JP2016187612A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of recognizing a detection effective period, and capable of enhancing interest in a game.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: operation detection means capable of detecting operation of a player; performance execution mean for executing a predetermined performance, based on the detection of player's operation by the operation detection means within a detection effective period when detection by the operation detection means becomes effective; and detection effective period display means for displaying a detection effective period image for indicating a detection effective period on a display area, and for reducing an area for displaying the detection effective period image in the display area according to a decrease in the remaining period of the detection effective period; and information display means for displaying information relating to a game in an area, where the detection effective period image is not displayed according to a decrease in the remaining period of the detection effective period in the display area. The information display means gradually displays information according to a decrease in an area in that the detection valid period image is displayed and displays all of information before the remaining period of the detection effective period becomes less than a predetermined period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 34

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of a predetermined game.

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

  The specific game state means a state advantageous for a player who is given a predetermined game value. Specifically, the specific game state has a right to be in an advantageous state for a player who easily wins a game medium (a big hit game state), for example, a state of a special variable prize-winning device, or a state advantageous for a player. A state in which a predetermined game value such as a state or a state in which a condition for giving out premium game media is easily established is given.

  Some of these gaming machines execute a predetermined effect based on the detection of the player's action. For example, Patent Literature 1 displays a detection effective period image (for example, a meter 202) indicating a detection effective period in which detection is effective, and based on detection of a player's action within the detection effective period, What performs a predetermined effect is described.

JP 2013-116291 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, it is only possible to recognize the detection effective period by displaying the detection effective period image (for example, the meter 202), and it is not possible to improve the game entertainment. Can not.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of recognizing the effective detection period and improving the gaming interest.

(Means 1) A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to a player and that can detect a player's motion (for example, a push button 120) ) And that a motion of the player is detected by the motion detection means (for example, the push button 120 is operated) within a detection valid period in which the detection by the motion detection means is valid. For example, effect execution means (for example, a portion where the effect control microcomputer 560 executes steps S8208 to S8209) that executes (for example, a button notification that displays a button notification image), and a detection effective period image (for example, a detection effective period) , Meter image) is displayed in a display area (for example, a meter display area), and the display area is displayed in accordance with a decrease in the remaining period of the detection effective period. Detection effective period display means for reducing the area for displaying the detection effective period image (for example, the meter image display area) (for example, the portion where the production control microcomputer 560 executes steps S8203 and S8210), and the display area Information relating to the game is displayed in an area (for example, the meter image non-display area) where the detection effective period image is no longer displayed in accordance with a decrease in the remaining period of the detection effective period (for example, a meter displaying a meter preview image) Information display means (for example, a portion where the production control microcomputer 560 executes step S8212), and the information display means gradually displays information according to a decrease in the area where the detection effective period image is displayed. The remaining period of the detection valid period (for example, 5 seconds from 1 second to 6 seconds after the start of fluctuation) All information is displayed before the period is less than (for example, less than 1 second) (for example, 3 seconds after the start of fluctuation in the first meter notice (the remaining detection valid period is 3 seconds), 4 seconds after the start of fluctuation in the second meter notice) (Remaining detection valid period 2 seconds) In the third meter preview, display of the meter preview image is completed 5 seconds after the start of fluctuation (remaining detection valid period 1 second) (see FIG. 34 (D)), and controlled to an advantageous state. It is possible to display information indicating the possibility of
With such a configuration, it is possible to recognize the detection valid period and display the information related to the game, thereby improving the game interest. Further, the detection valid period can be left after all the information related to the game is displayed, and a predetermined effect can be executed.

(Means 2) In the means 1, the information display means detects the timing before the detection effective period (for example, from 1 second to 6 seconds after the start of fluctuation) approximately half (for example, approximately 3.5 seconds from the start of fluctuation). The display of information may be started (for example, 2 seconds after the start of fluctuation).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the interest from deteriorating due to the late timing of the display of information.

(Means 3) A gaming machine that controls to a specific gaming state (for example, a jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the means 1 or means 2 (for example, when a jackpot symbol is derived and displayed) The information display means is later than the first timing as compared with the time when the information display is completed at the first timing (for example, when the display of the first meter notice image is completed; see FIG. 34). When the display of information is completed at the second timing (for example, when the display of the second meter preview image is completed; see FIG. 34), the information is controlled so that the degree of expectation controlled in the specific gaming state is higher. (For example, the second meter notice has a higher percentage of the display result than the first meter notice. See FIG. 33B).
According to such a configuration, attention can be paid to the timing of completing the display of information, and the game entertainment can be improved.

(Means 4) In any one of the means 1 to 3, a gaming machine that controls to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when a predetermined condition is established, the information displayed by the information display means and the effect execution means The degree of expectation controlled in the specific gaming state differs depending on the combination with the effect executed by the first game notice and the first button notice rather than the combination of the third meter notice and the first button notice, for example. The combination of the above and the higher the ratio of the display result that is a big hit (see FIG. 40).
According to such a configuration, attention can be paid to both the displayed information and the effect to be executed, and the game entertainment can be improved.

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 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 the variation pattern of the production | presentation symbol prepared beforehand. It is explanatory drawing which shows a fluctuation pattern determination table. 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 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 a notification effect setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a button notice effect aspect determination table and a meter notice effect aspect determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display timing of a meter preview image. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows operation detection processing. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a button notice. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of meter notice. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the table for notification effect aspect determination. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a meter notice.

  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 illustrated in FIG. 1, the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 are attached in the vertical position in the center 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 an upper plate and a 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 positional relationship, but may be in the horizontal positional relationship, for example.

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

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

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

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

  In this embodiment, the variation display of the effect symbol is executed in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol (however, to be precise, the variation display of the effect symbol is varied on the effect control microcomputer 100 side). This is done by measuring the variation time recognized based on the pattern command.) When performing an effect using the effect display device 9, for example, the effect content including the change display of the effect symbol disappears from the screen for a moment. There are diversifying effects such as effects being performed and effects such that the movable object shields 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 is not disappeared from the screen or 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 different 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. However, for example, the opening time of the grand 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 when it is a big hit, it is displayed in red, and the display color varies depending on the type of big hit (whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit (promoted probable big hit)). In addition, the display color may be different depending on whether or not the game ball is expected to win a big winning opening (for example, a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit), and the number of rounds may be different. If it is possible to control multiple types of jackpots, the display color may be varied depending on the number of rounds that are continued in the jackpot game. Even if the number of rounds is the same, for example, the big winning opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), and the big winning that the gaming ball cannot be expected to enter the big winning opening is not possible. If there is a long hit time (for example, 30 seconds) and a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball in the big prize opening, the game ball won in the big prize opening. The display color may be different depending on whether or not the player can expect a game ball, and for example, the number of times of opening of the big prize opening per round is different, so that the game ball can be substantially awarded to the big prize opening. Even when there is an expected big hit and an unexpected big hit, the display color may be made different depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to substantially win the big winning opening.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  At the lower part of the game board 6, there is an out-port 26 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 are 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, which is disadvantageous for the player. It changes from a state to an advantageous state (a state where it is easy to start a prize). It should be noted that increasing the number of times of opening is a concept including changing from a closed state to an open state.

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

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

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

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

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power supply created on the power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). In particular, at least data (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, etc.) corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means, and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid 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 an ID number of the game control microcomputer 560 (an ID number assigned to each product of the game control microcomputer 560) stored in a predetermined storage area such as the ROM 54. The numerical data obtained in this way 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.

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

  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. Further, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the player's operation action with respect to the operation stick of the stick controller 122 has been detected from the tilt direction sensor unit 123 via the input port 107. . Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a drive signal to the vibrator motor 126 via the output port 105 to cause the stick controller 122 to vibrate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 recovers the game state restoration process (steps S41 to S43) for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Process). Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for 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 gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, time reduction flag, etc.), and the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer) ), A portion in which data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Further, the CPU 56 transmits a display result designation command designating a display result (usually big hit, 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. 10). 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. 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 or not to execute the reach effect by performing a lottery to determine a variation pattern using a random number. However, it is the production control microcomputer 100 that actually executes the reach production control.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S34 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output, for example, when a power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a decrease in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal is 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 the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol indicator 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b, the variable display mode of the effect symbol is “suddenly probable big hit” in the effect display device 9. Similarly, after the effect symbols are variably displayed, a predetermined small hit symbol (same as the sudden probability variable big hit symbol, for example, “135”) may be stopped. 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): A variation pattern (variation time) is determined (for variation pattern determination)
(3) Random 3 (MR3): Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for determination per normal symbol)
(4) Random 4 (MR4): Determine an initial value of random 3 (for determining an initial value of random 3)

  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) or initial value random numbers (random 4). In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may use random numbers other than said random number. In this embodiment, a random number generated by hardware incorporated in the game control microcomputer 560 (or hardware external to the game control microcomputer 560) is used as the jackpot determination random number. Note that a software random number instead of a hardware random number may be used as the jackpot determination random number.

