JP2016147151A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent player's confusion by preventing occurrence of a conflict between a notified performance mode and a peculiar performance to be executed actually.SOLUTION: As operation using operation means (for example, a push button 120), operation in a first operation mode (for example, single pressing) and operation in a second operation mode (for example, long-pressing) having a longer period required for operation than that of the first operation mode can be determined. Then, based on execution of operation in the second operation mode within an operation effective period during execution of variation display of a performance pattern, the performance mode is changed and it is notified that the performance mode has been changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 36

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that performs variable display and can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to a player.

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

  The game value is the right that the state of the variable winning ball apparatus provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine becomes advantageous for a player who is easy to win, and the right for becoming advantageous for a player. In other words, or a condition for winning a prize ball is easily established.

  In the pachinko machine, a predetermined specific display result is derived and displayed as a variable display display result of a special symbol (identification information) that is started by the variable display means based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening. In this case, a “hit (specific game state)” occurs. The derived display is to stop and display the symbol. When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round.

  In such a gaming machine, there is one that is configured to be controllable in any one of a plurality of effect modes in which the effect mode is different and a specific effect (for example, a notice effect) can be executed (Patent Document) 1). For example, in Patent Document 1, based on the operation means (effect mode selection button) being operated during variable display, the background image is changed according to the changed effect mode at the timing when the operation means is operated ( It is described that the effect mode has been switched, and that the actual display effect content in the effect mode after the change is changed in the next variable display.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-174956 (paragraph 0163-0167, FIG. 27)

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Literature 1, the timing for notifying that the effect mode has been switched is different from the timing at which the internal effect mode is actually shifted, and the operation means is operated. In the variable display executed in step 1, the effect mode on display (notified effect mode) does not match the internal effect mode. For this reason, there is a possibility that a contradiction occurs between the effect mode on display and the inherent effect actually executed, and the player may be confused.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent confusion of a player.

(Means 1) A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that performs variable display and can be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player, and an operating means (for example, a player can operate) , A push button 120) and a second operation mode (for example, a long time required for the operation compared to the first operation mode and the operation by the first operation mode (for example, single press) as an operation using the operation means. Operation mode determination means (for example, a portion of steps S814 to S818, S824 and S8110 to S8115 in the production control microcomputer 100) that is capable of determining an operation by a long press) is different from the production mode and has a unique production ( For example, any one of a plurality of effect modes (for example, effect mode A and effect mode B) capable of executing the notice effect A to the notice effect D) Effect mode control means (for example, a portion for executing steps S821, S823, S204, and S206 in the effect control microcomputer 100) and effect execution means capable of executing effects; Can be switched to any one of a plurality of effect modes based on the operation in the second operation mode using the operation means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 is Steps S819 to S823 are executed based on the determination at step S818 as Y. For example, the mode change operation acceptance flag is set at step S8116 based on the determination at step S8115 as Y, and Y at step S200. Steps S202 to S based on the determination 06), based on the fact that the operation according to the second operation mode has been performed within the operation effective period during execution of variable display, the effect mode is switched and the effect mode is switched (for example, The production control microcomputer 100 sets a mode change operation acceptance flag in step S8116 based on the determination in step S8115, and executes steps S204 and S206 based on the determination in step S200. The production mode is changed and the background screen corresponding to the production mode is changed by executing steps S203 and S205), and the production that can be executed by the production execution means includes production that can be executed in common in a plurality of production modes. It is characterized by. Such a configuration can prevent the player from being confused.

(Means 2) In the means 1, the production mode control means performs the operation in the second operation mode within the operation effective period during execution of variable display in which a display result other than the specific display result is derived and displayed after reaching the reach state. Even when it is performed, the effect mode is switched and the effect mode is switched (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 is a variation pattern that is out of reach regardless of the variation pattern. Also, steps S8106 to S8116 may be executed uniformly). According to such a configuration, even when the reach state is reached in the variable display, the effect mode is switched without resetting a predetermined operation, so that the player's intention can be accurately reflected.

(Means 3) In the means 1 or 2, the effect execution means (for example, step S8003 in the effect control microcomputer 100) that executes a specific effect (for example, the notice effect A to the notice effect D) according to the effect mode. The step of executing steps S8006 and S8105 according to the process table selected in step S8004 according to the determined notice effect is provided, and the effect execution means has a specific effect at a different timing depending on which effect mode is controlled. (For example, as shown in FIG. 32, the production control microcomputer 100 can execute the notice production B that is executed during high-speed fluctuation only when the production mode A is controlled. Notice effect A and change executed at the start of change only when effect mode B is controlled Informational display possible is run the C) may be configured to be performed when speed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to vary the execution timing of a specific effect depending on which effect mode is controlled, and it is possible to improve the interest in the effect mode.

(Means 4) In any one of the means 1 to 3, the effect mode control means may change the variable based on the operation in the second operation mode within the operation effective period during execution of the variable display. When the next variable display is executed, the effect mode is switched and the effect mode is switched (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 determines that Y is determined in step S8115). A mode change operation acceptance flag is set in step S8116, and steps S204 and S206 are executed based on the fact that step S200 determines Y in step S2002 in the effect mode change process executed in step S8002 which is executed at the start of the next effect symbol variation display. Switch the production mode and execute steps S203 and S205. Director to change the background screen according to the mode) may be configured so. According to such a configuration, the effect mode is switched when the next variable display is executed, instead of the effect mode being switched with the variable display being performed when the predetermined operation is performed. The control burden can be reduced.

(Means 5) In any one of the means 1 to 4, an operation effectiveness notification execution means (for example, a button operation suggestion display) that allows the player to recognize the operation validity period of the operation means (for example, button operation suggestion display) And the operation effective notification executing means includes an operation effective notification period until a predetermined period before the end of the operation effective period (for example, 0.2 seconds before). (For example, when the operation effective period ends up to 0.2 seconds before the operation effective period ends), the operation effective notification is executed (for example, if the production control microcomputer 100 determines Y in step S8118, it executes step S8119). The button operation suggestion display may be erased). According to such a configuration, when an operation is performed at the timing when the operation validity notification ends, it is possible to prevent the player from being misunderstood that the operation means is not reacted even if the operation means is operated within the operation effective period. can do.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 4 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows a big hit determination table, a small hit determination table, and a big hit type determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a pending | holding storage buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result designation | designated command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol display control process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is a flowchart which shows an effect mode change process. It is a flowchart which shows a notification effect setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a notice effect determination table. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the production | presentation aspect when switching of production modes is performed based on operation in the variation display of production | presentation symbol. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the timing of the switching reservation operation of the production mode in the variation display of the production symbol. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the specific example of the display mode and display timing of a button operation suggestion display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification in the case of applying the structure which complete | finishes a button operation suggestion display before the end of an operation valid period, when performing a button notice effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification in the case of applying the structure which complete | finishes a button operation suggestion display before the end of an operation valid period, when performing a button notice effect.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the display color reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol (a display color different from the loss. Sometimes it is displayed in blue, but it is displayed in red when it is a big hit, and the display color may be different depending on the type of big hit (whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit). The display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening (for example, a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit). If it is controllable, the display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game, and the number of rounds per jackpot is the same as in this embodiment. Even if there is, for example, the opening time of the big prize opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), and the big winnings per round and the big winning prize opening per round cannot be expected substantially. If the opening time is long (for example, 30 seconds) and there is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball in the big winning opening, whether or not the game ball can be expected to win in the big winning opening. The display color may be different depending on the number of times, and for example, the number of opening of the big winning opening per round is different, so that it is possible to expect the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening. Even when there is a big hit that cannot be made, the display color may be made different depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to substantially win the big winning opening.

  Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the display color reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol (display color different from the loss. Sometimes it is displayed in blue, but it is displayed in red when it is a big hit, and the display color may be different depending on the type of big hit (whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit). The display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening (for example, a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit). If it is controllable, the display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game, and the number of rounds per jackpot is the same as in this embodiment. Even if there is, for example, the opening time of the big prize opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), and the big winnings per round and the big winning prize opening per round cannot be expected substantially. If the opening time is long (for example, 30 seconds) and there is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball in the big winning opening, whether or not the game ball can be expected to win in the big winning opening. The display color may be different depending on the number of times, and for example, the number of opening of the big winning opening per round is different, so that it is possible to expect the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening. Even when there is a big hit that cannot be made, the display color may be made different depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to substantially win the big winning opening.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Also, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there are provided a first reserved memory display unit 18c for displaying the first reserved memory number and a second reserved memory display unit 18d for displaying the second reserved memory number. Yes. In addition, it replaces with the 1st pending | holding memory display part 18c and the 2nd pending | holding memory display part 18d, and displays the total number (sum total pending memory number) which is the sum total of the 1st pending memory number and the 2nd pending memory number You may comprise so that a memory | storage display part may be provided. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of established execution conditions that do not satisfy the variable display start condition by providing the total pending storage display unit that displays the total number. . Further, in the case of such a configuration, in the total hold storage display unit, the first hold memory and the second hold memory are displayed side by side in the winning order to the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14, It is configured so that it can be recognized whether it is the first reserved memory or the second reserved memory (for example, the first reserved memory is displayed in red and the second reserved memory is displayed in blue). It is desirable to do.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 controls the display of the frame LED 28 provided on the frame side and the big prize opening LED 20A provided at the big prize opening via the lamp driver board 35. And the sound output from the speaker 27 is controlled via the sound output board 70.

  The effect control means is also connected to a trigger sensor 125, a tilt direction sensor unit 123 provided in the stick controller 122, a vibrator motor 126, and a push sensor 124 provided in the push button 120, as will be described later. However, the illustration is omitted in FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the LED is input to the LED driver 352 via the input driver 351. The LED driver 352 supplies current to light emitters such as the frame LED 28 and the special prize opening LED 20A based on a signal for driving the LED.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 4 ms is set as an initial value in a predetermined register (time constant register). In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 4 ms.

