage of time;
Time measuring means (100) for determining that the time to be measured has elapsed by writing time data in the timer area and updating the value of the time data until it reaches a predetermined value as time elapses. Prepared,
The time measuring means is configured to determine a lapse of the variation time determined by the variation time determination means, a lapse of the predetermined stop time, and a lapse of time related to the opening control of the special prize opening by the special game control means. The determination is made using the area (see FIGS. 22 to 30).

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game machine which can reduce the load of arithmetic processing can be provided.

Schematic front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment The enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator 4 provided in the pachinko machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of FIG. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control apparatus provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 The figure for demonstrating an example of game ball passage determination processing An example of a flowchart showing main processing executed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the power-off monitoring process in step S911 in FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table An example of a detailed flowchart of normal symbol processing in step S5 of FIG. Illustration to explain normal symbol lottery An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the electric tulip process in step S7 of FIG. The figure for demonstrating an example of the storage area used for the count process of control time Example of time chart on the special symbol game side An example of a flowchart showing the control time counting process on the special symbol game side in step S8 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol variation display process in step S804 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol stop display process in step S805 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the opening display processing in step S806 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the in-round processing in step S807 in FIG. FIG. 23 shows an example of a detailed flowchart of the process during the grand prize winning period in step S808. FIG. 23 shows an example of a detailed flowchart of the processing during the special winning opening suspension period in step S809 in FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the ending display processing in step S810 of FIG. The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation time table Example of time chart on the normal symbol game side FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart showing the control time counting process on the normal symbol game side in step S9 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the normal symbol variation display process in step S863 in FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the normal symbol stop display process in step S864 in FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the process during electric chew opening / closing control in step S865 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the process during the second start port effective period in step S866 in FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400 An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S15 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S15 of FIG.

  Hereinafter, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Hereinafter, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be simply referred to as a gaming machine 1.

[Schematic configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of the display 4 provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the gaming machine 1.

  In FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine configured to pay out a winning ball when a gaming ball launched by a player's operation wins a prize, for example. This gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 5 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 5 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main part of the gaming machine 1 around a hinge provided on the shaft support side. And the lock part 43 is provided in the predetermined position (for example, edge part on the opposite side to a shaft support side) which becomes the front side of the frame member 5, and the frame member 5 is unlocked by unlocking the lock part 43. Can be opened.

  A game area 20 for playing a game with a game ball is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. In the gaming area 20, a rail member (from which a game ball launched from below (the launching device 211; see FIG. 4) rises along the main surface of the game board 2 and forms a path toward the upper position of the gaming area 20 ( (Not shown) and a guide member (not shown) for guiding the raised game ball to the right side of the game area 20.

  In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an image display unit 6 that displays images for various effects at positions that are easily visible to the player. The image display unit 6 notifies the player of the result of the special symbol lottery (big hit lottery), for example, by displaying a decorative symbol according to the progress of the game by the player, the appearance of a character, the appearance of an item, etc. Or a reserved image showing the number of times the special symbol lottery is held. The image display unit 6 is configured by a liquid crystal display device, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, or the like, but any other display device may be used. Furthermore, a movable accessory 7 and a board lamp 8 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 2. The movable accessory 7 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2, and produces an effect by performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the progress of the game or in accordance with the player's operation. The board lamp 8 emits light according to the progress of the game, thereby performing various effects by light.

  In the game area 20, a game nail and a windmill (both not shown) that change the falling direction of the game ball are arranged. Further, in the game area 20, various bonuses related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In FIG. 1, the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the gate 25, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24 are arranged on the game board 2 as an example of various prizes related to winning and lottery. It is installed. In addition, the game area 20 is provided with a discharge port 26 through which game balls that have not been won in any of the game areas of the game balls launched into the game area 20 are discharged out of the game area 20. .

  The first start port 21 and the second start port 22 are awarded when a game ball enters, respectively, and a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) is started. The first start port 21 operates a predetermined special electric accessory (large winning port 23) and / or a predetermined special symbol display (first special symbol display 4a described later). It is a winning opening related to winning a game ball. Further, the second start opening 22 operates the special electric accessory and / or a predetermined special symbol display device (second special symbol display device 4b described later), and wins related to winning a game ball. The mouth. When the game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol lottery (the open / close lottery of the electric tulip 27 described below) starts. The lottery is not started even if a game ball wins the normal winning opening 24.

  The 2nd starting port 22 is provided in the lower part of the 1st starting port 21, and is equipped with the electric tulip 27 in the vicinity of the entrance of a game ball as an example of a normal electric accessory. The electric tulip 27 has a pair of wings imitating tulip flowers, and the pair of wings opens and closes left and right by driving an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 (for example, an electric solenoid) described later. When the pair of blade portions are closed, the electric tulip 27 is in a closed state in which the game ball does not enter the second start port 22 because the opening width guided to the entrance of the second start port 22 is extremely narrow. On the other hand, the electric tulip 27 is in an open state in which the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 22 because the opening width guided to the inlet of the second starting port 22 increases when the pair of wings open to the left and right. . When the electric tulip 27 passes through the gate 25 and the normal symbol lottery is won, the pair of blades opens for a specified time (for example, 0.10 seconds) and opens and closes for a specified number of times (for example, once). To do.

  The big winning opening 23 is located at the lower center of the second starting opening 22 and is opened according to the result of the special symbol lottery. The big prize opening 23 is normally in a closed state so that no game balls can enter, but depending on the result of the special symbol lottery, it protrudes from the main surface of the game board 2 and is in an open state. The game ball is easy to enter. For example, the special winning opening 23 repeats a round that is in an open state until a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds elapses or a winning of 10 game balls) is satisfied a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times).

  Further, on the lower right side of the game board 2, a display 4 for displaying the results of the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery described above and the number of reserved items is arranged. Details of the display 4 will be described later.

  Here, the payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball enters (wins) the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24, a predetermined number per game ball is determined according to the place where the game ball has won. The prize ball is paid out. For example, when one game ball is won at the first start port 21 and the second start port 22, three prize balls are awarded, and when one game ball is won at the big prize port 23, thirteen prize balls are given to the normal prize slot 24. When one game ball is won, ten prize balls are paid out. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, there is no payout of the prize ball in conjunction with it.

  The frame member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 is provided with a handle 31, a lever 32, a stop button 33, a take-out button 34, a speaker 35, a frame lamp 36, an effect button 37, an effect key 38, a dish 39, and the like. Yes.

  When the player touches the handle 31 and performs an operation to rotate the lever 32 clockwise, the launching device 211 (100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle (for example, 100 per minute). 4) electrically fires the game ball. The tray 39 (see FIG. 3) is provided so as to protrude in front of the gaming machine 1 and temporarily stores game balls supplied to the launching device 211. In addition, the above-described prize balls are paid out to the plate 39. Then, the game balls stored in the tray 39 are supplied to the launching device 211 one by one by a supply device (not shown) at a timing linked with the operation by the player's lever 32.

  The stop button 33 is provided on the lower side surface of the handle 31, and even when the player touches the handle 31 and rotates the lever 32 in the clockwise direction, the game ball is released by being pressed by the player. Is temporarily stopped. The take-out button 34 is provided on the front surface in the vicinity of the position where the tray 39 is provided, and when the player presses it, the game balls accumulated in the tray 39 are dropped into a box (not shown).

  The speaker 35 and the frame lamp 36 respectively notify the gaming state and situation of the gaming machine 1 and perform various effects. The speaker 35 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. In addition, the frame lamp 36 performs various effects by light depending on a pattern by lighting / flashing or a difference in emission color.

  Next, the display 4 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the display 4 includes a first special symbol display 4a, a second special symbol display 4b, a first special symbol hold indicator 4c, a second special symbol hold indicator 4d, a normal symbol indicator 4e, and a normal symbol indicator 4e. A symbol hold display 4f and a game status display 4g are provided.

  The first special symbol display 4a displays the special symbol in a variable manner corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the first starting port 21. For example, the first special symbol display 4a is composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball is won at the first starting port 21, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and then the lottery result is displayed. Further, the second special symbol display 4b displays the special symbols in a variable manner corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the second starting port 22. For example, the second special symbol display 4b is similarly composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball wins at the second starting port 22, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and the lottery result is displayed. To do. In the normal symbol display 4e, the normal symbol is changed and displayed in response to the game ball passing through the gate 25. For example, the normal symbol display 4e is constituted by an LED display device, and when a game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and displayed.

  The first special symbol hold indicator 4c displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when a game ball wins at the first start port 21. The second special symbol hold indicator 4d displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when the game ball wins at the second start port 22. The normal symbol hold display 4f displays the number of times the normal symbol lottery is held. For example, the first special symbol hold indicator 4c, the second special symbol hold indicator 4d, and the normal symbol hold indicator 4f are each composed of LED display devices arranged in a row, and the number of times of hold is displayed according to the lighting mode. The

  The game state display 4g displays a game state (such as a short time state) when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.

  Next, an input device provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an effect button 37 and an effect key 38 as an example of an input device.

  The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are provided for the player to input the effect. The effect button 37 is provided on the side of the upper surface of the tray 39 protruding forward of the gaming machine 1. The production key 38 has a center key and four direction keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, and is provided on the upper side of the plate 39 adjacent to the production button 37. The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are each pressed by the player to perform a predetermined effect. For example, the player can enjoy a predetermined effect by pressing the effect button 37 at a predetermined timing. Further, the player can select one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 6 by operating the four direction keys of the effect key 38. Further, the player can input the selected image as information by operating the center key of the effect key 38.

  In addition, on the back side of the gaming machine 1, a ball tank for storing game balls for payout and a payout device (payout drive unit 311) for paying out the game balls to the tray 39 are provided, and various substrates are attached. ing. For example, a main board, a sub board, and the like are disposed on the rear surface of the game board 2. Specifically, a main control board on which a main control unit 100 (see FIG. 4) that performs internal lottery and determination of winning is configured is disposed on the main board. The sub-board includes a firing control board 200 (see FIG. 4) configured to control a launching device 211 that launches a game ball to the upper part of the game area 20, and a payout control unit 300 that controls the payout of a prize ball. A payout control board configured with an effect control board configured with an effect control section 400 for overall control of effects, an image control board configured with an image acoustic control section 500 for controlling effects with images and sounds, and various types The lamp control board etc. in which the lamp control part 600 which controls the effect by the lamp (frame lamp 36, panel lamp 8) and the movable accessory 7 are arranged. In addition, on the rear surface of the gaming board 2, the power source of the gaming machine 1 is switched on / off, and 24V (volt) AC power supplied to the gaming machine 1 is converted into DC power of various voltages. A switching power supply is provided for outputting the direct current power to the various substrates described above.

[Configuration of control device of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a control device that performs operation control and signal processing in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device provided in the gaming machine 1.

  4, the control device of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 100, a launch control unit 200, a payout control unit 300, an effect control unit 400, an image sound control unit 500, a lamp control unit 600, and the like.

  The main control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of payout prize balls, such as internal lottery and determination of winning. The ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and various data. The RAM 103 is used as a working memory for the CPU 101. Hereinafter, main functions of the main control unit 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 100 performs a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) when a game ball wins at the first starting port 21 or the second starting port 22, and effects control is performed on determination result data indicating whether or not the special symbol lottery is won. Send to part 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade portion of the electric tulip 27 is opened, the number of times the blade portion is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval at which the blade portion is opened and closed. Further, the main control unit 100 executes the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the first start port 21, the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the second start port 22, In addition, the number of execution suspensions of the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 25 is managed, and data related to the number of suspensions is sent to the effect control unit 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 23 according to the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the main controller 100 repeats a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) in which the big winning opening 23 projects and inclines and opens. (16 times). Further, the main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing time interval at which the special winning opening 23 opens and closes.

  The main control unit 100 changes the game state in accordance with the progress of the game, and according to the progress of the game, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery, the execution interval of the special symbol lottery (the special symbol is variably displayed on the display 4) In other words, it may be said that it is a time to stop display), and the opening / closing operation of the electric tulip 27 is changed.

  When a game ball wins the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24, the main control unit 100 determines a predetermined amount per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 300 is instructed to pay out a number of prize balls. Even if the main control unit 100 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, the main control unit 100 does not instruct the payout control unit 300 to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith. When the payout control unit 300 pays out a prize ball according to an instruction from the main control unit 100, information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 300 is sent to the main control unit 100. Then, the main control unit 100 manages the number of paid-out prize balls based on the information acquired from the payout control unit 300.

  In order to realize the above-described functions, the main control unit 100 includes a first start port switch 111a, a second start port switch 111b, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112, a gate switch 113, a big prize opening switch 114, a big prize opening opening / closing. 115, normal winning opening switch 116, display 4 (first special symbol display 4a, second special symbol display 4b, first special symbol hold indicator 4c, second special symbol hold indicator 4d, normal symbol display 4e, a normal symbol hold display 4f, and a game status display 4g) are connected.

  The first start port switch 111 a sends a signal to the main control unit 100 in response to the winning of the game ball to the first start port 21. The second start port switch 111 b sends a signal corresponding to the winning of the game ball to the second start port 22 to the main control unit 100. The electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 opens and closes the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 27 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The gate switch 113 sends a signal corresponding to the game ball passing through the gate 25 to the main control unit 100. The big winning opening switch 114 sends a signal corresponding to the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening 23 to the main control unit 100. The special prize opening / closing unit 115 opens and closes the special prize opening 23 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The normal winning port switch 116 sends a signal to the main control unit 100 in response to the winning of the game ball to the normal winning port 24.

[About switch processing]
Below, the switch process (game ball passage determination process) of the present embodiment will be specifically described. Note that this game ball passage determination process is limited to the case where it is determined that a game ball has entered (or passed) the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the gate 25, the big winning port 23, or the like. For example, it is also executed when the payout control unit 300 determines (counts) the paid-out prize balls (number of prize balls).

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the output signal of the proximity switch installed as the first start port switch 111a for detecting the game ball winning (passing) to the first start port 21 and the like, and the output signal. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of the binarization signal binarized into the ON level and the OFF level using the passage determination threshold value (5V). As an example, the proximity switch has a circular through hole through which a game ball passes through a rectangular plate, and outputs an output signal of a voltage corresponding to a change in magnetic flux when the game ball passes through the through hole. This is a direct current 2-wire electronic switch for output. As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 5, the voltage level of the output signal of the proximity switch decreases as the game ball approaches the center of the through hole, and becomes the minimum (minimum) when the game ball reaches the center of the through hole. The game ball rises as it passes through the center of the through hole and leaves. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the output signal of the proximity switch is converted to an OFF level of the binarized signal when the voltage level is larger than the passage determination threshold (5V) by a comparator (not shown), and the voltage level is When it is below the passage determination threshold value (5 V), it is converted into an ON level of the binarized signal. In the example of FIG. 5, the passage determination threshold used for the determination is described as one passage determination threshold (5V). However, for example, when switching from the OFF level to the ON level, the first passage determination threshold (5V) is used. On the other hand, the second passage determination threshold (6V) may be used when switching from the ON level to the OFF level. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the binarized signal from improperly switching between ON / OFF due to the output signal of the proximity switch going up and down across the passage determination threshold due to the influence of noise or the like.

  Then, as part of each process in the timer interrupt process executed at intervals of 4 milliseconds (4 ms) by the main control unit 100 described later with reference to FIG. 9, the binarized signal shown in FIG. By determining ON / OFF, the game ball is determined to pass. This will be specifically described below.

  As shown in FIG. 5, it is determined at intervals of 4 milliseconds (ON / OFF determination) whether the binary signal is at the ON level or the OFF level. In FIG. 5, the natural number n is used to represent the order of ON / OFF determination. In FIG. 5, the OFF level is determined by the (n−2) -th to n-th ON / OFF determinations, and then the ON level is determined by the (n + 1) th ON / OFF determination. Here, in the present embodiment, when the ON level is determined, in the ON / OFF determination processing determined to be the ON level, a predetermined minute time (for example, 4 microseconds) shorter than the 4 millisecond interval is used. The second ON / OFF determination is executed at the elapsed timing. In FIG. 5, the ON / OFF determination in the (n + 1) th timer interrupt process is determined to be the ON level both times. Thereafter, it is determined to be the OFF level by the ON / OFF determination from the (n + 2) th time to the (n + 4) th time. Note that the ON level period of the binarized signal (referred to as the ON period) is longer than in the case of FIG. 5 (that is, the game ball passes at a slower speed than in the case of FIG. 5). When the determination is also executed during the ON period, the determination is executed twice in the (n + 2) th ON / OFF determination.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the ON level is determined to be the OFF level by the nth ON / OFF determination and the ON level is determined to be the second ON level by the (n + 1) th ON / OFF determination, It is determined that one game ball has passed. The ON / OFF determination is performed by the main control unit 100 (more precisely, the CPU 101) for the proximity switch installed as the first start port switch 111a, for example, and connected to the payout control unit 300, for example. The payout control unit 300 (more precisely, the CPU 301) executes the proximity switch for detecting the number of paid out game balls (see FIG. 4).