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

  7B and 7C are explanatory diagrams showing a small hit determination table. The small hit determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54 and is a table in which a small hit determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The small hit determination table includes a small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) used when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, and a small hit determination table used when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. (For the second special symbol). Each value described in FIG. 7B is set in the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol), and in the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol), the values shown 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, or 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 is determined. It also means deciding whether or not to make a jackpot symbol. Further, determining whether or not to make a small hit means determining whether or not to shift to the small hit gaming state, but stopping in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. It also means determining whether or not the symbol is to be a small hit symbol.

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

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

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

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 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, the game is changed to the probable change state and the short time state is also entered. (See steps S169 and S170 described later). Then, until the next big hit occurs, the probability variation state and the time reduction state continue (see step S132).

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

  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 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation pattern of the effect symbol prepared in advance. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the variable display result is “displacement” and the variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display mode of the effect design does not involve the reach state, the shortened non-reach shift and the non-reach shift Is prepared. In addition, as a variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is “out of” and the variable display mode of the production symbol is associated with the reach state, normal deviation, pseudo-ream 1 normal deviation, super-relief, pseudo-ream 2 super-off and pseudo-ream Three supermarkets are prepared. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, when the deviation from the pseudo-continuous 1 normal is used among the fluctuation patterns accompanied by the pseudo-continuous effects, the re-variation is performed once. In addition, in the variation pattern accompanied with the effect of the pseudo-continuous, when the deviation from the super-continuous 2 super is used, the re-variation is performed twice. Furthermore, in the case of using the deviation from the pseudo-continuation 3 supermarket among the variation patterns accompanied with the effect of the pseudo-continuation, the re-variation is performed three times. Note that the re-variation means that the variable display of the effect symbol is executed again after temporarily stopping the effect symbol that is once deviated from the start of the variable display of the effect symbol until the display result is derived and displayed. . Further, among the variation patterns shown in FIG. 8, the shortened non-reach deviation is a variation pattern for shortening that has a shorter variation time than the non-reach deviation, provided corresponding to the non-reach deviation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, as a variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable symbol display result of special symbols becomes a big hit (excluding suddenly probable big hits), it is normal per, pseudo-ream, per super Per pseudo-ream 2 super and per pseudo-ream 3 super are prepared. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, re-variation is performed once in the case of using one normal per pseudo-continue among the variation patterns accompanied by the effect of the pseudo-ream. In addition, among the variation patterns accompanied by the effect of the pseudo-ream, when the per-ream 2 supermarket is used, the re-variation is performed twice. Further, among the variation patterns accompanied by the effect of the pseudo-ream, when using the per-ream 3 supermarket, the re-variation is performed three times.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, a special hit is prepared as a variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable symbol display result of the special symbol suddenly becomes a big hit or a small hit.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation pattern determination table stored in the ROM 54. The variation pattern determination table is a table that is referred to in order to determine a variation pattern as one of a plurality of types based on a random number for random pattern determination (random 2) according to the type of jackpot or gaming state. is there. Specifically, when the variable symbol display result of the special symbol is “ordinary big hit” or “probable big hit”, the “big hit (excluding suddenly probable big hit)” column of the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9 is referred. When the variable symbol display result of the special symbol is “sudden probability change big hit” or “small hit”, the “sudden probability change big hit / small hit” column of the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9 is referred to. Further, when the gaming state is the normal state and the variable symbol display result of the special symbol is “missing”, the “missing” column of the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9 is referred to. Further, when the gaming state is the short time state and the variable symbol display result of the special symbol is “out of”, the “out of (short time)” column of the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9 is referred to.

  When determining the variation pattern, a random number (random 2) for variation pattern determination is extracted, and in the column of the variation pattern determination table referred to, a determination value that matches the extracted random 2 (1 to 997) value is obtained. Determine the assigned variation pattern. In the variation pattern judgment table, each variation pattern is displayed for each variable display result ("big hit (excluding sudden probability change big hit)", "sudden probability change big hit / small hit", "out" or "out (short time)"). In the example shown in FIG. 9, the ratio of the assigned determination value is shown in order to simplify the description. For example, in the “missing” column of FIG. 9, 50% of the determination values corresponding to the random 2 values (1 to 997) are assigned to the variation pattern “non-reach”. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the values shown for each variation pattern in each column of the variation pattern determination table are variable display results of “out of”, “out of phase (short time)”, “big hit (excluding sudden probability change big hit). ) "Or" suddenly probable big hit / small hit ", the ratio determined by the fluctuation pattern is shown.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, when it is determined that the variable display result is “out” in the normal state (“out” column in FIG. 9), a plurality of types are displayed. Of the variation patterns, the determination value is assigned such that the ratio determined as “non-reach out” is the highest and the ratio determined as “pseudo-run 3 super out” is the lowest. Further, for example, when it is determined that the variable display result is “out of” in the time reduction state (“out of (time reduction)” column in FIG. 9), unlike the “out” column, The determination value is assigned such that the ratio of “reach out of shortened non-reach” is high without being determined as “reach out of reach”. By setting the determination value in this way, the variation pattern with a short variation time is easily selected in the time-short state.

  In addition, when it is determined that the variable display result is “big hit (excluding sudden probability change big hit)” (that is, normal big hit or probability change big hit) (in FIG. 9, “big hit (excluding sudden probability change big hit)” column. ), The determination value is such that the ratio determined as “per 3 pseudo-supermarkets” is the highest and the ratio determined per “normal per 1 pseudo-series” is the lowest among the variation patterns accompanied with the pseudo-continuous effects. Is assigned. That is, when the variable display result is “big hit (excluding suddenly probable big hit)”, the variation pattern with the larger number of pseudo-continuations among the variation patterns with pseudo-continuous effects is easily selected. Accordingly, the pseudo-continuous effect with a large number of pseudo-continuous times has a higher expectation that the variable display result is a big hit than the pseudo-continuous effect with a small number of pseudo-continuous times. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the fluctuation pattern with normal reach (normal deviation, quasi-ream 1 normal deviation, per normal and quasi-ream 1 normal) is the fluctuation pattern with super reach (super detachment, pseudo-ream 2 super deviation). This is more likely to be selected when the variable display result is “out of” than in the case of pseudo-ream 3 supermarket, per supermarket, per pseudo-ream 2 supermarket, and per pseudo-ream 3 supermarket). On the other hand, the fluctuation pattern with super reach (super off, pseudo 2 super off, pseudo 3 super off, per super, pseudo 2 super and 3 super super) is the fluctuation pattern with normal reach (normal off). This is more easily selected when the variable display result is “big hit (excluding suddenly probable big hit)” rather than pseudo-ream 1 normal off, per normal and per pseudo-ream normal. Therefore, in this embodiment, the variation pattern with super reach has a higher expectation that the variable display result will be a big hit than the variation pattern with normal reach. Hereinafter, a variation pattern with a high expectation in which the variable display result is a big hit is also expressed as a variation pattern with a high expectation.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 9, when it is determined that the variable display result is “sudden probability change big hit” or “small hit” (the “sudden probability change big hit / small hit” field in FIG. 9), The fluctuation pattern is determined as “special hit”.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, when the variation time is fixedly determined according to the type of reach (for example, in the case of super reach with pseudo-ream (three times), the variation occurs. The time is fixed at 40 seconds, and the fluctuation time is fixed at 25 seconds in the case of super reach without pseudo-ream). The variation time may be varied according to the number of reserved storage. For example, even with the same type of super reach, the variation time may be shortened as the total number of pending storage increases. Also, for example, even in the case of the same type of super reach, when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, the variable time may be varied according to the first reserved memory number. When the variable display of the two special symbols is performed, the variable time may be varied according to the second reserved memory number. In this case, a separate variation pattern determination table is prepared for each value of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number (for example, the variation pattern determination table for the reserved memory numbers 0 to 2 and the reserved memory number 3, 4), and a variation pattern determination table may be selected according to the value of the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number to vary the variation time. .

  Further, in this embodiment, the variation time is different between when the gaming state is the normal state and when the gaming state is the short-time state (the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9 is the short-time state). In some cases, the determination value is set so that the ratio of selecting “shortened non-reach out” that has a shorter variation time than other variation patterns is selected), but not limited to this, the normal state (or Even in the short time state), the variation time may be different (that is, the rate of selection of the variation pattern with a short variation time may be different) according to the total number of pending storage. For example, the variation time may be shortened (that is, the rate at which a variation pattern having a short variation time is selected increases) as the total number of pending storage increases. Further, for example, when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, the variable time is varied according to the number of the first reserved memory (that is, the ratio at which the variable pattern with the short variable time is selected is varied). Alternatively, in the case of performing the variation display of the second special symbol, the variation time is varied according to the second reserved memory number (that is, the proportion of variation patterns having a short variation time is selected). You may do it. In this case, a separate variation pattern determination table is prepared for each value of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number (for example, the variation pattern determination table for the reserved memory numbers 0 to 2 and the reserved memory number 3, 4), and a variation pattern determination table may be selected according to the value of the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number to vary the variation time. .

