JP2016189927A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to prevent a player from becoming confused in a game machine configured to be able to perform a specific presentation.SOLUTION: The game machine can perform a specific presentation (e.g., a simultaneous presentation) including a special presentation (e.g., the simultaneous presentation (an introduction part)) which is performed in a same or a similar presentation mode as a notice presentation (e.g., a notice presentation in a mode where a group of balloons come on a display). And, at least in a specific period (e.g., a timing after a generation of a ready-to-win), a performance of the special presentation is restricted (e.g., when it becomes a timing of starting the simultaneous presentation, if a variable display accompanied by a ready-to-win is being performed, instead of the simultaneous presentation (the introduction part), a simultaneous presentation introduction display is displayed.).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 38

Description

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

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

  In addition, after setting a predetermined number of bets for one game on a predetermined game medium, the player starts variable display of identification information by the variable display device by operating the start lever, and the player By operating the stop button provided corresponding to the display device, the variable display of the identification information is stopped within the range of the maximum delay time determined in advance from the operation timing, and the variable display of all the variable display devices is displayed. In accordance with the display result derived when the game is stopped, a winning occurs, a predetermined game medium determined in advance according to the winning is paid out, and when a specific winning occurs, a player is given a predetermined gaming value as a gaming state. There is one that is configured to be in a state to be given to (so-called slot machine).

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

  In a pachinko machine, a specific display mode determined in advance is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display of a special symbol (identification information) that is started by variable display means based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening. In this case, a “big hit (favorable state)” occurs. The derived display is to stop and display the symbol. When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 16 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round.

  Some such gaming machines are configured to be able to execute a specific effect based on the time measured by the time measuring means. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that a synchronous effect (specific effect) that is started all at once at a predetermined time (time) is executed and a countdown display until the start of the synchronous effect is performed.

JP 2007-252534 A (paragraphs 0065-0070)

  In the gaming machine configured to be able to execute a specific effect as described in Patent Document 1, a specific effect including a special effect performed in an effect mode that is the same as or similar to a notice effect that can be executed in a specific period during variable display Can be configured to be executable. However, in this case, if a special effect is executed during a specific period during variable display, it is impossible to immediately distinguish whether the notice effect is being executed or the special effect is being executed, which confuses the player. There is a risk that.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent a player from being confused in a gaming machine configured to execute a specific effect.

(Means 1) The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that performs variable display and can be controlled in an advantageous state (for example, a big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player, and is a time counting means (for example, a real-time clock 108, time A specific effect execution means (for example, a part for executing step S800a in the effect control microcomputer 100) capable of executing a specific effect (for example, simultaneous effect) based on the time of a measurement timer), and a specific period during variable display The notice effect execution means (for example, the effect control micro) that can execute the notice effect that suggests that it is controlled to the advantageous state (for example, the notice effect of the effect mode shown in FIGS. 37 (8) and 39 (4)). In step S1806 in accordance with the process table corresponding to the notice effect selected in step S1804 in the computer 100. 1845), the notice effect executing means executes the notice effect at a rate different from that when the specific effect is not executed when the specific effect is executed (for example, effect control). As shown in FIG. 34, the microcomputer 100 is executing the simultaneous effect while the simultaneous effect is being executed with a probability of 70% in the case of a big hit when the simultaneous effect is not being executed. In the case, the notice effect is executed with a probability of 90% in the case of a big hit), the specific effect executing means is a special effect (for example, FIG. 37 (2) to FIG. 37) performed in the same or similar effect mode as the notice effect. A special effect including a simultaneous effect (introduction section) shown in (4) can be executed, and special effect restricting means (for example, an effect control micro) that restricts execution of the special effect at least in a specific period. In the computer 100, when step S5107 is executed when the answer is Y in step S5105, when the variable display with reach is being executed when the start timing of the simultaneous performance is reached, FIG. 6) and as shown in FIGS. 39 (2) to (4), it is further provided with a portion for displaying a simultaneous production introduction display instead of the simultaneous production (introduction section). According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the player from being confused in the gaming machine configured to execute the specific effect.

(Means 2) In the means 1, the special effect restricting means restricts the execution of the special effect for at least a limited period including the specific period (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 is capable of executing at least a notice effect, after the occurrence of reach). The execution of simultaneous production (introduction section) may be restricted during a restriction period including the timing of the above). According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the player from being confused.

(Means 3) The means 1 or 2 includes a notice effect determining means (for example, a part for executing step S1803 in the effect control microcomputer 100) for deciding whether or not to execute the notice effect. Executes the notice effect based on the decision to execute the notice effect by the notice effect determining means (for example, when the effect control microcomputer 100 decides to execute the notice effect in step S1803, step S1804). Steps S1806 and S1845 are executed in accordance with the process table corresponding to the notice effect selected in step S1806), and the notice effect determining means starts when the specific effect is started in the middle of the variable display and ends when the specific effect is ended in the middle of the variable display. Even if there is a notice effect, the same as the variable display during execution of a specific effect. (For example, the production control microcomputer 100 determines Y in step S5502 if it is the start timing of the simultaneous production in the middle of the variable display, and in step S5503 a notice for the simultaneous production is in progress. When an effect determination table is selected, and when it is the end timing of simultaneous effects in the middle of variable display, it is determined as Y in step S5501 and a notice effect determination table for simultaneous effects is selected in step S5503, and a big win May be determined to execute the notice effect with a probability of 90%). According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the player from being discouraged in the variable display across the start and end of the specific performance.

(Means 4) When any of the means 1 to 3 restricts the execution of the special effects (for example, simultaneous effects (introduction section) shown in FIGS. 37 (2) to (4)), the special effects are limited. Special effect execution means (for example, for effect control) that can execute a special effect (for example, display of simultaneous effect introduction display shown in FIGS. 38 (2) to (6) and FIGS. 39 (2) to (4)) instead of The microcomputer 100 may be configured to include a portion that executes step S5107. According to such a configuration, the execution of the specific effect can be recognized even if the execution of the special effect is restricted.

(Means 5) In any one of the means 1 to 4, the first clocking means (for example, the real-time clock 108) capable of timing regardless of whether or not power is supplied to the gaming machine, and the power supply to the gaming machine Second timing means (for example, a time measurement timer realized by the CPU 101 for effect control) that can be timed, and reading means (for example, an effect control microcomputer) that reads the time information timed by the first time means. 100 includes steps S703b, S703e, S753, S758, and S759), and the specific effect executing means executes the specific effect (for example, simultaneous effect) based on at least the time information measured by the second time measuring means. (For example, the part in which the production control microcomputer 100 executes step S800a) Is time-measured based on the time-measurement information measured by the first time-measurement means read by the read-out means (for example, the part in which the production control microcomputer 100 executes steps S703b, S703c, S750b, S753, S754, and S758) ), When the period until the timing at which the specific effect execution unit executes the specific effect is a predetermined period or longer (for example, 1 minute or more), the reading means reads timekeeping information in the first period (for example, every minute) ( For example, when the production control microcomputer 100 executes steps S751 to S754) and the period until the specific production execution means executes the specific production is less than the predetermined period (for example, less than 1 minute), Timekeeping information is read out in a second period (for example, every second) shorter than one period (for example, production system) Partial use microcomputer 100 executes the steps S756～S758. See Figure 22) may be configured so. According to such a configuration, time information is read out as necessary, so that time can be accurately measured and an increase in processing load can be prevented.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is the rear view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the back. 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 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows a big hit determination table, a small hit determination table, and a big hit type determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows 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 the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the read-out timing of time information. 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 time measurement process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows simultaneous production processing. It is a flowchart which shows simultaneous production 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 notice effect determination table. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the production aspect of simultaneous production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the production aspect of simultaneous production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the production aspect of simultaneous production. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the execution timing of simultaneous production. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the execution timing of simultaneous production.

  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.

  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. .

  A first special symbol display (first variable display means) 8 a that variably displays a first special symbol as identification information is provided on the left side of the top of the effect display device 9 in the game board 6. 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. A second special symbol display (second variable display means) 8b that variably displays a second special symbol as identification information is provided on the right side of the upper portion of the effect display device 9 in the game board 6. 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.

  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 may be collectively referred to as a special symbol indicator.

  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), a 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) When the variable display time (fluctuation time) elapses, a display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. 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. 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.

  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.

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

  Below the first special symbol display 8a, the number of valid winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13, that is, the first reserved memory number (the reserved memory is also referred to as the start memory or the start prize memory) is displayed 4. There is provided a first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a composed of two indicators (for example, LEDs). 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. For example, this is realized by executing a display control process in a display control process (step S22) of a timer interrupt process described later.

  Below the second special symbol display 8b is a second special symbol hold comprising four indicators (for example, LEDs) for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the second start winning opening 14, that is, the second reserved memory number. A storage indicator 18b 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. For example, this is realized by executing a display control process in a display control process (step S22) of a timer interrupt process described later.

  In addition, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there is provided a total pending storage display unit 18c for displaying the total number (total number of pending storage) that is the sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. ing. In this embodiment, on the total hold storage display unit 18c, the hold displays corresponding to the first hold memory and the second hold memory are displayed side by side in the order of winning to the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14. The In addition, it may be made to display in the aspect which can recognize whether it is the 1st reservation memory or the 2nd reservation memory in the total reservation memory display part 18c (for example, the 1st reservation memory is displayed in red) The second reserved memory may be displayed in blue). Further, instead of the total reserved memory display unit 18c, a first reserved memory display unit that displays the first reserved memory number and a second reserved memory display unit that displays the second reserved memory number may be provided. Good.

  The effect display device 9 is for decoration (effect) during the variable display time of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and during the variable display time of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b. The display of the effect symbol as a symbol for “for” is variably displayed. 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. Synchronous means that the start time and end time of variable display are substantially the same (may be exactly the same) and the variable display period is substantially the same (may be exactly the same). 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 device 20 is provided below the variable winning ball device 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.

  A normal symbol display 10 is provided at the lower right side of the game board 6. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “◯” and “x”) called normal symbols.

  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. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting the upper and lower lamps (the symbols can be visually recognized when turned on). For example, if the lower lamp is turned on at the end of the variable display, it is a hit. . When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 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 four indicators (for example, 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 indicators that are turned on by one. Then, each time the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of indicators that are lit is reduced by one. Further, in the probability variation state where the probability of being determined to be a big hit as compared to the normal state is high, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 The opening time becomes longer and the number of opening times is increased. That is, the game ball is controlled to be in a high base state that is controlled so as to make it easier for the game ball to start and win (that is, the variable display execution conditions in the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b and the effect display device 9 are easily established). Transition. Further, in this embodiment, even in the short time state (the game state in which the special symbol variable display time is shortened), the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 becomes long and the number of times of opening is increased.

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

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

  Also, by shifting to the short time state when the variation time (variable display period) of special symbols and production symbols is shortened, the variation time of special symbols and production symbols is shortened, so that effective start winnings are likely to occur. The possibility that a big hit game is played increases.

  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).

  On the left and right sides of the game area 7 of the game board 6, there are provided decorative LEDs 25 that are displayed blinking during the game, and at the lower part there is an outlet 26 for taking in a hit ball that has not won. In addition, two speakers 27R and 27L that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. A top frame LED 28a, a left frame LED 28b, and a right frame LED 28c provided on the front frame are provided on the outer periphery upper portion, the outer periphery left portion, and the outer periphery right portion of the game area 7. Also, a prize ball LED 51 that is turned on when there is a remaining number of prize balls is provided in the vicinity of the left frame LED 28b, and a ball cut LED 52 that is turned on when the supply ball is cut is provided in the vicinity of the right frame LED 28c. . The top frame LED 28a, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the decoration LED 25 are examples of effects light emitters provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In addition to the above-described various LEDs for production (decoration), LEDs and lamps for production are installed.

  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 port 14 and is detected by the second start port switch 14a, if the variable display of the second special symbol can be started (for example, the special symbol variable display ends and starts). When the condition is satisfied), the variable display (variation) of the second special symbol is started on the second special symbol display 8b, and the variable display of the effect symbol is started on the effect display device 9. 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.

  Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine as seen from the back side. As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, there are a variable display control unit including an effect control board 80 on which an effect control microcomputer 100 for controlling the effect display device 9 is mounted, a game control microcomputer, and the like. Various boards such as a mounted game control board (main board) 31, an audio output board 70, a lamp driver board 35, and a payout control board 37 mounted with a payout control microcomputer for performing ball payout control are installed. Yes. The game control board 31 is stored in the board storage case 200.

  The effect control board 80 is provided with a simultaneous effect setting button 19 for setting the execution timing of the simultaneous effect described later. In this embodiment, the administrator can set the execution timing of the simultaneous effect by operating the simultaneous effect setting button 19.

  Further, on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a power supply substrate 910 and a touch sensor substrate 91 on which power supply circuits for generating various power supply voltages such as DC30V, DC21V, DC12V, and DC5V are mounted. The power supply board 910 is supplied with the game control board 31 and each electrical component control board (the effect control board 80 and the payout control board 37) in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and each electrical component (power is supplied) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1. A power switch as a power supply permission means for executing or shutting off the power supply to the component), and a clear switch for clearing the RAM 55 of the game control microcomputer 560 of the game control board 31 are provided. ing. Further, a replaceable fuse is provided inside the power switch (inside the substrate).

  In this embodiment, the main board 31 is provided on the game board side, and the payout control board 37 is provided on the game frame side. Even in such a configuration, as will be described later, the communication between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 is performed by serial communication, thereby facilitating the routing of the wiring when replacing the game board. .