  Here, the predetermined minute time (for example, 4 microseconds) in the (n + 1) th ON / OFF determination shown in FIG. 5 is set in advance according to the software programming content for executing the calculation process of the game ball passage determination. The That is, the predetermined minute time described above is a variable time that can be set to an arbitrary time depending on the programming content. The gaming machine 1 may generate fine period noise (for example, noise of 3 to 15 microsecond period), and this noise period depends to some extent on the type of gaming machine. For example, a certain type of gaming machine is likely to generate noise with a period of 5 microseconds, and a certain type of gaming machine is likely to generate noise with a period of 9 microseconds. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by adopting a configuration in which the predetermined minute time described above can be set to an arbitrary time depending on the programming content, it is possible to effectively avoid erroneous determination due to noise of a fine cycle. Note that the arithmetic processing for providing the predetermined minute time described above is processing that is not related to the progress of the game and is only for earning time. For example, by repeating a process requiring a time of 1 microsecond four times, 4 microseconds can be provided as the above-mentioned predetermined minute time in software.

  By the way, in recent gaming machines, the processing load has increased due to an increase in the contents of arithmetic processing, so the execution interval of timer interrupt processing, which was 2 milliseconds in the previous gaming machine, has been extended to 4 milliseconds. As described with reference to FIG. 5, the ON / OFF determination using the proximity switch is also extended from the 2 millisecond interval and executed at an interval of 4 millisecond.

  Here, the previous gaming machine is determined to be the OFF level by the nth ON / OFF determination, is determined to be the ON level by the (n + 1) th ON / OFF determination, and is determined to be the ON level by the (n + 2) th ON / OFF determination. It was determined that one game ball had passed (hereinafter referred to as the “previous determination method”). That is, the game ball passage is determined by three ON / OFF determinations by three timer interruption processes. The reason why the ON level is determined at the (n + 1) th time and the (n + 2) th time in this way is to avoid erroneous determination that the game ball has passed due to the ON level being determined once by chance due to noise. However, in a recent gaming machine in which the ON / OFF determination interval is extended to an interval of 4 milliseconds, the previous determination method described above cannot determine the passage of a game ball passing at a high speed. For example, it is difficult to determine the passing of a game ball passing at a faster speed as the period of the ON level of the binarized signal (ON period) as shown in FIG. 5 becomes very short (for example, around 7 milliseconds). turn into. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is determined that one game ball has passed by the determination method described with reference to FIG. From this, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reliably determine the passing of the game ball while preventing erroneous determination due to noise by the ON / OFF determination by two timer interruption processes.

  By the way, the gaming machine 1 includes a power monitoring circuit for detecting that the power supply to the gaming machine 1 is cut off, a disconnection detection circuit for detecting that the wiring of the proximity switch is disconnected, and a proximity switch. An abnormality detection circuit (not shown) such as a short circuit detection circuit for detecting that the wiring is short-circuited (short circuit) is provided. These abnormality detection circuits provide a threshold (abnormality determination level) for determining the occurrence of abnormality at a voltage level higher than the passage determination threshold (5 V) shown in FIG. Therefore, when the voltage of the output signal of the proximity switch decreases, an abnormality is determined before the voltage of the output signal drops to the passage determination threshold, thereby preventing erroneous determination that the game ball has passed. Thus, since the abnormality determination level is provided at a voltage level higher than the passage determination threshold, it is difficult to take a long ON period by setting the passage determination threshold to a high value (for example, 10 V) (see FIG. 5). ). As a result, in the gaming machine 1, it is not realistic to determine the passage of the game ball using the previous determination method by taking a long ON period of the output signal.

In the switch processing described above, the second ON / OFF determination may not be performed in the timer interrupt processing determined to be ON that is executed after the timer interrupt processing determined to be ON.
Further, in the switch processing described above, it may be configured to detect the passage of the game ball by detecting the place where the binarized signal is switched from ON to OFF. That is, in FIG. 5, it may be determined that one game ball has passed with the determination that the n + 1 time timer interrupt process is turned on twice and the n + 2 time timer interrupt process is turned off.
Further, in the switch processing described above, in one timer interrupt process (ON detection), ON / OFF determination may be performed three times or more. In one timer interrupt process (OFF detection), You may perform ON / OFF determination twice or more.
In addition, in the switch processing described above, a configuration may be adopted in which the game ball passage determination is performed without converting the output signal (analog signal) of the proximity switch into a binary signal (digital signal). In other words, the game ball passage determination may be performed by determining whether or not the output signal (analog signal) of the proximity switch is equal to or less than the passage determination threshold (5 V).
In the switch processing described above, the output signal of the proximity switch is an output signal that is at a low voltage level when the game ball is not detected and becomes a high voltage level when the game ball is detected, and a signal inversion means for inverting the output signal Thus, the output signal may be inverted and converted into a signal as indicated by a dotted line in FIG.
Further, the switch processing described above may be configured such that the proximity switch itself converts the analog signal into a binarized signal and outputs it, and the binarized signal is output from the proximity switch.

  This is the end of the description of the switch process (game ball passage determination process) of the present embodiment.

  Returning to the description with reference to FIG. 4, the main control unit 100 obtains the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning the game ball to the first starting port 21 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first special symbol lottery). 1 Display on the special symbol display 4a. The main control unit 100 displays on the second special symbol display 4b the result of the special symbol lottery started by the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 22 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second special symbol lottery). . The main control unit 100 displays the number of times the first special symbol lottery is on hold on the first special symbol hold display 4c. The main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings for which the second special symbol lottery is held on the second special symbol holding display 4d. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 25 on the normal symbol display 4e. The main control unit 100 displays the number of times of holding the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol hold display 4f. Further, the main control unit 100 displays the gaming state at that time on the gaming state display 4g when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  The launch control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The CPU 201 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the launching device 211. The ROM 202 stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and various data. The RAM 203 is used as a working memory for the CPU 201.

  When the lever 32 is in the neutral position, the lever 32 is in a firing stop state without outputting a signal. When the player is rotated clockwise by the player, the lever 32 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle to the firing control unit 200 as a hitting ball firing command signal. The launch control unit 200 controls the launch operation of the launch device 211 based on the hit ball launch command signal. For example, the launch control unit 200 controls the operation of the launch device 211 so that the speed at which the game ball is launched increases as the rotation angle of the lever 32 increases. When the signal indicating that the stop button 33 is pressed is output, the launch control unit 200 stops the operation of the launch device 211 firing the game ball.

  The payout control unit 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301 performs a calculation process when controlling the payout of the payout ball. The ROM 302 stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data. A RAM 303 is used as a working memory for the CPU 301.

  The payout control unit 300 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the main control unit 100. Specifically, the payout control unit 300 acquires from the main control unit 100 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won. Then, the payout driving unit 311 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 311 is configured by a drive motor or the like that sends out a game ball from a game ball storage unit (ball tank).

  The effect control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, and an RTC (real time clock) 404. The effect control unit 400 is connected to the effect key 38 operated by the player, and the effect control unit 400 acquires operation data output from the effect key 38 in accordance with the operation of the effect key 38 by the player. To do. Further, the effect control unit 400 acquires operation data output from the effect button 37 via the lamp control unit 600. The CPU 401 performs a calculation process when controlling the effect. The ROM 402 stores programs executed by the CPU 401 and various data. The RAM 403 is used as a working memory for the CPU 401. The RTC 404 measures the current date and time.

  The production control unit 400 sets production contents based on data indicating the special symbol lottery result and the like sent from the main control unit 100. In addition, when the player presses the effect button 37 or the effect key 38, the effect control unit 400 may set the effect content according to the operation input.

  The image sound control unit 500 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 503. The CPU 501 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the image and sound expressing the content of the effect. The ROM 502 stores programs executed by the CPU 501 and various data. The RAM 503 is used as a working memory for the CPU 501.

  The image sound control unit 500 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 6 and the sound output from the speaker 35 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, in the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500, a decorative symbol image for notifying a special symbol lottery result, an image of a character or item for displaying a notice effect or a pre-read notice effect, a special symbol lottery The image data for displaying on the image display unit 6 a reserved image indicating that the image is held, various background images, and the like are stored. The ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500 stores various types of sound data such as music and sound output from the speaker 35 in synchronization with the image displayed on the image display unit 6 or independently of the displayed image. It is remembered. The CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400 from the image data and sound data stored in the ROM 502. The CPU 501 performs image processing for background image display, decorative symbol image display, character / item display, and the like using the read image data, and performs various processes corresponding to commands sent from the effect control unit 400. Perform production display. Then, the CPU 501 displays the image indicated by the image processed image data on the image display unit 6. In addition, the CPU 501 performs sound processing using the read sound data, and outputs the sound indicated by the sound processing sound data from the speaker 35.

  The lamp control unit 600 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603. The CPU 601 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the operation of the movable accessory 7. The ROM 602 stores programs executed by the CPU 601 and various data. The RAM 603 is used as a working memory for the CPU 601.

  The lamp control unit 600 controls the lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the emission color based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. The lamp controller 600 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 based on the command sent from the effect controller 400. Specifically, the ROM 602 of the lamp control unit 600 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. ) Is stored. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 based on the read light emission pattern data. In addition, the ROM 602 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 7 corresponding to the effect contents set by the effect control unit 400. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the operation pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 based on the read operation pattern data.

  The lamp control unit 600 is connected to an effect button 37 operated by the player. The lamp control unit 600 acquires operation data output from the effect button 37 in response to an operation of the effect button 37 by the player, and transmits the operation data to the effect control unit 400. In addition, the effect button 37 can execute an effect by a movement that causes the effect button 37 to protrude, and the lamp control unit 600 produces an effect based on a command sent from the effect control unit 400 in the same manner as the movable accessory 7. The operation of the button 37 is controlled.

  The effect control unit 400 controls the image sound control unit 500 based on the operation data of the effect button 37 transmitted from the lamp control unit 600 and the operation data output from the effect key 38. The operation state of the production key 38 is notified. Here, the operation state of the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 is whether or not the operation is being performed and what kind of operation is being performed (for example, long press of the effect button 37 or the left of the effect key 38). Information including pressing of a direction key). Therefore, for example, when the effect button 37 is operated by the player, the operation state of the effect button 37 detected by the lamp control unit 600 is transmitted to the image sound control unit 500 via the effect control unit 400. Therefore, the image sound control unit 500 can change the content of the effect or execute a predetermined effect based on the operation state of the effect button 37 transmitted from the effect control unit 400.

[Outline of gaming state in this embodiment]
Next, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 includes at least a high probability state, a low probability state, an electric support state, a non-electric support state, a short-time state, a non-short-time state, and a big hit gaming state. The low probability state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a normal low probability (for example, 1/300), and the high probability state is that the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is lower than the low probability state. The gaming state is set to a high probability (for example, 1/50). The non-electric support state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is a normal low probability, and the electric tulip 27 is easy to be controlled to be opened for a short time when winning the common symbol lottery. The game state is such that it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting port 22. The electric support state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is higher than the non-electric support state and the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be opened for a long time when the normal symbol lottery is won. For this reason, the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long time, and it is a gaming state in which game balls are likely to frequently enter (win) the second starting port 22. The winning probability of the normal symbol lottery, the opening pattern of the electric tulip 27, and the like will be specifically described later with reference to FIG. The non-time-short state is a gaming state in which a special symbol lottery execution interval (special symbol variation time) is a normal predetermined time (see FIG. 12 etc.), and a short-time state is a special symbol lottery execution interval ( This is a gaming state in which the special symbol variation time) is more easily shortened than the non-short-time state (see FIG. 15 and the like). The big hit game state is a game state when a big hit game in which a special symbol lottery is won (hit a big win) and the big winning opening 23 is opened is being executed. In the present embodiment, the electric support state and the short-time state are controlled at the same time. However, in this gaming state, the gaming ball is likely to win a prize at the second starting port 22, so that the gaming ball is mostly Many special symbol lotteries can be executed in a short time without decreasing. In the following, a gaming state that is controlled to a low-probability state, a non-electric support state, and a non-short-time state is referred to as a normal gaming state, and a gaming state that is controlled to a high-probability state, an electric support state, and a short-time state is a probabilistic gaming state. That's it. In the present embodiment, there is no latent game state that is a gaming state that is controlled in a highly accurate state, a non-electric support state, and a non-time-saving state.

  Next, a processing flow executed by the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

[Main processing by main control unit 100]
First, the main process executed by the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This main process is started when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, and is continuously executed while the main control unit 100 is activated.

  When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, in step S901 in FIG. 6, the CPU 101 waits for, for example, 2000 ms, and the process proceeds to step S902. Although not shown, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 can receive a signal from the main control unit 100 without performing standby processing. That is, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 is in a state where processing can be started before the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100.

  In step S902, the CPU 101 permits access to the RAM 103, and the process proceeds to step S903.

  In step S903, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a RAM clear switch (not shown) is “ON”. If the determination in step S903 is YES, the process proceeds to step S904. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S907.

  In step S904, the CPU 101 clears the RAM. Here, the RAM clear is a well-known technique and will not be described in detail, but various information (for example, information indicating the gaming state) stored in the RAM 103 is set to a predetermined initial state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S905.

  In step S905, the CPU 101 sets a work area when the RAM is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S906.

  In step S906, the CPU 101 performs initial setting of the peripheral portion. Here, the peripheral portion is the effect control unit 400, the payout control unit 300, or the like. Initial setting of the peripheral unit is performed by transmitting an initial setting command for instructing execution of the initial setting to each control unit. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S910.

  In step S907, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the backup flag is “ON”. Note that the backup flag is a flag that is turned on when the generation of backup data is normally completed when the power is turned off, and is a flag indicating that the backup data is valid in association with the generated backup data. If the determination in step S907 is YES, the process moves to step S908. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S904.

  In step S908, the CPU 101 determines whether the checksum is normal. If the determination in step S908 is YES, the process proceeds to step S909. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S904.

  In step S909, the CPU 101 executes a recovery process (see FIG. 8) described later, and the process proceeds to step S910.

  In step S910, the CPU 101 sets a cycle (4 ms) of a built-in CTC (timer counter). Note that the CPU 101 executes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, using the period set here. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S911.

  In step S911, the CPU 101 executes a power shutdown monitoring process (see FIG. 7) described later, and the process proceeds to step S912.

  In step S912, the CPU 101 performs setting to prohibit interruption of the timer interrupt process, and the process proceeds to step S913.

  In step S913, the CPU 101 updates the initial value random number, and the process proceeds to step S914. Here, the initial value random number is used to determine the start value of various random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, variation pattern random number) that are counted up and updated in timer interrupt processing (see FIG. 9) described later. It is a random number, and a plurality of initial value random numbers are prepared corresponding to these various random numbers. The initial value random number includes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 9) that occurs every predetermined CTC period (4 ms) and the remaining time (that is, the processing time required for the timer interrupt process from the predetermined CTC period). It is counted up and updated both in the main process (see FIG. 6) processed during the subtracted time and returns to the minimum value (for example, 0) again after reaching the maximum value (for example, 299) of the set random number. Further, since this remaining time differs depending on the processing status of the CPU 101, it is a random time, and the number of updates of the initial value random number updated with this remaining time is also random. On the other hand, although details will be described later, other random numbers (big hit random numbers, design random numbers, reach random numbers, fluctuation pattern random numbers) are updated only by timer interrupt processing (see FIG. 9). The processing cycle is different. In this way, due to the difference in processing cycle, for example, even if the random number range of the initial value random number and the big hit random number is the same (for example, 0 to 299), the initial value random number acquired as the start value of the big hit random number The value is random every time. Therefore, it is possible to make it impossible to predict the timing at which a jackpot random number value that generates a jackpot is acquired.

  In step S914, the CPU 101 performs setting to permit interruption of the timer interrupt process, and the process returns to step S911. That is, the CPU 101 repeatedly executes the processes in steps S911 to S914.

[Power-off monitoring process by the main control unit 100]
FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart of the power-off monitoring process in step S911 in FIG. In step S9111, the CPU 101 prohibits the interrupt process, and the process proceeds to step S9112.

  In step S9112, the CPU 101 determines whether the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is cut off based on whether a power cut-off signal is input from a power supply unit (not shown). If the determination in step S9112 is YES, the process moves to step S9114. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S9113.

