JP2017070527A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance a player's sense of expectation by a performance for allowing light-emitting means to emit light according to operation of operation means.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine includes a special pattern determination part, a performance control part, a performance button, an image display part 114, and decoration lamps C, L1-L3, R1-R3. The performance control part executes a performance for variably displaying a pattern based on satisfaction of starting conditions, and then for stopping the pattern according to a result determined by the special pattern determination part. When predetermined execution conditions are satisfied, the Pachinko game machine executes an operation promotion performance. When operation of the performance button is received, the Pachinko game machine executes a light emission control performance for extending a light-emitting area from a first state to a second state by using at least some light-emitting members constituting the decoration lamps C, L1-L3, R1-R3. When the light-emitting members reach the second state in the light emission control performance, the Pachinko game machine changes a display mode of the pattern from a first pattern display mode to a second pattern display mode via a predetermined shift performance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 32

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  In the gaming machine, with the special symbol variation, an effect by the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit such as a liquid crystal screen is performed. When a display with high expectation level (for example, reach display) is performed in the effect based on the decorative design, various effects are performed in order to increase the player's expectation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, operation means such as buttons, levers, touchpads and the like that can be operated by the player are provided, and by displaying a video in response to the operation of these operation means, an effect of encouraging the player to participate actively is performed. It was.

JP 2008-246019 A

  There is room to further increase the player's expectation in the performance performed by accepting the operation of the operation means by the player.

  An object of the present invention is to increase a player's expectation for operation of an operation means by performing an effect with a large movement as an effect by a decorative design in accordance with the operation of the operation means.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. This gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 100)
A determination means (for example, a special symbol determination unit 234) for determining a gaming state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling production according to the game;
Operation means (for example, effect button 161) that can be operated by the player;
Image display means for displaying effect images under the control of the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300)
Based on the establishment of the starting condition, the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) performs an effect of controlling display of a plurality of symbols,
In the variation display that varies the plurality of symbols in the effect of controlling the display of the plurality of symbols, a predetermined effect is performed in which a part of the plurality of symbols is stopped and the variation of the remaining symbols is continued,
In the predetermined effect, when a predetermined execution condition relating to the operation of the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) is satisfied, the display of a part of the symbols that are stopped is suppressed and the display of the symbols that are continuously changing is suppressed. Switching from the 1st symbol display mode to the 2nd symbol display mode, changing the display position of some symbols displayed in the 2nd symbol display mode,
It is characterized by.
With such a configuration, it is possible to associate the operation of the operation means by the player with the effect accompanied by the movement of the display position of the decorative symbol, and to increase the expectation for the operation of the operation means.
More preferably, when the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300) switches the display mode of the part of the symbols in the predetermined effect, the symbols are displayed according to the first symbol display mode. After performing a predetermined transition effect from the state, the display shifts to the symbol display in the second symbol display mode.
In this way, the player can be more impressed with the change in the display of the decorative symbols, and the interest can be further enhanced.

  In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

  According to the present invention, the player's expectation for the operation of the operation means can be enhanced by performing an effect with a large movement as an effect by the decorative design in accordance with the operation of the operation means.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. (A) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display device arranged at the lower right of the game board, (b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the basic process by a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the process at the time of the power supply cutoff by a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the main control processing of a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment, (a) is a figure which shows the structural example of jackpot random number, (b) is a figure which shows the structural example of jackpot symbol random number, (c ) Is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reach random number, and (d) is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hit random number. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the fluctuation pattern and table used in a fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of RAM of a game control part, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a storage area, (b) is a block diagram which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a) It is. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of RAM of an effect control part, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a storage area, (b) is a block which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a) FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the prior determination process. It is a figure which shows the structure of a command, (a) is a figure which shows the data structure of a command, (b) is a figure which shows the structure as a bit string of a command. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the command storage area in RAM. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the output process by an output control part. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part, (a) is a figure which shows a main process, (b) is a figure which shows an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of command reception processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a mode flag. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during the end of the fluctuation effect of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect button processing. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the decoration lamp used for the special effect at the time of a fluctuation | variation. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the decoration pattern used by this Embodiment, FIG. 29 (A) shows the decoration design of a 1st display mode, FIG. 29 (B) shows the decoration design of a 2nd display mode, FIG. (C) is a figure which shows the decoration design of a 3rd display mode, FIG.29 (D) is a figure which respectively shows the decoration design of a 4th display mode. It is a figure which shows an example of a fluctuation special effect, FIG. 30 (A) is a figure which shows a reach effect and an operation promotion effect, FIG.30 (B) is a figure which shows a 1st state, FIG.30 (C-1)-(C -3) is a diagram showing the second state, FIG. 30D is a diagram showing the third state, and FIG. 30E is a diagram showing the fourth state. It is a figure which shows another example of the special effect at the time of a change, FIG. 31 (A) is a figure which shows a reach effect, FIG.31 (B) is a figure which shows an operation promotion effect, FIG.31 (C) is the light emission aspect of a decoration lamp. FIG. 31 (D) is a diagram showing a decorative design of the first display mode, FIG. 31 (E) is a diagram showing a transition effect, FIG. 31 (F) is a diagram showing a decorative design of the second display mode, FIG. 31 (G) is a diagram showing another light emission mode of the decorative lamp, FIG. 31 (H) is a diagram showing a decorative pattern of the first display mode, and FIG. 31 (I) is a decoration that is stopped and displayed in the first display mode. It is a figure which shows a design. It is a figure which shows another example of the special effect at the time of a change, FIG. 32 (A) is a figure which shows the light emission aspect of a decoration lamp, FIG. 32 (B) is a figure which shows the decoration pattern of a 1st display aspect, FIG. ) Is a diagram showing a change in the size and position of the decoration pattern of the first display mode, FIG. 32D is a diagram showing a state of switching to the decoration pattern of the second display mode, and FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that it switched to the decoration design of the display mode. It is a figure which shows another example of the special effect at the time of a change, FIG. 33 (A) is a figure which shows a reach effect, FIG. 33 (B-1) is a figure which shows a 1st operation promotion effect, FIG. 33 (B-2) ) Is a diagram showing a second operation promotion effect, FIG. 33 (C-1) is a diagram showing a first light emission mode of the decorative lamp, and FIG. 33 (C-2) is a second light emission mode of the decorative lamp. 33, (D-1) and (D-2) are diagrams showing the decorative symbols of the first display mode, FIG. 33 (E-1) is a diagram showing the state of switching to the decorative symbols of the second display mode, FIG. 33 (E-2) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the variation of the decorative design continues in the first display mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the design effect at the time of a fluctuation | variation, FIG. 34 (A) is a figure which shows the reach effect in a 2nd display mode, FIG.34 (B) is a figure which shows a transition effect, FIG.34 (C) is 3rd. FIG. 34D is a diagram showing a state of transition to the display mode, FIG. 34D is a diagram illustrating a state of transition to the fourth display mode, FIG. 34E is a diagram illustrating a state of being stopped and displayed in the fourth display mode, and FIG. FIG. 34 (F) is a diagram showing a transition effect, and FIG. 34 (G) is a diagram showing a state of being stopped and displayed in the second display mode. It is a figure which shows the other example of progress of the symbol effect at the time of a change, FIG. 35 (A) is a figure which shows the reach effect in a 2nd display mode, FIG.35 (B) is a figure which shows a transition effect, FIG.35 (C). Is a diagram showing a state of transition to the third display mode, FIG. 35 (D) is a diagram showing a state in which the variation is continued in the third display mode, and FIG. 35 (E) is a state of being stopped and displayed in the third display mode. FIG. 35 (F) is a diagram showing a state of being stopped and displayed in the fourth display mode, FIG. 35 (G) is a diagram showing a transition effect, and FIG. 35 (H) is stopped and displayed in the second display mode. FIG. 35 (I) is a diagram illustrating a transition effect, and FIG. 35 (J) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the display is stopped and displayed in the first display mode. FIG. 36A is a diagram showing another example of the symbol effect at the time of change, FIG. 36A-1 is a diagram showing how the change starts in the first display mode, and FIG. 36A-2 is the diagram in the first display mode. FIG. 36A is a diagram showing a reach effect, FIG. 36A-3 is a diagram showing a transition to the third display mode, FIG. 36A-4 is a diagram showing a transition to the fourth display mode, and FIG. -5) is a diagram showing a state of being stopped and displayed in the fourth display mode, FIG. 36 (A-6) is a diagram showing a state of being stopped and displayed in the first display mode, and FIG. 36 (B-1) is a second display. The figure which shows a mode that a fluctuation | variation starts in an aspect, FIG. 36 (B-2) is a figure which shows the reach | attainment effect in a 2nd display aspect, FIG. 36 (B-3) is a figure which shows a mode that it shifted to the 4th display aspect FIG. 36 (B-4) is a diagram showing a state in which display is stopped in the fourth display mode, and FIG. 36 (B-5) is a diagram showing a state in which display is stopped in the second display mode. That.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 is configured to pay out a prize ball when a gaming ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 surrounding the game board 110. The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150.

The game board 110 has a game area 111 for playing with a game ball on the front surface, a rail member 112 that forms a passage where a game ball launched from below rises toward the upper position of the game area 111, and a game A guide member 113 for guiding the game ball is provided on the right side of the region 111.
In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 that displays various images for production is provided at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible to the player. The image display unit 114 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a decorative symbol for notifying the player of a symbol lottery result (symbol variation result), for example, as the game progresses by the player. An effect image by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item or an effect image using a later-described hold display is displayed.
In addition, a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 110. The movable accessory 115 performs various effects by operating on the game board 110, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by emitting light.

  The game area 111 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Further, in the game area 111, various bonuses relating to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, the game area 111 is provided with a discharge port 117 through which game balls launched into the game area 111 that have not been won in the winning area are discharged out of the game area 111.

  In the present embodiment, as various functions related to winning and lottery, a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) starts when a game ball wins, and it is normal when a game ball passes. A start gate (hereinafter simply referred to as a gate) 124 for starting a symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is disposed on the game board 110. In FIG. 1, the gates 124 are provided on the left and right sides of the game area 111, the left gate 124 is indicated as 124L, and the right gate 124 is indicated as 124R. Moreover, the 1st starting port 121 and the 2nd starting port 122 here say the winning opening used as the operation opportunity of the predetermined 1 special symbol display. Specifically, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 are provided with switches (a first start port switch 211 and a second start port switch 212 described later) that detect the passage of a game ball when winning a prize. It has been. And when a game ball wins the 1st starting port 121 or the 2nd starting port 122, this switch will detect the passage of a gaming ball as an opportunity to operate a special symbol display.

  The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip (opening / closing member) 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers that are opened and closed by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the blade is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blade is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded and the game ball is moved to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 0.15 to 1.8 seconds) and for a specified number of times (for example, 1 to 3 times) while lighting or blinking.

The pachinko gaming machine 100 has, as gaming states, a low probability state with a low winning probability and a high probability state with a higher winning probability than the low probability state based on the winning probability of the jackpot lottery. Then, the state is controlled to be either a low probability state or a high probability state based on a predetermined condition. In addition to the low probability state and the high probability state, it is possible to set a medium probability state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is higher than the low probability state and lower than the high probability state. In this case, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is controlled to one of a low probability state, a medium probability state, and a high probability state based on a predetermined condition.
Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a short time state where there are few winning opportunities at the second start port 122 and a short state when there are more winning opportunities at the second start port 122 than in the short time state. Then, under a predetermined condition, the state is controlled to either the timeless state or the timeless state. The short-time state is, for example, any one of shortening the special symbol variation time and normal symbol variation time, extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123, and increasing the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery. A gaming state controlled by one or more combinations.

Also, in this embodiment, as other prizes and lottery items, a lottery is performed even if a game ball wins a grand prize opening 125 as a special electric bonus that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery. An ordinary winning opening 126 that is not present is arranged on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower left position of the game board 110.

  Also, on the back side of the game board 110, a game control board that determines whether or not a special symbol is won, an effect control board that comprehensively controls effects, an image control board that controls effects by images and sounds, various lamps, Various substrates (not shown) such as a lamp control substrate for controlling the effect by the movable accessory 115 are attached. In addition, a switching power supply (not shown) that converts the supplied 24V AC power source into a DC power source and outputs it to various boards and the like is disposed on the back surface of the game board 110.

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game balls at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle. And a launching device (not shown) for electrically firing. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one by one at a timing in conjunction with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. And a plate 153 for temporarily storing. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the plate 153.
In the present embodiment, the plate 153 is configured as an integrated upper and lower plate, but a configuration example in which the upper plate and the lower plate are separated is also conceivable. A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device emits light under a predetermined condition is also conceivable.

Further, the frame member 150 includes a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball even when the player is touching the handle 151 of the launch device, and a game ball accumulated in the tray 153. A take-out button 155 for dropping and taking out the box (not shown).
Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. The frame lamp 157 is composed of a light emitting body such as an LED, and performs various effects by light depending on a pattern due to lighting and blinking, a difference in emission color, and the like. In addition, about the frame lamp | ramp 157, the structural example which enables it to perform the effect which changes the irradiation direction of light can be considered.
The frame member 150 also includes a transparent plate (not shown) for separating the game board 110 from the player.

FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of the display unit 130 arranged at the lower right of the game board 110. FIG. 2B is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 receives a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. A second special symbol display 222 that operates correspondingly and a normal symbol display 223 that operates corresponding to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display unit 221 displays the lottery result by stopping and displaying the special symbol based on the winning of the first start port 121 after variably displaying. The second special symbol display 222 displays the lottery result by stopping and displaying the special symbol based on the winning of the second start port 122 after variably displaying. Based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the normal symbol display unit 223 displays the lottery result by stopping and displaying the normal symbol after being variably displayed. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are each constituted by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode. Similarly, the normal symbol display 223 is also composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 are each configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of holds is determined depending on the lighting mode. Is displayed.