  Each control board is equipped with control means including a control microcomputer. The control means is an electrical component (game device: ball payout device 97, effect display device 9, light emission from a lamp, LED, etc.) provided in the gaming machine according to a command signal (control signal) as a command from the game control means or the like. Body, speaker 27, etc.). Hereinafter, the main board 31 may be included in the control board for explanation. In that case, the control means mounted on the control board refers to each of the game control means and the means for controlling the electrical components provided in the gaming machine in accordance with a command signal from the game control means or the like. A substrate on which a microcomputer other than the main substrate 31 is mounted may be referred to as a sub-substrate. The ball payout device 97 is a device for paying out a game ball guided by a passage for guiding the game ball and a sprocket driven by a stepping motor or the like to an upper plate or a lower plate. A payout number counting switch for counting prize balls and rental balls is also configured as part of the unit. In this embodiment, the payout detection means is realized by the payout number count switch 301 and has a function of detecting that a winning ball or a lending ball is actually paid out from the ball payout device 97. In this case, the payout number count switch 301 outputs a detection signal every time one payout of prize balls or rental balls is detected.

  On the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a terminal board 160 having terminals for outputting various information to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed above. On the terminal board 160, for example, a door opening signal terminal for externally outputting a door opening signal indicating that the game frame is in an open state, or a prize ball that is output every time ten prize balls are paid out are detected. A prize ball information terminal for externally outputting information is provided.

  The game ball stored in the storage tank 38 passes through a guide rail (not shown), and reaches a ball payout device 97 covered with a payout case 40A through a curve rod. Above the ball payout device 97, a ball break switch 187 is provided as a game medium break detection means. When the ball break switch 187 detects a ball break, the payout operation of the ball payout device 97 stops. The ball break switch 187 is a switch for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball in the game ball passage, but the ball break detection switch 167 for detecting the shortage of supply balls in the storage tank 38 is also an upstream portion of the guide rail (in the storage tank 38). (Proximate part). When the ball break detection switch 167 detects a shortage of game balls, the game balls are replenished to the pachinko gaming machine 1 from the replenishment mechanism provided on the gaming machine installation island.

  When a large number of game balls as prizes based on winning a prize or a game ball based on a ball lending request are paid out and the hitting ball supply tray 3 is full, the game balls are guided to the surplus ball receiving tray 4 through the surplus ball guiding path. Further, when the game ball is paid out, a sensing lever (not shown) presses the full tank switch as the storage state detection means, and the full tank switch as the storage state detection means is turned on. In this state, the rotation of the payout motor in the ball payout device is stopped, the operation of the ball payout device is stopped, and the driving of the ball hitting device is also stopped.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 3 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).

  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.

  The game control microcomputer 560 reads numerical data as random R from the random number circuit 503 when a start winning to the first start port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a occurs, and starts to change the special symbol and the effect symbol. Sometimes it is determined whether or not to make a big hit display result as a specific display result based on the random R, that is, whether or not to make a big hit. Then, when it is determined to be a big hit, the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state advantageous to the player.

  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 corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means (the value of the special symbol process flag or the total pending storage number counter) and the data indicating the number of unpaid winning 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.

  A reset signal (not shown) from the power supply board is input to the reset terminal of the game control microcomputer 560. A reset circuit for generating a reset signal supplied to the game control microcomputer 560 and the like is mounted on the power supply board. When the reset signal becomes high level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operable state, and when the reset signal becomes low level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operation stop state. Therefore, an allowable signal that allows the operation of the game control microcomputer 560 or the like is output during a period when the reset signal is at a high level, and a game control microcomputer is output when the reset signal is at a low level. An operation stop signal for stopping the operation of 560 or the like is output. Note that the reset circuit may be mounted on each electric component control board (a board on which a microcomputer for controlling the electric parts is mounted).

  Further, a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board has dropped below a predetermined value is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the power supply board monitors the voltage value of a predetermined voltage (for example, DC30V or DC5V) used in the gaming machine, and when the voltage value decreases to a predetermined value (the power supply voltage is reduced). A power supply monitoring circuit that outputs a power-off signal indicating that). A clear signal (not shown) indicating that the clear switch for instructing to clear the contents of the RAM is operated is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560.

  Further, an input driver circuit 58 for supplying detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, 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. Further, an information output circuit (not shown) for outputting an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer 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 with the effect display device 9 that variably displays effect symbols is performed.

  FIG. 4 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. 4, 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 has an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101 and a RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. 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.

  Further, the RAM included in the production control microcomputer 100 is a backup RAM as a nonvolatile storage means, part of which is backed up by a backup power source created on the power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part of the RAM included in the effect control microcomputer 100 is maintained for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). The contents are saved. In particular, at least simultaneous effect setting data indicating the start timing of the simultaneous effect is stored in the backup RAM.

  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. The VRAM is a buffer memory for expanding image data generated by the VDP. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the effect display device 9.

  In addition, the production control board 80 is equipped with a real time clock 108. The real-time clock 108 has a function of outputting time information including year / month / day / day of the week and hour / minute / second information, and is operated by an independent power source (for example, a button battery).

  The effect control CPU 101 reads necessary data from a character ROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The character ROM is for storing character image data displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols, etc. (including effect symbols) in advance. The effect control CPU 101 outputs the data read from the character ROM to the VDP 109. The VDP 109 executes display control based on the data input from the effect control CPU 101.

  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. 4 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).

  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 drive signal to each LED provided on the frame side such as the top frame LED 28a, the left frame LED 28b, and the right frame LED 28c. Further, a drive signal is supplied to the decoration LED 25 provided on the game board side. When a light emitter other than the LED is provided, a drive circuit (driver) for driving the light emitter is mounted on the lamp driver substrate 35.

  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 amplifier 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 speakers 27R and 27L. 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).

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 inputs a signal from the simultaneous effect setting button 19 via the input port 107 in response to an operation of the simultaneous effect setting button 19 by the administrator. In this embodiment, the timing for starting the simultaneous effect is changed according to the operation of the simultaneous effect setting button 19 by the administrator. For example, when an administrator performs an operation for changing the start timing (such as a button pressing operation) using the simultaneous effect setting button 19, the simultaneous effect setting data stored in the RAM of the effect control macro computer 100 is updated. Is done.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing 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). Then, the process proceeds to step S14. In this embodiment, the CPU 56 also transmits, to the effect control board 80, a total pending storage number designation command in which the value of the total pending storage number counter stored in the backup RAM is set in the process of step S43. .

  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, 2 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 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. Further, when the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the reach effect is always executed. 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 lottery 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 in steps S20 to S34 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal has been output (whether or not an on-state has been 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 process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for storing necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals of 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 the state determination is performed (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 board 37 mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to detection of winning 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 microcomputer. 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). For example, if the variation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag set in the special symbol process is set, the CPU 56, for example, every 0.2 seconds passes. Then, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by one. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer, whereby the first special symbol display unit 8a and the second special symbol display unit 8b Variable display of the second special symbol is executed.

  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 2 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 jackpot 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 all stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R in the effect display device 9.

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

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

FIG. 7 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 3 (MR3): A variation pattern (variation time) is determined (for variation pattern determination)
(3) Random 4 (MR4): Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(4) Random 5 (MR5): Determine the initial value of random 4 (for determining the initial value of random 4)

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern is determined as any variation pattern included in the variation pattern determination table using a variation pattern determination random number (random 3).

  In step S23 in the game control process shown in FIG. 6, 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 3) or initial value random numbers (random 5). In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may use random numbers other than said random number. In this embodiment, a random number generated by hardware incorporated in the game control microcomputer 560 (or hardware external to the game control microcomputer 560) is used as the jackpot determination random number.

  FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54 and is a table in which a jackpot determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The jackpot determination table includes a normal-time jackpot determination table used in a normal state (a gaming state that is not a probability change state) and a probability change jackpot determination table used in a probability change state. Each value described in the left column of FIG. 8 (A) is set in the normal jackpot determination table, and each value described in the right column of FIG. Is set. The numerical value described in FIG. 8A is a jackpot determination value.

  8B and 8C 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. 8B 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. 8B and 8C are small hit determination values.

  The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and sets the extracted value as the value of the big hit determination random number (random R). The big hit determination random number is shown in FIG. If it matches any of the big hit determination values, the special symbol is decided to be a big hit (a normal big hit, a probability variation big hit, and a sudden probability variation big hit described later). Further, when the big hit determination random number value matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, it is determined to make a small hit for the special symbol. Note that the “probability” shown in FIG. 8A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Further, “probabilities” shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C 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. 8B and 8C, 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. 8D and 8E are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b stored in the ROM 54. FIG. Among these, FIG. 8 (D) determines the jackpot type using the hold memory based on the game ball having won the first start winning opening 13 (that is, when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed). This is a jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol) 131a. Further, FIG. 8E shows a case where the jackpot type is determined 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. 8D and 8E, ten determination values are assigned to “suddenly probable big hit” in the big hit type determination table 131a (40 minutes). 3 is assigned to the jackpot type determination table 131b for “sudden probability change big hit” (a ratio of 3/40). 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. Note that the determination values set in the table are different from each other and are not assigned redundantly.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E, as the first specific gaming state to which a predetermined amount of gaming value is given, there are two rounds of sudden probabilistic big hits and more than the gaming value. The case where 15 rounds of big hit (probable big hit or normal big hit) is determined as the second specific gaming state to which the amount of gaming value is given will be explained. However, when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, Although the case where it is determined to be one specific gaming state is shown, the gaming value to be given is not limited to the number of rounds as shown in this embodiment. For example, as compared with the first specific gaming state, the second specific gaming state in which the allowable amount of the winning number (count number) of game balls to the big winning opening per round is increased as the gaming value is determined. Also good. Further, for example, as compared with the first specific gaming state, the second specific gaming state in which the opening time of the big winning opening per game during the big hit may be determined as the gaming value. In addition, for example, even if the same 15 round big hits, the first specific gaming state that opens the big winning opening once per round and the second specific gaming state that opens the big winning opening multiple times per round It may be prepared to increase the gaming value of the second specific gaming state by substantially increasing the number of times the special winning opening is opened. In this case, for example, in any case of the first specific gaming state or the second specific gaming state, when the big winning opening is opened 15 times (in this case, all 15 rounds in the case of the first specific gaming state) In the case of the second specific gaming state, there is an undigested round remaining), and it is possible to execute an effect in such a manner as to inquire whether or not the jackpot continues further. And in the case of the first specific gaming state, all the 15 rounds have been finished internally, so the big hit game is finished, and in the case of the second specific gaming state, there remains an undigested round internally. For this reason, the jackpot game may be continued (the effect that the bonus winning opening is additionally started with a bonus after finishing the bonus hit of 15 times).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E, the types of jackpots include “normal jackpot”, “probability variation jackpot”, and “sudden probability variation jackpot”.

  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 S170 and S171 described later). After the transition to the probability variation state, the probability variation state is maintained until the next big hit occurs (see step S134 described later).

  In addition, the “ordinary big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to the big round gaming state of 15 rounds and is not shifted to the probability change state after the big hit gaming state is ended, but is shifted only to the short time state (see step S167 described later) . Then, after shifting to the time reduction state, the time reduction state is maintained until the execution of the variable symbol display of the special symbol and the effect symbol is completed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) (see steps S142 to S145 described later). In this embodiment, the time reduction state also ends when a big hit occurs after the transition to the time reduction state and before the execution of the predetermined number of variable displays is ended (see step S134 described later).

  In addition, “suddenly promising big hit” means that the number of times of opening the big winning opening is smaller than in “probable big hit” or “normal big hit” (in this embodiment, opening for 0.1 second 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 this embodiment, after the two-round jackpot gaming state is finished, the state is shifted to the probability changing state (in this embodiment, the state is shifted to the probability changing state and also to the short time state. Step S170 described later is performed. , S171). After the transition to the probability variation state, the probability variation state is maintained until the next big hit occurs (see step S134 described later).

  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 (described later). Steps S147 to S151). 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.

  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. 9 and FIG. 10 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) that specifies a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to variable display of the special symbol. (Each corresponding to a variation pattern XX). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each variation pattern that can be used, there is a variation pattern command corresponding to each variation pattern specified by the number. “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when receiving the command 80XX (H), the effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to start variable display of effect symbols.

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

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

  The command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display (fluctuation) of the effect 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 effect symbol and derives and displays the display result.

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

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

  The commands A001 to A003 (H) are effect control commands for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). The jackpot start designation command includes a jackpot start 1 designation command, a jackpot start designation 2 designation command, and a small hit / sudden probability sudden change jackpot start designation command corresponding to the type of jackpot. 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. 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.

  The command A301 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that the jackpot game is normally a big jackpot (a jackpot end 1 designation command: an ending 1 designation command). is there. Command A302 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that it is a probable big hit (big hit end 2 designation command: ending 2 designation command). is there. Command A 303 (H) is an effect control command (small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command: ending 3 designation command) that designates the end of the small hit game or the sudden probability change big hit game. The game control microcomputer 560 may be configured to transmit an ending designation command for suddenly probable big hit end designation in the case of a sudden big hit, but not to send an ending designation command in the case of a small hit. Good.

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

  Command C0XX (H) is an effect control command (first reserved memory number designation command) for designating the first reserved memory number. “XX” in the command C0XX (H) indicates the first reserved storage number. Command C1XX (H) is an effect control command (second reserved memory number designation command) that designates the second reserved memory number. “XX” in the command C1XX (H) indicates the second reserved storage number.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the image display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the display state of the lamp is changed, and the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70. To do.

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

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

  In addition, as the transmission method of the effect control command, the effect control command data is output from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77 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. 9 and FIG. 10, the change pattern command and the display result designation command are displayed as variable display (change) and second special display of the effect symbol corresponding to the change of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a. Image display that can be used in common with variable display (variation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the second special symbol on the symbol display 8b, and that produces an effect with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It is possible to prevent an increase in the types of commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 when controlling the effect parts such as the device 9.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process (step S26) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. 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 opening switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 or if the game ball is inserted into the second start winning opening 14. If the second start opening switch 14a for detecting that a winning has been made, that is, if a start winning to the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening 14 has occurred, the start opening switch passing process is performed. Are executed (steps S311 and S312). 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 variable display of the special symbol can be started, the game control microcomputer 560 checks the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage number buffer (total number of reserved storage). The stored number of numerical data stored in the pending storage number buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the total pending storage number counter. If the count value of the total pending storage number counter is not 0, it is determined whether or not the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is a big hit. In case of big hit, set big hit flag. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) according to step S301. The jackpot flag is reset when the jackpot game ends.