  In step S9113, the CPU 101 permits the interrupt process, ends the power shutdown monitoring process, and the process proceeds to step S912 in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S9114, the CPU 101 clears the output port through which various information is input / output to / from the CPU 101, and the process proceeds to step S9115.

  In step S 9115, the CPU 101 creates backup data in the RAM 103 based on the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1, creates a checksum from the contents of the RAM 103, and stores the checksum in the RAM 103. In this process, the power supply voltage is set to “0” after detecting that the power supply voltage has started to decrease due to the power supply cutoff of the power supplied to the main control unit 100 (after “YES” is determined in step S9112). It is done during the period until it becomes. Through this process, game state information and the like immediately before the power is turned off are stored in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9116.

  In step S9116, the CPU 101 sets the backup flag to “ON”, and the process proceeds to step S9117.

  In step S 9117, the CPU 101 prohibits access to the RAM 103, ends the power-off monitoring process, and the process proceeds to step S 912 in FIG.

[Restoration process by main control unit 100]
FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. First, in step S9091 of FIG. 8, the CPU 101 sets a work area of the RAM 103 at the time of restoration, and the process proceeds to step S9092.

  In step S9092, the CPU 101 refers to the information in the RAM 103, confirms information regarding the gaming state at the time of power-off and the number of special symbol lotteries held, and sends a recovery notification command including the information to the effect control unit 400. Send. As described above, the CPU 101 transmits a recovery notification command indicating the power-off state to the effect control unit 400 in order to notify that the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been recovered. By the processing in step S9092, the effect control unit 400 can check the gaming state before power-off and the like.

  In step S9093, the CPU 101 sets a peripheral part, and the process proceeds to step S9094.

  In step S9094, the CPU 101 sets the backup flag to “OFF”, ends the recovery process, and the process proceeds to step S910 in FIG.

[Timer interrupt processing of main control unit]
Next, a timer interrupt process executed in the main control unit 100 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100. The timer interrupt process performed in the main control unit 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. The main control unit 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 9 at regular time intervals (4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Note that the processing performed by the main control unit 100 described based on the flowcharts in FIG.

  First, in step S1, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 updates various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number, and a start value when each random number is counted up and updated. A random number update process is performed to update each initial value random number. Here, the big hit random number is a random number for determining whether or not a special symbol lottery is won or lost (that is, performing a special symbol lottery). The symbol random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot when the special symbol lottery is won. The jackpot random number and the design random number are random numbers used in the process of step S407 in FIG. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed when a special symbol lottery is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern indicating the type of notification effect (variation effect) executed in synchronization with the variation of the special symbol (more precisely, the time of special symbol variation display and stop display). It is. The reach random number and the fluctuation pattern random number are used in the process of step S408 in FIG. 11 described later. In the random number update process of step S1, the big hit random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, etc., and the value of each initial value random number are respectively added and updated. That is, it is counted up. Each random number is acquired in the start port switch (SW) process in step S2 and the gate switch (SW) process in step S8, and is used in the special symbol process in step S4 and the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. Note that the counter that performs the processing of step S1 is typically a loop counter, and returns to 0 (that is, circulates) again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the big hit random number). ). In addition, in the random number update process of step S1, each counter such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, etc., when the count of the loop counter completes, the initial value random number corresponding to each random number at that time And the count of the loop counter is newly started using the initial value random number as a start value. The random number ranges such as jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers may be set arbitrarily. However, by setting each range to a different range (for example, the range of jackpot random numbers is 0 to 299). And the reach random number range is 0 to 99, etc.), and the counter value (count value) is preferably set not to be synchronized between these random numbers.

  Next, in step S2, the CPU 101 determines that a game ball has won the first start port 21 or the second start port 22 by monitoring the states of the first start port switch 111a and the second start port switch 111b. At this point, a start port switch process is executed to perform processing related to the number of holdings U1 for the first special symbol lottery, the number of holdings U2 for the second special symbol lottery, and processing for obtaining various random numbers. Details of the start port switch process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S3, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the gate switch 113, and when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, the holding number G of the normal symbol lottery is the upper limit (in this embodiment, "4"), and if it is determined that the number of reservations is less than the upper limit value, the number of reservations G is updated by adding 1, and a random number used for normal symbol processing in step S5 described later is obtained. A gate switch process of acquiring and storing in chronological order is executed.

  Next, in step S4, the CPU 101 executes the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, and after the special symbols are variably displayed on the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b, these are displayed. A process of displaying a stop symbol indicating the lottery result of the game and a special symbol process for transmitting various commands to the effect control unit 400 are executed. This special symbol process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S5, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the random number acquired in the gate switch process in step S8 matches a predetermined hit random number, and after the normal symbol display 4e displays the normal symbol in a variable manner. A normal symbol process for stopping and displaying a normal symbol indicating the determination result is executed. This normal symbol processing will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

  Next, in step S6, when it is determined that the special symbol lottery is won in the special symbol processing in step S4 (when the big win is made), the CPU 101 controls the big prize opening / closing unit 115 to control the big prize opening 23. The player performs a predetermined opening / closing operation, and executes a big prize opening process for transmitting various commands related to the so-called big hit game effect to the effect control unit 400. By this processing, the big hit game (special game) is progressed, and the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. This special winning opening process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, in step S7, when the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e by the normal symbol processing in step S5 is a winning symbol (that is, when the normal symbol lottery is won), the CPU 101 The electric tulip process which operates is executed. In addition, when the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be in the open state, a game ball can be won at the second start port 22, and when the game ball wins at the second start port 22, a second special symbol lottery is performed. Will be. This electric tulip process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S8, the CPU 101 executes a special symbol game side control time counting process for measuring a series of control times on the special symbol game side using one timer function. The special symbol game side control time counting process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, in step S9, the CPU 101 executes a normal symbol game side control time counting process for measuring a series of control times on the normal symbol game side using one timer function. The normal symbol game side control time counting process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 21 and 32 to 37.

  Next, in step S <b> 10, the CPU 101 executes prize ball processing for managing the number of winning game balls and controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prize.

  Next, in step S11, the CPU 101 performs various commands and effects set in the RAM 103 by the start opening switch process in step S2, the special symbol process in step S4, the big winning opening process in step S6, the prize ball process in step S10, and the like. Output processing for outputting the information necessary for the production control unit 400 and / or the payout control unit 300 is executed. The CPU 101 notifies each winning opening that a gaming ball has won each time the gaming ball wins the first starting opening 21, the second starting opening 22, the big winning opening 23, and the normal winning opening 24. Is set in the RAM 103, and the winning command is output to the effect control unit 400 and / or the payout control unit 300.

[Start-up switch processing]
FIG. 10 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. Hereinafter, the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S201, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines whether or not a game ball has won a prize at the first start port 21 based on an output signal from the first start port switch 111a. If the determination in step S201 is YES, the process proceeds to step S202. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S 202, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax 1 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the first special symbol lottery number from the ROM 102, and the first special symbol lottery number U 1 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit value. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax1. If the determination in step S202 is YES, the process proceeds to step S203, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S <b> 203, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Further, the CPU 101 sets a winning command in the RAM 103 for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the first starting port 21. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S11 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the first special symbol lottery and the like, and each set of random numbers acquired (game information) Are stored in the RAM 103 in chronological order. Each time the value U1 of the first special symbol lottery holding number U1 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S406 of FIG. 11 described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is one set in order from the earliest storage time Deleted one by one. From this, for example, when the value of the number of holdings U1 of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the process of the last three steps S204 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. It will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, the CPU 101 performs a preliminary determination process. Specifically, the CPU 101 acquires a random number set such as a big hit random number obtained in the latest processing of step S204 and stored in the RAM 103 (that is, a random number set such as a big hit random number for the first special symbol lottery stored most recently. ) And whether or not the result of the first special symbol lottery using the jackpot random number is a jackpot based on whether or not the jackpot random number or the like matches a predetermined value or the like stored in the ROM 102, reach It is determined in advance whether or not to execute the production. That is, the determination necessary for executing the pre-reading notice effect and the hold change notice effect is made in advance prior to the processing of steps S407 and S408 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S <b> 206, the CPU 101 sets a first hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the first special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the first pending number increase command includes information (hereinafter referred to as “preliminary determination information”) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S205. In addition, when the 1st reservation number increase command containing this prior determination information is output by the output process of step S11 of FIG. 9, the lottery result with respect to the holding | maintenance of the 1st special symbol lottery becomes the symbol in the 1st special symbol lottery. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the change starts. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S207, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a game ball has won the second start port 22 based on an output signal from the second start port switch 111b. If the determination in step S207 is YES, the process proceeds to step S208. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 208, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax <b> 2 of the second special symbol lottery holding number from the ROM 102 (“4” in the present embodiment), and the second special symbol lottery holding number U <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax2. If the determination in step S208 is YES, the process proceeds to step S209, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

  In step S209, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding 1. Further, the CPU 101 sets a winning command in the RAM 103 for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the second starting port 22. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S11 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, the CPU 101 obtains a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the second special symbol lottery, etc. They are stored in the RAM 103 in order. Each time the value of the second special symbol lottery holding number U2 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S404 in FIG. Deleted one by one. For this reason, for example, when the value of the holding number U2 of the second special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the processing of the last three steps S210 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. It will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S211.

  In step S211, the CPU 101 performs a preliminary determination process. Specifically, the CPU 101 acquires a random number set such as a big hit random number acquired in the process of the latest step S210 and stored in the RAM 103 (that is, a random number set such as a big hit random number for the second special symbol lottery stored most recently. ) And whether or not the result of the second special symbol lottery using the jackpot random number is a jackpot based on whether or not the jackpot random number or the like matches a predetermined value or the like stored in the ROM 102, reach It is determined in advance whether or not to execute the production. That is, the determination necessary for executing the pre-reading notice effect and the hold change notice effect is made in advance prior to the processing of steps S407 and S408 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S212.

  In step S <b> 212, the CPU 101 sets a second hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the second special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the second pending number increase command includes information (preliminary determination information) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S211. In addition, the 2nd reservation number increase command containing this prior determination information is output by the output process of step S11 of FIG. 9, and the lottery result with respect to the 2nd special symbol lottery hold is the symbol in the 2nd special symbol lottery. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the change starts. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 11 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 11, the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. 9 is demonstrated.

  First, in step S401, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines that the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game (a big hit game state) based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information by a flag). It is determined whether or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit game (special game) that is executed when the special symbol lottery is won. If the determination in step S401 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 9, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol change display or stop display is being performed by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b. Here, during special symbol stop display means a period during which a special symbol, which will be described later using FIG. 22 (1), is stopped and displayed for a predetermined time (0.8 seconds). If the determination in step S402 is yes, the process proceeds to step S411. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the second special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S403 is YES, the process proceeds to step S404. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S <b> 404, the CPU 101 updates the hold number U <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At that time, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set stored in the RAM 103 and acquired in step S210 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S407.

  On the other hand, in step S405, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U1 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the first special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S405 is YES, the process moves to step S406. If this determination is NO, there is no special symbol lottery to be executed, and the process moves to step S415.

  In step S <b> 406, the CPU 101 updates the hold number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At that time, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set stored in the RAM 103 and stored in the step S204 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S407.

  The second special symbol lottery is executed in preference to the first special symbol lottery by the processing of steps S403 to S406 described above.

  In step S407, the CPU 101 executes a big hit determination process for determining whether the special symbol lottery is a big win or a loss. Specifically, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S404, the CPU 101 matches the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S404 with the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Whether the result of the second special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss is determined based on whether or not to do so. On the other hand, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S406, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S406 matches the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Based on this, it is determined whether the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. When the result of the special symbol lottery is determined to be lost, the CPU 101 sets a lost symbol indicating that the special symbol lottery has been lost in the RAM 103 as a special symbol stop symbol in the setting information. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, which of the predetermined values stored in the ROM 102 matches the symbol random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used for this determination? Based on this, the type of jackpot of this time is determined. In the present embodiment, as an example, there are a probabilistic big hit that is set to a probable change game state until the next big hit after the big hit game, and a normal big hit that is set to a normal game state until the next big hit after the big hit game. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the second special symbol lottery has a higher probability of winning the odds of having a relatively large profit for the player than the first special symbol lottery. Specifically, in the second special symbol lottery, 70% is a promising big hit and 30% is a normal big hit, while in the first special symbol lottery, 40% is a promising big hit and 60% is a normal big hit. Then, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, information on the jackpot symbol representing the jackpot and the type of jackpot as information on the stop symbol of the special symbol in the setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S408.

[Variation pattern selection processing]
In step S408, the CPU 101 executes variation pattern selection processing. Specifically, in step S408, the CPU 101 uses the variation pattern determination tables HT1-1 and HT1-2 shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state), and the probability variation gaming state (time saving). State), the variation pattern is determined (selected) for each special symbol lottery using the variation pattern determination tables HT2-1 and HT2-2 shown in FIGS. Here, this variation pattern specifies a special symbol variation time which is a time from when the special symbol is variably displayed on the display 4 until it is stopped and displayed, and also specifies the type of the effect pattern of the notification effect. Hereinafter, the variation pattern determination tables HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1, and HT2-2 may be simply referred to as HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1, and HT2-2.

  First, the case where a variation pattern is selected using HT1-1 and HT1-2 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state) will be described. FIG. 12 is a table used for determining a variation pattern when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state). FIG. 13 is a table used for determining the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state).

[Non-time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the first special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, the determination of the variation pattern when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state) will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S408, if the CPU 101 determines in the jackpot determination process of step S407 that the first special symbol lottery has been won, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern (special symbol variation time) based on the variation pattern random number. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines that the variation pattern random number (any one of 0 to 299) read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407 is the “big hit” of HT1-1. One variation pattern is determined from among the variation patterns 1 to 9 based on which of the random number values assigned to the respective variation patterns in the part (1). For example, when the variation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S407 is “78”, the CPU 101 is assigned to the variation pattern 3 of the “big hit” portion of HT1-1. Since it matches the random number “75 to 124”, the variation pattern 3 is determined.

  Here, as shown in the “big hit” portion of HT1-1, the variation pattern 1 includes a special symbol variation display time (special symbol variation time) “90.00 seconds” and a notification effect production pattern type “third SPSP”. The variation pattern 2 is associated with the special symbol variation time “90.00 seconds” and the effect pattern type “second SPSP”, and the variation pattern 3 is associated with the special symbol variation time “85. "50 seconds" and the effect pattern type of notification effect "per 1st SPSP", the change pattern 4 corresponds to the special symbol change time "40.00 seconds" and the effect pattern type of notification effect "per 3rd SP". The variation pattern 5 is associated with the special symbol variation time “40.00 seconds” and the notification effect production pattern type “per second SP”. 6 is associated with the special symbol variation time “38.50 seconds” and the effect pattern type “per first SP”, and the variation pattern 7 is the special symbol variation time “25.00 seconds” and the notification effect. The variation type 8 is associated with the pattern type “per three pseudo variations”, the variation pattern 8 is associated with the special pattern variation time “20.50 seconds” and the effect pattern type “pseudo variation twice”. The pattern 9 is associated with the special symbol variation time “15.00 seconds” and the effect pattern type “per normal reach” of the notification effect.

  The “per normal reach” is a type that hits a big hit after a reach is established without executing any of “second to pseudo fluctuation” to “third SPSP” described later. The “per two pseudo fluctuations” is a type of hitting a big hit after finally executing the second pseudo fluctuation. The “per three pseudo fluctuations” is a type that finally hits after the third pseudo fluctuation is executed. “Per first SP” to “per third SP” is a type that hits big after finally developing into SP reach. “Per first SPSP” to “per third SPSP” is a type that hits big after finally developing to SPSP reach.

  Note that the reach (reach establishment, reach production) is a decorative design that has already been stopped (temporarily stopped) in the notification production, for example, if the remaining one of the decorative design sequences that are changing is stopped. This is an effect that can be a specific symbol state informing the jackpot in relation to the row (an effect that expects a big hit). Typically, the right and left decorative symbol rows have already stopped at the same symbol (for example, 7). If the remaining central decorative symbol sequence stops at the same symbol (for example, 7), it is an effect that becomes a doublet (for example, 777). In addition, the pseudo variation (pseudo continuous variation) is an effect (an effect that expects a big hit) that makes the decorative symbol sequence appear to change a plurality of times in one notification effect. This is an effect in which the change is resumed once or more after all are stopped in a pseudo manner. The second pseudo variation is the second variation (pseudo variation) of the decorative symbol sequence in the pseudo variation effect, and the third pseudo variation is the third variation of the decorative symbol sequence in the pseudo variation effect ( (Pseudo fluctuation). SP reach is generally referred to as super reach or special reach, and is a reach effect that further expects a big hit than reach, for example, an effect of a moving image in which the main character gets an oval. The SPSP reach is generally called a super super reach or a special special reach, and is a reach production that further expects a big hit than the SP reach production. For example, it is a production of a moving image in which the main character gets a thousand boxes. is there.