  When configured to use a different variation pattern determination table depending on the number of reserved storage, for example, the variation pattern determination table used when the display result is out of order and the total number of reserved storage is 3 or more is Compared to the variation pattern determination table used when the number of memories is 0 to 2, determination values are assigned so that the ratio of reach (normal reach, super reach) is reduced. In addition, the variation pattern determination table used when the total number of pending storages is 3 or more has a determination value that increases the rate at which “shortened non-reach out” is selected that has a shorter variation time than other variation patterns. Is set. As a result, the average fluctuation time can be shortened as the total number of pending storage increases, and a situation in which the variable display operating rate decreases can be prevented as much as possible.

  In addition, although the case where the allocation of the determination value is different is shown for two types of the total pending storage number being 0 to 2 or 3 or more, for example, according to the total pending storage number Further, the assignment may be changed in a stepwise manner. In this case, for example, the fluctuation pattern determination table for the total pending storage number 0, 1 and the fluctuation pattern determination table for the total pending storage number 2, the total pending storage number 3 and the total pending storage number 4 May be prepared in advance, and determination values may be assigned to fluctuation patterns with reach and fluctuation patterns of shortening fluctuations, and may be varied in stages.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 10, 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 the variable display of the special symbol. (Corresponding to the variation pattern XX, respectively). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each of the usable variation patterns shown in FIG. 8 described later, 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. 10, the display state of the lamp is changed, or the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70.

  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. 10, the variable pattern command and the display result designation command are displayed as variable display (variation) of the design symbol corresponding to the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display. An effect display device 9 that can be used in common with the variable display (variation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the second special symbol in 8b, and that produces an effect in accordance with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. When controlling the effect parts, 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.

  FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are flowcharts showing an example of a program of special symbol process (step S26) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 turns on the first start winning opening 13 when the first start opening switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 is turned on. If a winning has occurred, a first start port switch passage process is executed (steps S311 and S312). If the second start port switch 14a for detecting that the game ball has won the second start winning port 14 is turned on, that is, the start winning to the second start winning port 14 has occurred. Then, the second start port switch 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. 22), and the special symbol stop symbol is actually stopped and displayed in accordance with 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). Note that the pre-opening process for the big prize opening is executed for each round, but when starting the first round, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game. In addition, 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 specified, 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.

  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. 13 is a flowchart showing the start-port switch passing process in steps S312 and S314. Among these, FIG. 13A is a flowchart showing the first start port switch passing process in step S312. FIG. 13B 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. 14) (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) and a variation pattern determination random number (random 2) that are software random numbers are extracted, Stored in the save area. Note that the variation pattern determination random number (random 2) 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 variation of the first special symbol. You may do it. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 2) in a variation pattern setting process described later.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (holding storage buffer) for storing random numbers and the like corresponding to holding storage. As shown in FIG. 14, 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, and a variation. A random number for pattern determination (random 2) is stored. The first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

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

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

  If the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S1212B), and the value of the aggregated reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S1213B). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the second reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 14) (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) and a variation pattern determination random number (random 2) that are software random numbers are extracted, Stored in the save area. Note that the random number for random pattern determination (random 2) is not extracted and stored in the storage area in advance in the second start port switch passing process (at the time of start winning), but is extracted at the start of the variation of the second special symbol. 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 2) 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).

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

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

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

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

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

  That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 stores the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory buffer of the RAM 55. Each stored random number value is stored in a storage area corresponding to the first reserved storage number = n−1. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, each stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved memory buffer of the RAM 55. The random value is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n−1. In addition, the CPU 56 adds the values (values indicating “first” or “second”) stored in the storage area corresponding to the total reserved 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 a special symbol stop symbol is first determined based on a random number for determining the big hit type. You may comprise so that a classification may also be determined.

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

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 reads random 2 (variation pattern determination random number) from the random number buffer area (first reserved storage buffer or second reserved storage buffer), and determines the state of the big hit flag, the stored big hit type, small The variation pattern is determined as one of a plurality of types by referring to the variation pattern determination table (FIG. 9) according to the state of the winning flag and the gaming state (step S98).

  Specifically, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set. When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 changes when the big hit type stored in step S74 is not suddenly probable big hit (that is, “normal big hit” or “probable big hit”). Reference is made to the “big hit (excluding sudden probability change big hit)” column of the pattern judgment table, and when the big hit type is sudden probability change big hit, the “sudden probability change big hit / small hit” column of the variation pattern judgment table is referred to.

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set. When the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 refers to the “suddenly probable big hit / small hit” column of the variation pattern determination table.

  When neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 refers to the “displaced (short time)” column of the variation pattern determination table when it is in the short time state, and when it is not in the short time state (ie, In the normal state), the “out” column of the variation pattern determination table is referred to.

  Note that whether or not the time-short state is present can be confirmed by the state of the time-short flag indicating the time-short state. The time reduction flag is set when the gaming state shifts to the time reduction state (including the time of transition to the probability change state), and is reset when the time reduction state ends. Specifically, it is usually decided to be a big hit, a probable big hit or a sudden probable big hit, set in the process of ending the big hit game, a special symbol when it is determined that the number of times has been shortened, or a new big hit The display is reset at the timing when the change display is finished and the stop symbol is stopped and displayed.

  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 S99). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first symbol variation designation command. In addition, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second symbol variation designation command. Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit an effect control command (variation pattern command) corresponding to the determined variation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S100).

  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 S101). 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 S102).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 transmits one of the presentation control commands (display result 1 designation to display result 6 designation) (see FIG. 10) according to the determined type of big hit, 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. 19 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. 20 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step 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). Further, the number of times of opening (for example, “15 times in case of“ normal big hit ”or“ probable big hit ”or 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, 0.1 seconds is set as the round time in the case of sudden probability variation big hit, and 29 seconds is set as the round time in the case of “normal big hit” or “probability big hit”. 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. 21 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S160). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S164. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S161), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S162). 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 this embodiment, the case where the jackpot flag is reset at the timing of step S161 before the operation of the jackpot end display timer in the jackpot end process is shown. However, the timing for resetting the jackpot flag is the same as that of the present embodiment. It is not limited to what is shown in. For example, the jackpot flag may be reset after it is determined as Y in step S131 in the special symbol stop process, or after the jackpot end display timer times out in the jackpot end process and it is determined as Y in step S165, the process proceeds to step S171. The big hit flag may be reset before processing.

  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 change big hit or sudden probability change 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).

  In this embodiment, a case is shown in which the transition is made to both the probability variation state and the short-time state regardless of whether the probability variation big hit or the sudden probability variation big hit. Whether or not to shift to the short time state may be varied depending on the game state before the sudden probability change. For example, if it is a normal state (low base state) suddenly before a big probability change, just make a transition to a probability change state and not a short time state (ie, make a transition to a high probability / low base state), If the state is a short time state (high base state) before a sudden large probability change hit, the state may be shifted to both the probability change state and the short time state (ie, high probability / high base state). By doing so, since there is no change in the opening frequency of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 before and after the sudden probability change big hit, it can be difficult to recognize whether it was sudden probability change big hit or small hit.

  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. 22 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, 1 is added to the value of the special symbol display control data set in the output buffer 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. 23 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. 24 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 FIG. 10) is the effect control command stored in the buffer area. 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.

  25 and 26 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis process (step S706). 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). 2 is added because 2 bytes (1 command) are read out.

  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 a jackpot end designation command (command A301 (H)) (step S625), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end designation command reception flag (step S626). If the received effect control command is a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command (step S627), the production control CPU 101 sets a small hit / sudden probability change big hit end designation command reception flag (step S628).

  If the received effect control command is a normal state background designation command (command B000 (H)) (step S629), the effect control CPU 101 changes the background screen in the effect display device 9 to a background screen corresponding to the normal state (for example, (Background screen with a blue background color) (step S630). Then, if it is set, the production control CPU 101 resets the probability variation state flag and the time reduction state flag (step S631).

  If the received effect control command is a probability change state background designation command (command B001 (H)) (step S632), the effect control CPU 101 changes the background screen in the effect display device 9 to a background screen corresponding to the probability change state (for example, The background screen is changed to a red background color (step S633). Then, the production control CPU 101 sets a probability variation state flag indicating the probability variation state (step S634).

  If the received effect control command is the time-short state background designation command (command B002 (H)) (step S635), the effect control CPU 101 uses the background screen in the effect display device 9 as a background screen corresponding to the time-short state (for example, (Background screen of green background color) is changed (step S636). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets a time-short state flag indicating that it is a time-short state (step S637).