Here, the hold will be described. If a game ball wins in the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 during the special symbol change display operation (while the change display for one win is being performed), the special symbol is changing. In addition, the special symbol variation display operation based on the subsequent winning cannot be started. Therefore, the number of subsequent winnings is memorized up to a specified number (for example, 4), and the right to start a special symbol for the winning game ball is until the variable display operation for the previously winning game ball ends. Deferred.
For normal symbols, the same processing as for special symbols is performed. The fact that such a hold has been made and the number of hold (unchanged number) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219 and the normal symbol hold indicator 220.

  Furthermore, the display device 130 includes a state display device 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 224 is configured by a display device in which three LEDs are arranged. One of the three LEDs notifies whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a high probability state where the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is high. The other one is to notify by lighting whether the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a short time state in which it is easy to win a prize at the second start port 122. Still another one is to notify by lighting whether or not the player is in a state advantageous to the player by making a right strike (by changing the hitting force of the game ball).

  The state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 displayed by the state display 224 is not limited to the above example, and other states can be displayed. For example, when the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is set to a medium probability state in which the winning probability is higher than the low probability state and the winning probability is lower than the high probability state, the state indicator 224 indicates whether or not the state indicator 224 is in the medium probability state. May be notified by lighting.

  In addition, the indicator 130 includes a round number indicator 225 for displaying the number of rounds when the big winning opening 125 is operated in the jackpot game performed according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. The jackpot game will be described later. The round number display 225 is configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of operating rounds of the big winning opening 125 in the jackpot game is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of an input device, an effect button 161, an effect key 162 that is adjacent to the effect button 161 and includes a plurality of keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, Is disposed on the frame member 150. In the example shown in the figure, a case is considered where an effect of accepting an operation of selecting one image from a plurality of images is performed. In this case, for example, when the player operates an effect key 162 including four keys arranged in a cross, one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 is instructed, and the effect button 161 is pressed. By performing the operation, it is possible to produce an effect of selecting the instructed image. In addition to the effect buttons 161 and the effect keys 162 shown in the figure, various input forms such as levers, dials, and the like can be adopted as the input device.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that determines whether a special symbol is won or the like as main control means. In addition, as the sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls the effect and a payout control unit 330 that controls payout of the payout ball are provided. Further, as sub-control means controlled by the effect control unit 300, an image / sound control unit 310 and a lamp control unit 320 are provided.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 is used as a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when determining whether or not a special symbol is won, a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like, a working memory of the CPU 201, and the like. RAM 203 to be provided.

  The game control unit 200 controls the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 in either a high probability state or a low probability state, a time-short state or a time-short state. As a result, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a high probability state and a short time state, a high probability short time gaming state, a low probability state and a short time state, low probability short time gaming state, a high probability state, and a short time short state. It is one of a short-probability state with no probability, a low-probability state, and a short-probability state with a low probability. Then, the game control unit 200 switches between the high probability state and the low probability state based on a predetermined condition, and switches between the short time state and the short time state. In addition, the game control unit 200 performs control such as increasing the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery in the short time state, shortening the normal symbol variation time, and extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123 in the short time state. I do.

  The game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery when the game ball is won at the first start port 121 or the second start port 122. Then, a special game such as a jackpot game is performed according to the determination result of the special symbol lottery. In the special game, the game control unit 200 performs a predetermined number of rounds that maintain an open state until the special winning opening 125, which is a special electric accessory, satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won). Control to repeat only. And the game control part 200 controls the opening / closing operation | movement space | interval at the time of the special winning opening 125 opening.

In addition, the game control unit 200 performs a normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124. And the action | operation of an electric tulip is controlled according to the determination result of a normal symbol lottery.
In addition, the game control unit 200 holds the game ball when the game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 during the special symbol change, or the game ball passes through the gate 124 during the normal symbol change. Set the hold that occurs.
Further, the game control unit 200 accompanies the game control such as the determination result of the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery, the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state, the change information of the time short state and the short time state, the setting information of the hold, etc. Information is sent to the production control unit 300 by a command to be described later.

Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 330 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 125, thirteen prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning opening 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 330 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 330 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball in conjunction with it.
When the payout control unit 330 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 330. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, as shown in FIG. , A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the second start port 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and the gate 124. A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 for detecting the passage of the game ball is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning port detecting unit (large winning port switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the large winning port 125, and the large winning port 125 is inclined to be in a closed state. A large winning opening / closing unit 216 set to the open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol hold indicator 218 for displaying the number of unreserved reserves won in the first start port 121 during the change of the special symbol, and the second special symbol hold indicator 218 during the change of the special symbol. A second special symbol hold indicator 219 that displays the number of unchanged reserves that have been won at the start port 122, and a normal symbol hold indicator that displays the number of unchanged symbols that have passed through the gate 124 while the normal symbol is changing. 220 are connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a special symbol variation display and a special symbol lottery result performed by winning a game ball in the first starting port 121, and a second starting port. A second special symbol display 222 that displays the result of the special symbol variation display and special symbol lottery performed by winning the game ball to 122, and the normal symbol display that displays the normal symbol variation display and the normal symbol lottery result A device 223 and a state indicator 224 for displaying the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are connected.

  Then, detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the big winning port switch 215 and the normal winning port switch 217 are sent to the game control unit 200. In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 includes an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, a prize winning opening / closing unit 216, a first special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219, a normal symbol hold indicator 220, It is sent to the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, the normal symbol display 223, and the status display 224. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of payout prize balls.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 350 for transmitting various information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the game control unit 200. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits the information about the number of paid-out prize balls acquired from the payout control unit 330 and the information indicating the state of the game control unit 200 to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 350. To do.

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 330 includes a CPU 331 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling payout of payout balls, a ROM 332 that stores programs executed by the CPU 331, various data, and the like, and a RAM 333 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 331 and the like. And.
The payout control unit 330 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 330 acquires, from the game control unit 200, a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won (the first start port 121 or the like). Then, the payout driving unit 334 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 334 is constituted by a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the game ball storage unit.

The payout control unit 330 includes a payout ball detection unit 335 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout driving unit 334, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). Detecting unit 336 for detecting presence / absence of storage of the game, and detecting whether or not the plate 153 for holding the game ball used when the player plays the game or the paid-out prize ball is full. A full tank detection unit 337 is connected. The payout control unit 330 receives the detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 335, the ball presence detection unit 336, and the full tank detection unit 337, and performs a predetermined process according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 330 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 340 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall. The payout control unit 330, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 334, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 335, and the like. Is transmitted to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 340. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs calculation processing when controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data, a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory of the CPU 301, and the like. And a real-time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring.
The effect control unit 300 sets the contents of the effect, for example, based on the determination result of whether or not the winning in the special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200 and the variation pattern. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect key 162, the effect content corresponding to the operation input may be set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as the effect button 161, and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the setting of the effect.
In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, the effect control unit 300 instructs the setting of the screen display for waiting for a customer as one of the effects.
Furthermore, the production control unit 300 sets the production content based on the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state received from the game control unit 200, and the change information of the short time state and the short time state.
In addition, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

  Furthermore, the effect control unit 300 is connected to an image / sound control unit 310 that controls an effect using an image and sound, and a lamp control unit 320 that controls an effect using various lamps and the movable accessory 115. Has been.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
The image / sound control unit 310 is a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling the image and sound representing the content of the effect, a ROM 312 that stores programs executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like. A RAM 313 used as a memory, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 314, a CGROM 315, and an SNDROM 316 are provided.

Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, the CGROM 315 has a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, a character for displaying a notice effect to the player, Image data such as items is stored. The SNDROM 316 stores various types of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles.
The CPU 311 performs analysis of the animation pattern, creation of a display list in which commands related to drawing are created, transmission of the display list to the VDP 314, and the like based on the hold number command or the change start command sent from the effect control unit 300 .

Based on the display list received from the CPU 311, the VDP 314 reads image data and acoustic data stored in the CGROM 315 and SNDROM 316, respectively. Furthermore, the VDP 314 performs drawing processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, and the like, and audio processing using the read acoustic data, using the read image data. . The VDP 314 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data subjected to the drawing process. The VDP 314 controls the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the sound data that has been subjected to sound processing.
In the present embodiment, the VDP 314 is configured to perform audio processing in addition to the drawing processing.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and programs executed by the CPU 321 and various data. A ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 are provided.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.

Specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern) for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production content set by the production control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.

  In the present embodiment, game control unit 200, effect control unit 300, image / sound control unit 310, lamp control unit 320, and payout control unit 330 are each a main board disposed on the rear surface of game board 110. The game control board, the effect control board as the sub board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board are individually configured.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 4, the game control unit 200 includes a random number acquisition unit 231, a normal symbol determination unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol determination unit 234 as functional units that execute various lottery processes. And a normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 as a functional unit that executes a process associated with special symbol variation.
In addition, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc. As a function unit, a prize winning opening operation control unit 237, an electric tulip operation control unit 238, and a prize ball processing unit 239 are provided. And an output control unit 240 and a random number control unit 241.

The random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value used for the special symbol lottery and a random value used for the normal symbol lottery. In the case of a random number value used for the special symbol lottery, specifically, on the condition that a game ball has won a prize at the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122, a numerical value within a predetermined range for each type of random number. One numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from the inside. The acquired random number value is used for determination by the special symbol determination unit 234. As will be described in detail later, the random numbers used in the special symbol lottery include a jackpot random number indicating whether or not the jackpot, a jackpot symbol random number indicating the type of jackpot, a variation pattern random number, a reach random number, and the like.
Further, in the case of a random number value used in the normal symbol lottery, specifically, one numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from a predetermined range of values on the condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 124. ) The acquired random number value is used for determination by the normal symbol determination unit 232. In addition, as a random number used for the normal symbol lottery, a symbol random number indicating a winning type, a variation pattern random number, or the like may be set in addition to a winning random number indicating whether or not the winning is made.
When the special symbol lottery is performed, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 controls the fluctuation of the special symbol in the first special symbol indicator 221 or the second special symbol indicator 222 according to the lottery result.

  The special symbol determination unit 234 uses a random number table as shown in FIG. 14 at the start of the variation of the special symbol, and determines whether the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is “hit or not” "," Whether it is a small hit or not when a big win is not won "is determined. That is, the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value related to a special symbol when the first starting port switch 211 or the second starting port switch 212 serving as a detection unit detects passage of a game ball, and determines a special symbol. The unit 234 determines based on the acquired random number value whether or not to play a special game (such as a big hit game) advantageous to the player. The special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) described above refers to processing in the random number acquisition unit 231 and the special symbol determination unit 234.

  Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined depending on the combination of the short-time state or the short-time state and the high-probability state or the low-probability state. That is, the types of jackpots based on the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game are the jackpots that become the short game state with a high probability after the jackpot game ends (hereinafter, the jackpot of the short game state with a high probability), the short game state with a low probability Jackpot to become a jackpot (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot of a low probability short game state), a jackpot to be a high probability short gameless state (hereinafter a jackpot of a high probability short gameless state), a jackpot to become a low probability short gameless state (hereinafter low) There is a possibility of a jackpot of probable short gameless state). Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

  In addition, the “hit” may be divided into a jackpot that can be expected to pay out a large amount of game balls for a long time, and a jackpot that can be expected to pay out a short amount of game balls. The former is called “long hit” and the latter is called “short hit”. For example, in “long win”, a round that is maintained until the open state of the grand prize opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). It is. In the “short win”, a round in which the special winning opening 125 is opened for a certain time (for example, 0.1 second) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times).

In addition, in the case of “small winning” when the big winning is not won, for example, a small winning game is performed in which the big winning opening 125 is opened for a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) for 0.1 seconds. At the time of winning the small hit, the game state before the small win is continued even after the small hit game is completed. That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the high probability short game state, the high probability short time gaming state is continued even after the small hit game ends, and the gaming state does not shift. Similarly, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the low probability short-time non-game state, the low-probability short short no-game state is continued even after the small hit game ends, and the game state does not shift.
Further, “small hit” is a kind of “out of game”, and none of the above gaming states that are advantageous to the player is set.

The variation pattern selection unit 235 selects a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. Specifically, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern based on the determination result whether or not to play the jackpot game, the determination result whether or not to reach and the like. Then, based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection unit 235, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol. Details of operations of the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 and the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 will be described later.
Here, “reach” is an effect for causing a player to expect a big hit in a decorative pattern to be described later.

The normal symbol determination unit 232 determines whether or not the lottery result of the normal symbol is “winning” using a random number table as shown in FIG. That is, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines whether or not to perform an auxiliary game that opens and closes the electric tulip 123 based on the random number value for normal symbol lottery acquired by the random number acquisition unit 231. When a plurality of types of winning are set in the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol determining unit 232 determines “winning type” when the determination result is winning. The normal symbol lottery is a process performed by the random number acquisition unit 231 and the normal symbol determination unit 232.
When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 controls the fluctuation of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display unit 223 according to the lottery result.
The electric tulip movement control unit 238 opens the electric tulip 123 for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times when the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines “winning” in the normal symbol lottery, and a game ball is placed at the second start port 122. Generate a state that makes it easy to win. Further, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 is not generated.

When the special symbol determination unit 234 determines that it is a “big hit” in the special symbol lottery, the big winning mouth operation control unit 237 uses the operation pattern specified based on the type of the winning jackpot as the jackpot game. The opening operation of 125 is controlled. Also, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 opens the special winning opening 125 for a specified time and a specified number of times as a small winning game when the special symbol determining unit 234 determines “small hit” in the special symbol lottery. .
The prize ball processing unit 239 sets commands for controlling the number of prizes received for various types of winning-related items and lottery, and for controlling the dispensing of prize balls according to the prizes.
The output control unit 240 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 330.
The random number control unit 241 updates various random number values that the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires at a predetermined timing.