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

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

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the internal state (special symbol process flag) is stepped. Update to a value corresponding to S304 (4 in this example).

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The variable display on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is stopped, and the stop symbol is derived and displayed. In addition, control for transmitting a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed. If 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). The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the effect symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S306 (6 in this example). 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.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. A control for transmitting a presentation control command for round display during the big hit gaming state to the microcomputer 100 for the presentation control, a process for confirming that the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied, and the like are 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. When all the rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S307 (7 in this example).

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

  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-hit release pre-processing is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the small-hit release pre-processing is also a process for starting a small hit game.

  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. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S308 (8 in this example). When all rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S310 (in this example, 10 (decimal number)).

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

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process in step S312. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the first start port switch 13a is in an ON state (step S1211). If the first start port switch 13a is not in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S1218. If the first start port switch 13a is on, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the first reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the first reserved memory for counting the first reserved memory number). Whether or not the value of the number counter is 4 is confirmed (step S1212). If the first reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S1218.

  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 S1213), and the value of the total reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S1214). In addition, the CPU 56 corresponds to the value of the total reserved storage number counter in the reserved storage specific information storage area (hold specific area) for storing the winning order to the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14. Data indicating “first” is set in the area (step S1215).

  In this embodiment, when the first start opening switch 13a is turned on (that is, when a game ball starts and wins the first start winning opening 13), data indicating “first” is set, When the second start port switch 14a is turned on (that is, when a game ball starts and wins the second start winning port 14), data indicating “second” is set. For example, the CPU 56 sets 01 (H) as data indicating “first” when the first start port switch 13 a is turned on in the reserved storage specifying information storage area (holding specified area), 2 When the start port switch 14a is turned on, 02 (H) is set as data indicating “second”. In this case, when there is no corresponding reserved storage, 00 (H) is set in the reserved storage specific information storage area (hold specific area).

  FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a reserved storage specifying information storage area (holding specified area). As shown in FIG. 13A, an area corresponding to the maximum value (8 in this example) of the value of the total reserved memory number counter is secured in the reserved specific area. FIG. 13A shows an example in which the value of the total pending storage number counter is 5. As shown in FIG. 13 (A), an area corresponding to the maximum value (8 in this example) of the total reserved memory number counter is secured in the reserved specific area. 2. Data indicating “first” or “second” is set in the order of winning based on winning in the starting winning port 14. Accordingly, in the reserved storage specific information storage area (hold specific area), the winning order to the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 is stored. Note that the reserved specific area is formed in the RAM 55.

  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. 13B) ( Step S1216). In the process of step S1216, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number and a big hit type determination random number (random 1 and a variation pattern determination random number (random 3)) that are software random numbers are extracted and stored. Note that the random number for random pattern determination (random 3) is not extracted and stored in the storage area in advance in the start opening switch passage process (at the time of start winning), but the fluctuation of the first special symbol is stored. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may obtain a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) in a variation pattern setting process described later. May be directly extracted.

  FIG. 13B 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. 13B, 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 3) 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 a first reserved memory number designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 based on the value of the first reserved memory number counter (step S1217).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the second start port switch 14a is in an on state (step S1218). If the second start port switch 14a is not in the ON state, the process is terminated as it is. If the second start port switch 14a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the second reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the second reserved memory for counting the second reserved memory number). Whether or not the value of the number counter is 4 is confirmed (step S1219). 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 S1220), and the value of the total reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S1221). In addition, the CPU 56 sets data indicating “second” in an area corresponding to the value of the total reserved storage number counter in the reserved storage specific information storage area (hold specific area) (step S1222).

  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. 17B) (see FIG. 17B). Step S1223). In the process of step S1223, 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 3) that are software random numbers are extracted, Stored in the save area. It should be noted that the random number for random pattern determination (random 3) is not extracted and stored in the storage area in advance in the start-port switch passing process (at the time of start winning), but is extracted at the start of the variation of the second special symbol. May be. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) in a variation pattern setting process described later.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second reserved memory number designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 based on the value of the second reserved memory number counter (step S1224).

  14 and 15 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total pending storage number is 0, the process is terminated.

  If the total pending storage number is not 0, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the first data among the data set in the pending specific area (see FIG. 13A) is data indicating “first”. (Step S52). When the first data set in the reserved specific area is not data indicating “first” (that is, data indicating “second”) (N in step S52), the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol pointer (first Data indicating “second” is set in a flag indicating whether the special symbol process is performed for one special symbol or the special symbol process is performed for the second special symbol (step S54). When the first data set in the hold specific area is data indicating “first” (Y in step S52), the CPU 56 sets data indicating “first” in the special symbol pointer (step S53). ).

  By executing the processing of steps S52 to S54, in this embodiment, the first special symbol changes in accordance with the start winning order in which the game balls win the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14. Display or variable display of the second special symbol is executed. In this embodiment, the first special symbol variation display or the second special symbol variation display is executed in accordance with the start winning order in which the game balls have won the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14. Although the case where it is displayed is shown, you may comprise so that a variable display of any one of a 1st special symbol and a 2nd special symbol may be performed preferentially. For example, when priority is given to the variable display of the second special symbol, whether or not the second reserved memory number in the second reserved memory number buffer is 1 or more is checked in step S52. If it is 0, the process proceeds to step S53.

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

  Then, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer, and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S56). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 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.

  In step S56, when the count value of the reserved memory number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer is decremented by 1, the CPU 56 first subtracts the first special symbol reserved memory display 18a based on the count value of the reserved memory number counter. Or control which changes the display of the 2nd special symbol reservation memory indicator 18b is also performed.

  Then, the CPU 56 stores the count value of the total pending storage number counter in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (step S57), and then 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.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the reserved memory number designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the effect control microcomputer 100 based on the value of the reserved memory number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer after the subtraction. (Step S59). In this case, when a value indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the first reserved storage number designation command. When a value indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second reserved memory number designation command.

  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 determines the jackpot determination that is extracted in step S214A of the first start port switch passing process or step S214B of the second start port switch passing process and stored in advance 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. 8) determined in advance with the big hit determination random number, and if they match, executes the process of determining the big hit or the small hit 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 jackpot determination process is configured such that when the gaming state is a probable change state (high probability state), the probability of a big hit is higher than when the gaming state is a non-probability change state (normal game state and short-time state). ing. Specifically, a jackpot determination table (a table in which the numerical values on the right side of FIG. 8A in the ROM 54 are set) in which a large number of jackpot determination values are set in advance and the number of jackpot determination values are definitely changed. There is provided a normal big hit determination table (a table in which the numerical values on the left side of FIG. 8A in the ROM 54 are set) set to be smaller than the big hit determination table. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation state. If the gaming state is a probability variation state, the jackpot determination process is performed using the probability variation jackpot determination table, and the gaming state is normal. When in the gaming state or the short-time state, the big hit determination process is performed using the normal big hit determination table. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the big hit determination values shown in FIG. 8A, 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 a probable big hit or suddenly probable big hit, and is set in the process of ending the big hit game. Reset at timing.

  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. 8B and 8C). 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. 8B and 8C, 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. If 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. 8D. 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 S214A of the first start port switch passing process or step S214B 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. 8D and 8E, 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.

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

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S91). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects the “normal big hit / probable big hit” field of the variation pattern judgment table when the big hit type is the normal big hit or the probability variable big hit (Y in step S92). (Step S93) When the big hit type is not the normal big hit or the probability variation big hit (N in Step S92), the “suddenly probable big hit / small hit” field of the variation pattern determination table is selected (Step S94). Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S93). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects the “suddenly probable big hit / small hit” field of the variation pattern determination table (step S96). Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  If the small hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag indicating that the time reduction state is set (step S97). The time reduction flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the time reduction state (including the time of shifting to the probability change state), and is reset when the time reduction state is ended. Specifically, it is usually determined 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, and the timing of digesting the number of times or the special symbol changes when it is determined to be a big hit It is reset when the display is terminated and the stop symbol is stopped and displayed. If the time reduction flag is set (Y in step S97), the CPU 56 selects the “out of phase (time reduction)” field of the variation pattern determination table (step S98). Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  If the time reduction flag is not set (N in Step S97), the CPU 56 selects the “out” field of the variation pattern determination table (Step S99). Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads the random number 3 (random number for variation pattern determination) from the random number buffer area (the first reserved storage buffer or the second reserved storage buffer) (step S101), and the process of steps S93, S94, S96, S98, or S99 By referring to the field of the variation pattern determination table selected in step 1, the variation pattern is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S102).

  Next, 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 S103). Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a symbol variation designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S104).

  Also, the special symbol change is started (step S105). For example, a start flag corresponding to the special symbol referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 is set. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S106). 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 S107).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 transmits one of the presentation control commands (display result 1 designation to display result 5 designation) (see FIG. 9) 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, when the big hit type is a probable big hit, control is performed to transmit a display result 3 designation command (steps S111 and S112). Specifically, whether or not it is a probable big hit can be determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is “02”. Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 4 designation command when the big hit type is suddenly probable big hit (steps S113 and S114). Whether or not it is a sudden probability variation big hit can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is “03”. Then, when neither the probability variation big hit nor the sudden probability variation big hit is obtained (that is, when it is a normal big hit), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 2 designation command (step S115).

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

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

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 decrements the variable time timer by 1 (step S125), and when the variable time timer times out (step S126), the value of the special symbol process flag corresponds to the special symbol stop process (step S304). The updated value is updated (step S127). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 sets an end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S32 to end the variation of the special symbol, and the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. Then, a control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol is performed (step S131). If data indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a is terminated, and “second” is indicated in the special symbol pointer. When data is set, the variation of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is terminated. Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for production control is performed (step S132). If the big hit flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S140 (step S133).

  If the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability change flag indicating the probability change state and the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state if set (step S134). Control to send a big hit start designation command to the microcomputer 100 is performed (step S135). Specifically, when the type of jackpot is normally jackpot, a jackpot start 1 designation command is transmitted. If the jackpot type is a probabilistic jackpot, a jackpot start 2 designation command is transmitted. When the big hit type is sudden probability change big hit, a small hit / sudden probability change big hit start designation command is transmitted. Whether the big hit type is a normal big hit, a probable big hit or a sudden probable big hit is determined based on the data indicating the big hit type stored in the RAM 55 (data stored in the big hit type buffer). .

  Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a normal state designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S136).

  In addition, a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (for example, the time when the effect display device 9 notifies that the jackpot has occurred) is set in the jackpot display time timer (corresponding to a jackpot control timer to be described later) (step) S137). In addition, the number of times of opening (for example, 15 times in the case of a normal big hit or a probable big hit, 2 times in the case of a sudden probable big hit) is set in the big prize opening number counter (step S138). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S139).

  In step S140, the CPU 56 checks whether or not a probability variation flag indicating that the probability variation state is set. If the probability variation flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag indicating that the time reduction state is set (step S141). When the time reduction flag is set (that is, when the time change state is not controlled and only the time reduction state is controlled), the value of the time reduction counter indicating the number of times that the special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state is- 1 (step S142).

  Next, when the value of the time reduction counter after subtraction becomes 0 (step S144), the CPU 56 resets the time reduction flag (step S145). In addition, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a normal state designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S146).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S147). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 transmits a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S148). 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 S149). Further, the number of times of opening (for example, 2 times) is set in the special winning opening opening number counter (step S150). 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 S151).

  If the small hit flag is not set (N in step S147), 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 S152).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S160). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S164. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S161), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S162). Here, a big hit end 1 designation command is transmitted when it is a normal big hit, a big hit end 2 designation command is sent when it is a probable big hit, and a small hit / abrupt is sudden when it is a sudden probable big hit. Send a probable jackpot end designation command. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is being performed in the image display device 9 (the big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S163), and the processing is ended.

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

  If the big hit end display time has elapsed (Y in step S165), the CPU 56 checks whether the big hit type is a probability change big hit or a sudden probability change big hit (step S166). Note that whether or not the probability change big hit or sudden probability change big hit is, specifically, whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is “02” to “03”. This can be determined by checking. If neither the probability change big hit nor the sudden probability change big hit is present (that is, if it is a normal big hit), the CPU 56 sets the time reduction flag and shifts the gaming state to the time reduction state (step S167). Further, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) in a time reduction number counter for counting the number of time reductions (step S168). In addition, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a time reduction state designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S169). Then, control goes to a step S173.

  If the probability change big hit or the sudden probability change big hit, the CPU 56 sets the probability change flag and shifts the gaming state to the probability change state (step S170). Further, the CPU 56 sets a time reduction flag (step S171). Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a probability change state designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S172). Then, control goes to a step S173.

  In this embodiment, the time reduction flag set in steps S167 and S171 is also used to determine whether or not to increase the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 or increase the number of times of opening. In this case, specifically, in the normal symbol process (see step S27), the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the time reduction flag is set when the normal symbol variation display result is a win. If so, control is performed to open the variable winning ball device 15 by extending the opening time or increasing the number of times of opening. The time reduction flag set in steps S167 and S171 is used to determine whether or not to shorten the special symbol variation time.

  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 S173).