  If the received effect control command is another command, effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S638). For example, if the effect control command received is the first symbol variation designation command, the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set, and if the received effect control command is the second symbol variation designation command, the second symbol variation designation command is set. Set the reception flag. Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S708) 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. 28 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813). As described above, in this embodiment, the display result designation command is transmitted even when the power failure is restored (see step S44). However, as shown in FIG. Based on the fact that the variation pattern command has been received, the transition to the production symbol variation start processing is started and the variation display of the production symbol is started. Therefore, if the display result designation command is received without receiving the variation pattern command, the variation of the representation symbol The display will not start.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing 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 a variation pattern that designates a pseudo-ream is also used and the pseudo-ream is designated by the variation pattern command, the effect control CPU 101, in step S8001, obtains a chance eye symbol (as a temporary stop symbol in the pseudo-ream) ( For example, a combination of symbols that are not reachable, such as “223” and “445”, but that is not one reach and one symbol is shifted) is also determined. The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined effect stop symbols in the effect symbol display result storage area. In step S8001, the effect control CPU 101 may determine whether or not it is a big hit based on the received variation pattern command, and may determine the stop symbol of the effect symbol based only on the variation pattern command. .

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 30, when the received display result designation command indicates “ordinary big hit” (when the received display result designation command is the display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 stops. A combination of effect symbols in which three symbols are arranged in the same even number as symbols is determined. When the received display result designation command indicates “probable big hit” (when the received display result designation command is a display result 3 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses 3 symbols as stop symbols. The combination of production 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 that matches 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 (probability large hit symbol), and a symbol in this embodiment (in this embodiment, an even symbol) ) Is also called a non-probable variable (usually a big hit symbol).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes a notice effect setting process for setting a notice effect (step S8002). Details of the notice effect setting process will be described later.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the variation pattern (step S8007). Then, the production control CPU 101 starts a process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table (step S8008).

  FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. In the display control execution data, data indicating each variation 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. 31 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern.

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

  In addition, the CPU 101 for effect control, according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1), effects device (effect display device 9 as an effect component, effect component as an effect component) Control of the various lamps and the speaker 27 as a production component is executed (step S8009). 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 S8010).

  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 S8011).

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a notice effect setting process (step S8002) in the effect symbol variation start process. In the notice effect setting process, the effect control CPU 101 first determines an effect mode of button notice (step S901).

  Here, the button notice is a notice effect accompanied by an operation by the push button 120. In the button notice, the operation display image (for example, the operation instruction image 201 shown in FIG. 38) for instructing the operation by the push button 120 and the detection valid period in which the operation by the push button 120 can be detected are displayed in the effect display device 9. A meter image (for example, the meter image 202 shown in FIG. 38) is displayed, and a button warning image (for example, a big hit) is displayed from the operation instruction image and the meter image based on the detection of the pressing operation by the push button 120 at least once. A display that suggests the possibility of the change being displayed (refer to the first button preview image 204a or the second button preview image 204b shown in FIG. 38).

  In this embodiment, the meter image is displayed in a predetermined meter display area (for example, the meter display area 205 shown in FIG. 38) on the effect display device 9. Hereinafter, of the meter display area, an area where the meter image is displayed is also referred to as a meter image display area. The meter image display area occupies the entire area of the meter display area at the start of the detection valid period, the proportion of the meter display area decreases as the remaining period of the detection valid period decreases, and the meter display is displayed at the end of the detection valid period The proportion of the area is 0. That is, the meter image is displayed in the entire area of the meter display area when the detection effective period starts, and the proportion of the meter display area decreases as the remaining period of the detection effective period decreases. When the process ends, it is updated and displayed so that the proportion of the meter display area becomes zero. Therefore, the player can grasp the remaining period of the detection valid period by confirming the state of the meter image.

  In step S901, the button notice effect form is determined using the button notice effect form determination table shown in FIG. 33A ("No button notice", "First button notice", or "Second button notice"). To be determined). Note that determining that the effect mode is “no button notice” means that the button notice is not executed.

  FIG. 33A is an explanatory diagram showing a button notice effect mode determination table. In the button notice effect mode determination table, a determination value corresponding to a determination item (determination effect determined: “no button notice”, “first button notice” or “second button notice”) is assigned to each variation pattern. However, in the example shown in FIG. 33 (A), the ratio of the assigned determination value is shown to simplify the description. The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining the button notice effect mode, and determines the determination item to which a determination value matching the extracted random number is assigned. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 33A, the numerical values corresponding to the items to be determined in each variation pattern (determined effect mode: “no button notice”, “first button notice”, or “second button notice”) are The ratio (%) at which “no button notice”, “first button notice” or “second button notice” is selected as a decision item is shown.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the button notice effect mode determination table shown in FIG. 33A, the meter notice effect mode determination table shown in FIG. 33B and the notice effect mode determination table shown in FIG. Actually, although the determination value is assigned, the ratio of the determination value assigned is shown in order to simplify the explanation. Also in step S903, which will be described later, in which those tables are used, similarly to step S901, the effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining the meter notice effect form or the notice effect form. It is determined that the decision value that matches the random number is assigned.

  As shown in FIG. 33A, in this embodiment, “first button notice” or “second button notice” can be executed as the button notice, and the displayed button notice images are different. As shown in FIG. 33 (A), in the “first button notice”, a first button notice image with the letters “chance!” Is displayed, and in the “second button notice”, “hot!” A second button preview image is displayed with the characters. Note that the first button notice image and the second button notice image may be collectively referred to as a button notice image.

  The characteristic in the button notice effect mode determination table shown in FIG. 33 (A) is that the display result is a big hit rather than a loss, and the expected degree of the variation pattern is higher even if the display result is the same. The determination value is set so that the ratio determined as “first button notice” or “second button notice” is high and the ratio determined as “no button notice” is low. Furthermore, when the display result is a big hit rather than a loss, and the expected level of the variation pattern is higher even if the display result is the same, the “second button notice” is determined rather than the “first button notice”. The determination value is set so that the ratio becomes high. By having such a feature, when the button notice is executed, the “second button notice” is executed more than when the button notice is executed, rather than when the button notice is executed. In this case, it is possible to increase the rate at which an advantageous design pattern variation mode (for example, develops into super reach) or to increase the rate at which the display result is a big hit. In other words, the “second button notice” has a higher expectation effect than the “first button notice”. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation for the button advance notice being executed, and it is possible to focus attention on which effect mode is executed.

  Next, as a result of determining the effect mode of the button notice, the effect control CPU 101 determines the effect aspect of the meter notice (step S903) when executing the button notice (Y in step S902). Exit. If the button notice is not executed (N in step S902), the notice effect setting process is terminated. When the notice effect setting process is terminated, the determined button notice effect form and meter notice effect form are stored. For example, the effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the result determined in step S901 and data indicating the result determined in step S903 in the notice effect setting storage area formed in the RAM.

  Here, the meter notice is a notice effect executed in relation to the meter image displayed in the button notice. In the meter notice, a meter notice image (for example, a display suggesting the possibility of a big hit. The first meter notice image 203a and the second meter shown in FIG. 39 are displayed in an area where the meter image is not displayed in the meter display area. The effect of displaying the notice image 203b or the third meter notice image 203c) is executed. Therefore, when the button notice is not executed (N in step S902), the process for determining the effect form of the meter notice (step S903) is not executed.

  As already described, in this embodiment, when the button notice is started, the meter image is displayed in the entire area of the meter display area, and in the meter display area according to the decrease in the remaining period of the detection valid period. When the ratio of occupation decreases and the effective detection period ends, the percentage of the meter display area is updated to 0 and displayed. That is, at the start of the detection effective period, the meter image display area occupies the entire area of the meter display area, and according to the decrease in the remaining period of the detection effective period, the ratio of the meter image display area to the meter display area decreases, At the end of the detection valid period, the meter image display area does not exist in the meter display area. For this reason, an area in the meter display area where the meter image is no longer displayed (that is, an area other than the meter image display area, hereinafter also referred to as a non-meter image display area) does not exist at the start of the detection valid period, It expands as the remaining period of the period decreases, and occupies the entire meter display area at the end of the valid detection period. In the meter notice, the meter notice image is gradually enlarged from a partial area of the meter notice image according to the enlargement of the non-meter image display area, and finally the entire area of the meter notice image (the entire ) Is displayed. Therefore, according to the remaining period of the detection effective period, the meter image is updated and displayed, so that the remaining period of the detection effective period can be grasped, and the player is notified by gradually displaying the meter notice image. Can have a sense of expectation, and can improve the game entertainment.

  Note that, similarly to the meter image and the operation instruction image, the meter preview image is erased (that is, not displayed) when the pressing operation by the push button 120 is detected at least once.