  In step S408, if the CPU 101 determines that the first special symbol lottery is lost in the big hit determination process in step S407, the CPU 101 determines based on the hold number (U1) of the first special symbol lottery, the reach random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number. Determine the variation pattern.

  Specifically, the CPU 101 determines the reach random number (0) read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S407 when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “1” or “2”. Or any one of 99 to 99) is included in the reach random number value range “0 to 69” of the retained number “1, 2” of the “losing” of HT1-1. 99 ”is determined.

  When the read reach random number is included in the reach random number value range “0 to 69”, the CPU 101 reads the fluctuation pattern random number (0 ˜299) is included in the fluctuation pattern random value range “0-59” or in the fluctuation pattern random value range “60-299”. The CPU 101 determines the variation pattern 20 when the variation pattern random number is included in the variation pattern random value range “0 to 59”, and the variation pattern random number is included in the variation pattern random value range “60 to 299”. If it is, the variation pattern 19 is determined. Here, as shown in HT1-1, the variation pattern 20 is associated with the special symbol variation time “8.00 seconds” and the effect pattern type “immediately lost” of the notification effect, and the variation pattern 19 is the special symbol variation time. It is associated with “13.50 seconds” and a notification pattern type “immediately lost”. “Immediately lost” is a type of production pattern that immediately loses without reaching reach.

  On the other hand, when the read reach random number is included in the reach random number value range “70 to 99”, the CPU 101 reads the variation pattern random number (0) read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407. ˜299) is included in the variation pattern random value range assigned to each variation pattern in the above reach random value range “70 to 99” of HT1-1. To determine the variation pattern. For example, when the variation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S407 is “260”, the CPU 101 determines the variation pattern random value range “256 to 271” allocated to the variation pattern 16. The variation pattern 16 is determined.

  Here, as shown in the above reach random number value range “70 to 99” of HT1-1, the variation pattern 10 has the special symbol variation time “90.00 seconds” and the effect pattern type “third SPSP”. The variation pattern 11 is associated with the special symbol variation time “90.00 seconds” and the effect pattern type “second SPSP loss”, and the variation pattern 12 is associated with the special symbol variation time “85. “50 seconds” and the effect pattern type “first SPSP loss” of the notification effect, and the change pattern 13 corresponds to the special symbol change time “40.00 seconds” and the effect pattern type “third SP loss” of the notification effect. The variation pattern 14 is added to the special symbol variation time “40.00 seconds” and the effect pattern type “second SP loss” of the notification effect. The variation pattern 15 is associated with the special symbol variation time “38.50 seconds” and the effect pattern type “first SP loss” of the notification effect, and the variation pattern 16 is the special symbol variation time “25.00 seconds”. In addition, the variation pattern 17 is associated with the special symbol variation time “20.50 seconds” and the notification pattern production pattern type “pseudo variation twice loss”. The variation pattern 18 is associated with the special symbol variation time “15.00 seconds” and the effect pattern type “normal reach loss” of the notification effect.

“Normal reach loss” is a type that loses after reaching reach without executing any of “second pseudo fluctuation” to “third SPSP”. “Pseudo-variation twice loss” is a type in which after the second pseudo-variation is finally executed, the loss occurs. The “pseudo-variation 3 times loss” is a type in which after the third time of the pseudo-variation is finally executed, it is lost. “First SP Loss” to “Third SP Loss” are types that finally lose after being developed into SP reach. “First SPSP Loss” to “Third SPSP Loss” are types that eventually lose after being developed into SPSP reach.

  In addition, when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, the CPU 101 basically performs the variation pattern in the same manner as when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “1” or “2”. To decide. However, when the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, as shown in HT1-1, the CPU 101 has the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery being “1” or “2”. On the other hand, the reach random value range “0-69” is replaced with “0-79”, the reach random value range “70-99” is replaced with “80-99”, and the variation assigned to the variation pattern 20 The pattern random number value range “0 to 59” is replaced with “0 to 209”, and the variation pattern random value range “60 to 299” allocated to the variation pattern 19 is changed to “210 to 299”. Determine the pattern.

  In addition, when the number of holds for the first special symbol lottery is “4”, the CPU 101 basically performs the variation pattern similarly to the case where the number of holds for the first special symbol lottery is “1” or “2”. To decide. However, when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “4”, the CPU 101, as shown in HT1-1, when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “1” or “2”. On the other hand, the reach random value range “0-69” is replaced with “0-84”, the reach random value range “70-99” is replaced with “85-99”, and the variation assigned to the variation pattern 20 is changed. The pattern random value range “0-59” is replaced with “210-269”, the variation pattern random value range “60-299” assigned to the variation pattern 19 is replaced with “270-299”, and the special symbol variation time Corresponding to “3.00 seconds” and the production pattern type “immediately lost”, the variation pattern is determined by the random value range of the content to which the variation pattern 21 assigned the variation pattern random value range “0 to 209” is added. A constant.

  As described above with reference to the variation pattern determination table HT1-1 shown in FIG. 12, when the first special symbol lottery is lost in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state), the number of first special symbol lottery holds The smaller the number, the easier it is to select the variation pattern with reach, and when the variation pattern without reach is selected, the variation pattern with a longer special symbol variation time is selected as the number of the first special symbol lottery hold is smaller. easy.

[Big hit reliability]
Here, the jackpot reliability (expectation for jackpot) will be described. An effect with a high jackpot reliability is an effect that is highly likely to be notified of a big hit when the effect is executed, and an effect with a low jackpot reliability is a notification of a big hit when the effect is executed. It is a production that is unlikely to be performed. Hereinafter, it demonstrates concretely using HT1-1 shown in FIG. As can be seen from the “big hit” portion of HT1-1, in the case of big hit, “per normal reach”, “per two pseudo fluctuations”, “per three pseudo fluctuations”, “per first SP”, “second SP” The variation pattern random value range becomes larger in the order of "per hit", "per third SP", "per first SPSP", "per second SPSP", and "per third SPSP" (partially the same). On the other hand, as can be seen from the “losing” portion of HT1-1, in the case of losing, “normal reach losing”, “pseudo variation losing twice”, “pseudo variability three times losing”, “first SP losing”, In the order of “second SP loss”, “third SP loss”, “first SPSP loss”, “second SPSP loss”, “third SPSP loss”, the variation pattern random value range becomes smaller (some are the same). As can be seen from the above, the performance that is easy to execute in the case of a big hit and difficult to execute in the case of a loss is high in the reliability of the big hit, while the effect that is difficult to execute in the case of big hit and is easy to be executed in the case of a loss has a big hit reliability. Low. That is, “normal reach production”, “pseudo variation 2 production”, “pseudo variation 3 production”, “first SP reach production”, “second SP reach production”, “third SP reach production”, “first SPSP reach production” The jackpot reliability increases in the order of “second SPSP reach production” and “third SPSP reach production”.

[Non-time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the second special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, the determination of the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state) will be described with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performs processing for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 12, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It is different in that processing is performed on the second special symbol lottery using HT1-2 shown in FIG. Here, HT1-2 shown in FIG. 13 differs from HT1-1 shown in FIG. 12 in that “the number of first special symbol lottery hold” is replaced with “the number of second special symbol lottery hold”. Only different. That is, while the variation pattern determination process described with reference to FIG. 12 takes into account the number of first special symbol lottery holds, the variation pattern determination process takes into account the number of second special symbol lottery holds. The

[Time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the first special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, the determination of the variation pattern when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the probability variation gaming state (short time state) will be described with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performs processing for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 12, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It differs by the point which processes with respect to a 1st special symbol lottery using HT2-1 shown. Here, HT2-1 shown in FIG. 14 is related to the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery when “no reach” is selected by “reach random number” in “losing” with respect to HT1-1 shown in FIG. The difference is that the variation pattern 19 (corresponding to 13.50 seconds and immediate loss) is selected uniformly.

[Time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the second special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, the determination of the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the probability variation gaming state (short time state) will be described with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performs processing for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 12, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It is different in that processing is performed for the second special symbol lottery using HT2-2 shown in FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 15, HT2-2 replaces “Holding number of the first special symbol lottery” with “Holding number of the second special symbol lottery” with respect to HT1-1 shown in FIG. ing. That is, while the variation pattern determination process described with reference to FIG. 12 takes into account the number of first special symbol lottery holds, the variation pattern determination process takes into account the number of second special symbol lottery holds. The Further, as shown in FIG. 15, in HT2-2, when the number of holdings of the second special symbol lottery “1” in “losing” is “1” and no reach is selected by the reach random number, the variation pattern 19 ( 13.50 seconds and immediate loss) are determined. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, in HT2-2, when no reach is selected by the reach random number in the case of the holding number “2-4” of the second special symbol lottery in “losing”, the fluctuation pattern random value A variation pattern 24 (corresponding to 2.00 seconds and immediate loss) is determined in the range “0 to 239”, and a variation pattern (corresponding to 4.00 seconds and immediate loss) is determined in the variation pattern random value range “240 to 269”. In the fluctuation pattern random value range “270 to 299”, the fluctuation pattern 22 (corresponding to 10.00 seconds and immediate loss) is determined.

  Here, as described in the processing in steps S403 to S406 in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, the second special symbol lottery hold is digested in preference to the first special symbol lottery hold. Also, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), as will be described later with reference to FIG. 17, the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long period of time, and game balls are frequently won at the second starting port 22, so that the second special Symbol lottery is executed frequently and continuously. Further, as described in the process of step S407, the second special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the second starting port 22 is more than the first special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 21. The winning percentage of probability variation big hits (big hits with a large profit for the player) that is controlled to the probability change gaming state (short time state) until the next big hit is large. Therefore, conversely, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), when the first special symbol lottery is executed, the normal big hit (big hit with a small profit for the player) that will be controlled to the normal gaming state It can be said that there is a greater possibility of winning. In the present embodiment, as described above using HT2-2 of FIG. 15, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), when the number of second special symbol lottery hold is 2 to 4 and there is no reach A game with a sense of speed by making it easy to select the variation pattern 23 or 24 (2.00 seconds, 4.00 seconds) with a short special symbol variation time and digesting the second special symbol lottery at high speed. On the other hand, if the number of the second special symbol lottery hold is 1 and there is no reach, the variation pattern 19 (13.50 seconds) with a long special symbol variation time must be selected, which is relatively disadvantageous to the player. 1 Special symbol lottery is difficult to execute. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above using HT2-1 in FIG. 14, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), it is assumed that the first special symbol lottery that is relatively disadvantageous to the player is executed. However, in all of the first special symbol lottery holding numbers 1 to 4, if there is no reach, the variation pattern 19 (13.50 seconds) having a long special symbol variation time is always selected, and the second start port 22 is selected. The game ball is controlled so as to earn time for the second special symbol lottery that is relatively advantageous to the player when the game ball is won.

  Information on the variation pattern determined in step S408 as described above is set in the RAM 103 as setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S409.

  In step S409, the CPU 101 generates a notification effect start command including the setting information set by the jackpot determination process in step S407 and the setting information set by the variation pattern selection process in step S408, and sets the notification effect start command in the RAM 103. Here, the notification effect start command is a command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to start the notification effect by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, and the like. The setting information included in the notification effect start command includes information indicating which of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery has been executed. Further, the CPU 101 sets a gaming state notification command indicating the current gaming state (for example, a probable gaming state) in the RAM 103. The notification effect start command and the gaming state notification command described above are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S11 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S410.

  In step S410, the CPU 101 changes the special symbol by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b based on the setting information included in the notification effect start command set in the process of step S409. Start display. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S411.

  In step S411, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol variation time indicated by the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection process in step S408 has elapsed since the start of the special symbol variation display in step S410. If the determination in step S411 is YES, the process proceeds to step S412. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S5 (ordinary symbol process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 412, the CPU 101 sets a notification effect stop command instructing the end of the notification effect by the image display unit 6 or the like in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S413. The notification effect stop command set in step S412 is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S11 of FIG.

  In step S413, the CPU 101 finishes the special symbol variation display by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b started in the process of step S410 and notifies the special symbol lottery result for a predetermined time. Stop display for (0.8 seconds). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S414.

  In step S414, the CPU 101 executes a stop process. Specifically, if the CPU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in step S407, the information stored in the RAM 103 (typically, information based on a flag) is in a big hit game (a big hit gaming state). And an opening command for instructing the start of the big hit game effect is set in the RAM 103. This opening command is executed at the timing when a predetermined time (0.8 seconds) elapses from the time when the special symbol stop display is started in the process of step S413 (that is, the special symbol stop display time 0.8 seconds elapses). At the timing when the big hit game is started), it is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S11 in FIG. 9, and the big hit game effect is started.

  In step S415, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a customer waiting command and a gaming state notification command indicating the current gaming state have already been transmitted in the processing of step 416 described later. Here, the customer waiting command is a command that is transmitted when there is no special symbol lottery pending when the special symbol stop display started in the process of step S413 ends, and the lottery result of the special symbol lottery This is a command for notifying that a notification effect for notifying the user has not been executed (so-called customer waiting state). If the determination in step S415 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (ordinary symbol process) in FIG. 9, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S416.

  In step S <b> 416, the CPU 101 sets a customer waiting command and a gaming state notification command in the RAM 103. The customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S11 of FIG. 9, and a predetermined stop effect (for example, an effect of displaying a decorative symbol stop display) is started based on the customer waiting command. Is done. When a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) elapses after the stop effect described above is started, the customer waiting effect is started. Here, the customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect in which a video related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 is displayed on the image display unit 6, for example, a predetermined effect ( For example, the image display unit 6 displays a part of the reach effect). Thereafter, the processing moves to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG.

[Normal pattern processing]
FIG. 16 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the normal symbol process in step S5 of FIG. Hereinafter, the normal symbol process in step S5 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S501 of FIG. 16, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 performs the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 or the second start port based on information (typically, information based on a flag) stored in the RAM 103. It is determined whether or not it is in the valid period. The opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, the second starting port effective period will be described later with reference to FIG. If the determination in step S501 is YES, the process proceeds to step S6 (big prize opening process) in FIG. 9, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S502.

  In step S502, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 4e is being displayed in a variable manner or stopped. Here, during normal symbol stop display, it means a period during which normal symbols that have been variably displayed, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 32 (1), are stopped for a predetermined time (0.5 seconds). If the determination in step S502 is yes, the process proceeds to step S507. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S503.

  In step S <b> 503, the CPU 101 determines whether the normal symbol lottery holding number G stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more. That is, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is on hold. If the determination in step S503 is YES, the process proceeds to step S504, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S6 (big prize opening process) in FIG.

  In step S504, the CPU 101 updates the normal symbol lottery holding number G stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SS505.

  In step S505, the CPU 101 executes a winning determination process in which a normal symbol lottery using random numbers is executed and the result is determined. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S506.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the normal symbol lottery and the like. As shown in FIG. 17, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is 1/10 in the non-short-time state (non-electric support state) and 10/10 in the short-time state (electric support state). If the normal symbol lottery is won in a non-time-short state, the symbol 1 is won with a probability of 8/10 and the symbol 2 is won with a probability of 2/10. In addition, even when the normal symbol lottery is won in the short-time state, the symbol 1 is won with a probability of 8/10 and the symbol 2 is won with a probability of 2/10. In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, when the symbol 1 is elected in the non-time-short state, the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be opened and closed once for 0.1 seconds, and the symbol 2 is elected in the non-time-short state. In this case, the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be opened and closed once for 0.1 seconds and then closed for 3 seconds and then opened once for 5.4 seconds. In addition, when the symbol 1 is won in the time-saving state, the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be opened and closed 1.6 times for 3 times with a 0.5-second occlusion in between. In the case of winning, the electric tulip 27 is controlled to open and close so that the opening for 1.6 seconds is performed four times with the closing for 0.5 seconds in between. In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, the time for the normal symbol to be variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e is 12 seconds in the non-short-time state and 0.2 seconds in the short-time state. Note that the time for which the normal symbol is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display 4e is 0.5 seconds in both the non-time-short state and the time-short state.

  In step S506, the CPU 101 causes the normal symbol display device 4e to start the variable symbol normal display for a variable display time corresponding to the gaming state (see FIG. 17). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S507.

  In step S507, the CPU 101 determines based on the information in the RAM 103 whether or not the normal symbol variation display time has elapsed (terminated). If the determination in step S507 is YES, the process proceeds to step S508, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S6 (big prize opening process) in FIG.