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. First, simultaneous production will be described. In this embodiment, a simultaneous effect is executed over a predetermined period based on the predetermined condition being satisfied. The simultaneous performance is simultaneously executed in a plurality of gaming machines installed in the game store at a timing when a predetermined condition is established. Specifically, the predetermined condition is established based on the fact that 60 minutes have passed since the power was turned on or the previous simultaneous production start, and predetermined video playback is started all at once for a predetermined period (for example, 5 minutes). The production is executed as a simultaneous production. That is, a simultaneous effect is executed every 60 minutes after the power is turned on. Although it is expressed that the production is executed at the same time by a plurality of gaming machines, specifically, each gaming machine executes the same production at the same timing, and a plurality of gaming machines are arranged side by side. It is that the production seems to be performed all at once as a phenomenon. For example, each gaming machine acquires time information from the real-time clock 108 and measures the time, and when the timed result satisfies a predetermined condition (when the power is turned on or when 60 minutes have elapsed from the start of the previous simultaneous effect) By starting the production, the production can be started at the same timing in a plurality of gaming machines.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when a plurality of gaming machines are installed by performing the performance at a specific time, day, day of the week, and month by executing the simultaneous performance in the manner as described above. In addition, it looks as if a plurality of gaming machines are interlockingly performing the same mode of production. In this embodiment, as will be described later, by correcting the difference between the real-time clock 108 and the measurement using the time measurement timer and starting the simultaneous production, a plurality of gaming machines can be started. It is possible to prevent a problem that the simultaneous performance is not synchronized.

  In this embodiment, the simultaneous effect is the effect of the introduction portion (hereinafter referred to as the simultaneous effect (hereinafter referred to as the simultaneous effect) (Also referred to as “introduction part”), after a simultaneous production (introduction), a predetermined main body production period (for example, 4 minutes and 50 seconds. Therefore, the introduction part and the main body together with the whole production for 5 minutes) is executed. Main body part production (hereinafter also referred to as simultaneous production (main body part)). In this embodiment, for example, when it is the start timing of the simultaneous production, a group of balloons appear as the simultaneous production (introduction section) and suggests the start of the simultaneous production. Part) is performed as if the balloon is flying in the sky.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a main process 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 is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (in this example, 20 ms) (steps). S701). In this embodiment, the simultaneous effect setting data stored in the RAM area of the effect control microcomputer 100 is not set to the initial value in the initialization process.

  Next, 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 effect control process of steps S703a to S711.

  With the above control, the effect control process is activated every 20 ms in this embodiment. The effect control process corresponds to steps S702 to S711 in the effect control main process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the time measurement timer has been set (step S703a). When the time measurement timer has not been set, the effect control CPU 101 reads the full set time information (day / hour / minute / second) from the real-time clock 108 (step S703b). In step S703b, the read time information is stored as reference time information. Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets a time measurement timer based on the simultaneous effect setting data (step S703c). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702. In addition, after setting the time measurement timer in step S703c, the process may proceed to step S704.

  The time measurement timer is realized by the effect control CPU 101 and is used to time the timing for starting the simultaneous effect. In this embodiment, in step S703c, time is set so that the time measurement timer times out at the timing determined in the simultaneous performance setting data (the initial value is the timing when 60 minutes have elapsed since the power was turned on or the previous simultaneous performance started). A value is set in the measurement timer. For example, if the time information read from the real-time clock 108 is June 11, 9 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, a value corresponding to 60 minutes until 10:30 is measured in step S703c. Set to timer. Specifically, the time measurement timer is set to 180000 as a value corresponding to 60 minutes in step S703c, and the value is 1 in step S750b of the time measurement process (details will be described later) executed every 20 ms. Subtracted. Then, when the value of the time measurement timer becomes 0, that is, when the time measurement timer times out, it indicates that 60 minutes (20 ms × 180000) has elapsed. Be started. In this embodiment, since the simultaneous effect is executed every time the initial period is 60 minutes after the power is turned on, the time read at the time of power-on in step S703b. Based on the information and the period indicated in the simultaneous performance setting data, each timing (hour / minute / second) at which the simultaneous performance is started may be stored. For example, if the time information read in step S703b is June 11, 9 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, 10 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, 11 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, 12:00 Each timing (hour / minute / second) at which simultaneous production starts may be stored, such as 30 minutes, 0 seconds,..., 23 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds.

  When the time measurement timer has been set (Y in step S703a), the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the difference count data used for managing the time to the unit of seconds or less has been set. (Step S703d).

  If the difference count data has not been set, the effect control CPU 101 reads time information (seconds) from the real-time clock 108 (step S703e). In addition, the effect control CPU 101 adds 1 to the value of the read timing counter (initial value 0) used for specifying the timing for reading time information (that is, the read cycle) (step 703f). Then, the production control CPU 101 compares the second information of the time information (for example, reference time information) read from the real-time clock 108 in step S703b with the second information read from the real-time clock 108 this time, and whether or not they match. By confirming, it is confirmed whether or not there is a change in the second information (step S703g). If it is determined that there is no change in the second information, the process proceeds to step S702.

  As already described, in this embodiment, the effect control process is executed every 20 ms. Therefore, time information (seconds) is read from the real-time clock 108 every 20 ms by executing the processing of steps S703d to S703g until the difference count data is set after the power is turned on.

  When it is determined that there is a change in the second information (Y in step S703g), the effect control CPU 101 sets 50− (value of the readout timing counter) as the difference count data (step S703h). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702. In addition, when there is no change in the second information in step S703g, or after setting the difference count data in step S703h, the process may proceed to step S704.

  In this embodiment, the real time clock 108 has fewer measurement errors than the time measurement timer. However, the real-time clock 108 can be read only up to a second. For this reason, the time cannot be managed to a unit of seconds or less, and in the effect control process activated every 20 ms, the start timing of the simultaneous effects may be shifted and executed. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22A, when the power is turned on, the process of reading the time information (seconds) of the real-time clock 108 every 20 ms is repeated until the read second information changes. . Then, the value obtained by subtracting the value of the read timing counter at the time when the read second information is changed from 50 is stored as the difference count data.

  For example, it is assumed that the time information read in step S703b is June 11, 9 hours, 30 minutes, and 0 seconds. When the time is not managed to a unit of less than a second, simultaneous production is started when 60 minutes have passed since the power was turned on, that is, on June 11, 10 hours, 30 minutes, and 0 seconds.

  Here, it is assumed that the value of the read timing counter is 5 when the second information read in step S703g changes. In this case, the second information is changed 5 × 20 ms = 100 ms after the time information is read in step S703b. Therefore, when the time information read in step S703b is shown to the unit of second or less, it can be estimated that it is June 11, 9 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, and 900 ms. Then, it is necessary to manage the time so that the simultaneous production starts on June 11, 10 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, and 900 ms when 60 minutes have elapsed since the power was turned on. Therefore, in order to manage the measurement difference of 900 ms, 45 (× 20 ms = 900 ms) is obtained by subtracting the read timing counter value 5 (× 20 ms = 100 ms) from 50 (× 20 ms = 1 second). Is stored as the difference count data. When the time information of the read real-time clock 108 indicates 10 hours, 30 minutes, and 0 seconds, the count is performed every 20 ms, and when the count number becomes 45 that is the value of the difference count data, that is, 10 o'clock.・ When 30 minutes, 0 seconds, and 900 ms are reached, simultaneous production starts. By doing in this way, time can be managed to the unit of a second or less.

  Note that the real-time clock 108 has a smaller measurement error than the time measurement timer, but operates by an independent power source (for example, a button battery). Therefore, the error occurs not less than the day after the game machine is introduced. However, if it is about one day, it can be said that there is almost no error. Therefore, using the real-time clock 108 and the time measurement timer makes it possible to perform simultaneous production accurately. In other words, simultaneous effects can be performed simultaneously on a plurality of gaming machines that are powered on simultaneously.

  When the difference count data has already been set (Y in step S703d), the effect control CPU 101 analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag in accordance with the received effect control command ( Command analysis processing: Step S704).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 performs time measurement processing (step S704a). In the time measurement process, a time measurement process is performed using a time measurement timer.

  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 effect control CPU 101 executes a random number update process for updating the count value of the counter for generating a random number used for determining the effect mode and the like (step S709).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 uses the simultaneous production setting button 19 to change the start timing of the simultaneous production (such as pressing the simultaneous production setting button 19) (step S710). Y) The simultaneous production setting data indicating the start timing of the simultaneous production is updated according to the operation. At this time, the update contents of the simultaneous performance setting data may be notified (for example, notified by voice or screen display). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702. Note that the operation for changing the start timing of the simultaneous effect using the simultaneous effect setting button 19 may be effective only during the demonstration screen display (a state in which no change display is performed), for example. Further, for example, when the simultaneous effect setting button 19 is pressed once during the effective period, the effect control CPU 101 updates the simultaneous effect setting data so as to delay the timing of starting the simultaneous effect by 30 minutes. You may make it do. Specifically, when the simultaneous effect setting data is set so that the simultaneous effect is started when the power is turned on or 60 minutes have elapsed since the start of the previous simultaneous effect, the effect control CPU 101 When the simultaneous production setting button 19 is pressed once, the simultaneous production setting data is updated so that the simultaneous production starts when the power is turned on or when 90 minutes have elapsed from the start of the previous simultaneous production. When the button 19 is pressed twice, the simultaneous effect setting data is updated so that the simultaneous effect is started when the power is turned on or when 120 minutes have elapsed since the start of the previous simultaneous effect. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the simultaneous effect setting button 19 is provided on the back side of the gaming machine. Therefore, the manager can operate the simultaneous effect setting button 19 but the player cannot operate it.

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

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIGS. 9 and 10) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is.

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

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

  If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 stores the variation pattern command in a variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S622). Then, a variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S623).

  If the received effect control command is a display result designation command (step S625), 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 S626).

  If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S627), the effect control CPU 101 sets a confirmed command reception flag (step S628).

  If the received effect control command is the first reserved memory number designation command (step S651), the effect control CPU 101 stores the second byte data (EXT data) of the first reserved memory number designation command as the first reserved memory. The number is stored in the first reserved memory number storage area as a number (step S652).

  If the received effect control command is the second reserved memory number designation command (step S654), the effect control CPU 101 stores the second byte data (EXT data) of the second reserved memory number designation command as the second reserved memory. The number is stored in the second reserved storage number storage area (step S655).

  If the received effect control command is a power-on specification command (initialization specification command) (step S667), the effect control CPU 101 performs a process of initializing the simultaneous effect setting data stored in the backup RAM (step S668). ).

  In this embodiment, the simultaneous production setting data is stored in the backup RAM area of the production control microcomputer 100, and is initialized when a power-on designation command (initialization designation command) is received (as an initial value). When the power is turned on or when 60 minutes have elapsed since the start of the previous simultaneous production, the simultaneous production is set to start), and when a power failure recovery designation command is received, it is not initialized. Therefore, the start timing of the simultaneous performance is initialized when the game machine is cold-started, and the backed-up settings are inherited when the game machine is hot-started.

  If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S683). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the time measurement process (step S704a) in the main process shown in FIG. In the time measurement process, the effect control CPU 101 first adds 1 to the value of the readout timing counter (step S750a) and subtracts 1 from the value of the time measurement timer (step S750b). Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the remaining period until the simultaneous effect start timing is less than one minute (step S751). Whether or not it is less than 1 minute can be determined to be less than 1 minute when the value of the time measurement timer is less than 3000 (= 1 minute (60000 ms) / 20 ms), for example. In this embodiment, the remaining time is confirmed using a time measuring timer. For example, when the power is turned on, a predetermined counter is set to 180000 as an initial value, and the value is subtracted by 1 every 20 ms. In this case, when the value of the predetermined counter is less than 3000, it can be determined that the value is less than 1 minute. Further, when the timing (hour / minute / second) at which the simultaneous production is started is stored based on the time information read at the time of power-on in step S703b and the period indicated in the simultaneous production setting data. When the stored timing is compared with the time indicated by the time information read from the previous real-time clock 108 and the time obtained by multiplying the time indicated by the time measurement timer by 20 ms, and the difference is greater than 1 minute. Is determined to be less than 1 minute, and when the difference is 1 minute or when there is no difference, it can be determined to be less than 1 minute.

  If the remaining period is not less than 1 minute, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the readout timing counter is 3000 (step S752). If the value of the read timing counter is not 3000, the process ends.

  If the value of the readout timing counter is 3000 (Y in step S752), the production control CPU 101 reads time information (hour / minute / second) from the real-time clock 108 (step S753), and the read time information is added. Based on this, the value of the time measurement timer is corrected (step S754). Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 resets the value of the readout timing counter (step S755) and ends the process. In step S754, for example, a value obtained by dividing the difference between the time information (for example, steps S703b and S764) stored as the reference time information and the time information read in step S753 by 20 ms is calculated, and the calculated value is time-measured. Set as a timer correction value. Specifically, when the reference time information is June 11, 9 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, and the time information read out in step S753 is 9 hours, 40 minutes, 0 seconds, the difference is 10 Minute (600,000 ms), which is divided by 20 ms is 30000. Therefore, the correction value 30000 is set in the time measurement timer. Thus, the accuracy of the time measurement timer can be ensured by reading the time information from the real-time clock 108 and correcting the time measurement timer every predetermined period (1 minute or 1 second in this example). it can.

  That the value of the read timing counter has reached 30000 (Y in step S752) indicates that 20 ms × 30000 = 60000 ms, that is, 1 minute has elapsed. Accordingly, when the period from the time S751 to S754 is executed, and the time period until the simultaneous production starts is 1 minute or longer, the time information (hour / minute / second) is obtained from the real-time clock 108 every minute. Is read and the time measurement timer is corrected. In addition, although the example which always corrects a time measurement timer was demonstrated about step S754, the time information read by S753 or step S758 is temporarily memorize | stored, for example, the time information read last time and the time read this time The time measurement timer may be corrected only when the difference from the information is not the correct period (1 second or 1 minute). Further, not only the time measurement timer is corrected using the reference time information, but if the period indicated by the time information read last time and the time information read this time does not match the correct period, the difference is set to 20 ms. It is also possible to correct by calculating the value divided by, and adding the calculated value to the value of the time measurement timer. Specifically, when the time information read last time is 9 hours, 50 minutes, 00 seconds, and the time information read after 1 minute measured by the read timing counter is 9 hours, 51 minutes, 10 seconds, As a value corresponding to +10 seconds, 10000 ms / 20 ms = 500 is subtracted from the value of the time measurement timer. If the time information read last time is 9 hours, 50 minutes, 00 seconds and the time information read after 1 minute measured by the read timing counter is 9 hours, 50 minutes, 50 seconds, −10 seconds. As a value corresponding to, 10000 ms / 20 ms = 500 is added to the time measurement timer value. Correcting the time measurement timer in this way can also ensure the accuracy of the time measurement timer.