  In step S903, the meter notice effect mode is determined using the meter notice effect mode determination table shown in FIG. 33B ("No meter notice", "First meter notice", "Second meter notice"). Or “3rd meter notice”). Note that determining that the production mode is “no meter notice” means that the meter notice is not executed.

  FIG. 33B is an explanatory diagram showing a meter notice effect mode determination table. As shown in FIG. 33 (B), in this embodiment, “first meter notice”, “second meter notice” or “third meter notice” can be executed and displayed as meter notices, respectively. Meter preview image is different. As shown in FIG. 33 (B), in the “first meter notice”, the first meter notice image with the letters “1%” is displayed, and in the “second meter notice”, “10%” is displayed. A second meter preview image displaying characters is displayed, and in the “third meter preview”, a third meter preview image displaying “100% !?” is displayed. The first meter notice image, the second meter notice image, and the third meter notice image may be collectively referred to as a meter notice image.

  The characteristic in the meter notice effect mode determination table shown in FIG. 33B is that the display result is a big hit rather than a loss, and even if the display result is the same, the expectation of the variation pattern is higher. The determination value is set so that the ratio determined as “first meter notice”, “second meter notice” or “third meter notice” is high, and the ratio determined as “no meter notice” is low. That is. Further, when the display result is a big hit rather than a loss, and even if the display result is the same, the higher the expectation of the variation pattern, the “second meter notice”, the “second meter notice” than the “first meter notice”. The determination value is set so that the ratio determined as “third meter notice” is higher than “meter notice”. By providing such a feature, when the meter notice is executed, the “second meter notice” and the “second meter notice” are more effective than when the meter notice is executed. When the “third meter notice” is executed rather than the “2 meter notice”, the ratio of the advantageous design variation pattern (for example, the development to super reach) is increased, and the display result is a big hit. Can be increased. That is, the “second meter notice” and the “third meter notice” are more promising notice effects than the “first meter notice” and the “second meter notice”. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation for the execution of the meter advance notice, and it is possible to pay attention to which production mode is executed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 33B, the determination value is assigned so that the third meter notice is selected even when the display result is out of order, but the third meter is only displayed when the display result is a big hit. A determination value may be assigned so that the advance notice is selected. That is, when the third meter notice is made, the big hit may be confirmed. Similarly, in the button notice, an effect mode in which the big hit is confirmed may be provided. Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrates the case where two types of presentation aspects of a button notice are provided, not only this but three or more types may be provided and one type may be sufficient. Moreover, although the case where three types of effect modes of meter notice are provided will be described, the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more types may be provided, or two or less types may be provided.

  Further, in this embodiment, the effect mode of the button notice and the effect aspect of the meter notice are determined independently. For example, depending on the determination result of the effect mode of the button notice, the meter notice is given at different ratios. The effect mode may be determined. Specifically, the meter notification effect mode determination table used when the first button notification is determined and the meter notification effect mode determination table used when the second button notification is determined are assigned to the determination values. It can be realized by providing differently.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 33, when the variation pattern is “short reach out”, “non-reach out” or “special hit”, it is always determined that “button notice is not given”, and the meter notice is not necessarily executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the determination value may be assigned so that button notice or meter notice is executed. In this embodiment, the detection valid period in which the operation can be detected in the button notice is fixedly set from 1 second to 6 seconds after the start of fluctuation (details will be described later). The period may be longer than the fluctuation times of the fluctuation patterns “short reach out”, “non-reach out” and “special hit”. For this reason, if the button warning or meter warning can be executed even when the fluctuation pattern is “short reach out”, “non-reach out” or “special hit”, the fluctuation time of those fluctuation patterns should be increased. Alternatively, the effective detection period may be determined according to the variation pattern. Further, in the meter notice effect mode determination table, a determination value may not be assigned to “no meter notice”, and a meter notice may be executed whenever a button notice is executed.

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing the display timing of the meter notice image in the meter notice. The example shown in FIG. 34 shows a case where the push button 120 is not operated within the detection valid period in the button notice. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, the button notice and the meter notice are executed during the change of the production symbol. Further, the detection valid period is from 1 second to 6 seconds after the start of the change of the effect design. The meter image indicating the remaining period of the detection effective period is displayed at the start of the detection effective period and is erased at the end of the detection effective period. Note that if the push button 120 is operated at the timing when the meter image is erased (that is, outside the detection valid period), the button notification is not executed and the player misunderstands that it does not respond to the operation within the detection valid period. There is a risk of giving. Therefore, not limited to the example shown in FIG. 34, for example, a meter image is displayed when a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of the detection effective period, and the meter image is displayed at a time before the predetermined period of time after the end of the detection effective period. It may be deleted. By doing so, it is possible to suppress giving the player a misunderstanding that the player does not respond to the operation within the effective detection period.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, even if the presentation mode of the meter notice is any of the first meter notice, the second meter notice, and the third meter notice, the meter is displayed 2 seconds after the start of the production symbol change. The display of the preview image is started. By being configured in this manner, the display of the meter notice image is started at the same timing regardless of the production mode of the meter notice, so that the timing at which the meter notice is started can be easily understood.

  Here, the meter image is originally displayed together with the operation instruction image in a button notice, and has one aspect of being used for allowing the player to perform an operation within the detection valid period. Therefore, if the period from the start of display of the meter image to the start of display of the meter preview image is long, the player may be prompted to operate but cannot operate to view the meter preview image for a long period of time. There is a risk that the interest will be reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, the effective detection period is a predetermined period (for example, the first meter notice, the second meter notice, and the third meter notice) as shown in FIG. The display of the meter preview image is started before a lapse of approximately half). By being configured in this way, it is possible to prevent the interest from being lowered due to the late timing of the meter notice being started.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 34A to 34D, the timing for completing the display of the meter preview image is different for each effect mode of the meter notification. Specifically, in the first meter notice, the display of the first meter notice image is completed 3 seconds after the start of the change of the effect symbol, and in the second meter notice, the second meter notice is given 4 seconds after the start of the change of the effect symbol. The display of the image is completed, and in the third meter notice, the display of the third meter notice image is completed five seconds after the start of the change of the effect design. That is, the timing of completing the display of the meter notice image is delayed as the effect mode having a higher expectation level as the notice effect. By being configured in this way, attention can be paid to the timing for completing the display of the meter preview image, and the game entertainment can be improved. In addition, although the expression “completed display of the meter preview image” is used, the display of the meter preview image is completed when the display area of the entire area of the meter preview image is gradually changed from a partial area. As a result of the enlargement, the entire display area of the meter preview image is displayed as the display area is expanded to the entire area of the meter preview image.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34 (C), even if the third meter warning is the latest timing to complete the display of the meter warning image, a predetermined period before the detection valid period ends (this In the example, the display of the meter preview image is completed one second before). In other words, in this embodiment, even if the presentation mode of the meter notice is any of the first meter notice, the second meter notice, and the third meter notice, the meter remains before the remaining period of the detection valid period becomes less than the predetermined period. The entire preview image is displayed. With this configuration, the effective detection period can be left even after the entire meter preview image is displayed. That is, even when the meter notice is executed in any effect mode, the button effect can be executed by operating the push button 120 after confirming the entire meter notice image. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy both the button notice and the meter notice, and it is possible to enhance the game entertainment.

  In this embodiment, the detection effective period is fixedly defined as from 1 second to 6 seconds after the start of variation of the production symbol. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be determined according to whether or not a specific effect such as super reach or pseudo-ream is performed). Also, the display start timing and display completion timing of the meter notice image in each meter notice are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 34D, and may be arbitrary timings. However, the display start timing is at least the same, the display start timing is before the elapse of a predetermined period (for example, approximately half), and the display completion timing is in accordance with the expectation level of the notice effect regardless of the effect mode of the meter notice. It is desirable that either the display completion timing is different from the display completion timing before the remaining period of the detection valid period is less than the predetermined period.

  Further, in this embodiment, the degree of expectation of the notice effect differs depending on the effect mode of the meter notice, and further, the timing for completing the display of the meter notice image is also different. Even when the display mode is different (for example, the display mode in which the meter preview image to be displayed is different), the same timing for completing the display of the meter preview image may be included. In addition, at the timing when the display of the meter preview image is completed, for example, a predetermined sound effect is output or a predetermined image is displayed to notify that the display of the meter preview image is completed. Also good.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol changing process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation processing, the effect control CPU 101 first decrements the value of the process timer by 1 (step S8101) and decrements the value of the variation time timer by 1 (step S8102).

  Next, when the process timer times out (step S8104), the effect control CPU 101 switches the process data. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S8105). Further, the control state for the rendering device is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S8106).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the button notice is executed during the change of the effect symbol (step S8107), and when it is executed, the detection valid period in which the operation of the push button 120 can be detected. It is determined whether it is in the middle (step S8108). In step S8107, for example, it is determined whether or not the button notice is executed during the change of the effect symbol by confirming the effect aspect of the button notice according to the data determined and stored in the notice effect setting process. Can do. For example, when data indicating that the effect mode of button notice is determined as “first button notice” or “second button notice” is stored, it is determined that the button notice is executed. In step S8108, it is checked whether the value of the variation time timer indicates the detection valid period (in this example, from 1 second to 6 seconds after the fluctuation start). Can be determined. And when it determines with it being in a detection effective period, CPU101 for presentation control performs an operation detection process (step S8109). Details of the operation detection process will be described later.