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

  In this embodiment, the reach effect is executed using effect symbols that are variably displayed on the effect display device 9. In addition, when the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the reach effect is always executed (however, in the case of the sudden probability variation big hit, the reach probability sudden hit symbol (for example, “135”) is not reached but reached. May be stopped). When the display result of the special symbol is not a jackpot symbol, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether to execute the reach effect by performing a lottery to determine the variation pattern type and variation pattern using random numbers. To do. However, it is the production control microcomputer 100 that actually executes the reach production control.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In this embodiment, when the big win symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state. Finally, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R in the effect display device 9 (provided that the probability sudden hit is sudden) In some cases, the probability change big hit symbol (for example, “135”) is stopped and displayed without being reached).

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S23 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, the game control microcomputer 560 uses a counter for generating the jackpot type determination random number (1) and the random number for determination per ordinary symbol (4). Count up (add 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers (random 2, random 3) or initial value random numbers (random 5). In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may use random numbers other than said random number. In this embodiment, a random number generated by hardware incorporated in the game control microcomputer 560 (or hardware external to the game control microcomputer 560) is used as the jackpot determination random number. Note that a software random number may be used instead of a hardware random number as the jackpot determining random number.

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

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

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

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

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

  FIGS. 7D and 7E are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination tables 131 a and 131 b stored in the ROM 54. Among these, FIG. 7D determines the jackpot type using the holding memory based on the fact that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 (that is, when the first special symbol variation display is performed). This is a jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol) 131a. FIG. 7E shows a case where the jackpot type is determined by using the holding memory based on the fact that the game ball has won the second start winning opening 14 (that is, when the variation display of the second special symbol is performed). Is a jackpot type determination table (for the second special symbol) 131b.

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

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

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

  The “ordinary big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to the 15-round big hit gaming state and is shifted to the short-time state only after the big hit gaming state ends (see step S167 described later). Then, after shifting to the time reduction state, when the variable display is finished a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment), the time reduction state is ended (see steps S168 and S137 to S140). Even before the variable display is finished a predetermined number of times, the time saving state is also finished when the next big hit occurs (see step S132).

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

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

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

  As described above, in this embodiment, even in the case of “small hit”, the big winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 seconds, and the big hit gaming state by “suddenly probable big hit” Similar control is performed. In the case of “small hit”, the game state does not change after the opening of the big winning opening twice, and the game state before “small hit” is maintained. By doing so, it is made impossible to recognize whether it is “suddenly promising big hit” or “small hit”, and the interest of the game is improved. In addition, when it is configured so that all the big hit types are probable big hits, it is not necessary to provide the small hits. In addition, when all big hit types are probabilistic big hits, if you are configured to provide a small hit, suddenly probable big hits that do not involve a short-time state (high base state) just by shifting to a probable state (high probability state). (It is preferable that the opening pattern of the big prize opening is the same in the case of the sudden probability change big hit and the small win).

  The big hit type determination tables 131a and 131b are numerical values to be compared with a random 1 value, and corresponding to the “normal big hit”, “probability variable big hit”, and “suddenly probable big hit” (big hit type determination value) ) Is set. When the value of random 1 matches any of the jackpot type determination values, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type as a type corresponding to the matched jackpot type determination value.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Commands A001 and A002 (H) are effect control commands for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). In this embodiment, a big hit start designation command or a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command is used according to the type of big hit. Specifically, the big hit start designation command (A001 (H)) is used for “normal big hit” or “probable big hit”, and the small hit for “suddenly promiscuous big hit” or “small hit”. / Sudden probability change big hit start designation command (A002 (H)) is used. Note that the game control microcomputer 560 may be configured to transmit a fanfare designation command for suddenly probable big hit start designation in the case of a sudden big hit, but not to send a fanfare designation command in the case of a small hit. Good.

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a special winning opening) indicating a display of the number of times (round) indicated by XX while the special winning opening is open. Since the value specifying the round is set in the EXT data for each round, and the command for opening a special prize opening is transmitted, a different command for opening a special prize opening is transmitted for each round. For example, when executing the first round during the big hit game, a special winning opening opening designation command (A101 (H)) for specifying round 1 is transmitted, and when executing the tenth round during the big hit game. Is a special winning opening open designation command (A10A (H)) for designating round 10. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. In addition, since the value specifying the round is set in the EXT data for each round and the designation command after opening the special winning opening is transmitted, a different designation command after opening the special winning opening is transmitted for each round. For example, when ending the first round during the big hit game, a designation command (A201 (H)) after the big winning opening is designated to designate round 1, and when the tenth round during the big hit game is ended. Is sent after a special winning opening opening command (A30A (H)) for designating round 10.

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

  Command B000 (H) is an effect control command (normal state background designation command) for designating background display when the gaming state is the normal state. Command B001 (H) is an effect control command (probability change state background designation command) for designating a background display when the gaming state is the probability change state. Command B002 (H) is an effect control command (time-short state background designation command) for designating a background display when the gaming state is the time-short state.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command described above from the game control micro computer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the effect display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. To do.

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

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

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

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

  FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of a special symbol process (step S26) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. FIG. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 turns on the first start winning opening 13 when the first start opening switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 is turned on. If a winning has occurred, a first start port switch passage process is executed (steps S311 and S312). If the second start port switch 14a for detecting that the game ball has won the second start winning port 14 is turned on, that is, the start winning to the second start winning port 14 has occurred. Then, the second start port switch passage process is executed (steps S313, S314). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

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

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of variable display until the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) is defined as the variation display variation time of the special symbol. Decide to do. Further, control is performed to transmit a variation pattern command corresponding to the determined variation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100, and a variation time timer for measuring the variation time of the special symbol is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

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

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the design control microcomputer 100 determines the symbol. Control to transmit the specified command is performed, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to step S304. The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the fourth symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. When the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0). In this embodiment, as will be described later, a special symbol display control for stopping and displaying a special symbol stop symbol in the special symbol display control process based on the fact that the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The data is set in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data (see FIG. 21), and the stop symbol of the special symbol is actually stopped and displayed according to the setting contents of the output buffer in the display control processing in step S22.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. In addition, control is performed to transmit the special winning opening open designation command to the production control microcomputer 100, the execution time of the special winning opening open processing is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set in step S306. To a value corresponding to (6 in this example). The pre-opening process for the big winning opening is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game.

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

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

  Small hit release pre-processing (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the pre-opening process for small hits, control is performed to open the big prize opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (9 in this example) corresponding to step S309. Note that the pre-opening process for small hits is executed every time the big winning opening during the small hit game is opened. It is also a process to start.

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

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

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

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

  If the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S1212A), and the value of the total reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S1213A). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the first reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S1214A). . In the process of step S1214A, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and a variation pattern A random number for determination (random 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. Note that the random number for random pattern determination (random 3) is not extracted in the first start port switch passing process (at the time of start winning) and stored in the storage area in advance, but is extracted at the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol. You may do it. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) in a variation pattern setting process described later.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (hold buffer) for storing random numbers and the like corresponding to the hold memory. As shown in FIG. 13, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value of the second reserved storage number (4 in this example) is secured in the second reserved storage buffer. In this embodiment, the first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer include a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation A random number for pattern type determination (random 2) and a random number for variation pattern determination (random 3) are stored. The first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the first reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1215A).

  Next, the second start port switch passing process will be described with reference to FIG. In the second start port switch passing process executed when the second start port switch 14a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the second reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the second hold port number). Whether or not the value of the second reserved memory number counter for counting the memory number is 4 is confirmed (step S1211B). If the second reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the processing is terminated as it is.

  If the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S1212B), and the value of the aggregated reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S1213B). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in the storage area in the second reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S1214B). . In the process of step S1214B, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and a variation pattern A random number for determination (random 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. Note that the random number for random pattern determination (random 3) is not extracted in the second start port switch passing process (at the time of start winning) and stored in the storage area in advance, but is extracted at the start of the variation of the second special symbol. You may do it. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) in a variation pattern setting process described later.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the second reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1215B).

  14 and 15 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total pending storage number is 0, if the customer waiting demonstration designation command has not yet been transmitted, control is performed to send the customer waiting demonstration designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S51A), and the processing is performed. finish. For example, when the CPU 56 transmits a customer waiting demonstration designation command in step S51A, the CPU 56 sets a customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted flag indicating that the customer waiting demonstration designation command has been transmitted. When the special symbol normal processing after the next timer interruption is executed after sending the customer waiting demo designation command, the customer waiting demonstration request command is repeatedly set based on the fact that the customer waiting demo designation command transmission completed flag is set. Control should be performed so that the demo designation command is not transmitted. In this case, the customer waiting demonstration designation command transmission completion flag may be reset when the next special symbol variation display is started.

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

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

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

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

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

  Therefore, the order in which each random value stored in each storage area corresponding to each first reserved memory number (or each second reserved memory number) is extracted is always the first reserved memory number (or (Second reserved storage number) = 1, 2, 3, 4 in order. Further, the order in which the values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the total number of pending storages are extracted always matches the order of the total number of pending storages = 1-8.

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

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

  Specifically, when the CPU 56 transmits the effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the address of the command transmission table (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) corresponding to the effect control command is given. Set to pointer. And the address of the command transmission table according to an effect control command is set to a pointer, and an effect control command is transmitted in an effect control command control process (step S28). In this embodiment, when the change of the special symbol is started, the background designation command, the fluctuation pattern command, the display result designation command, the reserved memory number subtraction designation command (the first reserved memory number subtraction) for each timer interrupt. The designation command or the second reserved memory number subtraction designation command) is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 in this order. Specifically, when the change of the special symbol is started, first, the background designation command is transmitted, the variation pattern command is transmitted after 4 ms elapses, the display result designation command is transmitted after elapse of 4 ms, and further after 4 ms elapses. A pending storage number subtraction designation command (a first pending storage number subtraction designation command or a second pending storage number subtraction designation command) is transmitted. In addition, the symbol variation designation command (the first symbol variation designation command, the second symbol variation designation command) is also transmitted when the special symbol variation starts, but the symbol variation designation command is the same timer interrupt as the variation pattern command. Is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100.

  In the special symbol normal process, first, data indicating “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first start winning opening 13, that is, “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first special symbol. ”Or“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second special symbol, that is,“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second start winning opening 14. Data is set in the special symbol pointer. In the subsequent processing in the special symbol process, processing corresponding to the data set in the special symbol pointer is executed. Therefore, the process of steps S300 to S310 can be made common between the case of targeting the first special symbol and the case of targeting the second special symbol.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area and executes a jackpot determination module. In this case, the CPU 56 is for determining the big hit that has been extracted in step S1214A of the first start port switch passing process or step S1214B of the second start port switch passing process and previously stored in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer. A random number is read and a big hit judgment is performed. The big hit determination module compares the big hit determination value or the small hit determination value (see FIG. 7) determined in advance with the big hit determination random number, and executes a process of determining that it is a big hit or a small hit if they match. It is a program to do. That is, it is a program that executes a big hit determination or a small hit determination process.