[Basic operation of gaming machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
When the power is turned on, the game control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs initialization and initial setting of various devices as a basic process at the time of activation. And after performing a basic process, the game control part 200 repeatedly performs the main control process which is a series of processes regarding progress of a game. In addition, when the power is shut off, the game control unit 200 executes a series of power-off processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of basic processing by the game control unit 200.
When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on, the game control unit 200 first permits access to the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) (step (hereinafter, “step” will be referred to as “S”) 601). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not a RAM clear switch for clearing the RAM 203 is ON (S602).
When the RAM clear switch is OFF (No in S602), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the backup flag related to the operation at the time of power-off is ON (S603).
If the backup flag is ON (Yes in S603), the game control unit 200 next determines whether the checksum created when the power is turned off is normal (S604).
If the checksum is normal (Yes in S604), the game control unit 200 next executes a return process (S605). In this return process, the game control unit 200 performs setting of the sub-control means such as the effect control unit 300 accompanying the return from the state where the power is cut off. Specifically, the game control unit 200 determines the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is cut off (whether it is a big hit game, either a high probability state or a low probability state, a short time state or a short time state) The command for setting the sub-control means is output to the effect control unit 300 so that any one of them is reflected. In this return process, the game control unit 200 turns off the backup flag.

  On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is ON (Yes in S602), the backup flag is OFF (No in S603), and the checksum is abnormal (No in S604), then the game control unit 200 is initialized. As processing, the stored contents of the RAM 203 are cleared (S606), and the work area of the RAM 203 is set (S607). Then, the game control unit 200 outputs a command for setting (initializing) the sub control means to the effect control unit 300, and sets the sub board (sub control means) (S608). The setting of the sub board includes clearing the RAM 303, RAM 313, and RAM 323 mounted on each sub board.

After the return process (see S605) is completed or after the setting of the sub-board (see S608) is completed, the game control unit 200 sets various counters and timers used for game control (S609). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the interrupt permission (S610), the interrupt prohibition (S611), the design random number control process (S612), the initial value random number update process (S613), and the power cutoff flag are ON. (S614) is repeatedly executed as a loop process.
Here, interrupt enable (S610) and interrupt disable (S611) are provided to enable execution of interrupt processing during execution of the loop processing (S610 to S614). In the present embodiment, main control processing in game control is executed by this interrupt processing. Details of the main control process will be described later.
In the symbol random number control process (S612), the game control unit 200 updates the variation pattern random number used in the special symbol lottery.
In the initial value random number update process (S613), the game control unit 200 updates initial values of various random values used in the game control.
In the determination of the power cut-off flag, if the power cut-off flag is OFF (No in S614), the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not cut off, and the game control unit 200 performs main control by interruption together with the loop processing (S610 to S614). Repeat the process. On the other hand, when the power shut-off flag is ON (Yes in S614), the game control unit 200 starts a process for shutting off the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (power shut-off process).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of power-off processing by the game control unit 200.
In the power-off process, the game control unit 200 first clears the setting of the output port for performing various outputs (S701). Next, the game control unit 200 creates a checksum and stores it in the RAM 203 (S702). Next, the game control unit 200 sets the backup flag to ON (S703), prohibits access to the RAM 203 (S704), and shifts to an infinite loop.

[Main control processing of gaming machines]
Next, main control processing of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
In the main control process, the game control unit 200 controls the game in the pachinko gaming machine 100, instructs the effect control unit 300, which is a sub-control means, to control the effect, and gives a prize ball to the payout control unit 330. Instructs payout control.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing main control processing of the game control unit 200.
The main control process includes a series of processes in game control, and is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds). In the present embodiment, the game control unit 200 generates an interrupt at predetermined time intervals, and when the interrupt is permitted in the loop process shown in FIG. 5 (see S610), the main control is performed as the interrupt process. Execute the process. As shown in FIG. 7, in the main control process, a random number update process, a switch process, a symbol process, an electric accessory process, a prize ball process, and an output process are sequentially executed (S801 to S806).

  In the random number update process (S801), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the random number control unit 241, and updates various random number values used in the game control by the game control unit 200. Details of the setting of the random number and the update of the random value will be described later.

As the switch process (S802), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number acquisition unit 231, monitors the states of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. If this happens, a special symbol lottery process is executed. In addition, as will be described in detail later, when pre-determination processing is performed in the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212, each function (subroutine) of the special symbol determination unit 234 and the variation pattern selection unit 235 is called, Execute processing for pre-determination.
In the gate switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number acquisition unit 231 to monitor the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. 3, and when the switch is turned on, for the normal symbol lottery. Execute the process.
Details of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (S803), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol process, the game control unit 200 calls the functions (subroutines) of the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol determination unit 234, and the variation pattern selection unit 235, and executes the special symbol variation and the process associated with this symbol variation. To do.
In the normal symbol process, the game control unit 200 calls the functions (subroutines) of the normal symbol determination unit 232 and the normal symbol variation control unit 236, and executes the normal symbol variation and the process associated with this symbol variation.
The detailed contents of these symbol processes will be described later.

As the electric accessory process (S804), a big prize opening process and an electric tulip process are performed.
In the special prize opening process, the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the special prize opening operation control unit 237 and controls the opening operation of the special prize opening 125 which is a special electric accessory based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the electric tulip operation control unit 238 and controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 that is a normal electric accessory based on a predetermined condition.
Detailed contents of these electric accessory processing will be described later.

  In the prize ball processing (S805), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the prize ball processing unit 239, and sets a command for controlling the number of winning prizes and a control for paying out prize balls according to the winning prize.

  In the output process (S806), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the output control unit 240, outputs a command for effect control to the effect control unit 300, and sends a command for payout control to the payout control unit 330. Output. The effect control command is generated in each process from S802 to S804, and stored (set) in the control command storage area provided in the RAM 203. The payout control command is generated in the processing of S805 and stored (set) in the control command storage area provided in the RAM 203. A storage area is set in the RAM 203 for each type of control command.

  The output control unit 240 sequentially checks the storage area of each control command in the RAM 203, and if the control command is stored in each storage area (that is, the control command is generated in the processing of S802 to S805). The control command is read out and output to the output destination (the effect control unit 300 or the payout control unit 330).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, output processing is performed at the end of a series of main control processing. That is, the command generated in each process of S802 to S805 by the above functions as the first processing means is stored in a corresponding storage area of the RAM 203 in each process. After these processes, the output control unit 240 as a second processing unit collectively outputs the commands generated in each process accumulated in the storage area of the RAM 203. In other words, in this embodiment, when the main control process is executed for one cycle, the command generated in the execution of the one cycle is output after the last command generation in the execution of the one cycle is performed.

[Modified example of basic operation of gaming machine]
In the operation example described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the interrupt is permitted in the loop process portion of the basic process, and the main control process including a series of processes is executed as the interrupt process. However, the main control process only needs to be configured to be repeatedly executed at regular time intervals, and the specific implementation means (execution procedure) is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. For example, the main control process may be incorporated in a series of operations of the basic process, the elapsed time may be measured at a predetermined timing, and the process may return to the main control process every predetermined time (for example, 4 milliseconds). If the main control process is incorporated into the series of operations of the basic process, an interrupt is generated at regular intervals as in the operation described with reference to FIGS. It may be configured to return to the main control process incorporated in the basic process.

  When a command generated by basic processing is output, in principle, every time a command is generated, the command is stored in the command storage area of the RAM 203, and the function of the output control unit 240 as the second processing means is called. Output. Unlike the main control process related to the progress of the game, the basic process is a special process such as an initial operation performed only when the power is turned on. In addition, since the processing procedure may vary depending on the branching based on conditions such as the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is turned on, the generated command is promptly output so that there is no omission in the output processing. It is processing. In addition, when a command is continuously generated by a plurality of related processes, a process procedure for storing a plurality of commands in the command storage area of the RAM 203 and outputting them in response to a specific process request is adopted. May be.

[Random number update processing by game control unit]
The random number value as determination information used for various types of lotteries in game control such as special symbol lottery is counted by a counter, and the random number update process (S801) of the main control process shown in FIG. 7 starts from a predetermined initial value. Each time it is done, it is incremented by one. Then, the value at the time when each lottery is performed is acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 8) and the gate switch process, and is used in the special symbol process (FIG. 9) and the normal symbol process. This random number counter is an infinite loop counter, and after the counted random number value reaches the set random number maximum value (for example, 299 for the jackpot random number shown in FIG. 14A described later) Return to the initial value again. In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on the update interval and the initial value information. Therefore, after returning from the main control process to the basic process shown in FIG. 5, in the initial value random number update process of S613, the initial value of each random number is randomly changed.

[Start-up switch processing by game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process in the switch process shown in S802 of FIG.
In the start port switch process, a process for winning at the first start port 121 and a process for winning at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 8, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a game ball is won at the first start port 121 and the first start port switch 211 is turned on (S901). If the first start port switch 211 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged hold number U1 in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (S902). . In the example shown in FIG. 8, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U1 has reached the upper limit value (No in S902), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, so the process for winning at the first start port 121 is terminated.

On the other hand, when the pending number U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S902), the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random value for determination by the current winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (S903). . Here, since the first starting port 121 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is a value updated by the random number update process of S801. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value. Random numbers here include jackpot random numbers that determine jackpot, jackpot or loss, jackpot type (short or short state after the end of jackpot game, short or short state, high probability state and low probability state, long hit, short Symbol random number value to determine the winning), variation pattern random value to identify the variation pattern in the symbol variation, reach random number value to determine whether or not to have the effect with reach described later , Etc. are included.
Then, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the holding number U1 (S904).

  Next, the game control unit 200 performs a prior determination process (S905). The pre-determination process means that a random number is obtained by a special symbol process for a winning ball (holding ball) for which a random number has already been acquired by a winning at the starting opening but a random symbol has not yet been determined by a special symbol process to be described later. This is a process of determining the random number before the determination (preliminary determination).

  And the production | generation control part 300 of this Embodiment determines a random number by the special symbol process based on the determination result (predetermined result) of the random number determined by the prior determination process, and notifies the determination result. Before that, it is possible to perform a notice effect that suggests the determination result. For example, in response to the occurrence of a winning ball (holding ball) in which random numbers have already been acquired by winning at the start ports 121 and 122, but the random number has not yet been determined by special symbol processing. This is performed using a hold display effect (described later) displayed on the image display unit 114. The notice effect based on this advance determination suggests to the player the determination result when the random number is determined by special symbol processing for the reserved ball corresponding to the advance determination related to the advance effect. Thereby, the player can play a game while expecting the reserved ball. Details of the notice effect based on the prior determination will be described later.

Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a pre-determination result command including pre-determination information by the pre-determination process in S905 in the RAM 203 in order to notify the effect control unit 300 of the pre-determination result (S906).
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U1 in S904 in the RAM 203 (S907), and ends the process for winning in the first start port 121. .

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 8, next, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (S908). If the second start port switch 212 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the number of unreserved hold numbers U2 in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit value (S909). ). In the example shown in FIG. 8, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in S909), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, and the process for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

On the other hand, if the pending number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S909), the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value for the lottery by the current winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (S910). . Here, since the winning of the second starting port 122 is won, random numbers for special symbol lottery (big hit random number value, big hit symbol random number value, reach random number value, fluctuation pattern random number value, etc.) are acquired as in S903 above. Is done. The random value acquired at this time is a value updated by the random number update process of S801. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value.
Then, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the holding number U2 (S911).

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a prior determination process (S912). The content of this pre-determination process is the same as that of said S905.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a pre-determination result command including pre-determination information obtained by the pre-determination process in S912 in the RAM 203 in order to notify the effect control unit 300 of the pre-determination result (S913).
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U2 in S911 in the RAM 203 (S914), and ends the process for winning at the second start port 122. .

[Gate switch processing by game control unit]
Next, a gate switch process when a game ball passes through the gate 124 will be described.
In this gate switch process, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on. If the gate switch 214 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged holding number G is less than an upper limit value (for example, 4). If the number of reserves G has reached the upper limit value, it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, so the gate switch process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of held G is less than the upper limit value, the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random value (such as a winning random number value) for the normal symbol lottery by the current winning and stores it in the RAM 203. .

  Next, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the holding number G. After the value of the holding number G is added, the game control unit 200 sets a holding number G increase command for notifying the production control unit 300 of the increase in the holding number G in S1004 in the RAM 203, and with respect to the winning in the gate 124 The process ends.

[Special symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in S803 of FIG.
In this special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON in the setting of a flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting) ( S1101). Here, the jackpot game flag is a flag that is set to identify that the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot. Depending on the type of jackpot, either a long hit game flag or a short hit game flag is set. In the present embodiment, these are collectively referred to as a jackpot game flag.

  When the jackpot game flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already in the jackpot, so the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation (Yes in S1101). On the other hand, if the jackpot game flag is OFF (No in S1101), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the special symbol variation (S1102). If the special symbol is not changing (No in S1102), then the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 performs a process related to the number U1 and U2 (see FIG. 8) of the special symbols that have not been changed (S1103 to S1106). In the present embodiment, the number of holds U1 related to winning of the first start port 121 and the number of holds U2 related to winning of the second start port 122 are distinguished, so this processing is also performed for each corresponding start port. .

Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether or not the number of holds U2 related to winning in the second start port 122 is 1 or more (S1103). When the number of reservations U2 is 1 or more (Yes in S1103), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U2 (S1104). On the other hand, if the hold number U2 = 0 (No in S1103), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether the hold number U1 related to winning in the first start port 121 is 1 or more (S1105). When the number of reservations U1 is 1 or more (Yes in S1105), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U1 (S1106). On the other hand, if the holding number U1 = 0 (No in S1105), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, so the special symbol change is not started, and the waiting process for waiting for customers set in another routine To finish the process (S1116).
In the present embodiment, priority is given to the processing related to the holding number U2 related to winning in the second start port 122. That is, when the number of holdings U2 is 1 or more, the processing related to the number of holdings U2 is performed, and when the number of holdings U2 = 0, the processing related to the number of holdings U1 is performed (see S803 to S806). On the other hand, regardless of whether the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 is won, it is also possible to perform control such that the hold numbers U1 and U2 are subtracted in the order of winning.

  After subtracting the holding number U1 or the holding number U2 in S1104 or S1106, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1107). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process (see S1116).

  Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 executes jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing by separate routines (S1108, S1109). Although details will be described later, the setting information for changing the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 by the jackpot determination processing and the variation pattern selection processing (the jackpot symbol, game State, variation pattern, etc.) are determined. These pieces of information are included in a change start command sent to the effect control unit 300.

  Thereafter, the special symbol variation control unit 233 is displayed by the first special symbol display unit 221 and the second special symbol display unit 222 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents determined in the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process. The special symbol change is started (S1110). Then, a change start command including setting information (a jackpot symbol, a gaming state, a change pattern, etc.) indicating the setting contents is generated and set in the RAM 203 (S1111). The variation start command set in S1111 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

  When it is determined in S1102 that the special symbol is changing (Yes in S1102), or after the change start command is set in S1111, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed (S1112). ). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of the variation of the special symbol in S1110 has reached the variation time set in the variation pattern selection process in S1109. If the variation time has not passed (No in S1112), the special symbol variation is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has elapsed (Yes in S1112), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines the variation of the special symbol in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 as a big hit determination process in S1108. It stops at the symbol determined in (S1113). A change stop command for stopping a decorative design to be described later is set in the RAM 203 (S1114). Then, a stop routine process of another routine is executed (S1115). The contents of the stop process will be described later. The variation stop command set in S1114 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (S1108 in FIG. 9).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines a jackpot random number value in the current special symbol lottery (S1201), and determines whether or not the jackpot or small hit is made (S1202). , S1205). Whether or not the jackpot or the jackpot is determined is whether or not the value of the jackpot random number acquired in S903 or S910 in FIG. 8 matches the value set as the jackpot winning value or the value set as the jackpot winning value This is determined by judging whether or not (see FIG. 14A).

  If the result of the random number determination in S1201 is a big hit (Yes in S1202), then the special symbol determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random number value (S1203). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (high or low probability state, short or short state, short or short state, long or short hit) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in S903 or S910 in FIG. 8 matches a preset value for each jackpot type (FIG. 14 ( b)).

  After the above determination, the special symbol determination unit 234 sets the symbol representing the jackpot type determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (the jackpot symbol) in the RAM 203 as setting information (S1204).

  If the result of the random number determination in S1201 is a small hit (No in S1202, Yes in S1205), then the special symbol determination unit 234 uses a symbol indicating that it is a small hit (hereinafter referred to as a small hit symbol) as setting information. It is set in the RAM 203 (S1206).

  If the result of the random number determination in S1201 is neither big win nor small win (No in S1202 and S1205), then the special symbol determination unit 234 uses the symbol indicating that the lottery is lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203. (S1207).

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (S1109 in FIG. 9).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first refers to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (whether it is a short time state or a short time state, and a high probability state or a low probability state). (S1301). Then, using the determination result of S1202 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 10), it is determined whether or not the jackpot has been won in this special symbol lottery (S1302). If it is a big hit (Yes in S1302), the fluctuation pattern selecting unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1303).

On the other hand, if the jackpot has not been won (No in S1302), the variation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random value for determining whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a jackpot. (S1304). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in S903 or S910 in FIG. 8 matches a preset value (see FIG. 14C). .
As a result of the determination using the random number value, when the reach effect is performed (Yes in S1305), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1306). When the reach effect is not performed (No in S1305), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1307).
Here, the fluctuation pattern table includes a plurality of fluctuation patterns prepared in advance (fluctuation time 3 seconds, 7 seconds, 13 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) and values of fluctuation pattern random numbers. Is a table in which

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random value using the variation pattern random value acquired in S903 or S910 of FIG. 8 and the variation pattern table set in S1303, S1306, and S1307 (S1308). ). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (whether it is a short-time state or no-short-time state, and a high-probability state or a low-probability state), the result of the special symbol lottery The variation pattern table to be referred to differs depending on the difference in whether or not the reach effect is performed when the jackpot is not hit.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in S1308 as setting information in the RAM 203 (S1309). The variation pattern setting information set in S1309 is included in the variation start command set in S1111 of FIG. 9, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S806 of FIG. Details of the variation pattern selected in this embodiment and its setting will be described later.

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the suspension process (S1115 in FIG. 9).
In this stop process, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not a flag indicating that the time is short (hereinafter, a time short flag) is turned on in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1401). When the time reduction flag is ON (Yes in S1401), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of changes) J in the time reduction state (S1402), and whether or not the number of lotteries J has become zero. (S1403). If the number of times of lottery J = 0 (Yes in S1403), the time reduction flag is turned OFF (S1404). Note that the operation for turning on the hourly flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 13) in a special prize opening process described later.

  If the time reduction flag is OFF (No in S1401), or after the time reduction flag is turned OFF in S1404, or if the value of the lottery count J after subtraction in S1402 is not 0 (No in S1403), then game control The unit 200 checks whether or not a flag indicating a high probability state (hereinafter, probability variation flag) is set to ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1405). When both the probability variation flag and the previous time-short flag are ON, the high-probability short-time gaming state is established, and when the probability variation flag is ON and the time-short flag is OFF, the high-probability time-short no-game state.

  When the probability variation flag is ON (Yes in S1405), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of variations) X in the high probability state (S1406), and whether or not the number of lotteries X has become 0. This is checked (S1407). If the number of lotteries X = 0 (Yes in S1407), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (S1408). The operation for turning on the probability change flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number X are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 13) in a special prize opening process described later.

  If the probability change flag is OFF (No in S1405), or after the probability change flag is turned OFF in S1408, or if the value of the number of lotteries X after subtraction in S1406 is not 0 (No in S1407), then game control The unit 200 determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery (S1409). If it is a big hit (Yes in S1409), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the type of the big win is a long win (S1410).

  Here, the determination of whether or not the jackpot can be made based on the determination result of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 10). For example, if any of the symbols shown in the diagram of FIG. 14B to be described later is set, “Yes” is determined in S1409. If a lost symbol or a small bonus symbol is set in the RAM 203 by the big hit determination process, No in S1409.

  If the jackpot type is a long win (Yes in S1410), the game control unit 200 turns on the long win game flag (S1411). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a jackpot gaming state (long winning gaming state) in which the jackpot type is long winning. In addition, here, in the long hit, it is not distinguished whether it is a high probability state or a low probability state. Whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state is specified by turning on a corresponding flag in a game state setting process (FIG. 13) in a big prize opening process described later.

  If the jackpot type is not long hit (No in S1410), the game control unit 200 turns on the short hit game flag (S1412). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a big hit gaming state (short winning gaming state) in which the big hit type is short hit. Similar to the case of long hit, the case of short hit does not distinguish between a high probability state and a low probability state.

  After turning on the jackpot game flag in S1411 or S1412, the game control unit 200 initializes the values of the lottery times J and X (S1413). Further, the game control unit 200 turns off the time reduction flag when the time reduction flag is ON in S1401 and the lottery count J is not 0 in S1403 (S1414). Similarly, when the probability variation flag is ON in S1405 and the number of lotteries X is not 0 in S1407, the probability variation flag is turned OFF (S1414).

After initializing the values of the lottery times J and X in S1413, the game control unit 200 starts an opening operation (S1417). Here, the content of the opening operation differs depending on whether the winning game flag is turned ON in S1411 or S1412. In other words, depending on the state of the big hit game flag, one of the opening operations set in each of the long win games and the short win game state is performed.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets an opening command for performing an effect in the opening operation according to the jackpot game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (S1418), and ends the in-stop process. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol lottery this time is not a big hit (No in S1409), the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery this time is a big hit (S1415). ). If it is not a small hit (No in S1415), the in-stop process is terminated.
On the other hand, when it is a small hit (Yes in S1415), the game control unit 200 starts a small hit game (S1416). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the small hit gaming state. In the small hit game, as described above, the special winning opening 125 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, and is ended after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[Customer waiting setting process by game control unit]
Next, the customer waiting setting process (S1116 in FIG. 9) will be described.
In this customer waiting setting process, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203. Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag that is set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state.

  When the customer waiting flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state, and thus the processing is ended as it is. On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF, the game control unit 200 generates a customer waiting command, sets it in the RAM 203, and turns on the customer waiting flag. The set customer waiting command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S806 of FIG. The customer waiting flag is set in a state where there is no suspension with the special symbol change stopped.

[Normal symbol processing by game control unit]
Next, the normal symbol processing of the symbol processing shown in S803 of FIG. 7 will be described.
In this normal symbol process, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203. Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set when a normal symbol lottery is won. The state in which the auxiliary game flag is set is a state in which the electric tulip 123 is opened in accordance with the electric tulip process described later and it is easy to win the second starting port 122.

  When the auxiliary game flag is ON, since the auxiliary game state has already been reached and the normal symbol is stopped, the normal symbol process is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation. On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the normal symbol variation. If the normal symbol is not changing, then the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 determines whether or not the retained number G of the normal symbol that has not changed is 1 or more. When the number of holdings G = 0, it means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, so the processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the reserved number G. Then, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines a winning random number in the current normal symbol lottery to determine whether or not the normal symbol lottery has been won. Whether the winning ball is won or not is based on whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124 matches the value set as the winning value in the table shown in FIG. It is decided by judging.

  Next, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 sets the normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery. That is, when a normal symbol lottery is won, a symbol representing the winning (hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information.

  Next, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 sets the normal symbol fluctuation time. This variation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processes of S1404 and S1414 in FIG. 12, and S1804 and S1807 in FIG. That is, when the time reduction flag is ON when setting the variation time, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time reduction flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Is set. After this setting, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 starts the variation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display unit 223 shown in FIG. In addition, the fluctuation pattern of a normal symbol can also be determined by lottery. In this case, for example, when the game ball passes through the gate 124, the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires the normal pattern variation pattern random value, and in S1307, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 generates the normal symbol variation pattern random value. By determining, the variation time is set.

  The normal symbol variation control unit 236 determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed after starting the variation of the normal symbol or when the normal symbol variation is occurring at the time of executing this processing. That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of normal symbol variation has reached the variation time set by the above operation. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed, the normal symbol variation is continued, and the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation time ends, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 stops the fluctuation of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 223. Then, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 determines whether or not the determination result of the normal symbol lottery is winning. If winning, turn on the auxiliary game flag. On the other hand, if the lottery is lost, the normal symbol processing is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
Next, the big prize opening process in the electric accessory process shown in S804 of FIG. 7 will be described.
In this special winning opening process, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the big hit game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203. When the big hit game flag is OFF, there is no winning in the big winning opening 125, so the big winning opening process is terminated. On the other hand, if the jackpot game flag is ON, then the big prize opening action control unit 237 is in the middle of the opening action in the action control at the jackpot time when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is started in the stop process (FIG. 12). Judge whether or not.

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 next determines whether or not a predetermined time (opening time) for performing the opening operation has elapsed. If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the special prize opening 125 is continued, and the special prize opening process is terminated. On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 next sets the operation of the special winning opening 125, initializes the number C of winning prizes (C = 0), and operates the special winning opening 125. The value of the number of rounds R is incremented by 1 from the current value, and the special winning opening 125 is started (opened).

  In the operation setting of the special winning opening 125, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (the number of operating rounds) to be operated by the operation pattern are set. As the case where the big prize opening 125 is operated, there are a case where it is a big win per long or short in a special symbol lottery and a case where it is a small win. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the hit type. In the jackpot game, it is stipulated that the winning prize opening 125 is continuously operated a plurality of times (a plurality of rounds). As an example, in the case of a long hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and 29.5 seconds are released once in one round. In the case of a short hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and one round is performed once for 0.1 seconds. In the case of a small hit, for example, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.1 second is released 15 times in this round. Here, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared in the above examples, both 0.1 seconds of opening is performed 15 times. That is, the action of the big winning opening 125 that can be seen by the player is the same for the case of short win and the case of small win, and the short win and the small win are distinguished only from the action of the big winning opening 125 on the game board 110. I can't do it.

  As another example, 15 rounds (15R) are activated per long, 29.5 seconds are released once per round, 2 rounds (2R) are activated per short, and 0 are rounded per round. .9 seconds are opened twice, and with a small hit, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.9 seconds is opened twice in this round. In this case as well, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared, both 0.9 seconds are released twice, and the action of the big prize opening 125 that can be seen by the player is in the case of short hits. It is the same in the case of small hits.

  The law stipulates that the cumulative opening time of the special winning opening 125 must be set within 1.8 seconds for a small hit. On the other hand, in the case of a big hit (long hit or short win), the big winning opening 125 must be continuously opened a plurality of times. Therefore, as described above, when it is difficult to visually distinguish the operation at the small hit and the operation at the short hit, the small hit is within a range that satisfies the cumulative open time within 1.8 seconds in one operation, An operation mode in which the big prize opening 125 is opened two or more times is set, and in the short win, the same number of rounds as the number of small hits is set.

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the opening time in the set operation pattern has elapsed. When the open state at the big prize opening 125 has not passed the opening time, the big prize opening operation control unit 237 next determines whether or not the number C of winning prizes to the big prize opening 125 is a predetermined number (for example, nine) or more. Determine whether. If the opening time has not elapsed and the number C of winning prizes is less than the prescribed number, the operating state (open state) of the big winning opening 125 is continued, and thus the big winning opening process is terminated. On the other hand, when the opening time has passed or the winning number C reaches the specified number, the big winning opening operation control unit 237 ends (closes) the big winning opening 125.

  Next, the special prize opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the round number R of the operation of the special prize opening 125 has reached the maximum value set in S1704. If the maximum value has not been reached, the remaining operations are performed, so that the big prize opening process is terminated.

When the number of rounds R of the operation of the special prize opening 125 reaches the maximum value, the special prize opening operation control unit 237 starts the ending operation. Here, the content of the ending operation corresponds to the state of the big hit game flag among the ending operations set in the long win game and the short win game.
Thereafter, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 sets an ending command for performing an effect in the ending operation corresponding to the big hit game flag in the RAM 203 in the effect control unit 300. This ending command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 resets the number of rounds R of the operation of the special winning opening 125 to 0, and then, after the start of the ending operation, a time during which a predetermined ending operation should be performed ( It is determined whether or not the ending time has elapsed. If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, so that the big prize opening process is terminated. On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed, next the big prize opening operation control unit 237 goes through the game state setting process by the game control unit 200, then turns off the big hit game flag and ends the big prize opening process. The contents of the game state setting process will be described later.