  Next, if the variation time timer has timed out (step S8112), the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) (step S8113).

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the operation detection process (step S8109) in the effect symbol changing process. In the operation detection process, first, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not it is the start timing of the detection effective period (in this example, one second after the start of the effect symbol variation) (step S8201). For example, it is possible to determine whether it is the detection valid period start timing by checking the value of the variable time timer.

  If it is the start timing of the detection effective period (Y in step S8201), the effect control CPU 101 sets a detection effective period timer indicating the remaining period of the detection effective period (step S8202). In this embodiment, since the detection effective period is from 1 second to 6 seconds after the start of variation of the effect symbol, 5 seconds is set in the detection effective period timer.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 controls the effect display device 9 to display an operation instruction image (for example, the operation instruction image 201 shown in FIG. 38) and a meter image (for example, the meter image 202 shown in FIG. 38). (Step S8203). At the start timing of the detection valid period, a meter image is displayed in the entire area of the meter display area (meter display area 205 shown in FIG. 38).

  If the detection valid period start timing is not reached (N in step S8201), the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the detection valid period timer that has already been set (step S8204). Then, the production control CPU 101 determines whether or not the detection valid period timer has timed out (step S8205).

  When the detection valid period timer times out (Y in step S8205), the effect control CPU 101 causes the effect display device 9 to display the displayed operation instruction image and meter image, or button notice image (for example, in FIG. 38). The first button notice image 204a or the second button notice image 204b shown) is deleted (step S8206). Note that when the meter preview image is displayed, control for deleting the meter preview image is also performed. In this embodiment, the button notice image is erased at the timing when the detection valid period ends. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the button notice image is continuously displayed even after the detection valid period ends. May be. By doing so, the player can confirm the content of the button preview image with a margin because the button preview image continues to be displayed even when the push button 120 is operated just before the end of the detection valid period. it can.

  If the detection valid period timer has not timed out (Y in step S8205), the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the button preview image is displayed (step S8207), and if it is displayed, the operation is detected. The process ends. Note that the button preview image being displayed means that the operation of the push button 120 has already been detected during the detection valid period.

  If no button preview image is displayed (N in step S8207), the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not an operation of the push button 120 is detected (step S8208). If the operation of the push button 120 is detected, the effect control CPU 101 deletes the operation instruction image and the meter image (including the meter image when the meter preview image is displayed) in the effect display device 9. Control to display the button notice image according to the effect form of the button notice determined in the notice effect setting process (step S8209). Thereafter, the operation detection process is terminated.

  If the operation of the push button 120 is not detected (N in step S8208), the effect control CPU 101 updates and displays the meter image in the effect display device 9 according to the value of the detection valid period timer. Control is performed (step S8210). Next, when the meter notice is executed, the effect control CPU 101 controls the effect display device 9 to update and display the meter notice image according to the value of the detection valid period timer (step S8211, S8212).

  In the example shown in FIG. 36, by performing the processing of step S8201 to step S8203, the button notice is started at the timing when the detection valid period is started, and the operation instruction image is displayed on the effect display device 9. The meter image is displayed in the entire area of the meter display area.

  Then, by performing the processing of steps S8204 and S8210, the meter image is updated and displayed so that the proportion of the meter image display area in the meter display area decreases according to the decrease in the remaining period of the detection effective period. Is done.

  In addition, by performing the processing of steps S8204 and S8212, the meter preview image becomes a part of the meter preview image according to the decrease in the remaining period of the detection valid period (that is, according to the enlargement of the non-meter image display area). A meter notice effect is displayed in which the area is gradually enlarged from the area.

  Here, when the operation of the push button 120 is detected, the processing in steps S8208 to S8209 is executed, so that the operation instruction image and the meter image (including the meter image when the meter preview image is displayed) are displayed. It is erased and the button preview image is displayed. Then, by executing the processing in steps S8204 to S8206, the button preview image is deleted when the detection valid period ends.

  If the operation of the push button 120 remains undetected, the processing of steps S8204 to S8206 is executed, so that the operation instruction image and the meter image are displayed (the meter preview image) when the detection valid period ends. (Including meter images when is displayed). In this embodiment, when the valid detection period ends without the push button 120 being operated, the button preview image is not displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the detection is also performed when the push button 120 is not operated. When the valid period ends, a button notice image may be displayed. In this case, a button notice image with a low rarity level may be displayed compared to when the push button 120 is operated within the detection effective period.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a stop symbol display flag indicating that a stop symbol of the effect symbol is being displayed is set (step S8301). If the stop symbol display flag is set, the process proceeds to step S8305. In this embodiment, when a big hit symbol is displayed as the stop symbol of the effect symbol, a stop symbol display flag is set in step S8304. Then, the stop symbol display flag is reset when the fanfare effect is executed. 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 hit symbol or the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the process of step S8302 (Y in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 sets the stop symbol display flag (step S8304) and receives the big hit start 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. If it is set, the switched flag is also reset.

  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).

  FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of button notice. In the example shown in FIG. 38, when the detection effective period start timing comes during the change of the effect symbol, the effect display device 9 displays the operation instruction image 201 instructing the operation by the push button 120 and the meter display area 205. A meter image 202 indicating the detection valid period is displayed in the entire area (FIG. 38A). Then, the meter image 202 is updated and displayed so that the area in which the meter image 202 occupies the meter display area 205 is reduced in accordance with the decrease in the remaining period of the detection valid period (FIG. 38B )).

  Here, when an operation by the push button 120 is detected, the operation instruction image 201 and the meter image 202 are deleted when the button notice effect mode is determined to be the first button notice in the notice effect setting process. A first button notice image 204a with characters “chance!” Is displayed (FIG. 38 (C1)). Further, when the button notice effect mode is determined to be the second button notice in the notice effect setting process, the operation instruction image 201 and the meter image 202 are erased and the characters “Intense heat!” Are displayed. A two-button preview image 204b is displayed (FIG. 38 (C2)). When the end timing of the detection valid period is reached without detecting the operation by the push button 120, the operation instruction image 201 and the meter image 202 are deleted, and the button preview image is not displayed.

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of meter notice. In the example shown in FIG. 39, at the start timing of the detection effective period during the change of the effect symbol, the effect display device 9 displays the operation instruction image 201 instructing the operation with the push button 120 and the meter display area 205. A meter image 202 indicating the detection effective period is displayed in the entire area (FIG. 39A). The meter image 202 is updated and displayed so that the area (meter image display area) in which the meter image 202 occupies the meter display area 205 decreases in accordance with the decrease in the remaining period of the detection effective period. (FIG. 39B).

  When the display timing of the meter preview image comes, display of the meter preview image is started in the meter display area 205 where the meter image 202 is no longer displayed (meter image non-display area). In the example shown in FIG. 39C, a meter preview image (first meter preview image 203a, second meter preview image 203b, or third meter preview image is displayed in the meter image non-display area enlarged as the meter image display area decreases. A character “1” corresponding to a partial area of any one of the images 203c is displayed.

  Subsequently, when the remaining period of the detection effective period decreases, the meter image enlarged with the decrease in the meter image display area when the meter notice display mode is determined to be the first meter notification in the notification effect setting process. In the non-display area, “1%” characters corresponding to the entire area (entire) of the first meter notice image 203a are displayed (FIG. 39 (D1)). In addition, when the effect mode of the meter notice is determined to be the second meter notice or the third meter notice in the notice effect setting process, the meter image non-display area expanded with the decrease in the meter image display area A character “10” corresponding to a partial area of the preview image (either the second meter preview image 203b or the third meter preview image 203c) is displayed (FIG. 39 (D2)).

  Subsequently, when the remaining period of the detection effective period decreases, the meter image enlarged with the decrease in the meter image display area when the meter notice display mode is determined to be the second meter preview in the notification effect setting process. In the non-display area, “10%” characters corresponding to the entire area (entire) of the second meter notice image are displayed (FIG. 39 (E2)). In addition, when the effect mode of the meter notice is determined to be the third meter notice in the notice effect setting process, the third meter notice image is displayed in the meter image non-display area enlarged as the meter image display area decreases. A character “100” corresponding to a partial area is displayed (FIG. 39 (E3)).

  Thereafter, when the remaining period of the detection valid period further decreases, the meter image enlarged with the decrease in the meter image display area when the effect mode of meter notification is determined to be the third meter notification in the notification effect setting process In the non-display area, the characters “100% !?” corresponding to the entire area (entire) of the third meter notice image are displayed (FIG. 39 (F3)).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39 (C), display of the meter preview image is started at the same timing in the meter image non-display area regardless of the effect mode of the meter preview. Therefore, it is possible to make it easy to understand the timing at which the meter notice is started.