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

  Note that whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation state is determined by whether or not the probability variation flag is set. The probability variation flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state, and is reset when the probability variation state is terminated. Specifically, it is determined to be “probability big hit” or “sudden probability big hit”, and is set in the process of ending the big hit game. Then, after the jackpot game is over, it is reset when the next jackpot occurs.

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

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

  In step S71, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag indicating that it is a big hit. Then, the jackpot type determination table indicated by the special symbol pointer is selected as a table used to determine the jackpot type as one of a plurality of types (step S72). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 selects the jackpot type determination table 131a for the first special symbol shown in FIG. 7D. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 selects a big hit type determination table 131b for the second special symbol shown in FIG.

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the selected jackpot type determination table to select a type (“normal jackpot”, “probability change”) corresponding to the value of the random number for random determination (random 1) stored in the random number buffer area. "Big hit" or "Suddenly probable big hit") is determined as the type of big hit (step S73). In this case, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type extracted in step S1214A of the first start port switch passing process or step S1214B of the second start port switch passing process and stored in advance in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer. The random number is read and the jackpot type is determined. Further, in this case, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, it is compared with the case where the variable display of the second special symbol is executed. Therefore, the rate at which suddenly probable big hits are selected is high.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a special symbol stop symbol (step S75). Specifically, when neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, “−” which is a loss symbol is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the big hit flag is set, one of “1”, “3”, and “7”, which is a big hit symbol, is determined as a special symbol stop symbol according to the determination result of the big hit type. That is, when the big hit type is determined to be “suddenly promising big hit”, “1” is decided as a special symbol stop symbol, and when “normal big hit” is decided, “3” is decided as a special symbol stop symbol. If “probable big hit” is determined, “7” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the small hit flag is set, “5” as the small hit symbol is determined as the special symbol stop symbol.

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

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

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S91). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 uses any one of the big hit variation pattern type determination table corresponding to the big hit type as a table used for determining the fluctuation pattern type as one of a plurality of types. Is selected (step S92). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

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

  When the small hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag indicating that the time reduction state is set (step S95). The time reduction flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability change state or the time reduction state, and is reset when the time reduction state ends. Specifically, when it is determined to be “ordinary jackpot”, the time reduction flag is set in the process of ending the jackpot game. In addition, after the big hit game is over, it is reset when the variable display is finished a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 100 times). Even before the end of the predetermined number of fluctuation displays, the hourly flag is reset even when the next big hit occurs. Further, when it is determined to be “probability change big hit” or “sudden probability change big hit”, in the process of ending the big hit game, the probability change flag is set and the time reduction flag is set. When the next big hit occurs, the time reduction flag is reset together with the probability variation flag.

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

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

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

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

  In this embodiment, even when the gaming state is a probabilistic change state or a short time state, when the total number of pending storage is almost 0 (for example, 0, 0, or 1). May not display the variation display of the shortened variation. In this case, for example, when the CPU 56 determines Y in step S95, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the total pending storage number is almost zero. A variation pattern type determination table may be selected.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads random 2 (random number for variation pattern type determination) from the random number buffer area (first reserved storage buffer or second reserved storage buffer), and selects it in the process of steps S92, S94, S97, S98 or S99. By referring to the table, the variation pattern type is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S100).

  Next, based on the determination result of the variation pattern type in step S100, the CPU 56 uses a hit variation pattern determination table and a deviation variation pattern determination table as tables used to determine one of a plurality of variation patterns. One of them is selected (step S101). Further, the random pattern 3 (random number for variation pattern determination) is read from the random number buffer area (first reserved storage buffer or second reserved storage buffer), and the variation pattern is determined by referring to the variation pattern determination table selected in step S101. Is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S102). When the random number 3 (variation pattern determination random number) is not extracted at the start winning timing, the CPU 56 uses the variation pattern determination random number counter for generating the variation pattern determination random number (random 3). It is also possible to extract the value directly from and to determine the variation pattern based on the extracted random number value.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the symbol variation designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S103). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first symbol variation designation command. In addition, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second symbol variation designation command. Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit an effect control command (variation pattern command) corresponding to the determined change pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S104).

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S105). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result designation command transmission process (step S302) (step S106).

  In the case where it is determined to be out of place, instead of suddenly determining the variation pattern type, first, it may be determined whether or not to reach by a lottery process using a random number for reach determination. Then, based on the determination result as to whether or not to reach, the processing of steps S95 to S100 may be executed to determine the variation pattern type. In this case, a variation pattern type determination table for non-reach and a variation pattern type determination table for reach are prepared in advance, and one of the variation pattern type determination tables is selected based on the reach determination result. The variation pattern type may be determined.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 transmits one of the presentation control commands (display result 1 designation to display result 5 designation) (see FIG. 8) in accordance with the determined big hit type, small hit, and loss. Control. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S110). If not set, the process proceeds to step S116. When the big hit flag is set, if the type of the big hit is “normal big hit”, control is performed to transmit a display result 2 designation command (steps S111 and S112). Whether or not it is “ordinary big hit” can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is “01”. . Further, when the big hit type is “probability big hit”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 3 designation command (steps S113 and S114). Whether or not it is “probable big hit” can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is “02”. . Then, when neither the “normal big hit” nor the “probable change big hit” (that is, “suddenly probable big hit”), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 4 designation command (step S115).

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

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S119).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 first confirms whether or not a reserved memory number subtraction designation command (first reserved memory number subtraction designation command or second reserved memory number subtraction designation command) has already been transmitted ( Step S1121). Whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command has already been transmitted indicates whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command has been transmitted when the pending storage number subtraction designation command is transmitted in step S1122, which will be described later, for example. The stored number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag may be set, and in step S1121, it may be confirmed whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag is set. Also, in this case, the set reserved memory number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag is reset by special symbol stop processing or jackpot end processing, which will be described later, when the special symbol fluctuation display is terminated or when the big jackpot is terminated. That's fine.

  Next, if the reserved memory number subtraction designation command has not been transmitted, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the reserved memory number subtraction designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1122). In this case, when a value indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first reserved memory number subtraction designation command. If a value indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second reserved memory number subtraction designation command.

  Next, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the variable time timer (step S1125). When the variable time timer times out (step S1126), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1127). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop process (step S304) (step S1128). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S131). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56, if it is set, the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state, the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state, and the number of times the special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state. Is reset (step S132), and a control for transmitting a big hit start designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S133). Specifically, when the type of jackpot is “normal jackpot” or “probability jackpot”, a jackpot start designation command (command A001 (H)) is transmitted. When the big hit type is sudden probability change big hit, a small hit / sudden probability change big hit start designation command (command A002 (H)) is transmitted. Whether the big hit type is “normal big hit”, “probable big hit” or “suddenly probable big hit” is data indicating the big hit type stored in the RAM 55 (data stored in the big hit type buffer) Based on the determination.

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

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

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S141). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 transmits a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command (command A002 (H)) to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S142). In addition, a value corresponding to the small hit display time (for example, the time when the effect display device 9 notifies that the small hit has occurred) is set in the small hit display time timer (step S143). Further, the number of times of opening (for example, 2 times) is set in the special winning opening opening number counter (step S144). In addition, the opening time per time of the big winning opening in the small hit game is set. Specifically, 0.1 seconds which is the same as the round time for the sudden probability change big hit is set as the opening time for one big winning opening in the small hit game. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit start pre-processing (step S308) (step S145).

  If the small hit flag is not set (N in step S141), the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S146).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S160). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S164. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S161), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S162). Here, when it is “ordinary big hit” or “probable big hit”, a big hit end designation command (command A301 (H)) is transmitted, and when it is “sudden probability big hit”, small hit / sudden probability big hit An end designation command (command A 302 (H)) is transmitted. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is performed in the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S163), and the processing is ended.

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

  If the big hit end display time has elapsed (Y in step S165), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit that ends this time is a normal big hit (step S166). Whether or not it is “ordinary big hit” can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is “01”. . If it is a normal big hit, the CPU 56 sets a time reduction flag and shifts to a time reduction state (step S167). Further, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) in the time reduction number counter (step S168).

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

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

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol display control process (step S32) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. In the special symbol display control process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (step S3201). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (that is, if the special symbol variation processing is being executed), the CPU 56 sets the special symbol display control data for special symbol variation display for setting the special symbol display control data. Processing for setting or updating the output buffer is performed (step S3202). In this case, the CPU 56 sets or updates special symbol display control data for performing variable display of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) indicated by the special symbol pointer. For example, if the fluctuation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds, the value of the special symbol display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by 1 every time 0.2 seconds elapse. After that, display control processing (see step S22) is executed, and a drive signal is output to the special symbol displays 8a and 8b in accordance with the contents of the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. The special symbol display on the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b is executed.

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

  In this embodiment, the special symbol display control data is set in the output buffer according to the value of the special symbol process flag. However, in the special symbol process, the start flag is set at the start of the variation of the special symbol. In addition, an end flag may be set at the end of the variation of the special symbol. In the special symbol display control process (step S32), the CPU 56 starts updating the value of the special symbol display control data based on the start flag being set, and based on the end flag being set. Thus, special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the stop symbol may be set.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 4 ms) is performed (step S701). . Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring a timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer of a ring buffer type capable of storing six 2-byte configuration effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIGS. 8 and 9) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is. Note that the interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal is executed in preference to the timer interrupt process executed every 4 ms.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of command analysis processing (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

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

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

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

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

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot start designation command (command A001 (H)) (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start designation command reception flag (step S622).

  If the received effect control command is a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command (command A002 (H)) (step S623), the production control CPU 101 sets a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command reception flag. (Step S624).