  If the period until the simultaneous effect start timing is less than 1 minute (Y in step S751), the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether the period until the simultaneous effect start timing is less than 1 second (step S756). Whether or not it is less than 1 second can be determined to be less than 1 second, for example, when the value of the time measurement timer is less than 50 (= 1000 ms / 20 ms). In this embodiment, the remaining time is confirmed using a time measuring timer. For example, when the power is turned on, a predetermined counter is set to 180000 as an initial value, and the value is subtracted by 1 every 20 ms. In this case, when the value of the predetermined counter is less than 50, it can be determined that it is less than 1 second. Also, for example, when the timing (hour / minute / second) for starting the simultaneous production is stored based on the time information read at the time of power-on in step S703b and the period indicated in the simultaneous production setting data. Compares the stored timing with the time indicated by the time information read from the previous real-time clock 108 and the time obtained by adding the time indicated by the time measurement timer multiplied by 20 ms. If it is larger, it is determined that it is not less than 1 second, and if the difference is 1 second or there is no difference, it can be determined that it is less than 1 second.

  If the period until the simultaneous effect start timing is not less than 1 second, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the readout timing counter is 50 (step S757). If the value of the read timing counter is not 50, the process is terminated.

  If the value of the read timing counter is 50 (Y in step S757), the effect control CPU 101 reads time information (minute / second) from the real-time clock 108 (step S758), and based on the read time information. Then, the time measurement timer is corrected (step S754). Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 resets the value of the readout timing counter (step S755) and ends the process.

  That the value of the read timing counter has reached 50 (Y in step S757) indicates that 20 ms × 50 = 1000 ms, that is, 1 second has elapsed. Accordingly, by executing the processing of steps S756 to S758, when the time period until the simultaneous production starts is less than 1 minute and 1 second or more, the time information (minute / Second) is read and the time measurement timer is corrected.

  If the period until the simultaneous production start timing is less than 1 second (Y in step S756), the production control CPU 101 reads time information (seconds) from the real-time clock 108 (step S759), and second information of the read time information. However, it confirms whether it coincides with the timing (seconds) at which the simultaneous effect indicated by the reference time information and the simultaneous effect setting data is started (step S760).

  In addition, when the second information of the read time information coincides with the timing (seconds) at which the simultaneous effect indicated by the reference time information and the simultaneous effect setting data is started, that is, when the timing indicated by the simultaneous effect setting data is reached. The effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the difference reference value used for measuring the number of differences is stored (step S761a). If the difference reference value is not stored, the effect control CPU 101 stores the value of the readout timing counter as the difference reference value (step S761b), and ends the process. If the difference reference value is stored, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the difference between the value of the readout timing counter and the difference reference value matches the value of the difference count data (step S762). If they do not match, the process ends. If they match, a simultaneous start condition establishment flag is set (step S763), and a time measurement timer is set based on the simultaneous effect setting data (step S764). In step S764, the time information obtained by adding the period indicated by the simultaneous effect setting data to the time indicated by the reference time information is stored as new reference time information.

  As already described, for example, the time information read in step S703b is June 11, 9 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, and the value of the read timing counter when the second information read in step S703g changes. Is 5. In this case, the second information is changed 5 × 20 ms = 100 ms after the time information is read in step S703b. Therefore, when the time information read in step S703b is shown to the unit of second or less, it can be estimated that it is June 11, 9 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, and 900 ms. Therefore, in order to manage the measurement difference of 900 ms, 45 (× 20 ms = 900 ms), which is a value obtained by subtracting the read timing counter value 5 (× 20 ms = 100 ms) from 50 (× 20 ms = 1 second). Is stored as difference count data. In such a case, if the time information read from the real-time clock 108 indicates 10 hours, 30 minutes, and 0 seconds after 60 minutes have passed since the power was turned on, the value of the read timing counter at that time (for example, 10) is set. Stored as a difference reference value. Then, 1 is added to the value of the read timing counter every 20 ms, and when the value of the read timing counter matches the sum of the difference reference value (10) and the difference count data value (45), that is, 45 × 20 ms. = When 900 ms elapses and 10 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, and 900 ms are reached, simultaneous production starts. By doing in this way, it is possible to start the simultaneous production by managing the time to a unit of seconds or less. In the example shown in FIG. 22B, the case where the difference count data = 5 is shown. In this case, when the time information read from the real-time clock 108 reaches the simultaneous effect start time, a difference reference value is set, and thereafter, the value of the read timing counter is incremented by 1 every 20 ms as a count of the number of differences. Then, at the timing when the difference between the value of the reading timing counter and the difference reference value matches the value of the difference count data, that is, when the process of adding 1 to the value of the reading timing counter is performed five times, Has been started.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22A, after the difference count data is set, the time information (hour / minute / second) of the real-time clock 108 is read every minute (steps S751 to S755). ). Also, as shown in FIG. 22B, when 1 minute before the start of simultaneous production, the time information (minute / second) of the real-time clock 108 is read every second (steps S756 to S758). Furthermore, when it is 1 second before the start of simultaneous production, the time information (seconds) of the real-time clock 108 is read every 20 m (steps S756 and S759). Thus, in this embodiment, the content of the time information to be read and the read cycle are made different as necessary, so that it is possible to prevent an increase in processing load.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first executes a simultaneous effect process (step S800a). In this embodiment, when a predetermined condition (in this example, the simultaneous effect start condition establishment flag is set) is satisfied, the process of step S800a is executed, and the variable display is executed. Regardless of whether or not there is a simultaneous production. Then, the effect control CPU 101 performs any one of steps S800 to S806 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.

  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): Based on the reception of the effect control command (design determination designation command) for instructing all symbols to stop, the effect symbol variation is stopped and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Take control. 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 big hit game processing (step S805).

  Big hit game processing (step S805): Control during big hit game is performed. For example, when a special winning opening opening designation command or a special winning opening open designation command is received, display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end effect process (step S806).

  Big hit end effect processing (step S806): In the effect display device 9, display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended is performed. 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. 27 and FIG. 28 are flowcharts showing the simultaneous effect process (step S800a) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In this embodiment, as already described, the simultaneous effect is composed of the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) and the simultaneous effect (main part). In the simultaneous effect process, the effect control CPU 101 Then, it is confirmed whether or not the simultaneous effect execution flag 2 indicating that the simultaneous effect (main body part) is being executed is set (step S5101). If the simultaneous effect execution flag 2 is not set (that is, if the simultaneous effect (main part) is not being executed), the effect control CPU 101 indicates that the simultaneous effect (introducing part) is being executed (however, As will be described later, it is confirmed whether or not the simultaneous effect execution flag 1 indicating that the simultaneous effect introduction display is being displayed instead of the simultaneous effect (introducing section) is set (step S5102). If the simultaneous effect execution flag 1 is not set (that is, if the simultaneous effect (introduction section) is not being executed), the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the simultaneous effect start condition establishment flag is set. (Step S5103). If the simultaneous production start condition establishment flag is not set, the process is terminated as it is.

  If the simultaneous production start condition establishment flag is set (that is, if the simultaneous production start condition is established), the production control CPU 101 resets the simultaneous production start condition establishment flag (step S5104).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not variable display with reach is being executed (step S5105). In step S5105, for example, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the value of the variation time timer set in step S1807 of the effect symbol variation start process described later. If the value of the variation time timer is not 0, the effect symbol variation It is determined that it is being displayed. If it is determined that the variation display of the effect symbol is being performed, the effect control CPU 101 causes the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern command stored in the variation pattern command storage area (see step S622) to be reached. By determining whether or not there is, it is determined whether or not the variable display with reach is currently being executed.

  If the variable display with reach is not being executed, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to start moving image reproduction of the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) on the display screen of the effect display device 9 (step S5106). For example, on the display screen of the effect display device 9, as a simultaneous effect (introduction unit), an effect is started in which a group of balloons appear and suggest the start of the simultaneous effect.

  On the other hand, if the variable display with reach is being executed, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to display the simultaneous effect introduction display on the display screen of the effect display device 9 (step S5107). For example, on the display screen of the effect display device 9, a character string such as “Simultaneous effect rush!” Is displayed as a simultaneous effect introduction display.

  In this embodiment, as will be described later, a predetermined notice effect can be executed at the timing after the occurrence of reach during the display of fluctuation of the effect symbol, and a group of balloons are displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9 as the notice effect. It is possible to produce an effect that appears. That is, in this embodiment, in the variable display with reach, there is a case where the notice effect in the same effect form as the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) is executed. Then, when the change display with reach that the notice effect may appear at the start timing of the simultaneous effect is executed, if the simultaneous effect (introduction part) is executed, the change If the notice effect is further executed in the display, the effect of the same effect mode will be executed redundantly, and whether the simultaneous effect (introduction part) is being executed or the notice effect is being executed? It becomes impossible to distinguish. Therefore, in this embodiment, when Y is determined in step S5105, the process proceeds to step S5107, and instead of the simultaneous effect (introduction unit), the simultaneous effect introduction display is displayed so that the effects of the same effect mode are duplicated. To prevent it from being executed. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the variation display with reach is executed when the start timing of the simultaneous performance is performed, the simultaneous performance is not immediately started, and the simultaneous effect introduction display is temporarily displayed, Thereafter, the simultaneous effect is executed from the simultaneous effect (main part).

  Then, the production control CPU 101 sets the simultaneous production execution flag 1 (step S5108), and sets a predetermined introduction unit production period (in a simultaneous production period measurement timer 1 for measuring the execution period of the simultaneous production (introduction unit)). For example, a value corresponding to 10 seconds is set (step S5109).

  When the simultaneous effect execution flag 1 is set (Y in step S5102), that is, when the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) is being executed, the effect control CPU 101 performs the simultaneous effect period measurement timer 1. The value of 1 is subtracted by 1 (step S5110). Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the simultaneous effect period measurement timer 1 after subtraction has timed out (step S5111). If it has not timed out, the process is terminated as it is. If the simultaneous production period measurement timer 1 has timed out (that is, if a predetermined introduction section production period (in this example, 10 seconds) has elapsed), the production control CPU 101 displays the display screen of the production display device 9. In step S5112, the video playback of the simultaneous production (introduction unit) being executed or the display of the simultaneous production introduction display is terminated. Then, the production control CPU 101 resets the simultaneous production execution flag 1 (step S5113).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to start the reproduction of the simultaneous effect (main body part) on the display screen of the effect display device 9 (step S5114). For example, on the display screen of the effect display device 9, an effect of an aspect in which a balloon is flying in the sky is started as a simultaneous effect (main body part).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the simultaneous effect execution flag 2 (step S5115), and sets a predetermined main body effect period (as shown in the simultaneous effect period measurement timer 2 for measuring the execution period of the simultaneous effect (main part). For example, a value corresponding to 4 minutes 50 seconds) is set (step S5116).

  When the simultaneous production execution flag 2 is set (Y in step S5101), that is, when the simultaneous production (main body) is being executed, the production control CPU 101 performs the simultaneous production period measurement timer 2 The value of 1 is subtracted by 1 (step S5117). Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the simultaneous effect period measurement timer 2 after subtraction has timed out (step S5118). If it has not timed out, the process is terminated as it is. If the simultaneous production period measurement timer 2 has timed out (that is, if a predetermined main body production period (4 minutes and 50 seconds in this example) has elapsed (in other words, a predetermined period (5 minutes in this example)). ) And the end condition of the simultaneous effect is satisfied)), the effect control CPU 101 performs control for ending the moving image reproduction of the simultaneous effect (main part) being executed on the display screen of the effect display device 9. (Step S5119). Then, the effect control CPU 101 resets the simultaneous effect execution flag 2 (step S5120).

  In this embodiment, since the simultaneous effect process of step S800a is executed before the processes of steps S800 to S806 in the effect control process shown in FIG. 26, the start condition for the simultaneous effect is satisfied. Even if it is a big hit game, simultaneous production is executed. In this case, since the effect during the big hit game is executed in the effect display device 9, the execution of the simultaneous effect is continued by, for example, reducing the video playback of the simultaneous effect on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9. You just have to do it. Then, for example, when a predetermined period (5 minutes in this example) has elapsed during the big hit game and the end condition of the simultaneous performance is satisfied, the video playback that has been displayed in a reduced size is terminated and the simultaneous performance is executed. Should be terminated.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 30 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 S1801). Next, the CPU 101 for effect control displays the display result of the effect symbol (ie, the received display result specifying command) in accordance with the variation pattern command read in step S1801 and the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (ie, the received display result specifying command). A stop symbol is determined (step S1802). That is, the display control result of the variable display of the identification information (the stop of the effect symbol) according to the variable display pattern (variation pattern) determined by the variable display pattern determination means by the processing of step S1802 being executed by the effect control CPU 101. A display result determining means for determining (design) is realized. The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined effect stop symbols in the effect symbol display result storage area.

  FIG. 31 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. 31, when the received display result designation command indicates a normal jackpot (when the received display result designation command is a display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses the stop design as a stop symbol. A combination of effect symbols in which the three symbols are even-numbered symbols (a stop symbol that usually reminds of the occurrence of a big hit) is determined. When the received display result designation command indicates a probable big hit (when the received display result designation command is a display result 3 designation command), the production control CPU 101 uses odd symbols (probability variation) as 3 symbols as stop symbols. The combination of effect symbols arranged in a stop symbol reminiscent of the occurrence of a big hit) is determined. And in the case of detachment (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. When the received display result designation command suddenly shows a 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 CPU 101 for effect control Determines a combination of effect symbols such as “135” as stop symbols. The combination of the three symbols derived and displayed on the effect display device 9 is the “stop symbol” of the effect symbol.