  Further, as shown by the meter image 202 in FIG. 39C, the display of the meter notice image is started before the detection effective period has passed approximately half. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the interest from deteriorating due to the late timing at which the meter notice is started.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 39, the timing at which the display of the meter preview image is completed differs depending on the effect mode of the meter notification. Specifically, in the case of the first meter notice, the display of the first meter notice image 203a is completed at the timing of FIG. 39 (D1), and in the case of the second meter notice, the timing of FIG. 39 (E2). Thus, the display of the second meter notice image 203b is completed, and in the case of the third meter notice, the display of the third meter notice image 203c is completed at the timing of FIG. 39 (F3). That is, the timing of completing the display of the meter notice image is delayed as the effect mode has a higher expectation level as the notice effect. Therefore, it is possible to focus attention on the timing for completing the display of the meter preview image, and it is possible to enhance the game entertainment.

  In this embodiment, the first character of the meter notice image displayed in each of the first meter notice, the second meter notice, and the third meter notice is “1”. Therefore, at the timing when the display of the meter notice image shown in FIG. 39C is started, it is not possible to determine which effect mode is present (that is, the expected degree of the notice effect cannot be determined). Further, as the remaining time of the detection valid period decreases, the meter preview image is displayed with the area gradually enlarged from a part of the total area of the meter preview image, and FIGS. 39 (D1) and (D2) As shown in FIG. 4, when the second character is displayed, the first meter notice image (second character “%”) and the second meter notice image or the third meter notice image (second meter) are displayed. The character “0”) can be discriminated, but it cannot be discriminated yet whether it is the second meter notice image or the third meter notice image. Then, as shown in FIGS. 39E2 and 39E3, at the timing when the third character is displayed, the second meter notice image (third character “%”) and the third meter notice image ( It becomes possible to determine which is the third character “0”).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the area is gradually enlarged from a partial area of the entire area of the meter preview image, but any meter preview image can be obtained only by viewing the partial area. It is configured so that it can be identified when the whole is displayed. Therefore, attention can be paid over a long period, and the interest by the meter notice image being gradually displayed can be further enhanced. Further, in this embodiment, the higher the degree of expectation as the notice effect, the later the timing for completing the display of the meter notice image is delayed, so that the meter notice image is gradually displayed. Can be expected to continue to be displayed in such a region (in this example, a new character is displayed), and the game entertainment can be enhanced.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 39 (F3), even if the third meter notice is the latest timing to complete the display of the meter notice image, the meter notice image is displayed before the predetermined period when the detection valid period ends. Configured to complete. Therefore, even when the meter notice is executed in any effect mode, the button effect can be executed by operating the push button 120 after confirming the entire meter notice image. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy both the button notice and the meter notice, and it is possible to enhance the game entertainment.

  In this embodiment, the effect mode of button notification and the effect mode of meter notification are determined independently, but not limited to this, for example, one of the effect modes is determined and determined. Depending on the effect mode, the other effect mode may be determined, or the effect mode of button notice and the effect mode of meter notice may be determined collectively. Moreover, when determining the effect mode of the button notice and the effect mode of the meter notice, the expected degree of advantage may be varied depending on the combination of the effect modes.

  FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a notice effect mode determination table used to collectively determine a button notice effect mode and a meter notice effect mode. What is characteristic in the notice effect mode determination table shown in FIG. 40 is that if the display result is a big hit rather than an outlier, and the expected result of the variation pattern is higher even if the display result is the same, the “third meter notice” The determination value is set so that the ratio determined by the combination of “first meter notice” and “first button notice” is higher than the combination of “first button notice” and “first button notice”. It is that you are. That is, it is more advantageous to determine the combination of “first meter notice” and “first button notice” than to determine the combination of “third meter notice” and “first button notice”. That is, the degree of expectation that changes the effect pattern (for example, develops into super reach) and the degree of expectation that the display result is a big hit are high.

  According to the example shown in FIG. 40, it is possible to indicate the reliability of the button notice indicating the later notice contents by the meter notice indicating the notice contents first. For example, if the first button notice with a low expectation is executed after “100% !?” is displayed by the third meter notice, it is noticed that the degree of low expectation is close to 100%. Further, when the first button notice with low expectation is executed after “1%” is displayed by the notice of the first meter, it is noticed that the degree of low expectation is 1%. That is, it is predicted that there is little possibility of low expectation.

  By having such a feature, a combination of performance modes with a high degree of expectation is advantageous, and a combination of production modes with a low expectation is not disadvantageous. It is possible to vary the degree of expectation that becomes a variation mode (for example, develops into super reach) and the degree of expectation that the display result is a big hit. Therefore, it is possible to make the player pay attention to the combination of the production modes, and it is possible to enhance the gaming interest. Note that the present invention is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 40, and when the combination is a specific production mode, the expected degree of display and the display result that is advantageous for the variation mode of the production design (for example, develops to super reach) become a big hit. The degree of expectation may be increased (or decreased), or the jackpot may be determined.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 detects the player's motion within the detection valid period during which detection by the motion detection means (push button 120 in this example) is valid. Based on the fact, an effect execution means for executing a predetermined effect (in this example, a button notice) and a detection effective period image (meter image in this example) indicating a detection effective period are displayed in a display area (meter display area in this example). And a detection effective period display means for reducing an area for displaying the detection effective period image (meter image display area in this example) in the display area in accordance with a decrease in the remaining period of the detection effective period, Information relating to the game (in this example, the meter image non-display area) in which the detection effective period image is no longer displayed in accordance with the decrease in the remaining detection effective period Displays the meter announcement image) (in this example and a meter warning) information display means. The information display means is configured to start displaying information at the same timing when any of a plurality of types of information is displayed. By being configured in such a manner, it is possible to recognize the detection valid period and display the information related to the game, thereby improving the game entertainment. Moreover, since the display is started at the same timing regardless of the information regarding any game, the timing at which the display of information is started can be easily understood.

  Here, the detection valid period image (meter image in this example) is originally displayed with a predetermined presentation (in this example, a button notice), and allows the player to perform a predetermined operation within the detection valid period. It has one aspect of being used for. Therefore, if the period from the start of display of the detection valid period image to the start of display of information related to the game (meter preview image in this example) is long, the player is encouraged to perform a predetermined operation, In order to see the information regarding, a state in which a predetermined operation cannot be performed continues for a long period of time, and there is a possibility that the interest is lowered. Therefore, in this embodiment, the information display means is configured to start displaying information at a timing before approximately half of the effective detection period elapses. By being configured in this way, it is possible to prevent the interest from being reduced due to the late start of the display of information relating to the game.

  In this embodiment, the information display means displays the information at the second timing after the first timing as compared to when the display of the information (meter preview image in this example) is completed at the first timing. When the display is completed, the information is displayed so that the degree of expectation controlled to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) is higher. With such a configuration, attention can be paid to the timing at which the display of information is completed, and the game entertainment can be improved.

  Further, in this embodiment, the information display means displays information (meter notification in this example) according to a decrease in the area (meter image display area in this example) where the detection effective period image (meter image in this example) is displayed. Image) is displayed gradually, and all information is displayed before the remaining period of the detection valid period is less than the predetermined period (in this example, less than 1 second) (in this example, the entire area (entire) of the meter preview image is displayed) To be configured). With such a configuration, it is possible to leave the detection valid period even after all the information about the game is displayed, and it is possible to execute a predetermined effect (button notice in this example). Therefore, it is possible to enjoy both the predetermined effect and the display of information relating to the game (in this example, the meter notice), and it is possible to enhance the game entertainment.

  Further, in this embodiment, information (meter notice image in this example) is gradually increased in accordance with a decrease in the area (meter image display area in this example) where the detection effective period image (meter image in this example) is displayed. Although it is displayed, it is configured such that it is not possible to identify which information is just by looking at the displayed partial area, but it can be identified when the whole is displayed. With such a configuration, attention can be paid over a long period of time, and the interest by gradually displaying information can be further enhanced. In this embodiment, the higher the degree of expectation, the later the timing for completing the display of information, so the information is displayed gradually and the display of new areas is continued. (In this example, a new character is displayed), a sense of expectation can be given, and amusement can be enhanced.

  Further, in this embodiment, according to the combination of the information displayed by the information display means (in this example, the meter notice effect mode) and the effects executed by the effect executing means (in this example, the button notice effect mode). Thus, the degree of expectation controlled to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) is also different. With such a configuration, attention can be paid to both the displayed information and the effect to be executed, and the game entertainment can be improved.