  In step S508, the CPU 101 executes the stop display for a predetermined time (0.5 seconds) of the symbol for ending the normal symbol fluctuation display started in the process of step S506 and notifying the normal symbol lottery result. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S6 (big prize opening process) in FIG.

[Large winning prize processing]
18 and 19 are an example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. Hereinafter, the special winning opening process in step S6 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, in step S601, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically, information based on a flag). judge. If the determination in step S601 is YES, the process proceeds to step S602. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 602, the CPU 101 determines based on the information stored in the RAM 103 whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game opening. If the determination in step S602 is YES, the process proceeds to step S603, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S609.

  In step S603, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a set opening time that defines the opening execution time has elapsed. If the determination in step S603 is YES, the process proceeds to step S604. If the determination is NO, the opening effect has not ended, and the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 604, the CPU 101 sets the total number of rounds Rmax for the jackpot game and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 for the jackpot game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the number of rounds included in the jackpot game (Rmax: “16” in this embodiment) and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 during the jackpot game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. To do. By the processing of step S604, the total number of rounds Rmax of the big hit game, the interval time between rounds in the big hit game, the set ending time that is the time for performing the ending effect at the end of the big hit game, and the like are set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S605.

  In step S <b> 605, the CPU 101 resets the winning number C of game balls to the big winning opening 23 stored in the RAM 103 to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S606.

  In step S <b> 606, the CPU 101 updates the round number R of the big hit game stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S <b> 607, the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening / closing unit 115 to start the opening control of the special winning opening 23. By this processing, a big hit game round (round game) is started and the opening operation (one opening operation) of the big winning opening 23 is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S608.

  In step S <b> 608, the CPU 101 sets a round start notification command for notifying a round start (round game start) in the RAM 103. The round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S11 of FIG. 9, and the round effect is started. The round start notification command includes information indicating the total number of rounds Rmax set in step S604 and information indicating the current number of rounds R updated by the process in step S606. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S612.

  In step S609, the CPU 101 determines based on the information stored in the RAM 103 whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in the big hit game interval. Here, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 22 (2), the interval is a period between rounds, and is a period composed of a large winning opening effective period and a large winning opening suspension period. If the determination in step S609 is yes, the process proceeds to step S610. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S611.

  In step S610, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set interval time during the jackpot game set in the process of step S604 has elapsed from the time when the big prize opening 23 is closed at the end of the previous round during the jackpot game. To do. If the determination in step S610 is YES, it is time to start the next round in the jackpot game, so the process moves to step S605. If this determination is NO, the process moves to step S6101.

  In step S <b> 611, the CPU 101 determines whether the state of the gaming machine 1 is executing the jackpot game ending effect based on the information stored in the RAM 103. If the determination in step S611 is YES, the process proceeds to step S621 in FIG. 19, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S6101.

  In step S <b> 6101, the CPU 101 determines based on the information stored in the RAM 103 whether or not it is during the big prize opening suspension period. Specifically, when the process of step S6101 is executed subsequent to step S610, in step S6101, the CPU 101 determines whether or not it is during the big prize mouth suspension period in the interval described later with reference to FIG. Determine. In addition, when the process of step S6101 is executed subsequent to step S611, in step S6101, the CPU 101 determines whether or not it is during the big prize slot suspension period after the end of the final round, which will be described later with reference to FIG. Determine. If the determination in step S6101 is YES, winning in the big winning opening 23 is not considered valid, and the process moves to step S6131, and if this determination is NO, the large winnings described later with reference to FIG. Since it is during the mouth valid period or during the round (during round game) and the winning to the big winning opening 23 is regarded as valid, the process proceeds to step S612.

  In step S612, since the state of the gaming machine 1 is in the big hit game round or during the big winning port effective period, the CPU 101 receives a game ball in the big winning port 23 based on the output signal from the big winning port switch 114. It is determined whether or not a prize has been won. If the determination in step S612 is YES, the process moves to step S613. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S6131.

  In step S613, the CPU 101 determines that it has detected a winning of a game ball in the big winning opening 23 (assuming that it is valid), and adds 1 to the number C of winning game balls stored in the RAM 103. Update. The processing in step S613 is executed each time a game ball wins the big winning opening 23, so that the total number of winning game balls (winning number C) won in the big winning opening 23 during one round is accumulated in the RAM 103. It will be done. In addition, the CPU 101 sets a winning command for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the big winning opening 23 in the RAM 103. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S11 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S6131.

  In step S 6131, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is executing a big hit game round based on the information stored in the RAM 103. If the determination in step S6131 is YES, the process proceeds to step S614. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S614, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a specified upper limit opening control time (29.5 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the opening control of the special winning opening 23 was started in the process of step S607. . If the determination in step S614 is yes, the process moves to step S616. If the determination is no, the process moves to step S615.

  In step S615, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the number C of winning game balls in the current round has reached an upper limit number of gaming balls Cmax (“10” in the present embodiment) that defines the timing at which the big winning opening 23 is closed. Determine. If the determination in step S615 is yes, the process proceeds to step S616. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S616, the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening / closing unit 115 to end the opening control of the special winning opening 23 started in step S607. In this way, the CPU 101 counts the total number of game balls (winning number C) detected by the big prize opening switch 114 until 29.5 seconds elapse after the big prize opening 23 is opened in each round during the big hit game. ) Has reached 10 (Cmax), or 29.5 seconds have passed without winning 10 game balls since opening the grand prize opening 23, and the big prize opening 23 is closed. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S617.

  In step S617, the CPU 101 sets a round end notification command for notifying the end of round (round game end) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S11 of FIG. 9, and the round effect is ended. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S618.

  In step S618, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the current round number R stored in the RAM 103 has reached the maximum round number Rmax of the big hit game set in the process of step S604. If the determination in step S618 is YES, the process proceeds to step S619 in FIG. 19, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S619 in FIG. 19, the CPU 101 resets the round number R stored in the RAM 103 to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S620.

  In step S620, the CPU 101 sets an ending command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to execute the ending effect of the big hit game in the RAM 103. The ending command set in this process is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 in step S9 (output process) in FIG. As the ending command, a command corresponding to the jackpot symbol and the gaming state controlled after the end of the jackpot game is transmitted, and the effect control unit 400, based on this ending command, after the end of the ending effect (the end of the jackpot game effect) Control the production of (after). Specifically, when an ending command indicating that the game is controlled to the probability change game state is transmitted after the jackpot game ends, the effect control unit 400 changes the probability change game state after the jackpot game effect ends based on the ending command. An effect in the effect mode shown is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S621.

  In step S621, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set ending time set in step S604 in FIG. 18 has elapsed since the ending command was set in the RAM 103 in step S620. If the determination in step S621 is YES, the process moves to step S622. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S622, the CPU 101 ends the jackpot game being executed. Specifically, the CPU 101 cancels the setting information (typically, information based on a flag) indicating that a big hit game stored in the RAM 103 is in progress, and ends the big hit game. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S623.

  In step S623, the CPU 101 executes a game state setting process. Specifically, the CPU 101 switches the gaming state according to the type of jackpot (the jackpot symbol) this time (that is, switches the winning probability setting of the special symbol lottery and the opening setting of the electric tulip 27). More specifically, when the current big hit is a normal big hit, control is performed in the normal gaming state, and when the current big hit is a probable big hit, control is performed in the positive variation gaming state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

[Electric tulip treatment]
FIG. 20 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the electric tulip process in step S7 of FIG. Hereinafter, the electric tulip process in step S7 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S701 in FIG. 20, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 is performing opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically, information based on a flag) (see FIG. 17). Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the second start port is valid. The second start port effective period will be described later with reference to FIG. If the determination in step S701 is YES, the process proceeds to step S704. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S702.

  In step S702, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery has been won by the winning determination processing in step 505 in FIG. 16 based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically, information by a flag). . If the determination in step S702 is YES, the process proceeds to step S703, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S8 (special symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S703, the CPU 101 starts opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 according to the winning symbol in the normal symbol lottery determined in step S702. For example, when the symbol 101 is won, the CPU 101 controls the opening and closing of the electric tulip 27 so as to open once for 0.1 seconds in the non-short-time state, and the release time of 1.6 seconds in the short-time state. The electric tulip 27 is controlled to open and close three times with a five-second block (see FIG. 17). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S <b> 704, the CPU 101 determines, based on the information stored in the RAM 103, whether the time for opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 started in step S <b> 703 has elapsed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S705.

  In step S705, the CPU 101 ends the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 started in step S703. It should be noted that at the timing when the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 is ended, a predetermined period (0.5 seconds) immediately after the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 is ended, which will be described later with reference to FIG. A second starting port valid period for validating the game ball winning is provided. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8 (special symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

[Special symbol game side control time counting process]
The special symbol game side control time counting process in step S8 of FIG. 9 for measuring a series of control times on the special symbol game side using one timer function will be described below with reference to FIGS. Here, when determining the elapse of each control time on the special symbol game side in the special symbol processing described with reference to FIG. 11 (see, for example, S411), and the big prize opening described with reference to FIGS. When determining whether or not each control time on the special symbol game side has elapsed in the processing (for example, see S610), based on this timer function, whether or not the control time has elapsed in the current timer interrupt processing (see FIG. 9). Such a determination is made.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining data used when executing the special symbol game side control time counting process and the normal symbol game side control time counting process, and the storage area (working area) of the RAM 103 of the main control unit 100. It is. FIG. 22 is an example of a time chart for explaining a series of flows of the special symbol game. 23 to 30 are examples of flowcharts of the special symbol game side control time counting process in step S8 of FIG.

  First, the flow of a special symbol game will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the special symbol game is a game in which a special symbol lottery is executed and a lottery result is repeatedly notified, and when the special symbol lottery is won, a big hit game is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 22 (1), in a special symbol game, when a game ball wins a starting ball (first starting port 21 or second starting port 22) in a state of “waiting for starting port winning”, a special symbol lottery is performed. When the special symbol is variably displayed on the display 4 (the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b) after being executed, the special symbol is a symbol for notifying the lottery result for a specified time (0.8 seconds). Stopped display. Then, as shown in FIG. 22 (1), when the lottery result is a loss and there is a special symbol lottery hold, the hold is digested and the special symbol lottery is executed to display the display 4 After the special symbol is variably displayed, the symbol is notified to stop the lottery for a specified time. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 22 (1), when the lottery result is a loss and there is no special symbol lottery pending, the state is “waiting for a start opening prize”. The state of “waiting for the start opening prize” is a state in which when there is a start opening prize, a special symbol lottery related to the start opening prize can be immediately executed to start displaying the variation of the special symbol. The game is not in a big hit game, and is neither in a special symbol variation display nor in a specified time stop display. In this manner, in the special symbol game, until the special symbol lottery is won, the special symbol is variably displayed according to the start opening winning prize, and then the control that is stopped and displayed for a specified time with the symbol for notifying the loss is repeated.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 22 (2), in the special symbol game, when the special symbol for winning the special symbol lottery and notifying the big hit is stopped and displayed, the big hit game is executed, and the special symbol at the end of the big hit game is executed. When there is a lottery pending, a special symbol lottery is executed and a special symbol variation display is started. If there is no special symbol lottery pending at the end of the big hit game, the game will be in the “wait for start-up prize” state.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 22 (2), in the big hit game, an opening display is made to notify the image display unit 6 that the big hit game has started, and a round (in which the big winning opening 23 is opened) Round game), a prize winning slot valid period and a prize winning slot suspension period arranged after each round, and an ending in which an ending display for notifying the end of the big hit game on the image display unit 6 is performed. Here, a period that is a combination of the above-described prize winning period valid period and the prize winning slot suspension period arranged between rounds is referred to as an interval. In addition, the “big prize opening validity period” is a period during which the winning of the game ball to the big prize opening 23 is recognized as being effective even though the round is over and the big prize opening 23 is closed. So-called over-winning will be accepted. The “big prize opening stop period” is a period during which the winning of the game ball into the big prize opening 23 is not valid. Note that even if the period is not the “Large Winning Port Pause Period”, the winning of the game ball to the Big Winning Port 23 is not valid during the round period and the period excluding the Big Winning Port Valid Period.

  Next, data used when executing the special symbol game side control time counting process and a storage area (working area) of the RAM 103 of the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The data used when executing the normal symbol game side control time counting process and the storage area (working area) of the RAM 103 of the main control unit 100 will be described later.

  FIG. 21 (1) shows types of data for setting (specifying) the time to be counted on the special symbol game side (hereinafter referred to as “special figure side setting data”). That is, the special figure side setting data is data for setting which period of the period (time) described with reference to FIG. 22 is measured. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21 (1), the special figure side setting data “00H” is data for setting that the start opening is waiting, and the special figure side setting data “01H” is a special symbol. It is data for setting that the variable display is in progress, the special figure side setting data “02H” is the data for setting that special symbol stop display is in progress, and the special figure side setting data “03H” is in the opening display. The special figure side setting data “04H” is data for setting that the round is in progress, and the special figure side setting data “05H” is set that the prize winning period is valid. The special figure side setting data “06H” is data for setting that it is during the big prize mouth suspension period, and the special figure side setting data “07H” is data for setting that the ending display is being performed. is thereThese special figure side setting data are stored in the ROM 102 of the main control unit 100.

  FIG. 21 (3) is a schematic diagram of a storage area (working area) of the RAM 103 of the main control unit 100. As shown in FIG. 21 (3), the storage area of the RAM 103 includes a count target time setting area 10, a time count area 11, and a simple variation display time count area 12. The counting target time setting area 10 includes a counting target time setting area 10A on the special symbol game side (hereinafter simply referred to as “area 10A”) and a counting target time setting area 10B on the normal symbol game side (hereinafter simply referred to as “area 10A”). It may be referred to as “area 10B”). The time count area 11 includes a time count area 11A on the special symbol game side (hereinafter may be simply referred to as “area 11A”) and a time count area 11B on the normal symbol game side (hereinafter simply referred to as “area 11B”). In some cases). The simple variation display time count area 12 includes a simple variation display time count area 12A on the special symbol game side (hereinafter, simply referred to as “area 12A”) and a simple variation display time count on the normal symbol game side. The area 12B (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “area 12B”).

  Area 11A is a timer area for measuring the passage of time for each period of the special symbol game described with reference to FIG. 22, and is a timer area for writing one piece of time data and measuring one piece of time. is there. The area 10A is an area for setting the type of time to be measured in the area 11A by writing any one of the special drawing side setting data described with reference to FIG. When the special symbol is variably displayed in the 7-segment display on the first special symbol display 4a (or the second special symbol display 4b), the area 12A displays the three display modes of the 7-segment display every 48 milliseconds. This is a timer area for measuring the time lapse of 48 milliseconds when executing the control for switching and displaying in order, and a timer area for measuring one lapse of time by writing one time data. is there. Note that the three display modes of the 7-segment display are, for example, a display mode that indicates the number 0, a display mode that indicates the number 7, and a display mode in which all seven segments are turned off.

  Here, in FIG. 21 (3), as an example, it is set that “01H” is written in the area 10 </ b> A so that the elapsed time of the special symbol variation display is measured in the area 11 </ b> A. As an example, a value “2500” indicating time is written in the area 11A of FIG. 21 (3), but this value is subtracted by “1” every 4 milliseconds by the timer interrupt processing of FIG. Therefore, this value “2500” indicates 10.000 seconds. Further, as an example, a value “12” indicating time is written in the area 12A of FIG. 11 (3). This value is also “1” every 4 milliseconds by the timer interrupt processing of FIG. Since the value is subtracted and updated, this value “12” indicates 48 milliseconds.

  Next, the special symbol game side control time counting process in step S8 of FIG. 9 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  First, in step S801 in FIG. 23, the CPU 101 of the main control unit determines whether or not the current state is a waiting state for a start opening prize. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special figure side setting data set in the area 10 </ b> A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 is “00H” indicating the start opening prize waiting. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG. 9, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S802.

  In step S802, the CPU 101 counts down the value of the special symbol game side timer by “1”. Specifically, the CPU 101 updates the value written in the area 11A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 by subtracting “1”. For example, as shown in FIG. 21 (3), when “2500” is written in the area 11A, the CPU 101 updates this value to “2499”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S803.

  In step S <b> 803, the CPU 101 determines a process transfer destination in accordance with the count target set time data on the special symbol game side that is currently set, and shifts the process to the determined transfer destination. Specifically, referring to the RAM 103, if “01H” is set in the area 10A (see FIG. 21), the CPU 101 shifts the processing to step S804, and “02H” is set in the area 10A. If YES in step S805, the process advances to step S805. If "03H" is set in the area 10A, the process advances to step S806. If "04H" is set in the area 10A, step S805 is performed. The process proceeds to S807. If “05H” is set in the area 10A, the process proceeds to step S808. If “06H” is set in the area 10A, the process proceeds to step S809. If “07H” is set in the area 10A, the process proceeds to step S810.