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

  As for the effect symbols, a stop symbol that recalls a big hit is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol reminiscent of a probable big hit is called a probable big hit symbol, and a stop symbol reminiscent of a normal big hit is called a normal big hit symbol. And a stop symbol that reminds of a loss is called a loss symbol.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes a notice effect setting process for setting a notice effect (step S1803).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the presence / absence of the simultaneous effect, the presence / absence of the notice effect, and the variation pattern (step S1804). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S1805).

  FIG. 32 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. Note that dummy data (data not specifying control) may be set as data corresponding to a production component that does not become a control target even though it corresponds to the production control process timer determination value.

  The process table shown in FIG. 32 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern. In addition, when a simultaneous effect is being executed, a process table in which data corresponding to the simultaneous effect is set is selected, and when the simultaneous effect is not being executed, data corresponding to the simultaneous effect is not set. Select the process table. According to the process table in which the data corresponding to the simultaneous performance is set, for example, in order to focus attention on the video playback by the simultaneous performance, the effect display device displays the variation display of the effect design as compared to when the simultaneous performance is not executed. The reduction is performed in the lower area 9 (the background and the design of the effect design may be changed).

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

  In addition, the CPU 101 for effect control, according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1), effects device (effect display device 9 as an effect component, effect component as an effect component) Control of various lamps and speakers 27R and 27L as effect parts is executed (step S1806). 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 audio output board 70 in order to output audio from the speakers 27R and 27L.

  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 change time specified by the change pattern command in the change time timer (step S1807), and the value of the effect control process flag is processed in the effect symbol change process (step S802). (Step S1808).

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the notice effect setting process (step S1803). In the notice effect setting process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the simultaneous effect execution flag 1 or the simultaneous effect execution flag 2 is set (step S5501). If the simultaneous effect execution flag 1 or the simultaneous effect execution flag 2 is set (that is, if the simultaneous effect execution is being executed (including the display of the simultaneous effect introduction display)), the process proceeds to step S5503. .

  If neither the simultaneous production execution flag 1 nor the simultaneous production execution flag 2 is set (N in step S5501), the production control CPU 101 arrives at the simultaneous production start timing during the variable display started this time. Whether or not (step S5502). In step S5502, for example, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the value of the time measurement timer and specifies the time until the start timing of the simultaneous effect, and the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern command read in step S1801. Specify the fluctuation time of. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the time until the specified simultaneous production start timing is shorter than the specified variation time, and if it is shorter, it is determined that the start timing of the simultaneous production comes during the variation display started this time. You can do it. If it is determined that the start timing of simultaneous production has arrived during the variation display started this time, the flow shifts to step S5503.

  In this embodiment, the case where only the value of the time measurement timer is checked in order to specify the time until the start timing of the simultaneous performance is shown. You may make it specify the time until it becomes the start timing of simultaneous production in a unit.

  If the simultaneous effect execution flag 1 or the simultaneous effect execution flag 2 is set in step S5501, or if the start timing of the simultaneous effect arrives during the variable display started this time in step S5502, the effect control is performed. The CPU 101 selects the notice effect determination table [for simultaneous effects] as a table for determining the notice effect (step S5503). On the other hand, if it is not the case where the start timing of the simultaneous performance arrives during the variable display started this time in step S5502, the CPU 101 for effect control uses the notice effect determination table [normal use] as a table for determining the notice effect. Is selected (step S5504).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 performs lottery processing based on random numbers using the notice effect determination table selected in steps S5503 and S5504, and determines the presence or absence of the notice effect (step S5505).

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of the notice effect determination table. Among these, FIG. 34 (A) is a notice effect determination table for simultaneous effects selected in step S5503. FIG. 34B is a normal notice effect determination table selected in step S5504. As shown in FIG. 34, in this embodiment, determination values are assigned to the notice effect determination table with respect to no notice effect and with the notice effect, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 34 (B), in this embodiment, in the normal announcement effect determination table, when it is a big hit, it is decided to execute the announcement effect with a probability of 70%, and the reach is lost. Even in such a case, it may be decided to execute the notice effect with a probability of 1%. Further, as shown in FIG. 34A, in this embodiment, in the notice effect determination table for simultaneous effects, it may be determined that the notice effect is executed with a probability of 90% only in the case of a big hit. When the reach is lost, the notice effect is not executed. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the notice effect appears when the simultaneous effect is being executed, it is determined that the game will be a big hit. In addition, even if it is during execution of simultaneous production, you may comprise a notice production with low probability when reach is lost.

  Whether the current fluctuation display is a big hit or the reach is lost. For example, is the fluctuation pattern specified by the fluctuation pattern command read in step S1801 for a big hit? It can be determined by checking whether the reach is for slippage.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, when the simultaneous effect is not being executed, the notice effect is executed with a probability of 70% when the big win is achieved, whereas the simultaneous effect is executed. In the case of medium performance, the announcement effect is executed with a probability of 90% when it is a big hit, and the execution ratio of the announcement effect is higher when the simultaneous production is being executed.

  Further, in this embodiment, even when the simultaneous effect is not being executed, the process of step S5502 is executed, and even when the start timing of the simultaneous effect arrives during the variable display that is started this time. Since the notice effect determination table for simultaneous effects shown in 34 (A) is selected, the execution ratio of the notice effect increases.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the end timing of the simultaneous performance comes in the middle of the variation display that starts this time and the simultaneous performance ends, the simultaneous performance execution is performed at the start of the current variation display. Since the middle flag 2 is set and it is determined as Y in step S5501, the notice effect determination table for simultaneous effects shown in FIG. 34 (A) is selected, and the execution ratio of the notice effect increases.

  In this embodiment, it is the same as that during the execution of the simultaneous effect on the condition that it is determined that the start timing of the simultaneous effect comes during the variable display that is started this time by executing the process of step S5502. Although the case where the notice effect is determined by the probability is shown, it is not limited to such a mode. For example, in step S5502, it is further determined whether or not reach is reached during the fluctuation display that is started this time, and the process moves to step S5503 on the condition that the fluctuation display is reach and is the same as during execution of simultaneous production. The announcement effect may be determined with the probability of.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where the presence / absence of the notice effect (so-called group notice effect) in which the group of balloons appear is determined in the notice effect setting process is shown. For example, various advance notice effects such as a step up notice effect, a character notice effect, a button notice effect accompanied by a player's button operation, and an accessory notice effect accompanied by the movement of a movable member (an accessory) can be executed. May be. In addition, for example, whether or not a big hit is made when a start winning is made is determined in advance by determining a variation pattern type (so-called pre-reading determination), and a notice effect (so-called pre-reading notice effect) is started before the display of the subject change notice is started. May be configured to be executable.

  Also, in this embodiment, although the execution probabilities are different, a notice of a mode in which a group of balloons appears regardless of whether the simultaneous performance is being executed or not being executed. Although the case where the effect (so-called group notice effect) is configured to be executable is shown, for example, the group notice effect may be configured to be executable only when the simultaneous effect is being executed. In this case, for example, when the simultaneous effect is not being executed, a notice effect other than the group notice effect (for example, a step-up notice effect, a character notice effect, a button notice effect, an accessory notice effect) can be executed. It may be configured. Also, for example, even if the same group notice effect is given, a group notice effect in which different groups appear depending on whether the simultaneous effect is being executed or not being executed (for example, one group appears with a group of balloons) An effect may be executed, and the other may be executed such that an effect in which a group of birds appear).

  Further, in this embodiment, when the simultaneous production is being executed, the announcement effect (so-called group notice production) in which the group of balloons appear in the case of being out of play is not executed. Therefore, the notice effect is limited in this respect. Therefore, since the execution of the so-called group notice effect is restricted during the execution of the simultaneous effect, the other notice effect may be configured to be executable or configured to be executable at a high rate instead of the group notice effect. .

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where the notice effect is configured to be executable in the case of the big hit and the case where the reach is off is shown, but it is not limited to such a mode. For example, the notice effect may be configured to be executable at the timing before the occurrence of reach, and the notice effect may be configured to be executed even if the non-reach is off. In this case, for example, it is confirmed whether or not it is a big hit based on the display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area, and the presence or absence of the notice effect is determined depending on whether or not it is a big hit. You may make it do.

  Also, for example, depending on the variation pattern and variation pattern type specified by the variation pattern command, the reach type is specified as normal reach or super reach, or whether or not there is a pseudo-ream or slip effect, and the specific contents The presence or absence of the notice effect may be determined accordingly.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, when the simultaneous production is being executed, the expectation (reliability) for the big hit is higher than when the simultaneous production is not being executed. (In this example, the jackpot is confirmed if the notice effect is executed during the execution of the simultaneous effect) and the execution ratio of the notice effect in the case of the big win is also shown. It cannot be caught. For example, when simultaneous production is being executed, it may be configured so that only the expectation level (reliability) for the big hit is high, or only the execution ratio of the notice effect in the case of a big win is configured. May be.

  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 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S1841) and subtracts 1 from the value of the variation time timer (step S1842). When the process timer times out (step S1843), the process data is switched. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S1844). 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 S1845).

  If execution of the notice effect is determined in the notice effect setting process of step S1803, the process of step S1845 is executed according to the process table corresponding to the notice effect selected in step S1804, so that the effect symbol is displayed. When the execution timing of the notice effect is reached during the variable display (in this example, the timing after the occurrence of reach), the notice effect is executed. In this embodiment, for example, an effect in which a group of balloons appear in the effect display device 9 is executed as a notice effect.

  Next, if the change time timer has timed out (step S1849), the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change stop process (step S803) (step S1851). Even if the variable time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received is set (step S1850), the process proceeds to step S1851. Even if the variation time timer has not timed out, if the symbol confirmation designation command is received, the process shifts to control to stop variation.For example, a variation pattern command indicating a long variation time due to noise between substrates is received. Even in such a case, it is possible to end the variation of the effect symbol when the regular variation time has elapsed (when the variation of the special symbol ends).

  FIG. 36 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 confirms whether or not the confirmed command reception flag is set (step S851). If the confirmed command reception flag is set, the confirmed command reception flag is reset. In step S852, control is performed to derive and display the stop symbol in accordance with the data stored in the effect symbol display result storage area (data indicating the stop symbol) (step S853). Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not it is determined to be a big hit or a small hit (step S855). Whether it is determined to be a big hit or a small hit is confirmed, for example, by a display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area. In this embodiment, it can be confirmed whether or not it is determined to be a big hit or a small hit according to the determined stop symbol.

  When it is determined to be a big hit or a small hit, the CPU 101 for effect control updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) (step S856).

  When it is determined that neither the big hit nor the small hit is made, 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 S800). S857).

  In this embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the effect symbol variation (variable display) on the condition that the symbol confirmation designation command is received (see steps S851 and S853). However, when the variation time timer based on the received variation pattern command times out, control may be performed to end the variation of the effect symbol without receiving the symbol determination designation command. In this case, the game control microcomputer 560 may not transmit the symbol confirmation designation command for designating the end of variable display.

  Next, a specific example of the production aspect of simultaneous production will be described. FIG. 37 to FIG. 39 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of the production mode of simultaneous production. Among these, FIG. 37 shows a specific example of the effect mode of the simultaneous effect when the non-reach fluctuation display is executed at the start time of the simultaneous effect. FIG. 38 shows a specific example of the effect mode of the simultaneous effect when the variable display that is out of reach at the start timing of the simultaneous effect is executed. FIG. 39 shows a specific example of the effect aspect of the simultaneous effect when the variable display that is the reach jackpot is executed when the start timing of the simultaneous effect is reached. In addition, in FIG. 37-FIG. 39, the aspect of an effect screen changes in order of (1) (2) (3).

  First, with reference to FIG. 37, a description will be given of a case where the start timing of simultaneous production is reached during non-reach fluctuation display. As shown in FIG. 37 (1), it is assumed that the effect display device 9 is executing the variable display of the left, middle, and right effect symbols that are non-reachable. Then, it is assumed that the start timing of simultaneous production has arrived in the middle of the variable display. In this case, since the non-reach fluctuation display is in progress, as shown in FIG. 37 (2), in the effect display device 9, the reproduction of the moving image of the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) of the simultaneous effects is started (step S5105). N, see step S5106). In this example, as shown in FIG. 37 (2), it is assumed that a group of balloons 200 appears as a group effect (introduction section) and an effect suggesting the start of the group effect is executed. Also, in this example, as shown in FIG. 37 (2), when the simultaneous production (introduction unit) is started, the variation display of the production symbol is reduced and displayed on the right end portion of the display screen.

  In this embodiment, when a notice effect (in this example, a group notice effect in which a group of balloons appear) appears during execution of the simultaneous effect, the jackpot is confirmed, so the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) In FIG. 37 (2) to (4), an effect such as that shown in FIGS. 37 (2) to (4) is executed, and in addition to this, a character string such as “If a group notice effect appears during a simultaneous effect!” Is displayed. You may do it.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 37 (3), it is assumed that the change display is finished after the change time has elapsed, and the next change display is started as shown in FIG. 37 (4). Then, when a predetermined introduction part production period (for example, 10 seconds) elapses, the simultaneous production (introduction unit) is terminated, and as shown in FIG. The video reproduction of (main body part) is started (see S5114). In this example, as shown in FIG. 37 (5), it is assumed that an effect of a mode in which the balloon 201 is flying in the sky is performed as a simultaneous effect (main body part).

  Next, when the simultaneous effect is being executed, the notice effect may be executed with a probability of 90% if the variable display is a big hit. When execution of the notice effect is determined, the left effect symbol (in this example, symbol “7”) is stopped as shown in FIG. 37 (6), and the right effect symbol is displayed as shown in FIG. 37 (7). When the same symbol as the left symbol (in this example, symbol “7”) is stopped and the reach occurs, as shown in FIG. 37 (8), a group of balloons 202 is displayed on the effect display device 9. The notice effect of the aspect that appears is executed, and the effect of the effect form similar to the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) is executed (see steps S1803, S5501 to S5505, S1845).