  If it is determined that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not opening in the above-described determination as to whether or not the opening is in progress, then the special winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the ending is in progress. If the ending is in progress, a determination is made as to whether or not the ending time has elapsed, a game state setting process, and an operation for turning off the jackpot game flag.

On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not ending, the special prize opening operation control unit 237 next determines whether or not the special prize opening 125 is operating (opening). If not in operation, the operations after the initialization of the winning number C among the above operations are executed. Moreover, if it is in operation, each operation after the determination of whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 125 has elapsed is performed among the above-described operations.
The effect performed in the small hit game described above is the same as the effect performed in the short hit game, and it is not possible to distinguish short hit and small hit from the effect.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 13 shows the contents of the game state setting process performed by the game control unit 200, which is executed when the ending time has elapsed in the above-described special winning opening process.
When the game state setting process is performed, the jackpot game flag is ON as a premise. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the game control unit 200 first determines the type of jackpot (S1801, S1802, S1803, S1806). These determinations can be made, for example, based on the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 10). Since these determinations are substantially the same as S1202, S1203, and S1205 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 10), the determination results of S1202, S1203, and S1205 may be used.

If it is a small hit (Yes in S1801), the gaming state is not changed, so the gaming state setting process is terminated.
When the type of jackpot is a jackpot of the low probability short game state (No in S1801, Yes in S1802 and S1803), the game control unit 200 turns on the short flag (S1804). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the low gaming state when the probability is low. In addition, the game control unit 200 sets an initial value of the lottery count J (S1805) and ends the game state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the low probability short game state is performed 100 times, the low probability short game state is ended and the low probability short short game state is entered.

  On the other hand, when the type of jackpot is a jackpot of the low probability short-time non-game state (No in S1801, Yes in 1802, No in S1803), the game control unit 200 ends the process without turning on both the time-short flag and the probability change flag. To do. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot becomes a low probability short time no game state.

  When the type of jackpot is a jackpot of the short probability gaming state with high probability (No in S1801, S1802, Yes in S1806), the game control unit 200 sets the hour flag to ON (S1807) and sets the initial value of the number of lottery times J. (S1808). In this case, the initial value of the number of times of lottery J is 10,000 in the illustrated example. Further, the game control unit 200 turns on the probability change flag (S1809), and sets the initial value of the number of lotteries X (S1810). The initial value of the number of times of lottery X is 10,000 in the illustrated example. As a result, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a high probability and short gaming state. If the lottery in the high probability short game state is performed 10,000 times, the high probability short game state is terminated and the low probability short short game state is entered.

  On the other hand, when the type of jackpot is a jackpot of the high probability short-time non-game state (No in S1801, S1802, and S1806), the game control unit 200 turns on only the probability variation flag (S1809), and the initial value ( 10000 times) is set (S1810). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a high probability short time no gaming state. Then, if the lottery in the high probability short-time non-game state is performed 10,000 times, the high-probability short-time non-game state is finished and the low-probability short-time non-game state is entered.

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
Next, the electric tulip process in the electric accessory process shown in S804 of FIG. 7 will be described.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203. When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not opened, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated. On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is ON, the electric tulip operation control unit 238 determines whether the electric tulip 123 is in operation.

  When the electric tulip 123 is not in operation, the electric tulip operation control unit 238 sets an operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 and operates the electric tulip 123 with the set operation pattern. Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processes of S1404 and S1414 in FIG. 12, S1804 and S1807 in FIG. For example, when the time reduction flag is OFF when setting the operation pattern, an operation pattern that opens once with an opening time of 0.15 seconds is set, and when the time reduction flag is ON, 1.80 seconds are released. An operating pattern that opens three times in time is set. Thus, normally, when the time reduction flag is ON (when it is in the time reduction state), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and the winning support that makes it easy to win the second start port 122 (electricity chewing support). Is done. It should be noted that a plurality of operation patterns (types of auxiliary games) of the electric tulip 123 when the time flag is ON or OFF are prepared, and the operation pattern is set according to the hit type determined in the normal symbol processing. You may comprise.

  When it is determined that the operation state of the electric tulip 123 is in operation, or after the electric tulip 123 is operated by the above-described control, the electric tulip operation control unit 238 passes the open time in the set operation pattern. Determine whether or not. If the opening time has not elapsed, the operation state (open state) of the electric tulip 123 is continued, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated. On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed, the electric tulip operation control unit 238 sets the auxiliary game flag to OFF and ends the electric tulip process.

[Random number judgment method]
Here, the determination method using random numbers performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 10), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 11), the normal symbol process, and the like will be described in detail.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a random number (determination table) used in the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery in the present embodiment.
14A shows a configuration example of jackpot random numbers used in the special symbol lottery, FIG. 14B shows a configuration example of jackpot random numbers used in the special symbol lottery, and FIG. 14C shows a special symbol lottery. A configuration example of reach random numbers used, and a configuration example of hit random numbers used in normal symbol lottery are shown in FIG. 14 (d).

  Referring to FIG. 14 (a), as the jackpot random number determination value, the jackpot when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 at the time of jackpot determination is a low probability state and the jackpot when the gaming state at the jackpot determination is a high probability state 2 types and small hits are set. The range of values of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300 from 0 to 299 in all cases. In the case of a special symbol lottery in a low probability state (a jackpot lottery), only one winning value is set, and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of a special symbol lottery in a high probability state, 10 winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). That is, in the example shown in the figure, if the winning symbols 121 and 122 are won in the high probability state and the special symbol lottery is performed, the winning probability is 10 times that in the case where the special symbol lottery is performed in the low probability state. Further, three winning values are set regardless of the low probability state or the high probability state, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).

  Referring to FIG. 14B, five types of jackpot symbols are prepared: low probability symbol A, low probability symbol B, high probability symbol A, high probability symbol B, and latent symbol symbol. Here, the low-probability symbol A and the low-probability symbol B are symbols indicating that the low-probability state is a big hit. Of these, the low-probability symbol A is a long win (low-probability short-time gaming state), and the low-probability symbol B is Represents each short hit (low probability, short no-game state). The high-probability symbol A and the high-probability symbol B are symbols representing a jackpot of a high-probability state. Among these symbols, the high-probability symbol A is a long win (high-probability short-time gaming state), and the high-probability symbol B is a short-hit ( High probability short-time non-game state). The latent symbol is a symbol representing that it is a big hit in a high probability short-time no-game state. Therefore, the high probability symbol B and the latent probability symbol have the same gaming state after the jackpot game, but the latent probability symbol is a condition for performing a latent effect that does not clearly notify the player that the probability state is high. Therefore, it is provided separately from the high probability symbol B. The range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249. In addition, in the jackpot symbol random number, a winning value is set for each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 that trigger the special symbol lottery.

In the low probability pattern A, 35 values are assigned as winning values in both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the low probability symbol A when winning a jackpot is 35/250 (= 7/50).
In the low probability symbol B, 15 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning the jackpot, the probability of winning with the low probability symbol B is 15/250 (= 3/50).

In the high probability symbol A, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol A is 25/250 (= 1/10) in the case of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121.
On the other hand, 175 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol A is 175/250 (= 7/10) in the case of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122.

In the high-probability symbol B, 75 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol B in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 75/250 (= 3/10).
On the other hand, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol B in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122 is 25/250 (= 1/10).

In the latent symbol, 100 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the latent symbol when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 100/250 (= 2/5).
On the other hand, the winning value in the latent symbol is not assigned to the second starting port 122, and when winning in the second starting port 122, it is not won in the latent symbol.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 14 (b), the jackpot when winning the first starting port 121 has a probability of becoming a jackpot (high probability symbol B, latent probability symbol) of the high probability short-time no-game state. The probability that the jackpot when winning the second start port 122 is high is a jackpot (high probability symbol A) in the short game state with high probability is high. In this way, by making the winning probabilities of the jackpot types different when winning at the first start port 121 and when winning at the second start port 122, various game characteristics can be provided. Further, the arrangement of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 on the game board 110 is devised so that it is easy to aim at either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 in a specific state (mode). By configuring the above, it is possible to encourage the player to participate in more aggressive games.

Next, the determination of reach random numbers will be described.
Referring to FIG. 14 (c), the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery results (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and no reach effect is performed. 228 random numbers are assigned to the result (no reach). In other words, in the illustrated example, when a special symbol lottery is not won, a reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125). Here, the reach effect is an effect performed in the image display unit 114 when the special symbol changes. Hereinafter, the effect at the time of the special symbol change that does not perform the reach effect is referred to as an effect without reach, and the reach effect is also referred to as an effect with reach correspondingly.

  In many cases, when the special symbol changes, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 (hereinafter referred to as the special symbol display units 221 and 222 if they are not distinguished) are linked with display control. In the image display unit 114, an effect using a decorative design is performed. The decorative design is configured, for example, by displaying three rows of symbols composed of a number sequence in which numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction. Then, at the same time when the special symbol display on the special symbol indicators 221 and 222 is started, the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 114 starts scrolling. Also, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the special symbol variation display (decorative symbol scroll start), the special symbol is stopped and displayed at the same time. Generally, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, three identical numbers are arranged on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally in the stop display of the decorative symbol. An effect using a decorative symbol performed in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol is referred to as a variation effect.

In the production with reach, the following operation is performed on the decorative design as a variation production. First, when the decorative symbol scrolling stops and each symbol is stopped and displayed, first, any two symbols (sequence) stop first. At this time, the same number is stopped and displayed on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. Next, the last row gradually slows down the scroll speed, giving the player a sense of expectation that three identical numbers will be aligned on a straight line. In such an effect with reach, a so-called SP (super) reach effect or SP / SP reach effect in which various characters appear or stories develop before the last one column of scrolling stops. There is a case. Further, as shown in FIG. 15 to be described later, in the present embodiment, when the variation time is longer (for example, 90 seconds or 60 seconds), the SP reach or SP / SP reach effect is set to be executed. . Note that the above-described variation effect performed together with the reach effect is also referred to as a reach variation effect.
On the other hand, in the non-reach effect, the design is stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally without producing an effect that gives the player a sense of expectation like the effect with reach.

As described above, the reach random number is used to determine whether to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach in the image display unit 114 when the result of the determination of the jackpot random number is a loss. A reachable effect appears with a probability, so that the player is appropriately expected.
In addition, when a big win is won, a reachable effect is always performed, and finally the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. On the other hand, in the case of winning with a small win or loss, the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on the straight line.

Next, the determination of the winning random number used for the normal symbol lottery will be described.
Referring to FIG. 14D, the range of the random number value is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time-short flag is OFF, and as the winning value when the time-short flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery is performed in the timeless state, it is won with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, if the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery is performed in the short-time state, the player wins with a probability of 9/10.
In addition, although not particularly illustrated, it is possible to set a plurality of hits with different contents of the auxiliary game (open pattern of the electric tulips 123) performed when it is determined that the normal symbol lottery is won. In this case, for example, the winning symbol random number for specifying the winning type in the normal symbol lottery is set in the same manner as the jackpot symbol random number for specifying the winning symbol type in the special symbol lottery (see FIG. 14B). Then, the game control unit 200 acquires the random number value of the winning design random number together with the random number value of the winning random number by the gate switch processing by the random number acquiring unit 231, and based on the acquired random number value by the normal symbol determining unit 232 Specify the hit type.
Note that the random number range, winning value ratio, and winning value shown in the configuration example of each random number in FIG. 14 are merely examples, and are not limited to the illustrated values.

[Setting example of fluctuation pattern]
Next, an example of setting a variation pattern and a table used in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. 11 will be described.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a setting example of the variation pattern and table used in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. FIG. 15 shows a setting example that is selected when a game ball is won at the first start port 121 and the gaming state is the low probability short non-game state or the high probability short non-game state. Yes.

  Although not shown in the present embodiment, as the setting of the variation pattern used for the variation pattern selection process, the variation selected when the gaming state is the low probability short gaming state or the high probability short gaming state. There are also patterns. Then, a variation pattern table for a short time state that is referred to when selecting those variation patterns is provided, and has different setting contents from the variation pattern table for a short time state. Furthermore, regarding the case where a game ball wins at the second start port 122, a table for setting a variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process may be provided individually, or a game ball wins at the first start port 121. In this case, the table to be referenced may be shared and referenced.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, the variation patterns A to D are variation patterns that are selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit (Yes in S <b> 1302 of FIG. 11). The variation patterns E to H are variation patterns that are selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and the reach effect is performed (Yes in S1305 of FIG. 11). The variation patterns I to K are set as variation patterns that are selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and the reach effect is not performed (No in S1305 in FIG. 11). Since the reach effect is always performed when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the presence or absence of the reach effect is not referred to when the variation patterns A to D are selected.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, four types of variation patterns A to D are set as variation patterns when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big win (Yes in S <b> 1302 of FIG. 11). Also, seven types of variation patterns E to K are set as variation patterns when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of place (in the case of No in S1302 in FIG. 11). The fluctuation time is 90 seconds for fluctuation pattern A, 60 seconds for fluctuation pattern B, 30 seconds for fluctuation pattern C,
Fluctuation pattern D is 15 seconds, fluctuation pattern E is 90 seconds, fluctuation pattern F is 60 seconds, fluctuation pattern G is 30 seconds, fluctuation pattern H is 15 seconds, fluctuation pattern I is 13 seconds, fluctuation pattern J is 7 seconds, fluctuation Pattern K is set to 3 seconds.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the range of values of random numbers (variation pattern random numbers) is 250 in each range from 0 to 249.
When the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, 100 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern A, and a variation time of 90 seconds is set with a probability of 100/250. Also, 75 random numbers are assigned to the fluctuation pattern B, and a fluctuation time of 60 seconds is set with a probability of 75/250. Furthermore, 50 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern C, and a variation time of 30 seconds is set with a probability of 50/250. Then, 25 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern D, and a variation time of 15 seconds is set with a probability of 25/250.
That is, among the variation patterns A to D selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the variation pattern A is selected at the highest rate, the variation pattern B is selected at the next highest rate, and the next It is possible to set so that the variation pattern C is selected at a higher rate and the variation pattern D is selected at the lowest rate. And, when winning the jackpot, it is easy to execute the variation effect over a relatively long time.