  In this embodiment, a case has been described in which predetermined characters (“1%”, “10%”, and “100% !?”) are displayed as meter preview images. A pattern, a predetermined color, or the like may be displayed. For example, when “★” is displayed as a symbol, meter notice images with different numbers of “★” displayed may be used according to the expectation level of the notice effect. FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a meter notice. As shown in FIG. 41, patterns such as diagonal lines (meter notice image 203d shown in FIG. 41 (B1)) and lattices (meter notice image 203e shown in FIG. 41 (B2)) may be used as the meter notice image. . In the example shown in FIG. 41, unlike the case where the meter notice image on which the characters shown in FIG. 39 are displayed, the meter notice image (the diagonal line (meter shown in FIG. 41 (B1)) is displayed immediately after the start of the detection valid period. A preview image 203d) or a grid (meter preview image 203e shown in FIG. 41B2) is displayed. As described above, the display start timing of the meter preview image may not be completely the same. However, at least the display start timing is the same for each type of meter preview image, for example, for each meter preview image in which characters are displayed, for each meter preview image in which symbols are displayed, and for each meter preview image in which a pattern is displayed. It is desirable to be. Note that the same display start timing may be used regardless of the type of the meter preview image.

  Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated the case where a predetermined character was continuously displayed as a meter warning image, it may be displayed not continuously. For example, when two symbols “★” are displayed, in addition to the meter preview image that continuously displays “★★”, a space is provided between the two symbols, and “★ ★” is displayed. A meter preview image may be used. In this case, for example, since the second symbol “★” is displayed after a predetermined period after the first symbol “★” is displayed, an unexpected feeling can be given. Also, in this case, the timing for completing the display of the meter preview image is not known, and the detection valid period may end while waiting for the next symbol to be displayed. You may make it alert | report at the timing which display of this was completed.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where the button notice and the meter notice are performed once during the change of the effect symbol has been described, but it may be performed once or more. For example, the first button notice and meter notice may be performed after the start of the change of the effect symbol, and the second time may be performed if the reach is established or the pseudo-ream is performed a predetermined number of times. In this case, the displayed content may be different between the button notice image and meter notice image displayed for the first time, and the button notice image and meter notice image displayed for the second time. For example, at the first time, a button notice image and a meter notice image showing contents for announcing the possibility of becoming an advantageous variation pattern of the design effect (for example, develop into super reach) are displayed. Further, a button notice image and a meter notice image showing contents for notifying the possibility of a big hit or the possibility of continuing the pseudo-ream may be displayed.

  In this embodiment, the case where the button notice and the meter notice are performed during the change of the production symbol has been described. However, the execution timing and the content of the advance notice are not limited to this. When the symbol is stopped), it may be performed in order to notify that the symbol is changed from the lost symbol to the big hit symbol by re-lottery. It is also used to notify the player that the jackpot type is promoted from a regular jackpot to a promising jackpot or that the number of rounds will increase during the stoppage of the production symbol (stopping the jackpot symbol) or during the jackpot game. May be.

  In addition, the content notified by the button notice and the meter notice may be, for example, a probability change expectation that the big hit type at the big hit is a probable big hit, or the number of rounds at the big hit game differs depending on the big hit type. For example, the expected number of rounds may increase the number of rounds. Further, for example, if the configuration is controlled to the latent probability changing state in which it is not possible to recognize that the sudden probability change big hit has occurred, the latent expectation degree controlled to the latent probability changing state may be used. In addition, for example, if the number of times to be controlled to the probability change state or the time-short state after the big hit game is set, the expectation degree for those numbers may be used.

  Further, in this embodiment, the display of the meter preview image is started after a predetermined period has elapsed since the detection valid period was started. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the meter immediately after the detection valid period starts. The display of the notice image may be started. Alternatively, the display of the meter notice image may be started after approximately half of the effective detection period has elapsed. By delaying the timing at which the display of the meter preview image is started, the meter image can be noticed for a long period of time, and an expectation can be felt.

  Further, in this embodiment, in the button notice, the same button notice image is displayed regardless of the timing when the push button 120 is operated. For example, the push button 120 is operated after the display of the meter notice image is completed. Different effects may be performed when the push button 120 is operated before the display of the meter preview image is completed. For example, when the push button 120 is operated after the display of the meter preview image is completed, a button notification image with a high degree of rarity may be displayed, or a predetermined sound effect or sound may be output.

  Further, in this embodiment, the meter notice can be executed regardless of the effect form of the button notice, but for example, the meter notice can be executed only when the button notice of a specific effect form is executed. It may be a thing. In this case, a different meter image or operation instruction image may be displayed according to the effect mode of button notice. Further, in this embodiment, the effect mode of the button notice is determined, and the effect mode of the meter notice is determined according to the determination result. Accordingly, the effect mode of button notice may be determined.

  Further, in this embodiment, the timing for completing the display of the meter notice image is different for each effect mode of the meter notice, but the meter notice image is displayed at the same timing in any effect mode. May be completed.

  In this embodiment, the push button 120 is used as the motion detection means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the player's motion may be detected using the trigger button 121 or the stick controller 122. An infrared sensor may be provided to detect that the player performs a predetermined operation.

  In this embodiment, the meter image indicating the remaining period of the detection effective period is configured such that the display area (meter image display area) decreases as the detection effective period elapses. This is not limited to this. For example, at the start of the detection effective period, the meter image is not displayed in the meter display area, and as the detection effective period elapses, the meter image display area (meter image display area) occupies the meter display area increases. At the end, the detection effective period may be indicated by displaying the meter image in the entire area of the meter display area. Further, in this case, the meter preview can be performed by gradually displaying the meter preview image in the increased meter image display region (meter image display region). Moreover, you may make it show a detection effective period not only with a meter but with a clock. For example, an analog clock image may be displayed and the detection effective period may be indicated by updating the image so that the hand moves as the detection effective period elapses, or an hourglass image may be displayed and sand may be detected as the detection effective period elapses. The effective detection period may be indicated by updating the image so that it falls. In this case, a notice effect can be performed by gradually displaying a notice image (corresponding to a meter notice image) in an area where the hands of the clock have passed or an area where sand has fallen. In addition, a plurality of images (for example, a filled rectangle: “■”) are displayed, and the detection effective period is indicated by gradually erasing the image as the detection effective period elapses. A notice effect may be performed by gradually displaying an image (corresponding to a meter notice image).

  In addition to the example shown in this embodiment, the display start timing is the same, the display completion timing is before the remaining period of the detection valid period is less than the predetermined period, regardless of the production mode of the meter notice. It may be configured to satisfy all that the display completion timing is the same, or may be configured to satisfy only a part. In other words, the display start timing may be different depending on the production mode of the meter notice.

  Note that the structure described in the above embodiment can also be applied to a game system called a so-called portable interlocking system. A gaming system called a mobile-linked system generally has a gaming machine that outputs predetermined information based on establishment of a predetermined condition, and a predetermined privilege for a player based on the predetermined information output by the gaming machine. A privilege granting device for performing the granting process.

  Specifically, in the gaming system as described above, the gaming machine has a predetermined condition such as the number of fluctuations, the number of jackpots, the so-called consecutive resort number (the number of jackpots during the probability variation state), the number of mission achievements, etc. It is stored as a history, and a two-dimensional code or the like is displayed as predetermined information at the end of the game. Further, the player uses a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone with a camera function to photograph the two-dimensional code displayed on the gaming machine and transmits it to a Web server (privilege granting device) on the Internet. Then, the Web server manages the game history of the player based on the received information, and performs a process of giving a predetermined privilege according to the game history. For example, the Web server transmits a digital content such as image content or music content to the player's mobile terminal as a predetermined privilege, or transmits a predetermined password to the player's mobile terminal. When the next game is played, the display screen of the gaming machine is processed so as to be customized according to the preference of the player.

  When the configuration shown in the above embodiment is applied to the gaming system as described above, for example, a predetermined condition is established that a specific notice effect is executed and a big hit is made, and the number of times is set as a Web server. It can be managed as a game history. Then, depending on the number of times that a specific notice effect has been executed and a big hit, digital content may be transmitted as a predetermined privilege, or the display screen of the gaming machine may be customized.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display 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

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that performs a game and can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player,
Motion detection means capable of detecting a player's motion;
An effect execution means for executing a predetermined effect based on the detection of the player's motion by the motion detection means within a detection valid period during which the detection by the motion detection means is valid;
Detection effective period display means for displaying a detection effective period image indicating the detection effective period in a display area, and reducing the area for displaying the detection effective period image in the display area in accordance with a decrease in the remaining period of the detection effective period. When,
An information display means for displaying information relating to a game in an area where the detection effective period image is no longer displayed according to a decrease in the remaining period of the detection effective period in the display area;
The information display means includes
Display information gradually according to the decrease in the area where the detection effective period image is displayed, and display all the information before the remaining period of the detection effective period is less than a predetermined period,
Information indicating the possibility of being controlled to the advantageous state can be displayed.

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