  In step S804, the CPU 101 executes a special symbol fluctuation display process to be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S805, the CPU 101 executes a special symbol stop display process that will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 806, the CPU 101 performs an opening display process described later with reference to FIG. 26. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S807, the CPU 101 executes an in-round process which will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 808, the CPU 101 executes processing during the special winning opening effective period, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 28. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S809, the CPU 101 executes processing during the special winning opening suspension period described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S810, the CPU 101 executes an ending display process to be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

[Special symbol variation display processing]
FIG. 24 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol variation display process in step S804 of FIG.

  First, in step S811 of FIG. 24, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol game side timer value is “0”, thereby ending the period when the special symbol is variably displayed on the display 4. It is determined whether or not there is. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the time data written in the area 11A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 is “0”. If the determination in step S811 is YES, the process moves to step S812. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S814.

  In step S812, the CPU 101 sets a time data value indicating the special symbol stop display time in the timer on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes the time data value “200” indicating 0.800 seconds in the area 11A (see FIG. 11) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S813.

  In step S813, the CPU 101 sets “02H” in the count target time setting area on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes special figure side setting data “02H” for setting that the special symbol stop display is in progress in the area 10A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S814, the CPU 101 counts down the value of the simple symbol display timer on the special symbol side by “1”. Specifically, the CPU 101 updates the value of the time data written in the area 12A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 by subtracting “1”. For example, when time data “12” is written in the area 12A as shown in FIG. 21 (3), the CPU 101 updates the time data to “11”. Here, the initial value of the time data written in the area 12A is “12” indicating 48 milliseconds, and every time the subtraction process in step S814 is executed, the time data is subtracted by “1” and “0”. Then, it is subtracted from “12” again in the subtraction process of the next step S814. In other words, the time lapse of 48 milliseconds is measured cyclically by the process of step S814. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S815.

  In step S815, the CPU 101 performs variable display control of the special symbol in the special symbol display (4a or 4b). Specifically, the CPU 101 displays the special symbol display when the value of the simple symbol display timer on the special symbol side is not “0” by the subtraction process in step S814 (that is, when 48 milliseconds have not elapsed). When the 7-segment special symbol display mode displayed on the instrument is continued without changing, and the timer value becomes “0” (that is, when 48 milliseconds have elapsed), the special symbol display mode is changed. Switch to the next display mode. By controlling in this way, three display modes of a special symbol of 7-segment display (for example, a display mode indicating the number 0, a display mode indicating the number 7, and a display mode in which all the segments are turned off) are displayed. , The display is cyclically switched every 48 milliseconds. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  By the processing in steps S814 and S815 described above, the special symbol is variably displayed by changing the display mode every 48 milliseconds on the special symbol display (4a or 4b). In addition, by the above-described processing of steps S812 and S813, measurement of the special symbol stop display period is started at the timing when the special symbol variation display ends (see FIG. 22 (1)). In addition, when the special symbol lottery is won, the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display in a display mode showing, for example, the numeral 7, and the winning is notified, and when the special symbol lottery is lost, the special symbol is displayed. On the display, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a display mode indicating the number 0, for example, to notify the loss.

[Special symbol stop display processing]
FIG. 25 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol stop display process in step S805 of FIG.

  First, in step S821 in FIG. 25, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol game side timer value is “0”, so that the display unit 4 stops displaying the special symbol at the end timing of the period. It is determined whether or not there is. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the time data written in the area 11A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 is “0”. If the determination in step S821 is YES, the process proceeds to step S822, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S822, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol lottery related to the variation display of the special symbol determined as the stop display end timing in step S821 has been won. In other words, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a special symbol lottery (see S407 in FIG. 11) corresponding to the special symbol for which the stop display is ended is won. If the determination in step S822 is YES, the process moves to step S824, and if this determination is NO, the process moves to step S823.

  In step S824, the CPU 101 sets a time data value indicating the opening display time of the jackpot game described with reference to FIG. 22 (2) in the timer on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes the time data value “3125” indicating 12.500 seconds in the area 11A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S825.

  In step S825, the CPU 101 sets “03H” in the count target time setting area on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes special figure side setting data “03H” for setting the opening display in the area 10A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S823, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol lottery has been suspended. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the hold has been digested in the processing of steps S403 to S407 in FIG. 11 in the current timer interrupt processing. If the determination in step S823 is YES, the process moves to step S826. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S828.

  In step S826, the CPU 101 sets the value of time data indicating the special symbol variation display time (special symbol variation time) described with reference to FIG. 22 to the special symbol game timer. Specifically, the CPU 101 stores in the area 11A of the RAM 103 (see FIG. 21) a special symbol variation time (that is, an execution time) corresponding to the variation pattern selected in the processing of step S408 in FIG. Write (set) a time data value (for example, “3750”) indicating the special symbol variation display time (for example, 15.000 seconds).

  FIG. 31 is an example of a conceptual diagram of a variation time table used for setting the special symbol variation display time in step S826 and the like. This variation time table is stored in the ROM 102, read out to the RAM 103, and used in the processing in step S826 and the like. As shown in FIG. 31, the variation time table is composed of data indicating a variation pattern, data indicating a basic variation time (seconds), and data indicating an addition variation time (seconds). The variation pattern is a variation pattern included in the variation pattern determination tables HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1, and HT2-2 described with reference to FIGS. The basic variation time is a basic variation time constituting a special symbol variation time corresponding to the variation pattern. The added fluctuation time is the added fluctuation time that constitutes the special symbol fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern. The time obtained by adding the basic variation time and the addition variation time is the special symbol variation time corresponding to the variation pattern (see FIGS. 12 to 15). For example, the special symbol variation time corresponding to the variation pattern 1 is the basic variation time 90 seconds, and for example, the special symbol variation time corresponding to the variation pattern 3 is the basic variation time 85 seconds plus the addition variation time 0.50 seconds. The sum is 85.5 seconds.

  In step S826, the CPU 101 uses the fluctuation time table (FIG. 31) of the RAM 103 as the special symbol fluctuation time data (data indicating the time of “second”) corresponding to the fluctuation pattern determined in the process of step S408 of FIG. , And the read data is multiplied by 250 to be converted into time data suitable for time measurement processing (see S802 in FIG. 23) executed in a cycle of 4 milliseconds, and the converted time data is converted into the area 11A ( (See FIG. 21). For example, when setting the value of the time data indicating the special symbol variation time 90 seconds corresponding to the variation pattern 1 in the area 11A, the data indicating the basic variation time 90 seconds is read from the variation time table of the RAM 103, and this reading is performed. The obtained data is multiplied by 250 to be converted into time data “22500” adapted to the arithmetic processing with a cycle of 4 milliseconds, and the converted time data “22500” is written in the area 11A of the RAM 103. For example, when the value of time data indicating the special symbol fluctuation time of 85.5 seconds corresponding to the fluctuation pattern 3 is set in the area 11A, the data indicating the basic fluctuation time of 85 seconds and the addition from the fluctuation time table of the RAM 103 are added. Data indicating a variation time of 0.50 seconds is read out and added, and the added data is multiplied by 250 to be converted into time data “31375” adapted to the arithmetic processing with a period of 4 milliseconds, and the converted time data “31375” is converted. Is written in the area 11A of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S827.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 31, according to the present embodiment, data indicating the special symbol variation time in the variation time table stored in the ROM 102 and read out to the RAM 103 is converted into data indicating the time of “seconds” (that is, When setting the special symbol variation time, the data is multiplied by 250 and converted to time data (that is, time data of the multiplication value) adapted to the arithmetic processing with a period of 4 milliseconds. In addition, according to the present embodiment, for example, a special symbol variation time of 85.5 seconds, a special symbol variation time in which the data amount exceeds 1 byte even if indicated by the time data of the division value, is the time of the additional variation time. The variable time table is configured by dividing the data (time data indicating the time after the decimal point). Therefore, according to the present embodiment, each data indicating the special symbol variation time in the variation time table can be suppressed to a data amount of 1 byte or less, so that the memory area used in the ROM 102 and the RAM 103 is effectively suppressed. be able to. Here, in this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the number of variation patterns is 24 (see FIG. 31). However, in an actual gaming machine, the number of variation patterns is enormous, 1000 to 10,000. For this reason, the effect of suppressing the above-mentioned use memory area according to the present embodiment becomes enormous in an actual gaming machine.

  In step S827, the CPU 101 sets “01H” in the count target time setting area on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes, in the area 10A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103, special figure side setting data “01H” for setting that the special symbol variation display is being performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  Note that the processing of steps S826 and S827 described above is also performed when the special symbol lottery is executed first after the power is turned on to the gaming machine 1 and the special symbol variation display is executed first.

  In step S828, the CPU 101 sets a null value to the timer on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes a Null value in the area 11A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S829.

  In step S829, the CPU 101 sets “00H” in the count target time setting area on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes special figure side setting data “00H” for setting the start port winning waiting described with reference to FIG. 22 in the area 10A of the RAM 103 (see FIG. 21). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  By the processing of steps S824 and S825 described above, measurement of the opening display period of the big hit game is started at the timing when the special symbol stop display is completed (see FIG. 22 (2)). In addition, by the processing of steps S826 and S827 described above, measurement of the special symbol variation display period is started at the timing when the special symbol stop display ends (see FIG. 22 (1)). In addition, by the processing of steps S828 and S829 described above, the measurement state waiting for the start opening prize is set at the timing when the special symbol stop display is completed.

[Processing during opening display]
FIG. 26 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the opening display processing in step S806 of FIG.

  First, in step S831 in FIG. 26, the CPU 101 determines whether or not it is the opening display end timing by determining whether or not the value of the timer on the special symbol game side is “0”. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the time data written in the area 11A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 is “0”. If the determination in step S831 is YES, the process proceeds to step S832, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S832, the CPU 101 sets a value indicating the upper limit time (29.5 seconds) of the big hit game round described with reference to FIG. 22 (2) in the special symbol game side timer. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes a time data value “7375” indicating 29.500 seconds in the area 11A of the RAM 103 (see FIG. 21). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S833.

  In step S833, the CPU 101 sets “04H” in the count target time setting area on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes special figure side setting data “04H” for setting that it is in the round in the area 10A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  By the processing in steps S831 to S833 described above, measurement of the upper limit time of the big hit game round is started at the end timing of the opening display (see FIG. 22 (2)).

[In-round processing]
FIG. 27 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the during-round processing in step S807 of FIG.

  First, in step S835 of FIG. 27, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the round execution upper limit time (29.5 seconds) has elapsed by determining whether or not the value of the special symbol game timer is “0”. Determine whether or not. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the time data written in the area 11A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 is “0”. If the determination in step S835 is YES, the process moves to step S837, and if this determination is NO, the process moves to step S836.

  In step S837, the CPU 101 sets, in the special symbol game side timer, a time data value indicating the big prize winning period of the jackpot game described with reference to FIG. 22 (2). Specifically, the CPU 101 writes a time data value “497” indicating 1.988 seconds in the area 11A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S838.

  In step S838, the CPU 101 sets “05H” in the count target time setting area on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes special figure side setting data “05H” in the area 10A of the RAM 103 (see FIG. 21) for setting that the special winning opening is valid. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S836, the CPU 101 determines whether or not it is determined in step S615 of FIG. 18 in the current timer interrupt process that the game ball has won the prescribed upper limit number (10) in the big winning opening 23. If the determination in step S836 is YES, the process proceeds to step S837, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  By the processing of steps S835 to S838 described above, the measurement of the winning prize period is started at the timing when the big hit game round is completed.

[Processing during the prize winning period]
FIG. 28 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the processing during the big winning opening effective period of step S808 in FIG.

  First, in step S841 of FIG. 28, the CPU 101 determines whether the special symbol game side timer value is “0”, thereby determining whether or not the special winning opening effective period (1.988 seconds) has elapsed. Determine whether or not. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the time data written in the area 11A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 is “0”. If the determination in step S841 is YES, the process proceeds to step S842, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S842, the CPU 101 sets, in the special symbol game side timer, a time data value indicating the big winning slot stop period of the jackpot game described with reference to FIG. 22 (2). Specifically, the CPU 101 writes the time data value “3” indicating 0.012 seconds in the area 11A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S843.

  In step S843, the CPU 101 sets “06H” in the count target time setting area on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes special figure side setting data “06H” in the area 10A of the RAM 103 (see FIG. 21) for setting that it is during the big prize mouth suspension period. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  By the processing of steps S841 to S843 described above, the measurement of the big prize winning stop period is started at the timing when the big winning prize effective period of the big hit game is finished.

[Processing during the big prize stop period]
FIG. 29 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the processing during the special winning opening suspension period in step S809 of FIG.

  First, in step S845 of FIG. 29, the CPU 101 determines whether the special symbol game side timer value is “0”, thereby determining whether or not the special winning slot suspension period (0.012 seconds) has elapsed. Determine whether or not. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the time data written in the area 11A (see FIG. 11) of the RAM 103 is “0”. If the determination in step S845 is YES, the process proceeds to step S846. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S846, based on the information stored in the RAM 103, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the current big prize mouth pause period is the big prize mouth pause period after the end of the final round of the big hit game. If the determination in step S846 is YES, the process moves to step S849. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S847.

  In step S847, the CPU 101 sets the value of time data indicating the upper limit time (29.5 seconds) of the big hit game round described with reference to FIG. 22 (2) to the special symbol game side timer. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes a time data value “7375” indicating 29.500 seconds in the area 11A (see FIG. 11) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S848.

  In step S848, CPU 101 sets “04H” in the count target time setting area on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes special figure side setting data “04H” for setting that it is in the round in the area 10A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S849, the CPU 101 sets a time data value indicating the ending display time of the jackpot game described with reference to FIG. 22 (2) to the timer on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes the time data value “5125” indicating 20.500 seconds in the area 11A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S850.

  In step S850, CPU 101 sets “07H” in the count target time setting area on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes special figure side setting data “07H” for setting that the ending display is being performed in the area 10A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  If the final winning round pause period of the big hit game is ended by the processing of steps S845 to S850 described above, measurement of the upper limit execution time of the next round is started if it is not the final round, and ending if it is the final round Measurement of the display period is started.

[Ending display processing]
FIG. 30 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the ending display processing in step S810 of FIG.

  First, in step S851 of FIG. 30, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the ending display period (20.5 seconds) has elapsed by determining whether or not the timer value on the special symbol game side is “0”. Determine. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the time data written in the area 11A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 is “0”. If the determination in step S851 is YES, the process proceeds to step S852. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S852, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol lottery has been suspended. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the hold has been digested in the processing of steps S403 to S407 in FIG. 11 in the current timer interrupt processing. If the determination in step S852 is YES, the process moves to step S853. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S855.

  In step S853, as in the process of step S826 in FIG. 25, the CPU 101 displays time data indicating the special symbol variation display time (special symbol variation time) described with reference to FIG. Set the value. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S854.

  In step S854, the CPU 101 sets “01H” in the count target time setting area on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes, in the area 10A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103, special figure side setting data “01H” for setting that the special symbol variation display is being performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  In step S855, the CPU 101 sets a time data value indicating the waiting state for the start opening winning prize described with reference to FIG. 22 (1) in the timer on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes a Null value in the area 11A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S856.

  In step S856, the CPU 101 sets “00H” in the count target time setting area on the special symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes special figure side setting data “00H” for setting that it is waiting for a start opening prize in the area 10A (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9 (ordinary symbol game side control time counting process) in FIG.

  If there is a special symbol variation display to be executed at the timing when the jackpot game ending display is completed by the processing of steps S851 to S856 described above, measurement of the special symbol variation display time is started, and the special symbol to be executed is started. If there is no change display, it is set to the measurement state waiting for the start opening prize.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 21 to 31, according to the present embodiment, one timer function (see 11A in FIG. 21 and step S802 in FIG. 23) is used for a series of control times of the special symbol game. Use to measure. Here, in the conventional gaming machine, each control time constituting the special symbol game (control time of special symbol variation display, control time of special symbol stop display of FIG. 22, control time of opening display, control time of round execution Etc.) using the individual timer functions, a separate time count area is provided for each control time constituting the special symbol game in the RAM storage area of the main control unit. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, the series of control times of the special symbol game is measured using one timer function, so that the calculation addition can be effectively reduced. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the special symbol display 4a (or 4b) in the execution period of the special symbol variation display is configured to cyclically display three 7-segment display modes in turn every 48 milliseconds. For measuring the switching time, a timer function (see 12A in FIG. 21 and step S814 in FIG. 24) different from the timer function (see 11A in FIG. 21 and step S802 in FIG. 23) is used. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively suppress the complexity of the arithmetic processing.