Also, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and an effect with reach is performed, 25 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern E, and a variation time of 90 seconds is set with a probability of 25/250. The Further, 50 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern F, and a variation time of 60 seconds is set with a probability of 50/250. Furthermore, 75 random numbers are assigned to the fluctuation pattern G, and a fluctuation time of 30 seconds is set with a probability of 75/250. Then, 100 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern H, and a variation time of 15 seconds is set with a probability of 100/250.
In other words, the variation pattern H is selected at the highest rate among the variation patterns E to H selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and the effect with reach is performed, and the variation pattern at the next highest rate. It can be set that G is selected, the variation pattern F is selected at the next highest rate, and the variation pattern E is selected at the lowest rate. When the effect with reach and the effect with reach is performed, the variation effect over a relatively short time is easily executed.

  When the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and a reachless effect is performed, 250 random numbers are assigned to the variation patterns I to K. The variation pattern I is selected when the number of holdings is 0, the variation pattern J is selected when the number of holdings is 1 or 2, and the variation pattern K is selected when the number of holdings is 3 or 4. Is set as a variation pattern. That is, in the case where an effect without reach and a reachless effect is performed, the average time of symbol variation is set to be shorter as the number of pending determinations in the special symbol lottery is larger.

  The game control unit 200 determines the variation pattern random number value (see S903 and S910 in FIG. 8) acquired when the game ball wins the start openings 121 and 122, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100, presence / absence of reach effect, The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on the condition such as the number. Then, the information of the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is included in the variation start command and is sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300. As will be described later, in the effect control unit 300, an effect corresponding to a change time specified based on information of a change pattern included in the change start command (executable during the change time) as an effect when the special symbol changes Is selected and executed.

[Configuration of the RAM of the Game Control Unit and the RAM of the Effect Control Unit for Performing the Prediction Effect Based on Prior Determination]
Next, the configuration of the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 and the RAM 303 of the effect control unit 300 in the present embodiment for executing a notice effect based on prior determination will be described.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) of the game control unit 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16A is a block diagram showing a configuration of the storage area 204, and FIG. 16B is a block diagram showing a configuration of each storage unit shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, the RAM 203 includes a storage area 204 as a special symbol holding storage area for storing the jackpot random numbers acquired by the jackpot random number lottery. This storage area 204 has eight storage units corresponding to the maximum number of reservations of the first start port 121 and the number of reservations of the second start port 122 (when the upper limit value of each reservation number is 4). . Specifically, the storage area 204 includes a first storage unit 204a, a second storage unit 204b, a third storage unit 204c, a fourth storage unit 204d, a fifth storage unit 204e, a sixth storage unit 204f, and a seventh storage. Part 204g and eighth storage part 204h.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), each of these storage units 204a to 204h is an area in which information representing the winning start port (the first start port 121 or the second start port 122) is stored. And an area for storing the acquired jackpot random number, an area for storing the design random number, an area for storing the reach random number, and an area for storing the variation pattern random number. That is, the jackpot random number, the design random number, the reach random number, and the variation pattern random number are stored in each of the storage units 204a to 204h.

  Here, each random number is stored in order from the first storage unit 204a. More specifically, for example, when no random number is stored in any of the first storage unit 204a to the eighth storage unit 204h, the acquired random number is stored in the first storage unit 204a. Further, for example, when random numbers are already stored in the first storage unit 204a to the fourth storage unit 204d, the acquired random number is stored in the fifth storage unit 204e.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) of the effect control unit 300 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 17A is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the reserved storage areas 305 and 306, and FIG. 17B is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of each storage unit illustrated in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 17A, the RAM 303 includes a first hold storage area 305 and a second hold storage area 306 as a hold status storage area for storing a status where a hold ball is held. The first holding storage area 305 and the second holding storage area 306 correspond to holding for winning in the first starting port 121 and holding for winning in the second starting port 122, respectively. Have. Specifically, the first reserved storage area 305 includes a first storage unit 305a, a second storage unit 305b, a third storage unit 305c, and a fourth storage unit 305d. The second reserved storage area 306 includes a first storage unit 306a, a second storage unit 306b, a third storage unit 306c, and a fourth storage unit 306d.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17B, each of these storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d has a hold flag storage area for turning ON / OFF the hold flag, and a notification flag storage for turning ON / OFF the notification flag. And a region. The hold flag is a flag for identifying the presence or absence of a hold ball for each of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d. That is, for example, when the number of holds due to winning at the first start port 121 is 3, the hold flag is turned ON in the three hold flag storage areas of the first to third storage units 305a, 305b, and 305c. The notification flag is a flag for setting whether or not a notice effect is to be performed based on the result of prior determination for each reserved ball. In the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the effect control unit 300 can set whether or not to perform a notice effect based on a pre-determination result in accordance with the gaming state and the state of the effect. Therefore, the notification flag is set to ON when the notice effect is performed, and the notification flag is set to OFF when the notice effect is not performed. For example, when the notice effect is performed for the third reserved ball among the three reserved balls, the notification flag is turned ON in the notification flag storage area of the third storage unit 305c.

  That is, the RAM 203 and the RAM 303 function as a storage unit that stores hold information that is start information based on establishment of a predetermined start condition with a predetermined number as a limit in the game control unit 200 and the effect control unit 300. In addition, the game control unit 200, based on the hold information that is the start information, before the determination of the special symbol determination unit 234 triggered by the establishment of the start condition corresponding to the start information, It is a prior determination means which performs the prior determination process regarding whether to transfer to. The effect control unit 300 is an effect control unit that performs a notice effect for giving a notice (improvement) of a preliminary determination result.

  Although not particularly shown, the RAM 203 has an area for storing prior determination information (hereinafter referred to as prior determination information storage area) separately from the configuration shown in FIG. The pre-determination information is information obtained by the pre-determination process based on each random number (see S905 and S912 in FIG. 8). The contents of the pre-determination information are the same as the information obtained as various determination results in the special symbol processing (see FIG. 9), and specifically, whether or not a big hit (and whether or not a big hit), a big hit If it is, the type of the jackpot and the content of the production are information for indicating whether the production is a reachable or non-reach production, or the content of the variation pattern (variation time). The pre-determination information stored in the pre-determination information storage area is unique or independent from the hold information corresponding to the winning ball (holding ball) subjected to the pre-determination process (hereinafter referred to as hold information). At the timing, it is included in the prior determination result command and sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300.

[Preliminary judgment processing]
Next, the prior determination process (see S905 and S912 in FIG. 8) will be described in detail.
In the prior determination process in the present embodiment, the game control unit 200 performs the prior determination as follows using a random number table similar to the random number configuration example described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the contents of the pre-determination process (S905 and S912 in FIG. 8) according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 18, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the gaming state is a high probability state (S2401), and if it is determined that the gaming state is a high probability state (Yes in S2401), The table is selected, and the jackpot symbol random number is determined in advance (S2402). On the other hand, when it is determined No in S2401, the table for the low probability state is selected and the jackpot symbol random number is determined in advance (S2403).

After prior determination of the jackpot symbol random number of S2402 or S2403, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the gaming state is a time-short state (S2404), and if it is determined to be a time-short state (Yes in S2404), And the reach random number is determined in advance (S2405). Further, the table for the short time state is selected, and the fluctuation pattern random number is preliminarily determined (S2406).
On the other hand, if it is determined No in S2404, a table for time reduction and no state is selected and a reach random number is determined in advance (S2407). Further, a table for timelessness and no-time state is selected, and a variation pattern random number is preliminarily determined (S2408).

  Thereafter, the game control unit 200 obtains the result of the jackpot random number pre-determination obtained as described above, the result of the jackpot symbol random number pre-determination, the reach random number pre-determination result, and the variation pattern random number pre-determination result. Then, it is stored in the advance determination information storage area as advance determination information (S2409). Further, in order to transmit the advance determination information to the effect control unit 300, the advance determination result command including the advance determination information is set in the RAM 203 (S2410).

  Here, the above-described prior determination includes a random number value (see S903 and S910 in FIG. 8) acquired according to the winning of a game ball at the start ports 121 and 122, and a determination table used in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 14). And a determination table having the same configuration as that of the reference). That is, the determination itself after selecting the determination table to be used is the same as the determination in the jackpot determination process (see S1201 in FIG. 10). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the jackpot determination process subroutine (see S1108 in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10) used in the special symbol process (see FIG. 9) is called to determine the random number in the above-described prior determination.

  With this configuration, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to prepare a processing function (subroutine) for determining a random number separately from the jackpot determination process in order to determine a random number in the prior determination process. Therefore, the number of control instructions can be reduced, and an increase in the size of the program related to the jackpot determination process and the prior determination process can be suppressed. Further, as described above, when the determination table used for the pre-determination is configured similarly to the determination table used for the jackpot determination, the determination table used for the jackpot determination may also be used for the pre-determination.

  Further, here, only the prior determination (whether or not a big win) related to the special symbol lottery has been described, but in the present embodiment, the variation pattern when the special symbol variation display and stop display are performed is also pre-read (preliminary determination). I do. The selection of the variation pattern in the special symbol lottery is performed by selecting a variation pattern selection random number (see S903 and S910 in FIG. 8) and a variation pattern table (see FIG. 15) acquired according to the winning of the game ball to the start ports 121 and 122. (See S1109 in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11). Therefore, even in the prefetching of the variation pattern, it is selected using the random number value for variation pattern selection acquired at the time of winning and the prefetch table having the same configuration as the variation pattern table used in the variation pattern selection processing of the special symbol processing. The variation pattern can be prefetched.

  In this case, in order to prefetch the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection processing, the variation pattern selection processing subroutine (see S1109 in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11) used in the special symbol processing (see FIG. 9) is called and used. be able to. Further, regarding the prefetch table used for prefetching of the variation pattern selection, the variation pattern table used in the variation pattern selection processing of the special symbol processing may be used. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of control instructions relating to the prefetching of the variation pattern selection and to suppress an increase in the program size.

  Note that if the pre-determination process and the jackpot determination process at the time of special symbol change are performed in the same subroutine using the same determination table group, the execution time of each process is different, so the pre-determination result and the special symbol change time There is a case where the determination result by the jackpot determination process is different. That is, it is a case where the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (high probability state or low probability state, short time state or short time state) changes after the execution of the pre-determination process until the start of the special symbol change. In this case, since different types of determination tables are used depending on the gaming state, the specific determination table used for determination differs between the execution of the pre-determination process and the execution of the jackpot determination process. . Therefore, even if the same random number value acquired at the time of winning the start openings 121 and 122 is used, the pre-determination result and the determination result of the jackpot determination process may be different. In such a case, in the effect control unit 300, if the game state changes before the start of the special symbol variation after the execution of the pre-determination process, the control based on the pre-determination result is not executed (prohibition). You may do.

[Command structure and transmission method]
Here, the configuration and transmission method of commands (effect control commands and setting commands) output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a command. FIG. 19A shows the data structure of the command, and FIG. 19B shows the structure of the command as a bit string.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, the command output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 is composed of 2 bytes for one command. This command is composed of a 1-byte “code” as the first data portion and a 1-byte “data” as the second data portion. “Code” indicates the type of command, and “Data” indicates the value of the command. This command is transmitted from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 using asynchronous synchronization by one serial signal. More generally, the “code” that is the first data part has a size of a bit (a is an integer of 2 or more), and the value of the leading 1 bit is specified as either 1 or 0. The “data” as the second data part has a size of n × a bits (n is an integer of 1 or more), and the value of the first 1 bit is different from the value of the first 1 bit of the first data part. Specific to the value.

  Since start-stop synchronization is used, a start bit (bit indicated as “S” in the figure) is provided at the head of each of “code” and “data” constituting the command, and 1 at the end. End bits of bits (bits indicated as “E” in the figure) are provided. Each of the “code” and “data” constituting the command is provided with one parity bit (bit indicated as “P” in the figure).

  As shown in FIG. 19A, both the “code” and “data” constituting the command have a data size of 1 byte (8 bits). When transmitted, the “code” and “data” are provided with a start bit, an end bit, and a parity bit, respectively. For this reason, it is not easy for the presentation control unit 300 that receives a command to identify whether the received data string is a “code” or “data” of the command from the outline of the data string. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a flag for identifying “code” and “data” is set. Specifically, the value of the specific portion of the 8-bit value constituting the “code” is made different from the value of the portion corresponding to the specific portion of the “code” among the 8-bit values constituting the “data”. .

  In the example shown in FIG. 19B, the first 1 bit of each of “code” and “data” is used as a flag. That is, in the 8-bit value constituting the “code”, the first 1-bit value is “1”, and in the 8-bit value constituting the “data”, the first 1-bit value is “0”. . Thereby, the effect control unit 300 can identify whether the data string is “code” or “data” by examining the value of the first 1 bit following the start bit of the received data string. The specific value of the flag is merely an example, and a value different from the above value may be used as long as “code” and “data” can be identified.

  Here, since the value of the first bit of “code” is specified as “1”, the range of values that can be taken by “code” is 128 from 10000000B (= 80H) to 11111111B (= FFH). It is. Note that the letter “B” attached to each value indicates binary notation, and the letter “H” indicates hexadecimal notation. In addition, since the value of the first 1 bit of “data” is specified as “0”, the range of values that “data” can take is 128 from 00000000B (= 00H) to 01111111B (= 7FH). is there. That is, according to the configuration shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, 128 types of commands that can take 128 types of values can be set.