  If the received effect control command is another command, effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S625). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled and variable display of the effect symbol is realized. However, control related to variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the first special symbol is also the second. Control related to the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol is also executed in one effect control process. It should be noted that the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol and the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the second special symbol may be executed by separate effect control process processing. Good. Further, in this case, it may be determined which special symbol variation display is being executed depending on which representation control process processing is performing the variation display of the representation symbol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the mode change operation acceptance flag indicating that the effect mode change operation has been accepted is set (step S812).

  The “production mode” is a mode in which the production mode is made different depending on the mode and a specific production (in this example, a notice production) according to the mode can be executed. In this embodiment, the production mode A and There are two types of production mode B. Also, in this embodiment, when the variation of the effect symbol is not being displayed (for example, when the demonstration is being displayed), the effect mode is immediately switched based on the detection of the long press operation of the push button 120. (See steps S813 to S823 described later). Further, when the effect symbol variation display is in progress, the effect mode switching is reserved based on the detection of the long press operation of the push button 120, and the next effect symbol variation display is executed. Are switched (see steps S200 to S206 and S8106 to S8116 described later). The mode change operation acceptance flag is set based on the fact that a long press operation of the push button 120 is detected during the change display of the effect symbol (see step S8116 described later). Therefore, in this embodiment, the fact that the mode change acceptance flag is set during the effect symbol variation display means that the effect mode switching is reserved for the next effect symbol variation display. To do.

  In this embodiment, when the gaming machine is powered on for the first time, the effect mode A is controlled as a default. In this case, for example, in the initialization process (see step S10) executed when the power to the gaming machine is turned on, a process for clearing the effect mode B flag described later is performed, and the default is set when the gaming machine is turned on. As shown in FIG. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the mode shown in this embodiment, and for example, when the player starts the game, it may be configured so that a selection operation can be performed from which effect mode to start the game.

  If the mode change operation acceptance flag is not set (that is, if the switching of the production mode is not reserved), the production control CPU 101 measures the operation period for measuring the detection period of the long press operation of the push button 120. It is confirmed whether or not the timer value is 0 (step S813). If the value of the operation period measurement timer is 0, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not an operation detection signal from the push button 120 has been input (step S814). If the operation detection signal from the push button 120 has been input, the effect control CPU 101 sets a predetermined value in the operation period measurement timer (step S815) and ends the process. In this embodiment, in step S815, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to 3 seconds as a predetermined value. That is, in this embodiment, the push button 120 is continuously pressed for 3 seconds (hereinafter also referred to as a long press operation detection period), and an operation detection signal is continuously input from the push button 120 for 3 seconds. Then, it is determined that the long press operation of the push button 120 has been performed. For example, it may be determined that a long press operation has been performed when the push button 120 is pressed for 2 seconds or 4 seconds or longer, not limited to 3 seconds.

  If the operation period measurement timer is not 0 (that is, when the operation start of the push button 120 has already been detected and measurement of the long press period has started), the effect control CPU 101 determines the value of the operation period measurement timer. 1 is subtracted (step S816), and it is confirmed whether or not the value of the operation period measurement timer after the subtraction is 0 (step S817). If the value of the operation period measurement timer is 0, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the operation detection signal from the push button 120 has been input (step S818). If the operation detection signal from the push button 120 is input, the effect control CPU 101 determines that a long press operation of the push button 120 has been detected, and the process proceeds to step S819.

  It should be noted that the determination process of the operation signal input from the push button 120 in step S818 may be executed before step S816. In this case, the push button is determined based on the fact that the operation period measurement timer has timed out in step S817. What is necessary is just to make it determine with having detected 120 long press operation, and to transfer to step S819.

  In this embodiment, the input of the operation detection signal from the push button 120 is confirmed at the start and end of the long press operation detection period (3 seconds in this example) (see steps S814 and S818). In this example, it is determined that a long press operation of the push button 120 has been detected, but the detection method is not limited to the detection method described in this embodiment. For example, the input of the operation detection signal from the push button 120 may be confirmed at three or more timings within the long press operation detection period. In this case, after the push button 120 is pressed, the push button 120 is accidentally pushed at the start and end of the long press operation detection period even though the hand is released from the push button 12 and the push button 120 is pressed again. An input of an operation detection signal from 120 can be detected to prevent erroneous detection that a long press operation of the push button 120 has been performed.

  When the input of the operation detection signal from the push button 120 is detected in step S818, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the effect mode B flag indicating that the effect mode B is controlled is set. (Step S819). In this embodiment, the effect mode B flag is reset when the effect mode A is controlled, and the effect mode B flag is set when the effect mode B is controlled. State.

  If the effect mode B flag is not set (that is, if the effect mode A is controlled), the effect control CPU 101 uses the background screen of the effect display device 9 as the background screen for the effect mode B (for example, the ocean screen). (Background screen of landscape) is changed (step S820). Then, the production control CPU 101 sets the production mode B flag (step S821) and shifts to the production mode B.

  On the other hand, if the production mode B flag is set (that is, if the production mode B is controlled), the production control CPU 101 uses the background screen in the production display device 9 as the background screen for the production mode A (for example, (Background screen of mountain landscape) (step S822). Then, the production control CPU 101 resets the production mode A flag (step S823), and shifts to the production mode A.

  When the process of steps S819 to S823 is executed, and a long press operation of the push button 120 is detected when the variation of the effect symbol is not being displayed, the effect mode is immediately switched (steps S821, S823). (See step S820, S822).

  In this embodiment, the case where the effect mode is switched based on the detection that the long press operation of the push button 120 is detected when the effect symbols are not being displayed is shown. For example, the effect mode may be switched based on the fact that the single-pressing operation of the push button 120 is detected when the effect symbols are not being displayed.

  In this embodiment, the case where the effect mode is switched unconditionally based on the detection of the long press operation of the push button 120 is shown unless the effect symbol variation display is in progress. It is not limited to the processing mode shown. For example, if the next variation display is not started immediately after the variation display of the production symbol is finished, the demonstration display is not started immediately after the variation display of the production symbol is finished. When the display is started, it is confirmed whether or not the demonstration is currently being displayed, and on the condition that it is determined that the demonstration is being displayed, the process after step S813 is executed to perform the process of switching the effect mode. It may be configured to be executable.

  If the mode change operation acceptance flag is set in step S812 (that is, if switching of the production mode is reserved), the production control CPU 101 determines whether or not an operation detection signal from the push button 120 has been input. Confirmation is made (step S824). If the operation detection signal from the push button 120 is input, the effect control CPU 101 resets the mode change operation acceptance flag (step S825). That is, in this embodiment, even when a long press operation of the push button 120 is detected during the previous display of variation of the effect design and the change of the effect mode is reserved, the next variation display is started. When the push button 120 is pressed (in this example, single-pressed) until this time, the mode change operation acceptance flag is reset, and the reservation for switching the effect mode is cancelled.

  Note that the operation period measurement timer may be set after the mode change operation acceptance flag is reset in step S825. In such a case, when the next change display is not started immediately after the long press operation of the push button 120 is performed and the change of the effect mode is reserved during the previous change display of the effect design, the next change is displayed. By further pressing the push button 120 until the display is started, the effect mode can be switched immediately by the processing of steps S816 to S823.

  If the variation pattern command reception flag is set in step S811, the effect control CPU 101 resets the variation pattern command reception flag (step S826). Next, if the effect control CPU 101 is set, the value of the operation period measurement timer is reset (step S827). Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S828). As described above, in this embodiment, the display result designation command is transmitted even when the power failure is restored (see step S44). However, as shown in FIG. Based on the fact that the variation pattern command has been received, the transition to the production symbol variation start processing is started and the variation display of the production symbol is started. The display will not start.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 first reads a variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S8000). Next, the CPU 101 for effect control displays the display result (stop) of the effect symbol according to the variation pattern command read out in step S8000 and the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command). (Design) is determined (step S8001). That is, the display control result of the variable display of the identification information (stop of the design symbol) according to the variable display pattern (variation pattern) determined by the variable display pattern determination means by executing the process of step S8001 by the CPU 101 for the effect control. A display result determining means for determining (design) is realized. If the pseudo-ream is specified by the variation pattern command, the effect control CPU 101 determines that the chance stop symbol (for example, “223” or “445”) is used as the temporary stop symbol in the pseudo-ream in step S8001. The combination of the jackpot symbol that is not reachable and the symbol that is shifted by one symbol) is also determined. The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined effect stop symbols in the effect symbol display result storage area. In step S8001, the effect control CPU 101 may determine whether or not it is a big hit based on the received variation pattern command, and may determine the stop symbol of the effect symbol based only on the variation pattern command. .

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 28, when the received display result designation command indicates “ordinary big hit” (when the received display result designation command is the display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 stops. A combination of effect symbols in which three symbols are arranged in the same even number as symbols is determined. When the received display result designation command indicates “probable big hit” (when the received display result designation command is a display result 3 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses 3 symbols as stop symbols. A combination of performance symbols arranged with the same odd number of symbols is determined.

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

  The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining the stop symbol, and uses the stop symbol determination table in which the data indicating the combination of effect symbols and numerical values are associated with each other to generate the stop symbol of the effect symbol. decide. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating the combination of effect symbols corresponding to the numerical value matching the extracted random number.

  In addition, as for the effect symbols, a stop symbol reminiscent of a big hit (a combination of symbols in which the left, middle and right are all the same symbols) is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol that recalls a loss is called a loss symbol. In addition, a symbol reminiscent of being in a probabilistic state (in this embodiment, an odd symbol) is also referred to as a probable variation symbol, and a symbol in recalling that it is not in a probable variation state (an even symbol in this embodiment) Also called.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes effect mode change processing for effector switching when effect mode switching is reserved (step S8002).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to execute the notice effect on the effect display device 9 during the display of the effect symbols, and executes the notice effect setting process for determining the type of the notice effect to be executed ( Step S8003).

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

  FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. In the display control execution data, data indicating each variation aspect constituting the variation aspect during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbols is described. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and performs control to display the effect design in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value.

  The process table shown in FIG. 29 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern.

  If it is determined to execute the notice effect, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the notice effect in step S8004.

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

  In addition, the CPU 101 for effect control, according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1), effects device (effect display device 9 as an effect component, effect component as Control of the various lamps and the speaker 27) as an effect part is executed (step S8006). For example, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image according to the variation pattern on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform on / off control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to output sound from the speaker 27.

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

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command in the variation time timer (step S8007). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802) (step S8008).