[Normal symbol game side control time counting process]
The normal symbol game side control time counting process in step S9 of FIG. 9 for measuring a series of control times on the normal symbol game side using one timer function will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11 and 32 to 37. explain. Here, in the normal symbol processing described with reference to FIG. 16, when the passage of each control time on the normal symbol game side is determined (see, for example, S507), and in the electric tulip processing described with reference to FIG. 20, the normal symbol processing is performed. When determining the elapse of each control time on the game side (for example, see S704), based on this timer function, it is determined whether or not the control time has elapsed in the current timer interrupt process (see FIG. 9). Is done.

  FIG. 32 is an example of a time chart for explaining a series of flows of the normal symbol game. 33 to 37 are an example of a flowchart of the normal symbol game side control time counting process in step S9 of FIG.

  First, with reference to FIG. 32, a series of flows of the normal symbol game will be described. Here, the normal symbol game means that the normal symbol lottery is executed in accordance with the passing of the game ball through the gate 25 and the lottery result is notified, and if the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 It is a game that executes the opening / closing control (opening game of electric Chu).

  As shown in FIG. 32 (1), in a normal symbol game, when a game ball passes through the gate 25 in the “waiting for gate passage” state, a normal symbol lottery is executed and the normal symbol display 4e (see FIG. 2) is displayed. After the normal symbol is variably displayed, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed for a specified time (0.5 seconds) with a symbol for notifying the lottery result. After that, as shown in FIG. 32 (1), when the lottery result is lost and there is a normal symbol lottery hold, the hold is digested and the normal symbol lottery is executed to display the normal symbol display. After the normal symbol is variably displayed on the device 4e, the symbol is notified to stop the lottery for a specified time. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 32 (1), when the lottery result is a loss and there is no normal symbol lottery hold, the state is “waiting for passage through the gate”. The state of “waiting to pass through the gate” is a state in which when the game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol lottery related to this passage can be immediately executed to start the normal symbol variation display. It is not in the open / close control of the electric tulip 27 (in the open game of the electric chew), and is in a state where neither the normal symbol variation display nor the specified time stop display is performed. In this way, in the normal symbol game, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, the normal symbol is variably displayed in accordance with the passing of the game ball to the gate 25, and then the control of stopping and displaying the symbol for notifying the loss is repeated.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 32 (2), in the normal symbol game, when the normal symbol for winning the normal symbol lottery and informing the winning is stopped and displayed, the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 (electric chew release game) Is executed (see FIG. 17), and then the second start port effective period is provided. When the normal symbol lottery is on hold at the end of the second starting port effective period, the normal symbol lottery is executed and the normal symbol variation display is started. If there is no normal symbol lottery hold at the end of the second start port effective period, the state is “waiting for gate passage”.

  Here, the “second start opening effective period” is a period during which a game ball winning at the second start opening 22 is exceptionally recognized for a predetermined period immediately after the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 is ended. During the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 (that is, even when the electric tulip 27 is closed), the game ball winning at the second starting port 22 is recognized as being effective, and the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 is being performed. During the period excluding the second start port effective period, the game ball winning at the second start port 22 is not recognized as effective.

  Next, data used when executing the normal symbol game side control time counting process and the storage area (working area) of the RAM 103 of the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 21 (2) shows types of data for setting (specifying) the time to be counted on the normal symbol game side (hereinafter, referred to as “normal drawing side setting data”). In other words, the universal map setting data is data for setting which period (time) is measured among the periods described with reference to FIG. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 21 (2), the normal setting data “00K” is data for setting waiting for the passage of the gate, and the normal setting data “01K” is the normal symbol fluctuation. It is data for setting that it is being displayed, and the universal drawing side setting data “02K” is the data for setting that the normal symbol stop display is being performed, and the universal drawing side setting data “03K” is under electric Chu open / close control. (The opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27; see FIG. 17) is set, and the universal map side setting data “04K” is data for setting that the second start port is valid. Note that these normal setting data are stored in the ROM 102 of the main control unit 100.

  FIG. 21 (3) is a schematic diagram of a storage area (working area) of the RAM 103 of the main control unit 100. Area 11B is a timer area for measuring the passage of time for each period of the universal symbol game described with reference to FIG. 32, and is a timer area for writing one piece of time data and measuring one piece of time. It is. The area 10B is an area for setting the type of time to be measured in the area 11B by writing any one of the universal drawing side setting data described with reference to FIG. In the area 12B, when the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e (see FIG. 2), two display modes of the malvaz display (the display mode in which only the circle is lit and the display in which only the symbol is lit) This is a timer area for measuring the time lapse of 48 milliseconds when executing the control of switching the display every 48 milliseconds and alternately displaying them, and writing one time data and measuring one time lapse. This is a timer area.

  Here, in FIG. 21 (3), as an example, it is set that “02K” is written in the area 10 </ b> B, so that the elapsed time of the normal symbol stop display is measured in the area 11 </ b> B. As an example, a value “25” indicating time is written in the area 11B of FIG. 21 (3), but this value is subtracted by “1” every 4 milliseconds by the timer interrupt processing of FIG. Therefore, this value “25” indicates 0.100 seconds. Further, as an example, a value “12” indicating time is written in the area 12B of FIG. 21 (3). This value is also “1” every 4 milliseconds by the timer interrupt processing of FIG. Since the value is subtracted and updated, this value “12” indicates 48 milliseconds.

  Next, the normal symbol game side control time counting process in step S9 of FIG. 9 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  First, in step S860 of FIG. 33, the CPU 101 of the main control unit determines whether or not the current state is a state waiting for a gate passage. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the normal map side setting data set in the area 10B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 is “00K” indicating the gate passage waiting. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S10 (prize ball process) in FIG. 9, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S861.

  In step S861, the CPU 101 counts down the value of the normal symbol game side timer by “1”. Specifically, the CPU 101 updates the value written in the area 11B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 by subtracting “1”. For example, when “25” is written in the area 11B as shown in FIG. 21 (3), the CPU 101 updates this value to “24”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S862.

  In step S <b> 862, the CPU 101 determines the process transfer destination according to the currently set normal symbol game side count target set time data, and shifts the process to the determined transfer destination. Specifically, referring to the RAM 103, when “01K” is set in the area 10B (see FIG. 21), the CPU 101 shifts the processing to step S863, and “02K” is set in the area 10B. If YES in step S864, the flow advances to step S864. If "03K" is set in the area 10B, the flow advances to step S865. If "04K" is set in the area 10B, the flow advances to step S864. The process proceeds to S866.

  In step S863, the CPU 101 executes a normal symbol variation display process to be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S10 (prize ball processing) in FIG.

  In step S864, the CPU 101 executes a normal symbol stop display process to be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S10 (prize ball processing) in FIG.

  In step S865, the CPU 101 executes a process during electric chew opening / closing control which will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S10 (prize ball processing) in FIG.

  In step S866, the CPU 101 executes processing during a second start port effective period, which will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S10 (prize ball processing) in FIG.

[Normal symbol variation display processing]
FIG. 34 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the normal symbol variation display process in step S863 of FIG.

  First, in step S871 of FIG. 34, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the timer on the normal symbol game side is “0”, thereby ending the period when the normal symbol is variably displayed on the display 4. It is determined whether or not there is. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the time data written in the area 11B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 is “0”. If the determination in step S871 is YES, the process proceeds to step S872, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S874.

  In step S872, the CPU 101 sets a time data value indicating the normal symbol stop display time in the timer on the normal symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes the time data value “125” indicating 0.500 seconds in the area 11B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S873.

  In step S873, the CPU 101 sets “02K” in the count target time setting area on the normal symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes special figure side setting data “02K” for setting that the normal symbol stop display is in progress in the area 10B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S10 (prize ball processing) in FIG.

  In step S874, the CPU 101 counts down the value of the simple variation display timer on the normal symbol side by “1”. Specifically, the CPU 101 subtracts and updates the value of the time data written in the area 12B (see FIG. 11) of the RAM 103 by “1”. For example, when time data “12” is written in the area 12B as shown in FIG. 21 (3), the CPU 101 updates the time data to “11”. Here, the initial value of the time data written in the area 12B is “12” indicating 48 milliseconds, and every time the subtraction process in step S874 is executed, the time data is subtracted by “1” and “0”. Then, it is subtracted from “12” again in the subtraction process of the next step S874. That is, the time lapse of 48 milliseconds is measured cyclically by the process of step S874. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S875.

  In step S875, the CPU 101 performs variable display control of the normal symbols in the normal symbol display 4e (see FIG. 2). Specifically, when the value of the simple symbol display timer on the normal symbol side is not “0” by the subtraction processing in step S874 (that is, when 48 milliseconds have not elapsed), the CPU 101 displays the normal symbol. When the normal symbol display mode of the Marutsu display displayed on the instrument is continued without changing, and the timer value becomes “0” (that is, when 48 milliseconds have elapsed), the normal symbol display mode is changed to the following. The display mode is switched. By controlling in this way, two display modes (for example, a display mode in which only a circle is lit and a display mode in which only a cross is lit) are switched and displayed every 48 milliseconds. Become. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S10 (prize ball processing) in FIG.

  By the processing of steps S874 and S875 described above, the normal symbol is changed and displayed in the normal symbol display 4e with the display mode changed every 48 milliseconds. In addition, by the processing of steps S872 and S873 described above, the measurement of the normal symbol stop display period is started at the timing when the normal symbol variation display ends (see FIG. 32 (1)). In addition, when the normal symbol lottery is won, the normal symbol on the normal symbol display is stopped and displayed in a display mode in which, for example, only a circle is lit, the winning is notified, and when the normal symbol lottery is lost, the normal symbol is drawn. On the display, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a display mode in which, for example, only a cross is lit, and a loss is notified.

[Special symbol stop display processing]
FIG. 35 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the normal symbol stop display process in step S864 of FIG.

  First, in step S876 of FIG. 35, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the normal symbol game timer is “0”, thereby ending the period in which the normal symbol display unit 4e stops and displays the normal symbol. It is determined whether it is timing. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the time data written in the area 11B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 is “0”. If the determination in step S876 is YES, the process proceeds to step S877, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S10 (prize ball process) in FIG.

  In step S877, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery related to the normal symbol variation display determined as the stop display end timing in step S876 is won. In other words, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery (see S505 in FIG. 16) corresponding to the normal symbol for which the stop display is ended is won. If the determination in step S877 is YES, the process proceeds to step S879, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S878.

In step S879, the CPU 101 sets a value indicating the execution time of the electric chew opening / closing control (electric chew opening game) described with reference to FIG. 32 (2) in the timer on the normal symbol game side.
Specifically, the CPU 101 stores, in the area 11B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103, the electrification corresponding to the winning symbol of the normal symbol lottery related to the variable symbol normal display determined as the stop display end timing in step S876 and the game state. A time data value (for example, “2125”) indicating the execution time of the chew opening / closing control (for example, 8.5 seconds if symbol 1 is won during a non-time saving time; see FIG. 17) is written. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S880.

  In step S880, the CPU 101 sets “03K” in the count target time setting area on the normal symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes, in the area 10 </ b> B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103, the general setting side setting data “03K” for setting that the electric chew opening / closing control (electric chew opening game) is being performed. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S9 (prize ball processing) in FIG.

  In step S878, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is suspended. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the hold has been digested in the processing of steps S503 to S505 in FIG. 16 in the current timer interrupt processing. If the determination in step S878 is YES, the process moves to step S881, and if this determination is NO, the process moves to step S883.

  In step S881, the CPU 101 sets a time data value indicating the time of the normal symbol variation display described with reference to FIG. 32 to the timer on the normal symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 stores a time data value (for example, 0.200 seconds; see FIG. 17) indicating a normal symbol variation display time corresponding to the gaming state in the area 11 </ b> B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. “50”) is written. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S882.

  In step S882, the CPU 101 sets “01K” in the count target time setting area on the normal symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes, in the area 10 </ b> B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103, the normal diagram side setting data “01K” for setting that the normal symbol variation display is being performed. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S9 (prize ball processing) in FIG.

  Note that the above-described processing of steps S881 and S882 is also performed when the normal symbol lottery is executed for the first time after the power is turned on to the gaming machine 1 and the normal symbol variation display is first executed.

  In step S883, the CPU 101 sets a null value to the timer on the normal symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes a Null value in the area 11B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S884.

  In step S884, the CPU 101 sets “00K” in the count target time setting area on the normal symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes, in the area 10 </ b> B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103, the normal setting data “00K” that sets the waiting for gate passage described with reference to FIG. 32. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S9 (prize ball processing) in FIG.

  By the processing of steps S879 and S880 described above, the measurement of the period of the electric chew opening / closing control (electric chew opening game) is started at the timing when the normal symbol stop display ends (see FIG. 32 (2)). In addition, by the processing in steps S881 and S882 described above, the measurement of the normal symbol variation display period is started at the timing when the normal symbol stop display is completed (see FIG. 32A). In addition, a measurement state of waiting for the passage of the gate is set at the timing when the stop display of the normal symbol is completed by the processes of steps S883 and S884 described above.

[During electric Chu open / close control]
FIG. 36 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the processing during electric chew opening / closing control in step S865 of FIG.

  First, in step S885 in FIG. 36, the CPU 101 determines the end timing of the electric chew opening / closing control (electric chew opening game) by determining whether or not the timer value on the normal symbol game side is “0”. It is determined whether or not. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the time data written in the area 11B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 is “0”. If the determination in step S885 is YES, the process proceeds to step S886, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S9 (prize ball process) in FIG.

  In step S886, the CPU 101 sets a time data value indicating the time of the second start port effective period described with reference to FIG. 32 (2) in the timer on the normal symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes the time data value “300” indicating 1.200 seconds in the area 11B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S887.

  In step S887, the CPU 101 sets “04K” in the count target time setting area on the normal symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes, in the area 10 </ b> B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103, the general setting side setting data “04K” for setting the second start port effective period. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S9 (prize ball processing) in FIG.

  By the processing of steps S885 to S887 described above, the measurement of the second starting port effective period is started at the end timing of the electric chew opening / closing control (electric chew opening game) (see FIG. 32 (2)).

[Processing during the 2nd starting port effective period]
FIG. 37 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the processing during the second starting port effective period of step S866 in FIG.

  First, in step S891 of FIG. 33, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the timer value on the normal symbol game side is “0”, so that the second start port effective period (1.2 seconds) has elapsed. It is determined whether or not. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the time data written in the area 11B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103 is “0”. If the determination in step S891 is YES, the process proceeds to step S892, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S9 (prize ball process) in FIG.

  In step S892, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery suspension has been digested, similar to the process in step S878 of FIG. If the determination in step S892 is YES, the process proceeds to step S893, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S895.

  In step S893, the CPU 101 sets a time data value indicating the normal symbol variation display time described with reference to FIG. 32 to the timer on the normal symbol game side in the same manner as the processing in step S881 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S894.

  In step S894, the CPU 101 sets “01K” in the count target time setting area on the normal symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes, in the area 10B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103, special figure side setting data “01KH” for setting that the normal symbol variation display is in progress. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S9 (prize ball processing) in FIG.

  In step S895, the CPU 101 sets a time data value indicating the state of waiting for the gate passage described with reference to FIG. 32 (1) in the timer on the normal symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes a Null value in the area 11B (see FIG. 21) of the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S896.

  In step S896, the CPU 101 sets “00K” in the count target time setting area on the normal symbol game side. Specifically, the CPU 101 writes general-use-side setting data “00K” for setting waiting for gate passage in the area 10B of the RAM 103 (see FIG. 21). Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S9 (prize ball processing) in FIG.

  If there is a normal symbol variation display to be executed at the timing when the second start port effective period is ended by the processing of steps S891 to S896 described above, measurement of the normal symbol variation display time is started and executed. If there is no change display, the measurement state is set to wait for passage through the gate.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 21 and 32 to 37, according to the present embodiment, a series of control times of a normal symbol game is set to one timer function (11B in FIG. 21 and step S861 in FIG. 33). ). Here, in the conventional gaming machine, each control time constituting the normal symbol game (control time for normal symbol variation display, control time for normal symbol stop display, time for electric chew opening / closing control, etc. in FIG. 32) is individually provided. Therefore, a separate time count area was provided for each control time constituting the normal symbol game in the RAM storage area of the main control unit. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, the series of control times of the normal symbol game is measured using one timer function, so that the calculation addition can be effectively reduced. In addition, according to the present embodiment, in the execution period of the normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol display 4e displays the switching time when switching the two display modes of the Malbat display every 48 milliseconds. A timer function (see 12B in FIG. 21 and step S874 in FIG. 34) different from the timer function (see 11B in FIG. 21 and step S861 in FIG. 33) is used. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively suppress the complexity of the arithmetic processing.