  By the way, in the pachinko gaming machine 100, many types of effects are executed according to the gaming state, the determination result of the special symbol lottery, and the like. Therefore, a large number of commands are prepared for the commands for effect control. In particular, the “data” that is the value indicating the specific content of the command may be insufficient with the above 128. On the other hand, the “code” indicating the type of command is usually smaller than the above 128. Therefore, it is conceivable to use a part of the bit string of “code” to describe the value of “data”.

  For example, consider the case where the last 1 bit of “code” is used to describe the value of “data”. Hereinafter, each bit in the 8-bit bit string constituting “code” and “data” is referred to as first to eighth bits. Separately from the bit string that makes up the “code”, the “code” value that actually indicates the type of command is called the “code value”, and separately from the bit string that makes up the “data”, the actual command value is The value of “data” shown is called “data value”. Then, the code value is described using the first to seventh bits in the “code” bit string, and the data value is all of the “data” bit string (from the first bit to the eighth bit). , And the 8th bit of “code”.

  With this configuration, the possible range of the code value is that the value of the first bit is specified as “1” and the total size is 7 bits, so that the range from 1000000B (= 40H) to 1111111B (= 7FH) ) Up to 64). The possible range of the data value is 128 values represented by 8 bits of “data” in which the value of the first bit is specified as “0”, and values “0” and “8” of the 8th bit of “code”. 1 ”is 256. Therefore, it is possible to set a command having 256 kinds of values as data values.

  Note that the above configuration in the case where a data value is described using a part of the “code” is merely an example, and the specific number of bits and value are not limited to the above configuration example. For example, the data value may be described using the seventh bit and the eighth bit of the “code”. More generally, a predetermined type of data (data value) using a predetermined bit constituting “code” as the first data portion and a bit constituting “data” as the second data portion. Is recorded. Then, by using the remaining bits excluding the predetermined bits in the “code” which is the first data portion, other types of data (code values) different from the predetermined types of data (data values) are recorded. The In other words, a bit constituting “data” as the second data part and b bit (b is smaller than a−1 and an integer of 1 or more) constituting “code” as the first data part. In use, a data value having a size of (a + b) bits is recorded.

  Further, as a means for increasing the number of data values that can be handled, it is conceivable to increase the bit string of “data” describing the data values. For example, it is conceivable to prepare “first data” and “second data” as bit strings describing data values. In this case, if each bit string is 8 bits, a data value can be described by a bit string of 16 bits in total. In order to distinguish between “first data” and “second data”, if the second bit of the 8-bit bit string is used as a flag, for example, the first bit and the second bit of “first data” Can be “00B”, and the first and second bits of “second data” can be “01B”. The first bit has a value “0” as a flag for identifying “code”. That is, the “data” that is the second data portion is a bit string (“first data”, “second data”,...) That represents each data value every 8 bits (more generally, For each a bit), the same value as the value of the first 1 bit is set.

  With this configuration, the range of values that the “first data” can take is 64 from 00000000B (= 00H) to 00111111B (= 3FH), and the range of values that the “second data” can take is Since there are 64 from 01000000B (= 40H) to 01111111B (= 7FH), the total is 4096 (= 64 × 64). Here, the first bit is used as a flag for identifying “code” and “data” (“first data” and “second data”), and “first data” and “second data” Although the second bit is used as a flag for identifying the bit, a flag for identifying four types of bit strings may be set using the first and second bits. For example, “code” may have the value of the first and second bits “11B”, and “data” may have the value of the first and second bits “00B”, “01B”, and “10B”. Conceivable.

[Configuration Example for Command Output in RAM of Game Control Unit]
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a command storage area in the RAM 203.
As shown in FIG. 20, the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 has a command storage area (storage area) to which individual commands generated by various processes such as the main control process shown in FIG. 7 are assigned. In the example shown in FIG. 20, 31 command storage areas from area 1 to area 31 are set in the RAM 203. Here, the command allocation to each command storage area does not necessarily have a one-to-one correspondence. For example, a plurality of commands that are not generated at the same time can be assigned to the same command storage area. In the example shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of commands are assigned to area 1, area 9, area 12, area 19, area 20, area 21, area 22, area 23, area 30, and other command storage areas. One command is assigned to each.

  In the example shown in FIG. 20, a command relating to power-on is assigned to the area 1. Commands relating to power-on include a command for controlling power-on at the time of RAM clear and a command for controlling power-on at the time of recovery. Since these commands are generated in different scenes, they are not generated at the same time, and are all assigned to the area 1.

  In the areas 2 to 4, three commands related to winning at the first starting port 121 (described as “starting port 1 winning” in the figure) are assigned. One of the commands related to winning at the first starting port 121 is a command (in the figure, “Special Figure 1”) showing the result of pre-determination (see S905 in FIG. 8) based on winning at the first starting port 121. "Design pre-read"), and is assigned to region 2. The other one is a command (denoted as “Special Figure 1 Variation Pattern Prefetch” in the figure) indicating the variation pattern prefetching (preliminary determination) result specified together with the determination result, and is assigned to the region 3. Another one is a command ("Special figure 1 hold (+1)" in the figure) indicating that the number of special symbol lottery reservations has been updated (in this case, the value is increased by 1) based on the winning at the first starting port 121. And is assigned to the area 4.

  In the areas 5 to 7, three commands related to winning at the second start port 122 (described as “start port 2 winning” in the figure) are assigned. One of the commands related to winning in the second starting port 122 is a command (in the figure, “special figure 2 pattern look-ahead”) showing the determination result in the prior determination based on winning in the second starting port 122 (see S912 in FIG. 8). And is assigned to the area 5. The other one is a command (shown as “special figure 2 variation pattern prefetch” in the figure) indicating the prefetch result of the variation pattern specified together with the determination result, and is assigned to the region 6. Another one is a command ("Special figure 2 hold (+1)" in the figure) indicating that the number of special symbol lottery reservations has been updated (in this case, the value is increased by 1) based on the winning at the second starting port 122. And is assigned to the area 7.

  In the areas 8 to 10, five commands related to the normal symbol lottery (in the figure, “Temporary Map Hold”, “Typical Map Type”, “Typical Map Confirmation”, “Typical Map Open / Close”, and “Typical Map Hold” are described. ) Is assigned. Of the normal symbol lottery commands, one of the “general symbol hold” commands indicates that the number of normal symbol lotteries has been updated (in this case, the value is increased by 1) based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124. It is a command (denoted as “general map hold (+1)” in the figure) and is assigned to area 8. The “ordinary symbol type” command designates a normal symbol representing the determination result in the normal symbol lottery, and indicates that the variable symbol display on the normal symbol indicator 223 is started (denoted as “normal symbol variation start” in the diagram). And is assigned to area 9. The “general symbol confirmation” command is a command that indicates that the normal symbol display 223 is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol representing the determination result of the normal symbol lottery is fixed (“normal symbol confirmation” in the figure). And is assigned to the area 9. The “open / close map” command is a command (indicated as “open / close of normal train”) indicating that the electric tulip 123, which is a normal electric accessory, is operated (auxiliary game) based on the determination result of the normal symbol lottery. Yes, assigned to area 9. Another one of the “pending custom map” commands is a command indicating that the number of holdings has been updated (in this case, the value is decreased by 1) due to the normal symbol lottery process (in the figure, “pending general drawing (- 1) ”and assigned to the area 10.

  Here, in the normal symbol lottery process, the normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol stop display, and the operation of the electric tulip 123 by the auxiliary game are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Then, the normal symbol variation display based on the fact that another game ball has passed through the gate 124 during the operation of the electric tulip 123 is not started. For this reason, the above three types of commands “general map type”, “general map confirmation”, and “general power open / close” are not generated at the same time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 20, these three types of commands are assigned to the same command storage area (area 9).

  In the areas 11 to 14, nine commands related to special symbol lottery (in the figure, described as “special figure variation” and “special figure special electricity”) are assigned. Of the commands related to the special symbol lottery, one of the “special diagram change” commands is a command (indicating whether the current gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (high probability state or low probability state, short time state or short time state). In the figure, it is described as “gaming state”) and is assigned to the area 11. Another one of the “special symbol change” commands is to designate a special symbol representing the determination result of the special symbol lottery in the special symbol lottery, and display the fluctuation on the first special symbol indicator 221 and the second special symbol indicator 222. Is a command (denoted as “special drawing designation” in the figure) indicating that it has started, and is assigned to the area 12. Still another special symbol variation command is a command for specifying a variation pattern of special symbol variation performed in the special symbol lottery (described as “variation pattern” in the figure), and is assigned to the region 13. Still another of the “special figure change” commands is a command (in the figure, “special figure hold (in the figure) indicating that the number of holds has been updated (here, the value is decreased by 1) due to the special symbol lottery process being performed. -1) "), and is assigned to the area 14.

  On the other hand, one of the “special drawing special electric power” commands is a command indicating that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state (denoted as “customer waiting” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 12. Another one of the “Special Figure Special Electric” commands is a command (in the figure, “Special Electric, Special Bonus Games”) indicating that the special winning combination 125 is operated based on the determination result of the special symbol lottery. And is assigned to the area 12. Still another special command special command is a command (denoted as “big jack OP” in the figure) indicating that the opening operation of the jackpot game has been started, and is assigned to the area 12. Still another special command special command is a command (denoted as “big jack ED” in the figure) indicating that the jackpot game ending operation has started, and is assigned to the area 12. Yet another one of the “Special Figure Special Electric” commands is that the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are stopped and displayed, and the special symbol representing the determination result of the special symbol lottery is confirmed. The command (shown as “special drawing confirmation” in the figure) is assigned to the area 12.

  Here, in the special symbol lottery process, the change display of the special symbol, the special symbol stop display, and the operation of the special winning opening 125 by the special game are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Then, during the execution of the special game, the special symbol variation display based on the winning of another game ball is not started (see FIG. 9). In the jackpot game, the opening operation, the operation of the big prize opening 125, and the ending operation are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Therefore, the “special drawing designation” command and the five types of “special drawing special electricity” commands in the above “special figure change” command are not generated at the same time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 20, these six types of commands are assigned to the same command storage area (area 12).

  In the areas 15 to 18, four commands related to switch detection (described as “switch passing” in the figure) are assigned. One of the commands related to the switch detection is a command indicating that the game ball has passed through the left gate 124 </ b> L of the game area 111 (described as “pass left gate” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 15. Another command related to the switch detection is a command indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 124R on the right side of the game area 111 (denoted as “pass right gate” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 16. . Still another command related to the switch detection is a command (denoted as “passing through the start port SW2 (electric chew)” in the figure) indicating that a game ball has won the second start port 122, and is assigned to the area 17 It has been. Still another command related to the switch detection is a command indicating that a game ball has won the big winning opening 125 (denoted as “big winning opening winning” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 18.

  In the areas 19 to 30, a command related to an error (described as “error” in the figure) is assigned. As an error detected by the game control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 100, for example, a full error indicating that the payout ball is full in the tray 153 (see FIGS. 1 and 2B), the front frame of the frame member 150, Door open error indicating that is in an open state, payout error indicating that it is no longer possible to pay out game balls by the payout unit, and various detection switches such as the gate switch 214 and the start port switches 211 and 212 are not connected There is a switch disconnection error or the like indicating that In the example shown in FIG. 20, these errors are assigned to areas 19 to 23, respectively. In addition, for each error, a command indicating that each error has occurred (described as “˜error start” in the figure) and a command indicating that each error has been resolved (described as “˜error end” in the figure). Are assigned to the same command storage area.

  In addition, various control items and error items are set in accordance with the specifications and functions of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and the error is resolved depending on the command according to the control item, the command indicating that an error has occurred, and the type of error. A command or the like indicating that may be generated. These commands can be appropriately assigned to the command storage area. In the example illustrated in FIG. 20, commands relating to various errors are individually assigned to the areas 24 to 30. Further, a command (denoted as “winning notification designation” in the figure) for detecting and notifying a specific winning is assigned to the area 31.

As described above, in the command storage area provided in the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200, one or more types of commands are associated with one command storage area. In the main control process shown in FIG. 7, the game control unit 200 stores the generated command in a command storage area associated with the command.
Here, in the main control process, not every command is necessarily generated every time one cycle of the process is executed. For example, when there is no winning at the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122, the above-mentioned commands relating to winning at the starting ports 121 and 122 and the “special figure change” command are not generated. Of the commands related to the normal symbol lottery, the “open / close map” command and the “special drawing special electricity” command are not generated unless it is time to operate these electric accessories. In addition, a command related to the occurrence of an error is not generated unless an error has occurred.
Therefore, when the output process of the main control process (see S806 in FIG. 7) is performed, commands are usually stored in some command storage areas among the command storage areas provided in the RAM 203. Commands are not stored in other command storage areas.

[Command output operation]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of output processing by the output control unit 240.
In the present embodiment, the output control unit 240 pays attention to the command storage areas of the RAM 203 shown in FIG. 20 in order (in order of area numbers), and outputs the commands stored in the command storage areas.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the output control unit 240 of the game control unit 200 first pays attention to the head command storage area (area 1 in the example shown in FIG. 20) among the command storage areas provided in the RAM 203 ( S2411), it is checked whether a command is stored (S2412). If the command is stored (Yes in S2412), the output control unit 240 reads out the stored command and outputs it to the effect control unit 300 (S2413).

  If no command is stored in the focused command storage area (initially area 1) (No in S2412), or after outputting the command stored in the command storage area in S2413, the output control unit 240 It is checked whether there is a command storage area of the next area number (S2414). When there is a next command storage area (Yes in S2414), the output control unit 240 pays attention to the command storage area (S2415), returns to S2412, confirms the presence / absence of a command (S2412), and outputs (S2413). repeat. If the process is performed on the last command storage area (the area 31 in the example shown in FIG. 20), there is no command storage area with the next area number (No in S2414), and the output process is terminated.