  After that, the simultaneous production (main body part) is continued until a predetermined main body part production period (for example, 4 minutes and 50 seconds. Therefore, the introduction part and the main body part together for 5 minutes in total production). .

  Next, with reference to FIG. 38, description will be given of a case where the start timing of the simultaneous performance is reached during the display of fluctuation of reach deviation. As shown in FIG. 38 (1), it is assumed that the effect display device 9 is executing the variable display of the left, middle, and right effect symbols that are out of reach. Then, it is assumed that the start timing of simultaneous production has arrived in the middle of the variable display. Since the variable display with reach is in progress, display of the simultaneous effect introduction display is started instead of the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) as shown in FIG. 38 (2) (see Y in step S5105, step S5107). ). In this example, as shown in FIG. 38 (2), a character string 203 such as “Simultaneous effect rush!” Is displayed as the simultaneous effect introduction display. Also, in this example, as shown in FIG. 38 (2), when the display of the simultaneous effect introduction display is started, the effect symbol variation display is reduced and displayed at the right end of the display screen.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 38 (3), the left effect symbol (in this example, symbol “7”) is stopped and displayed, and as shown in FIG. 38 (4), the right effect symbol is the same as the left effect symbol. The symbol (in this example, symbol “7”) is stopped and displayed, and reach occurs. Next, as shown in FIG. 38 (5), it is assumed that the fluctuation display is finished after the fluctuation time has elapsed, and the reach out symbol is stopped and displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 38 (6), it is assumed that the next variation display has started.

  Next, when a predetermined introduction section effect period (for example, 10 seconds) elapses, the display of the simultaneous effect introduction display is terminated, and as shown in FIG. The video reproduction of (main body part) is started (see S5114). In this example, as shown in FIG. 38 (7), it is assumed that an effect in a manner that the balloon 201 is flying in the sky is executed as a simultaneous effect (main body part).

  After that, the simultaneous production (main body part) is continued until a predetermined main body part production period (for example, 4 minutes and 50 seconds. Therefore, the introduction part and the main body part together for 5 minutes in total production). . Further, if there is a fluctuation display that is a big hit during the execution of the simultaneous performance, the notification performance may be executed with a probability of 90%. In this case, the notification performance is executed in the same manner as in FIG. .

  Next, with reference to FIG. 39, a case will be described where the start timing of the simultaneous performance is reached during the display of the variation of the reach jackpot. As shown in FIG. 39 (1), it is assumed that the effect display device 9 is executing the variable display of the left, middle, and right effect symbols with reach. In this case, since the start timing of the simultaneous effect comes from the middle of the variable display, the notification effect may be executed with a probability of 90% if the variable display is a big hit. In the example shown in FIG. 39 (1), it is assumed that the display is a variation display that is a big hit and it is decided to execute the notice effect (see Y in steps S5502 and S5503 and S5505). Then, it is assumed that the start timing of simultaneous production has arrived in the middle of the variable display. In this case, since the variable display with the reach is being performed, the display of the simultaneous effect introduction display is started instead of the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) as shown in FIG. 39 (2) (Y in step S5105). Step S5107). In this example, as shown in FIG. 39 (2), a character string 203 such as “Simultaneous effect rush!” Is displayed as the simultaneous effect introduction display. Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 39 (2), when the display of the simultaneous effect introduction display is started, the effect symbol variation display is reduced and displayed at the right end of the display screen.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 39 (2), the left effect symbol (in this example, symbol “7”) is stopped and displayed as the right effect symbol as shown in FIG. 39 (3). When a symbol (in this example, symbol “7”) is stopped and a reach occurs, as shown in FIG. 39 (4), a notice effect in a mode in which a group of balloons 202 appear on the effect display device 9 is displayed. It is executed, and the effect of the effect mode similar to the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) is executed (see steps S1803, S5501 to S5505, S1845).

  Next, when a predetermined introduction section effect period (for example, 10 seconds) elapses, the display of the simultaneous effect introduction display is terminated, and as shown in FIG. The video reproduction of (main body part) is started (see S5114). In this example, as shown in FIG. 39 (5), it is assumed that an effect in a mode in which the balloon 201 is flying in the sky is executed as a simultaneous effect (main body part).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 39 (6), the fluctuation display ends after the fluctuation time has passed, and the big hit symbol (in this example, a combination of symbols “777”) is displayed as a stop symbol of the production symbol in the production display device 9. Assume that a big hit has occurred based on the derivation and display of.

  In this embodiment, the execution of the simultaneous performance is continued even during the big hit game, and then the predetermined main body portion production period (for example, 4 minutes and 50 seconds. Simultaneous production (main part) is continued until 5 minutes in total.

  It should be noted that in this embodiment, the effect mode of the simultaneous effect (introduction section) shown in FIGS. 37 (2) to 37 (4) and the effect mode of the notice effect shown in FIGS. 37 (8) and 39 (4) are completely different. Although the case where it is the same production | presentation aspect is shown, it is not restricted to such an aspect. For example, the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) and the notice effect may not be exactly the same effect, but may be similar. In this case, as a similar production mode, for example, the simultaneous production (introduction unit) and the notice production both have a group of balloons appearing, but the number of balloons appearing is different, or the same number of balloons appear. The color of the balloons may be different, or the direction in which the group of balloons fly may be different. In addition, for example, simultaneous production (introduction part) and notice production, some productions are the same and some productions are different, or those with a common motif (for example, characters appearing in the same drama or story) Or objects in which objects appear). Further, when the simultaneous production (introduction section) and the notice production are performed by sound output from the speakers 27L and 27R, the production sound with the same sound arrangement (for example, the same Doremi sound arrangement) is output. The output sound may be one octave higher or lower. As such, the similar production mode is similar to the production mode so that the player is confused as to whether the simultaneous production (introduction unit) or the notice production is being executed. It is a concept including what is.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 38 and FIG. 39, a case where a character string 203 such as “Built-in simultaneous production!” Is displayed as the simultaneous production introduction display is shown. Instead, an icon image or the like that suggests that a simultaneous performance is started may be displayed.

  Next, the execution timing of simultaneous effects will be described. 40 and 41 are timing charts for explaining the execution timing of simultaneous effects. Among these, FIG. 40 shows the execution timing of the simultaneous effect when the non-reach fluctuation display is executed when the start timing of the simultaneous effect is reached. FIG. 41 shows the execution timing of the simultaneous effect when the variable display with reach is executed when the start timing of the simultaneous effect is reached.

  First, with reference to FIG. 40, a description will be given of the execution timing of a simultaneous effect when the start timing of the simultaneous effect is reached during non-reach variation display. As shown in FIG. 40, it is assumed that the start timing of the simultaneous production has arrived in the middle of the variable display of the middle left and right production symbols that are not reachable. In this case, since non-reach fluctuation display is in progress, as shown in FIG. 40, the animation display of the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) of the simultaneous effects is started on the effect display device 9 (N in step S5105, Step S5106).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 40, when a predetermined introduction part production period (for example, 10 seconds) elapses, the simultaneous production (introduction unit) is terminated, and the production display unit 9 produces a simultaneous production (main body part). ) Is started (see S5114).

  After that, the simultaneous production (main body part) is continued until a predetermined main body part production period (for example, 4 minutes and 50 seconds. Therefore, the introduction part and the main body part together for 5 minutes in total production). .

  Next, with reference to FIG. 41, a description will be given of the execution timing of a simultaneous effect when the start timing of the simultaneous effect is reached during variable display with reach. As shown in FIG. 41, it is assumed that the start timing of the simultaneous production has arrived from the middle of the variable display of the left middle right production symbol with reach. In this case, since the variable display with reach is in progress, as shown in FIG. 41, instead of the simultaneous production (introduction unit), the display of the simultaneous production introduction display is started (see Y in step S5105, step S5107). ).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 41, when a predetermined introduction part effect period (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed, the display of the simultaneous effect introduction display is terminated, and the effect display device 9 performs the simultaneous effect (main body part). ) Is started (see S5114).

  After that, the simultaneous production (main body part) is continued until a predetermined main body part production period (for example, 4 minutes and 50 seconds. Therefore, the introduction part and the main body part together for 5 minutes in total production). .

  In FIGS. 40 and 41, if a variation display that is a big hit occurs during the execution of the simultaneous performance, the notification performance may be executed with a probability of 90%. After that, there is a case where a big hit occurs and the game is shifted to a big hit gaming state. In this embodiment, even during the big hit game, the execution of the simultaneous performance is continued until a predetermined main body portion production period elapses.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 40 and FIG. 41, when the production period of the simultaneous production elapses (when the simultaneous production end timing is reached), the simultaneous production is immediately terminated even during the variable display. Although the case is shown, it is not limited to such a mode. For example, when the performance period of the simultaneous performance has elapsed (when the end timing of the simultaneous performance has been reached), if the variable display is being performed, the simultaneous performance is not immediately terminated, but is being performed. Simultaneous production may be executed until the change display is finished.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, a case where the simultaneous effect introduction display is displayed over the same time as the execution period of the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) is shown. ) May be configured to display the simultaneous effect introduction display over a different period (long period or short period).

  Also, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 41, when the variable display with reach is being executed when the start timing of the simultaneous performance is reached, the simultaneous production (introduction unit) is replaced with the simultaneous production. Although the case where the effect introduction display is displayed is shown, it is not limited to such a mode. For example, even in the case of variable display with reach, if it is a big hit, the simultaneous production (introduction unit) may be exceptionally executed.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to execute a specific effect (simultaneous effect in this example) based on the time measured by the time measuring means, and a specific period (in this example, reach) during variable display. Notice effect (in this example, notice of the effect mode shown in FIG. 37 (8) and FIG. 39 (4)) that suggests that it is controlled to the advantageous state (in this example, the big hit game state) Production) can be executed. Further, when the specific effect is being executed, the notice effect is executed at a different rate from the case where the specific effect is not being executed (in this example, as shown in FIG. 34, when the simultaneous effect is not being executed). (In the case of a big hit, the announcement effect is executed with a probability of 70%, whereas in the case where the simultaneous production is being executed, the announcement effect is executed with a probability of 90% when a big hit is made.) . In addition, a specific effect including a special effect (in this example, a simultaneous effect (introduction section) shown in FIGS. 37 (2) to (4)) performed in the same or similar effect form as the notice effect can be executed, and at least Execution of special effects during a specific period is limited (in this example, when variable display with reach is being performed at the start timing of simultaneous effects, FIGS. 38 (2) to (6) and FIG. As shown in 39 (2) to (4), a simultaneous production introduction display is displayed instead of the simultaneous production (introduction section). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being confused in the gaming machine configured to execute the specific effect.

  In this embodiment, a case where the start timing of simultaneous production is measured by combining a time measurement timer (that is, a measurement method based on the clock signal of the production control microcomputer 100) and the real time clock 108 is shown. However, the start timing of simultaneous production may be measured using only one of them. For example, using only the time measurement timer, every time the time measurement timer times out, it may be determined that the start timing of the simultaneous effect has come, and the execution of the simultaneous effect may be started. Further, for example, using only the real-time clock 108, it may be determined that the predetermined time has come based on the time information output from the real-time clock 108, and the execution of the simultaneous effect may be started.

  Further, in this embodiment, in the case of a big hit, a case where the execution ratio of the notice effect is higher when the simultaneous effect is being executed than when the simultaneous effect is not executed is shown. It is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, conversely, the execution ratio of the notice effect may be lower when the simultaneous effect is being executed than when the simultaneous effect is not being executed. Further, for example, the execution ratio of the notice effect may be configured to be constant regardless of whether or not the simultaneous effect is being executed.

  Further, in this embodiment, as a specific example in the case of “restricting execution of special effects”, a case where a simultaneous effect introduction display is displayed instead of a simultaneous effect (introduction unit) is shown. It is not limited to this aspect. For example, the execution of the special effect (in this example, the simultaneous effect (introduction unit)) may be limited by shifting the timing of the simultaneous effect (introduction unit). In this case, for example, the execution of the special effect may be limited by shifting to a later timing such as performing the simultaneous effect (introducing unit) after the reach is completed. Further, for example, the execution of the special effect may be limited by executing the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) in a display area smaller than normal. Further, for example, when a simultaneous production (introduction unit) is performed by outputting a production sound or turning on a lamp / LED in addition to an image display, only a sound effect of the simultaneous production (introduction unit) is output or a lamp The execution of the special effect may be limited by only turning on the / LED, and various modes of limitation are conceivable.

  Further, in this embodiment, a case where a special effect (in this example, a simultaneous effect (introduction unit)) is executed at the start (introduction) of the simultaneous effect is shown. The present invention is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, a special effect may be executed at the end of the simultaneous effect, or a special effect may be executed at a timing when a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the simultaneous effect. May be executed. Furthermore, the special effect may be intermittently executed during the execution of the simultaneous effect, such as executing the special effect every predetermined time (for example, every 30 seconds) during the execution of the simultaneous effect. In any case, if it is a specific period during which the notice effect can be executed, the special effect may be limited.

  In this embodiment, the “special effect” is a partial effect that constitutes a part of the specific effect. Specifically, in this embodiment, the simultaneous effect is composed of a simultaneous effect (introduction part) and a simultaneous effect (main part), and the simultaneous effect (introduction part) corresponds to a “special effect”.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the execution of the special effect is restricted over a restriction period including at least a specific period (in this example, at the same time a restriction effect period including a timing after the occurrence of reach at which a notice effect can be executed ( Restrict the execution of the introduction part)). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being confused.