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the effect mode change process (step S8002) in the effect symbol variation start process. In the effect mode change process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the mode change operation acceptance flag is set (step S200). If the mode change operation acceptance flag is not set (that is, if switching of the production mode is not reserved), the process is ended as it is. If the mode change operation acceptance flag is set (that is, if the change of the effect mode is reserved), the effect control CPU 101 resets the mode change operation acceptance flag (step S201). Next, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the production mode B flag is set (step S202).

  If the effect mode B flag is not set (that is, if the effect mode A is controlled), the effect control CPU 101 uses the background screen of the effect display device 9 as the background screen for the effect mode B (for example, the ocean screen). (Background screen of landscape) is changed (step S203). Then, the production control CPU 101 sets the production mode B flag (step S204), and shifts to the production mode B.

  On the other hand, if the production mode B flag is set (that is, if the production mode B is controlled), the production control CPU 101 uses the background screen in the production display device 9 as the background screen for the production mode A (for example, (Background screen of mountain landscape) (step S205). Then, the effect control CPU 101 resets the effect mode A flag (step S206), and shifts to the effect mode A.

  When the process of steps S202 to S206 is executed, if the long press operation of the push button 120 is detected during the previous display of the change of the effect design and the change of the effect mode is reserved, the change of the effect design At the start, the effect mode is switched (see steps S204 and S206), and it is notified that the effect mode has been switched (see steps S203 and S205).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the notice effect setting process (step S8003) in the effect symbol variation start process. In the notice effect setting process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the effect mode B flag is set (step S400). If the effect mode B flag is not set (that is, if the effect mode A is controlled), the effect control CPU 101 uses the effect as a table for determining the notice effect to be executed during the change display of the effect symbol. A notice effect determination table for mode A is selected (step S401). On the other hand, if the effect mode B flag is set (that is, if the effect mode B is controlled), the effect control CPU 101 is used as a table for determining the notice effect to be executed during the variable display of the effect symbol. Then, a notice effect determination table for effect mode B is selected (step S402).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs lottery processing based on a random number using the notice effect determination table selected in steps S401 and S402, and determines the presence and type of the notice effect (step S403).

  FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of the notice effect determination table. Among these, FIG. 32 (A) shows a notice effect determination table for effect mode A. FIG. 32B shows a notice effect determination table for effect mode B. As shown in FIG. 32, in this embodiment, the presence / absence of the notice effect is determined using the notice effect determination table, and when it is decided to execute the notice effect, the notice effect is given as the type of the notice effect. Any one of effect A, notice effect B, notice effect C, or notice effect D is determined. Specific examples of the notice effect A, the notice effect B, the notice effect C, and the notice effect D include various types such as a step-up notice effect, a button notice effect, a mini character notice effect, a group notice effect, and a motif notice effect. A notice effect can be considered.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the notice effect A is a notice effect that is executed when the change of the effect symbol starts. Further, the notice effect B is a notice effect executed during high-speed fluctuation of the effect symbol. The notice effect C is a notice effect that is executed when the effect symbol is decelerated. Furthermore, the notice effect D is a notice effect that is executed after the reach has occurred during the variation display of the effect symbol.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 32 (A), when the effect mode A is controlled, a notice effect B executed during high-speed fluctuation and a notice effect D executed after the occurrence of reach can be executed. There is no case where the notice effect A executed at the start of change and the notice effect C executed at the time of change deceleration are not executed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 32 (B), when effect mode B is controlled, notice effect A executed at the start of fluctuation, notice effect C executed at the time of variable deceleration, and notice executed after the occurrence of reach. The effect D can be executed, and the notice effect B executed during high-speed fluctuation is not executed. Thus, in this embodiment, the execution timing of the notice effect differs depending on whether the effect mode A or the effect mode B is controlled, and the interest in the effect mode is improved.

  In step S403, for example, the presentation control CPU 101 determines whether the current variation display is a big hit based on the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern command read out in step S8000, or the reach is shifted. Or whether it is out of reach. Then, the effect control CPU 101 refers to the determination value in the notice effect determination table corresponding to the specific result, executes a lottery process based on a random number, determines whether or not to execute the notice effect, and notifies the notice. The type of effect is determined to be either notice effect A, notice effect B, notice effect C or notice effect D.

  In the example shown in FIG. 32, a case is shown in which one notice effect is determined during the change display of the effect symbol. However, a plurality of notice effects may be executed during the change display of the effect symbol. .

  FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 are flowcharts showing the effect symbol variation processing (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation processing, the effect control CPU 101 first decrements the value of the process timer by 1 (step S8101) and decrements the value of the variation time timer by 1 (step S8102). When the process timer times out (step S8103), the process data is switched. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S8104). Further, the control state for the effect device is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S8105). In this case, when it is decided to execute the notice effect A, the notice effect B, the notice effect C, and the notice effect D after the reach is established at the start of change, during high speed change, at the time of change deceleration, according to the process table, A notice effect A, a notice effect B, a notice effect C, and a notice effect D are executed at the start of change, during high speed change, at the time of change deceleration, and after the reach is established.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the mode change operation effective period timer for measuring the operation effective period of the effect mode switching reservation operation is 0 (step S8106). If the value of the mode change operation effective period timer is 0, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is the start timing of the operation effective period of the effect mode switching reservation operation (step S8107). Then, control goes to a step S8125. Whether or not it is the start timing of the operation valid period of the effect mode switching reservation operation can be specifically determined by checking the value of the variable time timer.

  If it is the start timing of the operation effective period of the effect mode switching reservation operation, the effect control CPU 101 displays a button operation suggestion display on the display screen of the effect display device 9 for prompting the effect mode switching reservation operation (see FIG. 38) is displayed (step S8108). Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value (for example, a value corresponding to 10 seconds) corresponding to the operation valid period of the effect mode switching reservation operation in the mode change operation valid period timer (step S8109). Then, control goes to a step S8125. In this embodiment, the operation effective period of the effect mode switching reservation operation is 10 seconds. However, the operation effective period is not limited to 10 seconds. For example, the operation effective period is 7 seconds or 15 seconds. You may make it set. In addition, for example, the operation effective period is set until the first symbol (for example, the left symbol) is stopped and displayed during the variation display of the effect symbol, or the second symbol (for example, the right symbol) is stopped. It may be the operation effective period until it is displayed, and various modes can be considered as the operation effective period. Further, when the operation effective period is the period until the first or second symbol stop as described above, the length of the operation effective period changes for each variation pattern (for example, in the case of a variation pattern with a long variation time, the variation The operation effective period may be relatively long as compared with a fluctuation pattern with a short time.

  In this embodiment, after the mode change operation validity period timer is set in step S8109, the value of the mode change operation validity period timer is decremented by 1 for each timer interruption during the display of the effect symbols. The operation valid period of the effect mode switching reservation operation is ended based on the time-out of the mode change operation valid period timer.

  If the value of the mode change operation effective period timer is not 0 in step S8106 (that is, if the operation effective period of the effect mode switching reservation operation is already being measured), the effect control CPU 101 determines the value of the operation period measurement timer. Whether or not is 0 is checked (step S8110). If the value of the operation period measurement timer is 0, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not an operation detection signal from the push button 120 has been input (step S8111). If the operation detection signal from the push button 120 is input, the effect control CPU 101 sets a predetermined value in the operation period measurement timer (step S8112), and proceeds to step S8117. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the CPU 101 for effect control sets a value corresponding to 3 seconds as a predetermined value in step S8112. That is, in this embodiment, the push button 120 is continuously pressed for 3 seconds (hereinafter also referred to as a long press operation detection period), and an operation detection signal is continuously input from the push button 120 for 3 seconds. Then, it is determined that the long press operation of the push button 120 has been performed. For example, it may be determined that a long press operation has been performed when the push button 120 is pressed for 2 seconds or 4 seconds or longer, not limited to 3 seconds.

  If the operation period measurement timer is not 0 (that is, when the operation start of the push button 120 has already been detected and measurement of the long press period has started), the effect control CPU 101 determines the value of the operation period measurement timer. 1 is subtracted (step S8113), and it is confirmed whether or not the value of the operation period measurement timer after the subtraction is 0 (step S8114). If the value of the operation period measurement timer is 0, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not an operation detection signal from the push button 120 has been input (step S8115). If the operation detection signal from the push button 120 is input, the effect control CPU 101 determines that a long press operation of the push button 120 has been detected, and sets a mode change operation acceptance flag (step S8116). It is assumed that switching of the production mode is reserved.

  Note that the determination process of the input of the operation signal from the push button 120 in step S8115 may be executed before step S8113. In this case, the push button is determined based on the fact that the operation period measurement timer has timed out in step S8114. What is necessary is just to make it determine with having detected 120 long press operation, and to transfer to step S8116.

  In this embodiment, the input of the operation detection signal from the push button 120 is confirmed at the start and end of the long press operation detection period (3 seconds in this example) (see steps S8111 and S8115). In this example, it is determined that a long press operation of the push button 120 has been detected, but the detection method is not limited to the detection method described in this embodiment. For example, the input of the operation detection signal from the push button 120 may be confirmed at three or more timings within the long press operation detection period. In this case, after the push button 120 is pressed, the push button 120 is accidentally pushed at the start and end of the long press operation detection period even though the hand is released from the push button 12 and the push button 120 is pressed again. An input of an operation detection signal from 120 can be detected to prevent erroneous detection that a long press operation of the push button 120 has been performed.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the mode change operation valid period timer (step S8117). Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the remaining operation is 0.2 seconds until the operation effective period of the effect mode switching reservation operation ends based on the value of the mode change operation effective period timer after the subtraction. (Step S8118). If the remaining 0.2 seconds, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to delete the button operation suggestion display from the display screen of the effect display device 9 (step S8119). Then, control goes to a step S8125.

  By executing the processing of steps S8118 and S8119, in this embodiment, the button is pressed at a timing earlier by a predetermined period (in this example, 0.2 seconds) than the operation effective period of the effect mode switching reservation operation ends. The operation suggestion display is cleared. By providing a time difference between the timing at which the button operation suggestion display is erased and the timing at which the operation effective period actually ends, in this embodiment, the operation is performed at the timing at which the button operation suggestion display ends by chance. Can be prevented from giving the player a misunderstanding that the player does not respond to the operation of the push button 120 within the operation effective period.