[Production control processing by production control unit]
FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400. Below, with reference to FIG. 38, the timer interruption process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 is demonstrated. The effect control unit 400 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 38 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during a normal operation excluding special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. Note that the processing performed by the effect control unit 400 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 38 and the subsequent steps is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 402.

  First, in step S15, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 receives various commands output from the main control unit 100 by the output process of step S11 of FIG. 9, sets the effect contents according to the received command, A command reception process for setting various commands in the RAM 403 for instructing the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute the effect of the set effect content is executed. This command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40.

  Next, in step S <b> 16, the CPU 401 executes output processing for outputting various commands set in the RAM 403 to the image sound control unit 500 or the like in step S <b> 15. By this process, various effects determined to be executed in the process of step S15 are executed by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, the panel lamp 8, and the like by the execution control of the image sound control unit 500 and the like.

  Note that each time the timer interrupt process described above is executed, the CPU 401 performs a random number update process for updating various effect random numbers used for the effect. In this random number update process as well, a loop counter is typically used as in the random number update process in step S1 of FIG. After reaching, it returns to 0 again (that is, it circulates). Also, in this random number update process, each effect random number counter updates the initial value (the value that is the starting point of circulation) at random once it circulates. As a result, the counter value (count value) can be prevented from synchronizing between these effect random numbers.

[Command reception processing]
39 and 40 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the command receiving process in step S15 of FIG. The command reception process in step S15 of FIG. 38 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40.

  First, in step S111, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not a hold increase command (first hold number increase command or second hold number increase command) is received from the main control unit 100 (FIG. 10). (See steps S206 and S212). If the determination in step S111 is YES, the process proceeds to step S112. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S112, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 according to the hold increase command received in the process of step S111 to additionally display a hold image indicating the hold of the special symbol lottery on the image display unit 6. Then, a hold image display process is performed in which the hold image additionally displayed using the prior determination information included in the hold increase command is changed to the prefetch display mode. The displayed reserved images are digested in order from the one displayed earlier when the notification effect is started in the process of step S115 described later. Also, the instruction to the image sound control unit 500 is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. In addition, when the CPU 401 receives the first hold number increase command, the RAM 403 causes the RAM 403 to store one piece of data (hold data) indicating the hold of the first special symbol lottery in time series, while the second hold number When the increase command is received, the RAM 403 stores one piece of data (holding data) indicating the holding of the second special symbol lottery in time series order. At that time, the CPU 401 extracts pre-determination information included in the hold increase command, includes it in the above-described hold data, and stores it in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, the CPU 401 performs a prefetch notice effect setting process. Specifically, the CPU 401 stores the special symbol lottery holding number (the number of holding data) stored in the RAM 403 more than 2 including the holding added in step S112, and stores it in the RAM 403 most recently. Whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice effect is determined by lottery or the like based on the prior determination information (that is, included in the latest pending data). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S114, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect start command and the gaming state notification command set in step S409 of FIG. 11 have been received. If the determination in step S114 is YES, the process proceeds to step S115, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S115, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like according to the setting information included in the notification effect start command received in the process of step S114, and notifies the image display unit 6 or the like to start the notification effect. Perform production execution processing. Here, the notification effect (variation effect) is an effect that is executed in the image display unit 6 or the like according to the variation display of the special symbol and suggests the result of the special symbol lottery. This is an effect in which the variation of the multiple symbols is displayed, and the result of the special symbol lottery is notified by the combination of the decorative symbols of the plurality of columns displayed in a stopped state when the decorative symbols displayed in a variable manner are stopped. Specifically, the ROM 402 stores a correspondence relationship between the variation pattern described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15, the special symbol variation time, and the type of the production pattern, and the CPU 401 performs the production based on this correspondence relationship. One effect pattern to be executed is determined from a number of effect patterns by lottery using random numbers, and the notification effect is controlled to start with the determined effect pattern. For example, when the setting information included in the notification effect start command includes information indicating the variation pattern 1 (see FIG. 12 and the like), the CPU 401 performs the third SPSP reach with a variation time of 90 seconds based on the correspondence described above. One of the effect patterns of the type that executes until the effect and finally notifies the jackpot is determined, and the notification effect is started and controlled with the determined effect pattern. Here, when the execution of the prefetching notice effect is set by the process of step S113, the prefetching notice effect is executed in the notification effect. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect stop command set in step S412 in FIG. 11 has been received. If the determination in step S116 is YES, the process proceeds to step S117, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S118 in FIG.

  In step S117, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to completely stop all the decorative symbols that have been variably displayed in the notification effect started in the process of step S115 for a specified time (0.8 seconds). Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is informed in an effective manner (displayed in a fixed stop), and the notification effect is terminated. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S118 in FIG.

  In step S118 in FIG. 40, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the opening command set in the stop process in step S414 in FIG. 11 has been received. If the determination in step S118 is YES, the process proceeds to step S119, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S120.

  In step S119, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 and the like to start the opening effect of the big hit game effect. That is, the big hit game effect is started. Here, the opening effect of the jackpot game effect is an effect of informing the start of the jackpot game, and is typically an image effect that prompts the player to fire a game ball toward the big prize opening 23. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120.

  In step S120, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round start notification command set in step S608 of FIG. 18 has been received. If the determination in step S120 is yes, the process proceeds to step S121. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S121, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start a round effect of the big hit game effect. Here, the round effect is an effect executed during a round game of the big hit game, for example, an effect by an image or the like in which the main character is fighting an enemy character. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S122, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a winning command set in the process of step S613 in FIG. 16 has been received. If the determination in step S122 is YES, the process proceeds to step S123, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S123, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start a winning process. Here, the winning process is, for example, a process of counting the number of winning balls paid out based on the game balls won in the big winning opening 23 that is opened during the big hit game (during the round). The CPU 501 of the instructed image sound control unit 500 receives a winning command based on the game ball winning to the big winning opening 23 among the winning commands received via the effect control unit 400 (that is, the big winning opening) 23, every time one game ball is won), the number of prize balls “13” corresponding to the 23 winning prizes is added to the total number of prize balls stored in the RAM 503, and the updated total number of prize balls is updated. The image is displayed on the image display unit 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S124, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round end notification command set in the process of step S617 in FIG. 18 has been received. If the determination in step S124 is YES, the process proceeds to step S125, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S125, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to end the round effect of the big hit game effect. However, when the round effect to be ended is the round effect of the final round, the CPU 401 has passed the grand prize winning period and the special prize winning period (2 seconds in total) described with reference to FIG. After waiting until the timing, the round production of the big hit game production ends. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S126, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the ending command set in the process of step S620 in FIG. 19 has been received. If the determination in step S126 is YES, the process proceeds to step S127, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S127, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like, and waits for the timing when the grand prize opening valid period and the big prize slot suspension period (2 seconds in total) described with reference to FIG. Then, the ending effect of the jackpot game effect is started (that is, the jackpot game effect is ended). Here, the ending effect is an effect of notifying the end of the big hit game, and is typically an effect of displaying the manufacturer name of the gaming machine 1. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S128, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command set in the process of step S416 in FIG. 11 have been received. If the determination in step S128 is YES, the process proceeds to step S129. If this determination is NO, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S16 in FIG.

  In step S129, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 based on the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command received in step S128 to start the stop state process. Here, the stop state process is a process that is started when a so-called customer waiting state is entered, and the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 instructed to start the stop state process has a predetermined value corresponding to the game state. A stop effect (for example, an effect in which a decorative symbol is stopped and displayed) is displayed on the image display unit 6. When the CPU 501 does not receive an instruction for another effect from the CPU 401 when a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the stop effect described above, the CPU 501 starts the customer waiting effect. The customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect of displaying video related to content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 on the image display unit 6, or a predetermined effect (for example, executed during the game) This is an effect of displaying a part of the reach effect) on the image display unit 6. Then, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S16 in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the data indicating the special symbol variation time of the variation time table stored in the ROM 102 and read out to the RAM 103 is the data indicating the time of “second” (that is, the time data of the division value). When the special symbol variation time is set, it is multiplied by 250 to be converted into time data (ie, time data of the multiplication value) adapted to the arithmetic processing with a period of 4 milliseconds (S826 in FIG. 31, FIG. 25, etc.) reference). In addition, according to the present embodiment, for example, a special symbol variation time of 85.5 seconds, a special symbol variation time in which the data amount exceeds 1 byte even if indicated by the time data of the division value, is the time of the additional variation time. A variable time table is configured by dividing the data (time data indicating the time after the decimal point) (see FIG. 31). Therefore, according to the present embodiment, each data indicating the special symbol variation time in the variation time table can be suppressed to a data amount of 1 byte or less, so that the memory area used in the ROM 102 and the RAM 103 is effectively suppressed. be able to. Here, in this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the number of variation patterns is 24 (see FIG. 31). However, in an actual gaming machine, the number of variation patterns is enormous, 1000 to 10,000. For this reason, the effect of suppressing the above-mentioned use memory area according to the present embodiment becomes enormous in an actual gaming machine.

  Further, as described above, according to the present embodiment, a series of control times of the special symbol game are measured using one timer function (see 11A in FIG. 21 and step S802 in FIG. 23) (FIG. 21). To FIG. 30). Here, in the conventional gaming machine, each control time constituting the special symbol game (control time of special symbol variation display, control time of special symbol stop display of FIG. 22, control time of opening display, control time of round execution Etc.) using the individual timer functions, a separate time count area is provided for each control time constituting the special symbol game in the RAM storage area of the main control unit. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, the series of control times of the special symbol game is measured using one timer function, so that the calculation addition can be effectively reduced. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the special symbol display 4a (or 4b) in the execution period of the special symbol variation display is configured to cyclically display three 7-segment display modes in turn every 48 milliseconds. For measuring the switching time, a timer function (see 12A in FIG. 21 and step S814 in FIG. 24) different from the timer function (see 11A in FIG. 21 and step S802 in FIG. 23) is used. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively suppress the complexity of the arithmetic processing.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a series of control times of the normal symbol game are measured using one timer function (see 11B in FIG. 21 and step S861 in FIG. 33) (FIG. 32). To FIG. 37). Here, in the conventional gaming machine, each control time constituting the normal symbol game (control time for normal symbol variation display, control time for normal symbol stop display, time for electric chew opening / closing control, etc. in FIG. 32) is individually provided. Therefore, a separate time count area was provided for each control time constituting the normal symbol game in the RAM storage area of the main control unit. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, the series of control times of the normal symbol game is measured using one timer function, so that the calculation addition can be effectively reduced. In addition, according to the present embodiment, in the execution period of the normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol display 4e displays the switching time when switching the two display modes of the Malbat display every 48 milliseconds. A timer function (see 12B in FIG. 21 and step S874 in FIG. 34) different from the timer function (see 11B in FIG. 21 and step S861 in FIG. 33) is used. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively suppress the complexity of the arithmetic processing.

[Modification]
In the present embodiment described above, the configuration example in which the special symbol display (4a, 4b) for displaying the special symbol is a 7-segment display has been described. However, the special symbol display is not limited to the 7-segment display, but is an indicator in which, for example, 7 LEDs are arranged in a line. For example, any one of the 7 LEDs is lit and A configuration may be adopted in which one lighting is variably displayed so as to move and circulate so as to flow in one direction, and then stopped and displayed in a lighting pattern for notifying a big hit or loss. In this case, the special symbols are variably displayed by switching the LEDs that are turned on every 48 milliseconds by the processing of steps S814 and S815 in FIG. Similarly, the normal symbol display 4e is not limited to the Marubat display and may be a display of another display format.

  Further, in the present embodiment described above, a configuration example is described in which a big winning opening suspension period is provided in the control of the big hit game (see FIG. 22). However, a configuration may be adopted in which the big prize opening suspension period is not provided in the control of the big hit game.

  Further, in the present embodiment described above, the special symbol variation display (and special symbol stop display) by the first special symbol lottery and the special symbol variation display (and special symbol stop display) by the second special symbol lottery are performed in parallel. In a control configuration that is not executed, a configuration example in which a series of control times of a special symbol game is measured using one timer function (see 11A in FIG. 21 and step S802 in FIG. 23) is given (FIGS. 21 to 30). reference). However, for example, a control configuration capable of executing a special symbol variation display (and special symbol stop display) by the first special symbol lottery and a special symbol variation display (and special symbol stop display) by the second special symbol lottery in parallel. It is good. In this case, for example, the control time for the special symbol variation display (and special symbol stop display) by the first special symbol lottery and the control time for the big hit game by the winning of the first special symbol lottery using one timer function On the other hand, the control time of special symbol fluctuation display (and special symbol stop display) by the second special symbol lottery and the control time for the big hit game by the winning of the second special symbol lottery, one other timer function It is good also as a structure which measures using.

  Further, in the present embodiment described above, when a series of control times of the special symbol game and the normal symbol game are measured using one timer function, the elapsed time to be measured is measured by “subtraction” processing. A configuration example was given (see S802 in FIG. 23 and S861 in FIG. 33). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration may be used in which the elapsed time to be measured is measured by “addition” processing. In this case, for example, in the process of step S821 of FIG. 25, the value of the timer on the special symbol game side reaches the time data value “200” indicating the measurement target time (time of special symbol stop display time 0.8 seconds). This is control for determining whether or not it has been performed.

  Further, in the present embodiment described above, the setting method described with reference to FIG. 31 is used in the process of setting the special symbol variation display time (S826 in FIG. 25, etc.) executed by the main control unit 100. However, another time may be set by the setting method described with reference to FIG. For example, the execution time of various effects executed by the effect control unit 400 or the like may be set by the setting method described with reference to FIG.

  Needless to say, various features described in the above-described embodiment and the modified examples may be combined.

  Further, the shape, number, installation position, and the like of each component provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to other shapes, numbers, and installation positions. It goes without saying that the present invention can be realized without departing from the above. Further, it goes without saying that the numerical values and the like used in the above-described processing are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized even with other numerical values.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail using embodiment, the above-mentioned description is only the illustration of this invention in all the points, and does not intend to limit the range. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the terms used in the present specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Game board 4 ... Display 5 ... Frame member 6 ... Image display part 7 ... Movable accessory 8 ... Board lamp 20 ... Game area 21 ... 1st start opening 22 ... 2nd start opening 23 ... Grand prize Mouth 24 ... Normal winning port 25 ... Gate 26 ... Discharge port 27 ... Electric tulip 31 ... Handle 32 ... Lever 33 ... Stop button 34 ... Eject button 35 ... Speaker 36 ... Frame lamp 37 ... Production button 38 ... Production key 39 ... Dish 43 ... Lock part 100 ... Main control part 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 ... CPU
102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 ... ROM
103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 ... RAM
111a ... 1st start port switch 111b ... 2nd start port switch 112 ... Electric tulip opening / closing part 113 ... Gate switch 114 ... Grand prize opening switch 115 ... Grand prize opening / closing part 116 ... Normal prize opening switch 200 ... Launch control part 211 ... Launching device 300 ... payout control unit 311 ... payout drive unit 400 ... production control unit 404 ... RTC
500 ... Image sound control unit 600 ... Lamp control unit HT ... Change pattern table

Claims (1)

Acquisition means for acquiring game information upon establishment of a start condition;
Based on the game information acquired by the acquisition unit, a variation time determination unit that determines a variation time that is a time during which the special symbol is variably displayed on the symbol display unit;
Special game determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game for opening a special prize opening based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means;
The special symbol is displayed on the symbol display means after the fluctuation time determined by the fluctuation time determination means and the fluctuation display, and then displayed for a predetermined stop time, thereby notifying the determination result by the special game determination means. Special symbol display control means;
When a determination result indicating that a special game is to be executed is notified by the special symbol display control means, special game control means for performing a special game by controlling the opening of the special prize opening;
Information storage means having a timer area which is a storage area for writing time data and measuring the passage of time;
Writing time data in the timer area, and updating the value of the time data until it reaches a predetermined value according to the passage of time, thereby comprising a time measuring means for determining that the time to be measured has passed,
The time measuring means is configured to determine a lapse of the variation time determined by the variation time determination means, a lapse of the predetermined stop time, and a lapse of time related to the opening control of the special prize opening by the special game control means. A game machine that uses an area to determine.

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