  Specifically, in this embodiment, the “specific period” corresponds to a period after the occurrence of reach where the notice effect during the variable display can be executed, but the “specific period” has a margin. The entire execution period of the variable display accompanied by the reach is set as a “limit period”, and the execution of the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) is uniformly limited if the start timing of the simultaneous effect comes within the limit period. It should be noted that, in addition to the mode shown in this embodiment, for example, the execution of simultaneous production (introduction unit) is limited by setting only the “specific period” as the “limit period” without giving any margin to the “specific period”. You may do it. In this case, for example, the execution of the simultaneous production (introduction unit) is limited only when the start timing of the simultaneous production arrives in the period after the occurrence of reach during the variable display, and even during the variable display with reach As long as the notice effect is not executed, such as a period before the occurrence of reach, the simultaneous effect (introduction unit) may be configured to be executable. Conversely, a margin may be added to the “specific period” so that the “restricted period” may be one change or two changes before the change display with reach, and various modes are conceivable. Thus, in this embodiment, the “limit period” may be a period including at least a “specific period”.

  Further, according to this embodiment, even when the specific effect is started in the middle of the variable display and when the specific effect is ended in the middle of the variable display, the advance notice is given in the same manner as the variable display during the execution of the specific effect. It is determined whether or not to execute an effect (in this example, if it is the start timing of the simultaneous effect in the middle of the variable display, it is determined as Y in step S5502 and the notice effect determination table for the simultaneous effect is determined in step S5503. Is selected, and it is determined in step S5501 to be Y in the middle of the variable display, and in step S5503, the notice effect determination table for simultaneous effects is selected, and in the case of a big hit, 90 is determined. % Will determine the notice effect with a probability of%). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being discouraged in the variable display over the start and end of the specific effect.

  In this embodiment, if the variable display spans the start and end of the simultaneous effect, the start timing of the simultaneous effect is in the middle of the variable display, and the end timing of the simultaneous effect is in the middle of the variable display. In both cases, the case where the notice effect determination table for simultaneous effects is selected and the notice effect is determined is shown, but it is not limited to such a mode. For example, only when it is the start timing of the simultaneous production in the middle of the variable display, the preliminary announcement determination table for the simultaneous production may be selected to determine the preliminary announcement effect. Only when the end timing is reached, the notice effect determination table for simultaneous effects may be selected to determine the notice effect.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, when execution of the special effect (in this example, the simultaneous effect (introduction section) shown in FIGS. 37 (2) to (4)) is restricted, the special effect is used instead of the special effect. An effect (in this example, display of simultaneous effect introduction display shown in FIGS. 38 (2) to (6) and FIGS. 39 (2) to (4)) can be executed. Therefore, even if the execution of the special effect is restricted, the execution of the specific effect can be recognized.

  Further, in this embodiment, it is possible to measure time regardless of whether or not power is supplied to the gaming machine, and a time measuring means (in this example, a real time clock 108) that updates the time measurement content every predetermined unit period (for example, 1 second). ) And period management means for managing the elapsed period from the start of power supply to the gaming machine based on the update of the timekeeping content of the timekeeping means (in this example, measurement is performed using a time measurement timer). Prepare. The period management unit updates the elapsed period after a period corresponding to the difference between the period from the start of power supply to the gaming machine to the update of the first timing content of the timing unit and the predetermined unit period has elapsed. Updating means (in this example, after the start timing of simultaneous production in step S760, after waiting for the value of the difference count data to match in step S762, the time measurement timer is set again in step S764). Therefore, accurate period management can be performed by using a time measuring means (in this example, the real time clock 108) having a measurement error smaller than that of the time measuring timer.

  In this embodiment, the elapsed period after the period corresponding to the difference between the period from the start of power supply to the gaming machine to the update of the first timing content of the timing means and the predetermined unit period elapses. As an example in the case of updating, the case where the time measurement timer is set after waiting until the period corresponding to the difference elapses is shown, but it is not limited to such a mode. For example, when the time measurement timer is added or subtracted every predetermined unit period (for example, 1 second), it is detected that the time measured by the time measuring means (for example, the real time clock 108) has changed by 1 second, and then the difference This may be applied to the case where the time measurement timer is added or subtracted after waiting for a period corresponding to.

  In this embodiment, the game control means for controlling the progress of the game (in this example, the game control microcomputer 560) and the effect control means for controlling the effect (in this example, the effect control microcomputer 100). With. The game control means includes information output means for outputting information, and the effect control means executes the effect based on the information output by the information output means. Therefore, you may be comprised as follows. An effect can be executed according to the progress of the game, and the interest in the game can be improved.

  In addition, in this embodiment, although the case where a simultaneous effect was performed whenever 60 minutes passed as a specific effect was shown, it is not restricted to such an aspect. For example, the simultaneous performance may be executed every 2 hours or every 3 hours, or may be executed every 30 minutes.

  Further, for example, if the real-time clock 108 has a calendar function and can output time information including month information, it may be configured to execute simultaneous effects different in each month.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where a predetermined moving image is reproduced on the effect display device 9 as the specific effect (simultaneous effect) has been shown, but it is not limited to such an aspect. For example, as a simultaneous effect, an effect of causing each LED 28a, 28b, 28c and the lamp to emit light in a predetermined effect pattern may be executed, or an effect of outputting a predetermined effect sound from the speakers 27R and 27L may be executed. Also, for example, the effect display device 9, each LED 28a, 28b, 28c, a lamp, or a combination of any two effect means of the speakers 27R, 27L may execute a simultaneous effect, and all these effect means You may comprise so that simultaneous production may be performed using.

  Further, for example, a plurality of gaming machines may be configured such that the execution frequency of the notice effect changes simultaneously, or a plurality of gaming machines may be configured to execute a mini game or a mission effect all at once. . For example, when mini-games and mission effects are configured to be executed at the same time, for example, when it is known that there are fluctuations that will result in big hits or reach in advance, mini-games may be successful or missions may be achieved. It may be configured such that a performance is performed and then a big hit or reach appears. Further, for example, after performing an effect such as succeeding in a mini game or achieving a mission, an effect that a privilege such as a rare image is given may be executed.

  In this embodiment, the first time measuring means (for example, the real-time clock 108) capable of timing regardless of whether power is supplied to the gaming machine, and time can be measured when power is supplied to the gaming machine. Identified based on second time measuring means (for example, a time measuring timer realized by the CPU 101 for effect control), reading means for reading time information timed by the first time measuring means, and at least time information measured by the second time measuring means A specific effect executing means for executing an effect (for example, simultaneous effect), the second time measuring means measures time based on the time information measured by the first time measuring means read by the reading means, and the reading means includes: When the period until the timing at which the specific effect execution means executes the specific effect is equal to or longer than a predetermined period (for example, 1 minute or more), the first period (for example, every minute) When the period from the time information is read and the specific effect execution means executes the specific effect is less than the predetermined period (for example, less than 1 minute), the second period (for example, every second) shorter than the first period. ) To read timing information. With such a configuration, time information is read out as necessary, so that time can be accurately measured and an increase in processing load can be prevented.

  In this embodiment, the first time measuring means (for example, the real time clock 108) is configured to have a time measuring error smaller than that of the second time measuring means (for example, the time measuring timer). With such a configuration, it is possible to effectively time using the first time measuring means and the second time measuring means.

  Further, in this embodiment, the reading means reads the timing information in a third period (for example, every 20 ms) shorter than the second period after reading the timing information in the second period (for example, every second). When measuring the difference (for example, difference count data) between the timekeeping information timed by the first timekeeping means and the timekeeping information timed by the second timekeeping means when reading and power supply to the gaming machine is started, The time measurement information is read out in the third period. With such a configuration, time information is read out as necessary, so that time can be accurately measured and an increase in processing load can be prevented.

  In this embodiment, the setting means (for example, the simultaneous effect setting button 19) that can set the timing at which the specific effect executing means executes the specific effect, and the setting means even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. A backup storage means (for example, a backup RAM of the production control microcomputer 100) capable of holding backup data including the setting result for a predetermined period is provided. By comprising in that way, the production effect of a specific production can be improved.

  In addition, in a plurality of gaming machines, simultaneous production can be started simultaneously based on the time information, but if processing failure occurs in any of the gaming machines, there is a risk that the progress status of the subsequent simultaneous production may be shifted. . Therefore, when the simultaneous production is started, the content of the simultaneous production may be skipped to a corresponding point every predetermined period (for example, every 10 seconds). For example, in this embodiment, a moving image is reproduced as a simultaneous effect, and points are provided in advance for each predetermined period (for example, every 10 seconds). And if the video has only progressed to the content of the 9th second when 10 seconds have passed since the simultaneous production started due to a processing failure in the gaming machine, it will be forcibly handled. Switch to the content of the point (the content of the 10th second) and perform the subsequent playback. By doing so, it is possible to simultaneously start simultaneous effects in a plurality of gaming machines and to prevent the progress of individual gaming machines from being shifted. It should be noted that the switching may be performed only when the progress of the simultaneous performance is delayed, or may be switched to the corresponding point every predetermined period regardless of the progress of the simultaneous performance.

  Moreover, the measurement method of the start timing of a specific production (in this example, simultaneous production) is not limited to the mode shown in this embodiment, and for example, the measurement may be performed by the following measurement method. (1) For example, when turning on a plurality of gaming machines in an amusement store all at once (for example, 10:00), date / time information from a real-time clock is read (for example, year / month / day / hour / The information of minute / second is read, and the second information can be measured to 1/100 second), and the read information is stored. (2) Next, after the power is turned on, the date / time information is read from the real-time clock every timer interrupt (for example, every 1 ms), and the read date / time information is compared with the date / time information stored in (1). Then, a difference is obtained by subtracting the time specified by the date / time information stored in (1) from the time specified by the read date / time information, and when the calculated difference is 1 hour, it is determined that it is the start timing of the simultaneous performance. Then, simultaneous production may be executed. With such a configuration, even if there is an error in the measurement time of the real-time clock between the gaming machines in the gaming store, simultaneous effects can be started simultaneously with a plurality of gaming machines.

  In addition, in the case of the configuration as described above, when the time from when the power is turned on to when the date and time information is first read from the real-time clock is different among a plurality of gaming machines (for example, security check on the game control means side performed at the time of power-on There may also be a case where there is a difference in the time until the date / time information is first read from the real-time clock due to the difference in time. In such a case, the time from when the power is turned on until the date and time information is first read from the real-time clock is stored, and the difference in time is calculated in the above (2) by taking the stored time into account. What is necessary is just to be able to start simultaneous production simultaneously with a plurality of gaming machines.

  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, as a predetermined privilege, the Web server transmits digital content such as image content and music content to the player's mobile terminal, or transmits a predetermined password to the player's mobile terminal and the player next time When playing a game, the display screen of the gaming machine is processed so as to be customized according to the player's preference.

  When the configuration shown in the above embodiment is applied to the gaming system as described above, for example, it is assumed that a predetermined condition is established when the pre-reading notice effect is executed and a big hit is made, and the number of times is determined by the Web server. It may be managed as a game history. Then, according to the number of times that the pre-reading notice effect is executed and a big hit is made, digital contents may be transmitted as a predetermined privilege or the display screen of the gaming machine may be customized.

  In the above-described embodiment, “the ratios are different” is not limited to those having different ratios such as A: B = 70%: 30% or A: B = 40%: 60%, 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).

  Further, in the above embodiment, for example, a plurality of types of special symbols and effect symbols “1” to “9” are variably displayed and the display result is derived and displayed, or a plurality of types of “o” and “x” are usually displayed. Although the case where the symbol is variably displayed and the display result is derived and displayed is shown, the variable display is not limited to such a mode. For example, the symbol that is variably displayed and the symbol that is derived and displayed are not necessarily the same, and a symbol that is different from the symbol that is variably displayed may be derived and displayed. Further, it is not always necessary to variably display a plurality of types of symbols, and variable display may be executed using only one type of symbols. In this case, for example, variable display may be executed by alternately turning on and blinking one kind of symbol display. Even in this case, one type of symbol used for the variable display may be derived and displayed last, or a symbol different from the one type of symbol may be derived and displayed last. It may be a thing.

  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. 4). 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-described embodiment, in order to notify the microcomputer 100 for effect control of the change pattern indicating the change mode such as the change time, the type of reach effect, and the presence / absence of the pseudo-ream, 1 is used when the change is started. Although an example in which one variation pattern command is transmitted has been shown, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control microcomputer 100 by two or more commands. Specifically, in the case of notification by two commands, the game control microcomputer 560 uses the first command to indicate whether there is a pseudo-ream, a slide 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 does not reach, the 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 may perform effect control in the variable display based on the variable time derived from the combination of the 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. 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 changed as appropriate. In this way, by notifying the variation pattern by two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command can be reduced.

  In addition, the structure described in the above embodiment is not limited to pachinko gaming machines and can be applied to various types of gaming machines. For example, the configuration shown in each of the above embodiments may be applied to a sealed circulation pachinko machine. In the enclosed circulation type pachinko machine, a predetermined number (for example, 50) of game balls used in the pachinko machine are enclosed in an enclosed area (for example, in a pachinko machine), and the game area provided in the pachinko machine In order to fire game balls through the game area, collect the game balls via the collection unit (for example, each winning opening, out port, foul ball return opening), and fire the collected game balls again into the game area In the enclosed area. In addition, in such a sealed circulation pachinko machine, when there is a prize at each prize opening, points corresponding to the number of prize balls are added to the card inserted in the card unit instead of the prize balls. Processing is performed.

  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.

  Also, in the above embodiment, there are normal big hits, probable big hits, and sudden probable big hits as big hit types. Although a gaming machine to be controlled is shown, 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 applicable to gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display device 8b 2nd special symbol display device 9 Production display device 13 1st starting winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 20 Special variable winning ball device 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
109 VDP

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that performs variable display and can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player,
A specific effect execution means capable of executing a specific effect based on the timing of the time measuring means;
A notice effect execution means capable of executing a notice effect suggesting that it is controlled to the advantageous state in a specific period during variable display,
The notice effect execution means executes the notice effect at a different rate from the case where the specific effect is not executed when the specific effect is executed,
The specific effect execution means can execute the specific effect including a special effect performed in the same or similar effect mode as the notice effect.
A gaming machine characterized by further comprising special performance restriction means for restricting execution of the special performance at least in the specific period.

Images