  In this embodiment, the case where the button operation suggestion display is erased before a predetermined period (in this example, 0.2 seconds) when the operation effective period ends is shown. Is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, if a long press operation of the push button 120 is started at that time, a period during which the long press operation of the push button 120 can be completed before the operation valid period ends (hereinafter also referred to as a long press completion possible period). You may comprise so that a button operation suggestion display may be erase | eliminated before the predetermined period to complete | finish. For example, in this embodiment, if the push button 120 is continuously pressed for 3 seconds, it is determined that the long press operation has been performed. Therefore, the long press operation of the push button 120 is started at least 3 seconds before the operation valid period ends. Then, since the long press operation can be completed within the operation effective period, the period up to 3 seconds before the operation effective period ends is the long press completion possible period. Therefore, the button operation suggestion display is deleted 3.2 seconds before the operation effective period ends by adding 0.2 seconds as the predetermined period 3 seconds before the operation effective period that is the long press completion period ends. You may do it.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the long press completion possible period is one second before the end (step S8120A). Specifically, the production control CPU 101 is 4 seconds before the operation valid period ends based on the value of the mode change operation valid period timer (a period obtained by adding 1 second to 3 seconds of the long press period). Confirm whether or not. If the long press completion possible period is one second before the end, the effect control CPU 101 suggests that the long press completion possible period will end soon on the display screen of the effect display device 9, and the push button now If the operation 120 is started, control is performed to display an operation valid timing suggestion display that suggests that it is time to complete the long press operation within the operation valid period (step S8120B). For example, the CPU 101 for effect control displays a character string such as “If you start the long press of the push button 120 now, you can reserve switching of the effect mode!” As the operation effective timing suggestion display.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not it is the end timing of the long press completion possible period (step S8120C). Specifically, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is 3 seconds before the operation valid period ends based on the value of the mode change operation valid period timer. If it is the end timing of the long press completion possible period (in this case, after the process of step S8120B is already executed and the display of the operation valid timing suggestion display is started, the long press can be completed after another one second has elapsed. The production control CPU 101 performs control to delete the operation valid timing suggestion display from the display screen of the production display device 9 (step S8120D).

  By executing the processing of steps S8120A to S8120D, in this embodiment, the operation effective timing suggestion display is displayed for 1 second immediately before the long press completion possible period ends, and the player presses the push button 120 for a long time. Control that prompts the user to start the operation is performed.

  In this embodiment, the case where the operation effective timing suggestion display is displayed for 1 second immediately before the end of the long press completion possible period is shown, but not limited to the mode shown in this embodiment, for example, The operation effective timing suggestion display may be displayed for 1.5 seconds or 2 seconds immediately before the long press completion possible period ends. Further, for example, the operation effective timing suggestion display may be started together with the start of the operation effective period, and the operation effective timing suggestion display may be displayed until 4 seconds before the operation effective period ends.

  Further, for example, the operation valid period itself may be configured to end at the timing when the operation valid timing suggestion display in step S8120D is deleted.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the processing in steps S 8106 to S 8116 is performed, so that the rendering mode is based on the fact that the long press operation of the push button 120 is detected during the variation display of the rendering symbol. However, the present invention is not limited to the mode shown in this embodiment. For example, it is based on the fact that the single push operation of the push button 120 is detected during the execution of the variation display of the production symbol. You may make it reserve the switch of production | presentation mode.

  Note that, after the mode change operation acceptance flag is set in step S8116 and reservation for switching the effect mode is made, if the operation is within the effective period, for example, based on detection of a single push of the push button 120. The mode change operation acceptance flag may be reset so that the production mode switching reservation can be canceled.

  In addition, for example, it is possible to make a reservation for switching of a plurality of effect modes based on the fact that a long press operation of the push button 120 is detected a plurality of times within the operation effective period during the display of one variation of the effect symbol. Good. In addition, for example, based on the fact that a single press of the push button 120 is detected a plurality of times, or a combination operation of a single press and a long press is detected, a reservation for switching the production mode is performed, It may be possible to reserve a plurality of production mode switching.

  If the mode change operation acceptance flag is set in step S8116 and the change of the effect mode is reserved, the effect mode change process of step S8002 is executed at the timing when the next effect symbol change display is started, The production mode is switched.

  In this embodiment, the processes of steps S8106 to S8119 and S8120A to S8120D are performed uniformly regardless of the variation pattern. For example, even when the fluctuation pattern specifies that the reach is out of reach, the operation is uniformly controlled during the operation effective period, and the push button 120 is operated during the operation effective period and a long press operation is detected. In this case, the mode change operation acceptance flag is set, and switching of the production mode is reserved. With this configuration, in this embodiment, the player can switch the effect mode without resetting the long-pressing operation of the push button 120 even if the reach state is reached in the variation display of the effect symbol. Can be accurately reflected.

  Then, if the change time timer has timed out (step S8125), the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change stop process (step S803) (step S8126).

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a stop symbol display flag indicating that a stop symbol of the effect symbol is being displayed is set (step S8301). If the stop symbol display flag is set, the process proceeds to step S8305. In this embodiment, when a big hit symbol is displayed as the stop symbol of the effect symbol, a stop symbol display flag is set in step S8304. Then, the stop symbol display flag is reset when the fanfare effect is executed. Accordingly, the fact that the stop symbol display flag is set is a stage where the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed but the fanfare effect is not yet executed, and therefore the processing of displaying the stop symbol of the effect symbol in step S8302 is executed. Instead, the process proceeds to step S8305.

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

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

  When the big win symbol or the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the process of step S8302 (Y in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 sets the stop symbol display flag (step S8304) and receives the big hit start designation command. It is checked whether a big hit start designation command reception flag indicating that a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command reception flag is set or not (step S8305). . When the big hit start designation command reception flag or the small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the stop symbol display flag (step S8306), and responds to the fanfare effect. A process table is selected (step S8307). When the big hit start designation command reception flag or the small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the set flag.

  Then, the production control CPU 101 starts the process timer by setting the process timer set value in the process timer (step S8308), and the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number) Control of the effect device (the effect display device 9 as the effect component, the various lamps as the effect component, and the speaker 27 as the effect component) is executed according to the data 1 and the movable member control data 1) (step S8309). Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) (step S8310).

  When it is determined that neither big hit nor small hit is made (N in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 resets a predetermined flag (step S8311). For example, the effect control CPU 101 resets the first symbol variation designation command reception flag and the second symbol variation designation command reception flag. Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S8312).

  When the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as the stop symbol of the effect symbol, when the mode change operation acceptance flag is set and the change of the effect mode is reserved, for example, the mode change is performed in the effect symbol variation stop process. The operation acceptance flag may be reset. In this case, for example, the reservation for switching the production mode may be canceled as it is, or in the case of a big hit, the production mode is switched immediately at the end of the change and notification that the production mode has been switched, You may comprise so that switching of effect mode may not be performed over a big hit game.

  Next, an effect mode when the effect mode is switched based on the operation during the change display of the effect symbol will be described. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the effect mode when the effect mode is switched based on the operation during the change display of the effect symbol. 36, the display mode of the effect display device 9 changes in the order of (1), (2),. In the example shown in FIG. 36, the transition of the display mode from the state in which the effect mode A is first controlled will be described.

  In the example shown in FIG. 36, first, based on the fact that control is first performed in the effect mode A, as shown in FIG. 36 (1), the background screen for the effect mode A on the display screen of the effect display device 9 ( In this example, it is assumed that a mountain landscape background screen) is displayed. Next, as shown in FIG. 36 (2), the variation display of the left middle right effect symbol is started based on the reception of the variation pattern command, and the operation mode change reservation operation is performed during the variation display of the effect symbol. It is assumed that it has expired. Then, as shown in FIG. 36 (3), the push button 120 is long-pressed during the operation effective period, and the push button 120 is detected over the long-press operation detection period (3 seconds in this example). Based on this, the mode change operation acceptance flag is set (step S8116), and the switching of the production mode is reserved. In this case, when a long press operation of the push button 120 is performed during the change display of the effect symbol, the effect mode switching is merely reserved, and the effect mode switching is not executed. There is no notification that the mode has been switched.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 36 (4) and 36 (5), after the operation effective period has elapsed, the variation time ends and the variation display of the effect symbol ends.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 36 (6), the display of the next left / right / right / right effect symbols is started based on the reception of the next variation pattern command. Then, when it is confirmed that the mode change operation acceptance flag is set (see step S200) in the effect mode change process (see step S8002) when starting the next variable display, the effect mode is switched. Is determined to be in a reserved state, and the effect mode is switched. In the example shown in FIG. 36, since it is a case where it was controlled to effect mode A before that, switching to effect mode B is performed (refer step S204), and as shown in FIG. 36 (6), The display screen of the effect display device 9 is changed to the background screen for the effect mode B (in this example, the background screen of the sea landscape) (see step S203), and it is notified that the effect mode B has been switched.

  Next, the timing of the effect mode switching reservation operation during the effect symbol variation display will be described. FIG. 37 is a timing chart for explaining the timing of the effect mode switching reservation operation during the effect symbol variation display. As shown in FIG. 37, after the start of the variation display of the effect symbol, when the operation effective period start timing of the effect mode switching reservation operation is reached, the operation is effective until a predetermined period (10 seconds in this example) elapses. The period is controlled (see steps S8106, S8109, and S8117). Then, as shown in case 1 of FIG. 37A, the long press operation of the push button 120 is started within the operation effective period, and the long press operation of the push button 120 is completed before the operation effective period ends. In this case, the mode change operation acceptance flag is set assuming that the effect mode switching reservation operation is enabled (see steps S8110 to S8116), and the effect mode switching is reserved. On the other hand, as shown in Case 4 of FIG. 37D, when the long-pressing operation of the push button 120 is started after the operation valid period is ended even if the long-pressing operation of the push button 120 is performed, It is not an invalid operation and switching to the production mode is not reserved.

  In addition, as shown in case 2 of FIG. 37B, the long press operation of the push button 120 is started at the timing when at least the operation effective timing suggestion display is displayed during the operation effective period (see steps S8120A to S8120D). Thus, the long press operation of the push button 120 can be completed within the operation effective period. Therefore, in this case, the mode change operation acceptance flag is set assuming that the effect mode switching reservation operation is validated (see steps S8110 to S8116), and the effect mode switching is reserved.

  Furthermore, as shown in case 3 of FIG. 37C, after the display of the operation valid timing suggestion display is finished, the push button 120 is started during the operation valid period, but the push button 120 is started. It is also conceivable that the operation valid period ends before the long press operation of is completed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 37 (C), since the long press operation of the push button 120 cannot be completed before the operation valid period ends, it is regarded as an invalid operation and switching of the production mode is reserved. It will not be in the state.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 37, since the long press operation cannot be completed even if the long press operation of the push button 120 is started after the operation valid timing suggestion display is ended, for example, the operation valid timing suggestion display is performed. If the operation of the push button 120 is not started before the end, the subsequent operation valid period may be invalidated. Further, for example, after the operation valid timing suggestion display is ended, a display such as “The operation cannot be completed even if the operation is started thereafter” may be displayed on the effect display device 9.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, a plurality of effect modes (in this example, effect mode A, effect mode) in which the effect modes are different and a specific effect (in this example, a notice effect) can be executed. B) Control to any one of the production modes. In addition, based on the fact that a predetermined operation (in this example, a long press operation) using the operation means (in this example, the push button 120) is performed, any one of the plurality of effect modes is selected. Switching is possible. Then, based on the fact that a predetermined operation was performed during the execution of the variation display of the effect symbol, a predetermined opportunity after the end of the variation display (in this example, when the variation display of the next effect symbol is executed) ) To switch the effect mode and notify that the effect mode has been switched (in this example, the background screen is changed according to the effect mode). Therefore, since both the changeover of the production mode and the notification that the production mode has been switched are performed based on a predetermined opportunity, there is a contradiction between the produced production mode and the specific production actually executed. It can be prevented from occurring and the player can be prevented from being confused.

  For example, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-174958, after notifying that the effect mode has been switched by changing to the background screen corresponding to the effect mode after the change during the variable display, the next time Since the display mode has changed to the substantial display effect content of the changed effect mode in the variable display, the timing for notifying that the effect mode has been switched is different from the timing at which the internal effect mode is actually switched. Therefore, there is a possibility that a contradiction may occur between the presentation mode on the display and the specific presentation actually executed, and the player may be confused. On the other hand, in this embodiment, both the changeover of the production mode and the notification that the production mode has been changed at a predetermined opportunity (in this example, when the next production symbol variation display is executed). Therefore, it is possible to eliminate a situation in which a contradiction occurs between such a display effect mode and a specific effect that is actually executed, and it is possible to prevent the player from being confused.

  In this embodiment, the operation means is the push button 120, but the operation means is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, the stick controller 122 may be used as the operation means. Further, for example, when a jog dial or a cross key is provided in the gaming machine, the jog dial or the cross key may be used as the operation means. Further, for example, a dedicated button for effect mode switching may be provided as the operation means.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where the predetermined operation is a long press operation of the push button 120 is shown, but the predetermined operation is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, as a predetermined operation, a rendition mode switching reservation operation may be accepted based on detection of a single press of the push button 120, or a rendition mode based on detection of a tilting operation of the stick controller 122. A switching reservation operation may be accepted. Further, for example, as a predetermined operation, a rendition mode switching reservation operation may be accepted based on the detection of a jog dial rotation operation. In this case, when the jog dial is used as the operation means, for example, a plurality of operations such as accepting a rendering mode switching reservation operation based on the detection of the rotation operation in the order of left rotation, right rotation, and left rotation are input. It may be a thing. Also, for example, when a cross key is used as an operation means, a plurality of operations such as accepting an operation mode switching reservation operation based on detection of key input in the order of upward, downward, and leftward are input. There may be.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the case where it alert | reports that the effect mode was switched by changing to the background screen according to the effect mode after change was shown, the method of alerting | reporting that the effect mode was switched was shown. Is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, it may be configured to display the name of the currently controlled effect mode, and change the display to the changed effect mode name to notify that the effect mode has been switched.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the case where two types of the production mode A and the production mode B are provided as the types of the production mode is shown, but not limited to the two types, for example, three or more types of the production modes. You may comprise so that it may provide.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the case where the effect mode was varied according to the effect mode by changing the background screen displayed on the effect display device 9 according to the effect mode was shown, it is shown in this embodiment. It is not limited to the embodiment. For example, by changing the light emission mode of the lamp or LED according to the production mode, or by changing the sound or music output from the speaker 27, the production mode may be made different according to the production mode.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, even when a predetermined operation is performed during the execution of the fluctuation display of the effect symbols that are out of reach, the effect mode is switched based on a predetermined opportunity. Notify that it has been switched. Therefore, even if the reach state is changed in the display of the effect symbols, the effect mode is switched without resetting a predetermined operation, so that the player's intention can be accurately reflected.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, it is possible to execute a specific effect (notice effect in this example) at different timings depending on which effect mode is being controlled. Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 32, the notice effect B executed during high-speed fluctuation can be executed only when the effect mode A is controlled, and the effect mode B is controlled. The notice effect A executed at the start of the change and the notice effect C executed at the time of the change deceleration can be executed only when the change is made. Therefore, the execution timing of a specific effect can be varied depending on which effect mode is being controlled, and the interest in the effect mode can be improved.

  In this embodiment, the case where the execution timing of the notice effect is changed as a unique effect corresponding to the effect mode is shown, but the embodiment is not limited to the mode shown in this embodiment. For example, the unique effect may be a reach effect, a pseudo-ream, a background screen, or the like. In this case, for example, a reach effect dedicated to mode A or mode B may be provided as a unique effect, or a background screen dedicated to mode A or mode B may be provided. Further, for example, the reach production or the execution timing of the pseudo-continuous may be varied as the unique production.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the case where the execution timing of the notice effect was varied according to the effect mode was shown, for example, the kind of the notice effect performed according to the effect mode may be varied.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, when a predetermined operation is performed during the execution of the variation display of the production symbol, when the variation display of the next production symbol is executed as a predetermined trigger, Notifies that the mode is switched and the effect mode is switched. Therefore, the presentation mode is switched when the next fluctuation display is executed, instead of switching the presentation mode with the fluctuation display being executed when a predetermined operation is performed, so that the control burden is reduced. be able to.

  In addition, even if a long press operation of the push button 120 is performed during the change display of the effect symbol and the change of the effect mode is reserved, there may be a case where the next change display is not started immediately because the hold memory is 0. In this embodiment, even if the next change display is not started immediately, the change of the effect mode and the effect mode are changed after waiting until the next effect symbol change display is performed. Is executed. For example, the next variation display is not started immediately because the hold memory is 0, and a new start winning is not generated immediately, and the variation display of the next effect symbol is started only after 5 minutes. In such a case, the effect mode is not switched until five minutes have passed, and the notification that the effect mode has been switched is not performed. However, when the next variable display is not started over a long period (for example, 1 hour), the reservation for switching the effect mode may be canceled. In addition, when the push button 120 is pressed for a long time during the change display of the effect symbol and the change of the effect mode is reserved, for example, “mode change reserved” is displayed at the end of the display screen of the effect display device 9. May be displayed to notify that the changeover of the production mode is being reserved.

  In addition, when the push button 120 is pressed for a long time and the change of the effect mode is reserved when the change display of the effect symbol is executed in the state where the hold memory is 0, for example, the change display is ended. You may comprise so that notification of the switching of effect mode and effect mode may be performed during subsequent demonstration display. If comprised in that way, it can prevent that the period until the production mode is actually switched after the reservation of production mode switching is extended more than necessary.

  Further, in this embodiment, as a predetermined opportunity, the case where the notification mode is switched and the notification that the effect mode has been switched at the start of the change display of the next effect symbol is shown. The present invention is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, as a predetermined trigger, the change of the production mode and the notification that the production mode has been changed at a certain time point during execution of the fluctuation display of the next production symbol (for example, when 5 seconds have elapsed since the fluctuation display was started). May be executed. That is, when the next variation display of the effect design is performed, it does not matter whether the variation display is started or whether the variation display is being performed. Moreover, not only when the next variation display of the production symbol is executed, for example, as a predetermined opportunity, after the next big hit game, after the end of the current variation display, when the next reach occurs, the next time When the button effect appears, the effect mode may be switched and notified, and various things can be considered as predetermined triggers.

  Further, according to this embodiment, after a predetermined operation is performed during the execution of the variation display of the effect symbol, the operation means (in this example, a push button) is performed before the next variation display of the effect symbol is performed. When the operation using 120) is performed, the switching of the rendering mode and the notification that the rendering mode has been switched are not performed. For this reason, since the operation mode can be canceled by performing an operation before the next display of the variation of the effect symbol is executed, the change of the effect mode can be handled flexibly.

  In this embodiment, a case has been shown in which the change of the production mode is canceled based on the detection of the single press of the push button 120 before the next production symbol variation display is executed. The operation for canceling the switching is not limited to the method shown in this embodiment. For example, it may be configured to cancel the switching of the rendering mode based on the detection of the long press of the push button 120 as in the case of reserving the switching of the rendering mode.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the operation using the operation means (in this example, push button 120) is compared with the operation in the first operation mode (single press in this example) and the first operation mode. It is possible to determine the operation by the second operation mode (in this example, long press) that requires a long period of operation. Then, based on the fact that the operation according to the second operation mode has been performed within the operation effective period during the execution of the effect symbol variation display, the effect mode is switched and the effect mode is switched. Therefore, both the switching of the production mode and the notification that the production mode has been switched are performed by an operation using the operation means of the player, so the informed production mode and the specific production actually executed It is possible to prevent inconsistencies between them and prevent the player from being confused. Further, according to the present embodiment, the suggestion notification (in this example, the operation valid timing suggestion display) that suggests the operation start timing capable of completing the operation according to the second operation mode is executed within the operation valid period. Therefore, when the operation of the push button 120 is started, the player can recognize when switching of the effect mode can be reserved, and the player's intention can be accurately reflected.

  In this embodiment, the case where the second operation mode is a long press of the push button 120 is shown, but any operation mode that can be distinguished from the first operation mode is the same as that shown in this embodiment. I can't catch it. For example, when the cross key is provided in the gaming machine as the operation means, it may be determined that the operation according to the second operation mode is performed based on the detection of the input of the command using the cross key. Good.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the operation effective notification (in this example, button operation suggestion display) that allows the player to recognize the operation effective period of the operation means is executed. Then, the operation validity notification is executed during the operation validity notification period (in this example, the period until 0.2 seconds before the operation validity period ends) before the end of the operation validity period. Therefore, when an operation is performed at the timing when the operation validity notification is accidentally ended, it is possible to suppress giving the player a misunderstanding that the operation means is not operated even if the operation means is operated within the operation effective period. .

  FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram for describing a specific example of the display mode and display timing of the button operation suggestion display. In this embodiment, a button operation suggestion display for prompting the switching reservation operation of the effect mode is displayed on the effect display device 9 when the operation effective period is controlled at the start timing of the operation effective period of the effect mode switching reservation operation. To do. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 38, the button operation suggestion display 201 includes a display including a pattern imitating the shape of the push button 120 together with a character string such as “PUSH!”. A meter 202 indicating the display period of the button operation suggestion display 201 is displayed below the button operation suggestion display 201.

  The display period of the button operation suggestion display means that the button operation suggestion display 201 is not displayed on the effect display device 9 without the push button 120 being operated after the button operation suggestion display 201 is displayed on the effect display device 9. The period until. The display mode of the meter 202 changes according to the remaining display time of the button operation suggestion display 201. As shown in FIG. 38, when the button operation suggestion display 201 is initially displayed, the meter 202 indicates a full state. When the remaining display time decreases, the meter 202 approaches the sky and the remaining display time becomes zero. After 202 becomes empty, the button operation suggestion display 201 and the meter 202 are not displayed on the effect display device 9. Thus, the player can roughly grasp the remaining time during which the operation of the push button 120 is effective.

  In this embodiment, the display period of the button operation suggestion display 201 is set to end before the actual operation valid period. That is, as shown in FIG. 38, the display period of the button operation suggestion display 201 is ended before the end of the actual operation period of the push button 120 (in this example, as shown in FIG. 38, 0.2. End early). Usually, the player recognizes that the display period of the button operation suggestion display 201 is the effective period of the operation of the push button 120, and tries to operate the push button 120 before the meter 202 becomes empty. However, even when the player recognizes that the push button 120 has been operated immediately before the meter 202 is empty, the push button 120 is actually operated after the meter 202 is empty, that is, the button. There may be a case where the display period of the operation suggestion display 201 has passed. In such a case, assuming that the end of the display period of the button operation suggestion display 201 and the end of the operation effective period of the push button 120 coincide, There is a problem that the entertainment of the game is diminished by misunderstanding that the production is not executed even though 120 is operated. Therefore, in this embodiment, by closing the button operation suggestion display before the operation effective period, the possibility that the player operates the push button 120 within the actual operation effective period increases, and the interest is reduced. Can be prevented.

  Generally, it takes about 0.1 seconds for a person to recognize a visual information (display contents of the effect display device 9) in the visual cortex and to transmit a command to the nerve of the hand. Therefore, even if the player recognizes that the user has operated the push button 120 at the same time as visually recognizing the display content, the delay is actually 0.1 seconds or more. This delay is one of the factors that cause misunderstanding of the player as described above. In addition, even though the display period of the button operation suggestion display 201 has actually ended, there is a possibility that the player may recognize that “the button operation suggestion display 201 is displayed on the effect display device 9” due to the afterimage effect. is there. This can also be one of the factors that cause misunderstanding of the player as described above. In this embodiment, the display period of the button operation suggestion display 201 is terminated 0.2 seconds before the actual operation valid period ends. Therefore, when it is recognized that the player has operated the push button 120 immediately before the remaining time of the meter 202 becomes 0, the push button 120 has actually been operated after the button operation suggestion display 201 disappears. Even if it exists, it is operated within the operation effective period. Therefore, in this embodiment, such a configuration prevents the above misunderstandings from occurring. On the other hand, if the operation of the push button 120 becomes effective when 0.5 second or more has elapsed since the display period of the button operation suggestion display 201 ends, the player is clearly not in time for the operation. Nevertheless, the user feels that the operation has become effective and feels uncomfortable. Considering these factors, it is suitable to end the display period of the button operation suggestion display 201 0.1 to 0.4 seconds before the actual operation effective period ends. In this embodiment, 0 is displayed. .It is configured to end 2 seconds ago.

  Note that the method of notifying the operation validity is not limited to the display of the button operation suggestion display and the display of the meter as shown in this embodiment. For example, if the push button 120 includes a light emitting element such as an LED, the player may recognize that the operation is valid by causing the push button 120 to emit light.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the button operation suggestion display is ended before the end of the operation valid period when performing the switching reservation operation of the production mode is shown, but in the mode shown in this embodiment For example, when performing a button notice effect accompanied by a button operation, a configuration in which the button operation suggestion display is ended before the end of the operation valid period may be applied.

  FIG. 39 and FIG. 40 are explanatory diagrams illustrating a modification in the case of applying a configuration in which the button operation suggestion display is ended before the end of the operation effective period when the button notice effect is performed. In the example shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, a case in which an accessory action effect in which the effect accessory 127 moves according to the operation of the push button 120 is executed as the button notice effect.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, first, as shown in D00 of FIG. 39, after developing to super reach, an effect in such a manner that a friend character 400 and an enemy character 401 perform a battle is executed. Be started. Thereafter, after a predetermined time (for example, 8 seconds) has elapsed since the development of Super Reach, the effect of the battle mode is temporarily interrupted, and the button operation suggestion display 201 and the meter 202 are displayed on the effect display device 9 (D01 in FIG. 39). . In this manner, the battle mode effect is interrupted and the button operation suggestion display 201 is displayed, so that the player can easily recognize that the operation is valid for the push button 120.

  When the push button 120 is operated within the operation valid period and the victory effect is selected as the mode of the effect activation effect, the effect accessory 127 operates (D11 in FIG. 39), ! ”Is displayed on the effect display device 9 (D12 in FIG. 39), and the effect symbol indicating the big hit is stopped and displayed (D13 in FIG. 39).

  Further, when the push button 120 is operated within the operation valid period and the revival effect is selected as the mode of the actuating effect, for example, first, the time until the actuating accessory 127 is moved is measured. A feature activation timer is set to At this time, the effect display device 9 displays the character 404 “defeat” (D21 in FIG. 39). When the accessory actuating timer times out, the effect accessory 127 operates (D22 in FIG. 39), and finally the effect symbol indicating the big hit is stopped and displayed (D23 in FIG. 39).

  In addition, when the push button 120 is operated within the operation effective period and the defeat effect is selected as the mode of the actuating effect, the character 404 “defeat” is displayed (D31 in FIG. 39). The effect design indicating the detachment is stopped and displayed (D33 in FIG. 39).

  When the push button 120 is not operated within the operation effective period and the winning effect is selected as the aspect of the accessory operating effect, for example, an accessory operating timer is first set. At this time, the effect display device 9 displays the character 404 “defeat” (D21 in FIG. 40). When the accessory actuating timer times out, the effect accessory 127 operates (D22 in FIG. 40), and finally the effect symbol indicating the big hit is stopped and displayed (D23 in FIG. 40).

  When the push button 120 is not operated within the operation effective period and the revival effect is selected as the mode of the effect activation effect, for example, an accessory activation timer is first set. At this time, the effect display device 9 displays the character 404 “defeat” (D21 in FIG. 40). When the accessory actuating timer times out, the effect accessory 127 operates (D22 in FIG. 40), and finally the effect symbol indicating the big hit is stopped and displayed (D23 in FIG. 40).

  In addition, when the push button 120 is not operated within the operation effective period and the defeat effect is selected as the mode of the actuating effect, the character 404 “defeat” is displayed (D31 in FIG. 40). ), The effect symbol indicating the disengagement is stopped and displayed (D33 in FIG. 40).

  Even when the button operation suggestion display is ended before the end of the operation valid period when the button notice effect is performed as in the modification shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the button operation is accidentally performed. When the operation is performed at the timing when the suggestion display ends, it is possible to suppress giving the player a misunderstanding that the player does not respond to the operation of the push button 120 within the operation effective period.

  In the above-described embodiment, in order to notify the effect control microcomputer 100 of the change pattern indicating the change mode such as the change time, the type of reach effect, the presence / absence of the pseudo-ream, etc., 1 is used when the change is started. Although an example in which one variation pattern command is transmitted has been shown, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control microcomputer 100 by two or more commands. Specifically, in the case of notification by two commands, the game control microcomputer 560 uses the first command to indicate whether there is a pseudo-ream, a slip effect, etc. before reaching (so-called if not reach) A command indicating the variation time and variation mode before the second stop) is transmitted, and the second command has reached the reach such as the type of reach and presence / absence of re-lottery effect (if the reach is not reach, so-called first) You may make it transmit the command which shows the fluctuation | variation time and fluctuation | variation aspect (after 2 stop). In this case, the effect control microcomputer 100 may perform effect control in variable display based on the variable time derived from the combination of two commands. The game control microcomputer 560 notifies the change time by each of the two commands, and the effect control microcomputer 100 selects the specific change mode executed at each timing. It may be. When sending two commands, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt. After sending the first command, a certain period of time has passed (for example, the next timer interrupt). The second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be appropriately changed. In this way, by notifying the variation pattern by two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command can be reduced.

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

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

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

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

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display 8b 2nd special symbol display 9 Production display device 13 1st start winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 18c 1st reserved memory display part 18d 2nd reserved memory display part 20 Special Variable winning ball equipment 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
109 VDP
120 push button

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that performs variable display and can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player,
Operation means that can be operated by the player;
As the operation using the operation means, an operation mode determination unit capable of determining an operation according to the first operation mode and an operation according to the second operation mode that requires a longer period of time compared to the first operation mode;
Effect mode control means for controlling the effect mode to any one of a plurality of effect modes in which the effect mode is different and a specific effect can be executed;
Production execution means capable of performing the production,
The production mode control means includes
Based on the operation by the second operation mode using the operation means can be switched to any one of the plurality of effect modes,
Based on the fact that the operation according to the second operation mode has been performed within the operation effective period during the variable display, the effect mode is switched and the effect mode is switched,
An effect that can be executed by the effect executing means includes an effect that can be executed in common in the plurality of effect modes.

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