[Set command output order]
In the main control process, when a command is generated in each process described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13, etc., the generated command is usually stored in a corresponding command storage area of the RAM 203. That is, commands are generally stored in the command storage area in the order in which the commands are generated.
On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 21, in the output processing by the output control unit 240, attention is paid to each command storage area in a fixed order (in the order of area numbers in the above example), and the stored commands are Output. In other words, the commands are output in a predetermined specific order regardless of the order in which the commands are generated. This is because it may be desirable to transmit specific commands to the effect control unit 300 in a specific order in order to prevent confusion in the effect control of the effect control unit 300 based on the command. That is, since the effect control unit 300 performs effect control based on commands in the order received from the game control unit 200, confusion such as inconsistency in effect control may occur due to a difference in the order of receiving commands. Need to prevent this.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 22 (a) and an interrupt process shown in FIG. 22 (b). Referring to FIG. 22A, the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (S2501), sets the cycle of a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (S2502), and then follows the set cycle. The interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (S2503).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the cycle set in S2502. Referring to FIG. 22B, in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (S2511). In this command reception process, the effect content (effect pattern) is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting an operation of the effect button 161 and the like by the player (S2512). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs a command transmission process of transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (S2513). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (S2511 in FIG. 22B).
In this command reception process, the production control unit 300 first determines whether or not a prior determination result command has been received (S2601), and if a prior determination result command has been received (Yes in S2601), further holds on hold. It is determined whether or not a number increase command has been received (S2602). Note that the pre-judgment result command and the hold count increase command are set in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (S906, S907, S913, S914), and the output process shown in FIG. 7 (S806). ) Is a command transmitted to the production control unit 300.
When it is determined that the hold number increase command has been received (Yes in S2602), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the hold number held in the RAM 303 (S2603). Further, the effect control unit 300 performs an effect selection process based on the prior determination result command and the hold number increase command (S2604). The contents of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not the advance determination result command and the pending number increase command (No in S2601 and S2602), the effect control unit 300 determines whether the received command is a change start command (S2605). This variation start command is a command that is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 9 in the game control unit 200 (S1111) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a change start command (Yes in S2605), the effect control unit 300 executes an effect selection process (S2606). When a change start command is received, a random number value for effect control used in the effect selection process is acquired. This random value is a random value that is periodically updated in S2503 of the main process shown in FIG. Details of the effect selection process will be described later. Details of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a prior determination result command, a pending number increase command, or a change start command (No in S2601, S2602, and S2605), the effect control unit 300 determines whether the received command is a change stop command (S2607). ). This variation stop command is a command set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 9 in the game control unit 200 (S1114) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a change stop command (Yes in S2607), the effect control unit 300 executes a process during end of change effect (S2608). Details of the process during the end of the variation effect will be described later.

When the received command is not a pre-judgment result command, a pending number increase command, a change start command, or a change stop command (No in S2601, S2602, S2605, and S2607), the effect control unit 300 determines that the received command is a jackpot game opening operation It is determined whether or not it is an opening command for starting (S2609). This opening command is a command that is set in the stop process shown in FIG. 12 (S1418) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in S2609), the effect control unit 300 executes a jackpot effect selection process (S2610). Details of the jackpot effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a prior determination result command, a pending number increase command, a fluctuation start command, a fluctuation stop command, or an opening command (No in S2601, S2602, S2605, S2607, and S2609), the effect control unit 300 determines that the received command is It is determined whether it is an ending command for starting the ending operation of the jackpot game (S2611). This ending command is a command that is set in the special prize opening process and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (FIG. 7, S806).
When the received command is an ending command (Yes in S2611), the effect control unit 300 executes an ending effect selection process (S2612). Details of the ending effect selection process will be described later.

  If the received command is not a prior determination result command, a pending number increase command, a fluctuation start command, a fluctuation stop command, an opening command, or an ending command (No in S2601, S2602, S2605, S2607, S2609, and S2611), then the production control unit 300 executes a customer waiting command reception process for shifting the received command to the customer waiting state (S2613). Details of the customer waiting command reception process will be described later.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of the mode flag.
When an effect is performed by the effect control unit 300, various effect patterns are selected and executed based on the set effect mode. This effect mode is determined by a mode flag set in the RAM 303. Here, the mode flag is set to any value from 0 to 4, and five types of effect modes from A mode to E mode are assigned to each mode flag. The mode flag is set according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery or the number of lotteries of the special symbol lottery.
Mode flag 1 for jackpot of high probability symbol A, mode flag 2 for jackpot of low probability symbol A, mode flag 3 for jackpot of high probability symbol B and low probability symbol B, jackpot of latent symbol symbol and A mode flag 4 is assigned to each small hit. Here, the types of these symbols are the same as those shown in FIG. The mode flag 0 is not assigned to any jackpot. In mode flags 1 to 4, mode flag 0 is set by executing special symbol lottery a predetermined number of times.
Further, in the example shown in FIG. 24, the parameter M (M value) used in the process during the end of the changing effect is set individually for each mode except the A mode. As will be described later, the value of the parameter M undergoes special symbol variation, and is decremented by 1 each time it stops.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect selection processing (S2604, S2606) of FIG.
In this effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the prior determination result command received from the game control unit 200 (S2801). Further, the effect control unit 300 analyzes the pending number increase command received from the game control unit 200 (S2802). Then, the effect control unit 300 selects an effect pattern (pre-determined effect pattern) used in the notice effect (pre-determined effect) based on the prior determination based on the prior determination result command and the pending number increase command (S2803).

  Here, as the pre-determined effect pattern, it is possible to provide various effect patterns for announcing the random number determination result by the special symbol process before the notification of the random number determination result by the special symbol process. For example, an effect such as a hold display effect or a continuous notice effect can be provided as a prior determination effect pattern. In the present embodiment, when a holding ball is generated, it is displayed on the first special symbol holding indicator 218 and the second special symbol holding indicator 219 of the display unit 130 (see FIG. 2) and on the image display unit 114. Hold display that suggests the occurrence and number of holds (hold display effect). Therefore, in this hold display effect, by reflecting the prior determination result on the display mode of the hold display, etc., the determination result when the random number is determined by special symbol processing for the hold ball is then given to the player. It can be a preliminary determination effect to suggest. In addition, although the case where the hold display effect is used as the prior determination effect has been described here, it is reflected in various effect contents performed before the determination result (lottery result) of the random number by the special symbol process is notified. It becomes possible to perform various notice effects. For example, an effect using an effect image displayed on the image display unit 114, an effect due to light emission of the panel lamp 116 or the frame lamp 157, an effect due to the operation of a movable accessory, an effect due to sound output such as music or sound effects, etc. It can be set as a determination effect pattern.

  Further, the pre-decision effect is executed at the time of symbol variation for another winning ball that is performed prior to symbol variation for the winning ball (holding ball) for which the prior determination has been made. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of holding balls is four per one starting port (first starting port 121 or second starting port 122) (see FIG. 8). In addition, priority is given to the digestion of the reserved balls in the second start port 122. In this case, for example, if a determination is made in advance for the reserved ball with the second start port 122, before the symbol variation for the reserved ball is performed, the currently changing variation (referred to as the variation) is included. The symbol variation for up to four winning balls will be performed. In a notice effect related to a reserved ball for which a prior judgment has been made, if a plurality of symbol changes are made before the symbol change for the reserved ball is made, a notice effect that spans the multiple symbol changes (continuous notice effect) ) May be performed.

  Then, the effect control unit 300 sets the number-of-holds command including the value of the number of holds after the addition and information on the pre-determined effect pattern selected in the effect selection process in the RAM 303 (S2804). In addition, the number-of-holds command includes information indicating the pattern in order to notify the CPU 311 of the image / sound control unit 310 of the selected pre-decision effect pattern. By receiving the hold number command, the CPU 311 creates a display list or the like for drawing and outputting the image and sound corresponding to the selected pre-decision effect pattern on the VDP 314. Based on the display list or the like, the VDP 314 reads image data and sound data for representing the selected pre-decision effect pattern from the CGROM 315 or SNDROM 316 and expresses the pre-determination effect using the image display unit 114 or the speaker 156. .

  In the effect selection process, if the received command is neither the prior determination result command nor the pending number increase command, the processes of S2801 to S2804 are not performed.

  Then, the effect control unit 300 analyzes the received variation start command (S2805). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (S2806), and subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations held in the RAM 303 (S2807). Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on various setting information (information about jackpot type, gaming state after jackpot game, variation pattern, etc.) obtained from the analysis result of the change start command and the effect mode determined by the mode flag. Then, the change effect pattern of the pattern change by the image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the effect mode is selected (S2808).

  Finally, the effect control unit 300 sets a variable effect start command instructing the execution start of the selected effect in the RAM 303 (S2809). Note that the change effect start command includes information indicating the selected change effect pattern to notify the CPU 311 of the selected change effect pattern. Upon receiving the hold number command, the CPU 311 draws an image or sound corresponding to the selected variation effect pattern on the VDP 314 and creates a display list or the like for output processing. Based on the display list or the like, the VDP 314 reads image data and acoustic data for representing the selected variation effect pattern from the CGROM 315 and the SNDROM 316, and expresses the variation effect using the image display unit 114 and the speaker 156.

  Although not described in detail, in the process of selecting the variation effect pattern of symbol variation in S2808, the effect mode, the variation pattern, and the effect random number (one of the random numbers updated in S2503 in FIG. The variation effect pattern is determined based on the numerical value. Based on the variation effect pattern determined here, the variation display of the decorative symbol, the background effect, the notice effect, and the like are determined. The decorative symbol variation display is an effect display performed by the image display unit 114 in accordance with the special symbol variation display performed by the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. In this variable display of decorative symbols, a reach effect or the like is executed.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the changing effect end process (S2608) of FIG.
In this variation effect end process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received variation stop command (S2901). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (S2902). Then, the production control unit 300 determines whether or not the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or a small hit based on the information indicating the type of the symbol when the special symbol fluctuation is obtained from the analysis result of the fluctuation stop command. Judgment is made (S2903). If it is a big hit or a small hit (Yes in S2903), the mode flag set in the RAM 303 is changed based on the setting example shown in FIG. 24 according to the type or the big hit (S2904).

  On the other hand, when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not a big win or a small win (No in S2903), the effect control unit 300 next checks whether or not the value of the mode flag is 0 (S2905). When the mode flag is not 0 (No in S2905), the effect control unit 300 subtracts 1 from the parameter M (S2906) and checks whether the value of M has become 0 (S2907). That is, the value of the parameter M is decremented by 1 each time a variation stop command is received (that is, every time a special symbol variation stops), unless it is 0 when the variation stop command is received. If the value of M becomes 0 (Yes in S2907), the effect control unit 300 sets the mode flag to 0 (S2908).

  If the mode flag is 0 in S2905 (Yes in S2905), if the value of the parameter M is not 0 in S2907 (No in S2907), or after setting the mode flag to 0 in S2908, or in S2904 After changing the mode flag, the effect control unit 300 sets a change effect end command for instructing the end of the effect of symbol change in the RAM 303, and ends the process during end of change effect (S2909). Here, referring to FIG. 24, when the mode flag is changed in S2904, the effect mode after the end of the change effect is an effect mode according to the type of jackpot. If the mode flag is 0 in S2905 and if the mode flag is set to 0 in S2908, the effect mode after the end of the change effect is the A mode. If the value of the parameter M does not become 0 in S2907, the previous production mode is continued.

Next, the jackpot presentation selection process (FIG. 23, S2610) will be described.
In this jackpot effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received opening command and selects an effect pattern (a jackpot effect pattern) according to the contents of the effect mode based on the mode flag. Then, the effect control unit 300 reads image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected jackpot effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets a jackpot effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The jackpot production selection process is terminated. As a result, the performance during the big hit is determined. In the selection of the jackpot effect pattern, a determination based on a random value acquired when a command is received may be performed.

Next, the ending effect selection process (FIG. 23, S2612) will be described.
In this ending effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received ending command and selects an effect pattern (ending effect pattern) according to the contents of the effect mode based on the mode flag. Then, the effect control unit 300 reads image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected ending effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets an ending effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. End the ending effect selection process. In the selection of the ending effect pattern, a determination based on a random value acquired when a command is received may be performed.

Next, the customer waiting command reception process (FIG. 23, S2613) will be described.
The production control unit 300 determines whether or not a customer waiting command for shifting to the customer waiting state has been received. When the customer waiting command is received, the effect control unit 300 starts measuring the elapsed time and turns on the measurement flag in the RAM 303. On the other hand, when the received command is not a customer waiting command, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 is ON. If the measurement flag is OFF, the customer waiting command reception process is terminated.

  When the measurement flag is ON, the effect control unit 300 next determines whether or not the measurement time has reached a predetermined time-up time. If the time has not expired, the customer waiting command reception process is terminated. On the other hand, when the time is up, the production control unit 300 turns off the measurement flag held in the RAM 303, sets a customer waiting production command for performing the customer waiting production in the RAM 303, and ends the customer waiting command reception process. .

  When the command reception process is completed as described above, the RAM 303 is set with any one of a variation effect start command, a variation effect end command, a jackpot effect start command, an ending effect start command, and a customer waiting effect command.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (S2512 in FIG. 22B).
In this effect button process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not an operation means such as the effect button 161 by the player has been operated (S3301). Here, the operation of the operation means includes turning on the effect button 161 and turning it on when the center key and the surrounding keys of the effect key 162 are pressed. In addition, when an operation device other than the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 such as a touch panel is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, this includes detecting the operation of the device. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that an operation has been performed.

  If the operation means such as the effect button 161 is operated (Yes in S3301), the effect control unit 300 sets an effect button command including information indicating the operation content of the operation means in the RAM 303, and ends the effect button process. (S3302).

  Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs the command transmission process (S2513) of FIG. 22B, and the command set in the RAM 303 by the command reception process and the effect button process described above is displayed in the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp. It transmits to the control part 320. Then, the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 display an image on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the received command. Is controlled to execute the set effect.

[Direction when special symbol changes]
In the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the determination by the special symbol process (see FIG. 9) is performed in response to a winning at the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 as the start condition. Then, according to the determination result, a big hit game in which the big winning opening 125 is opened is performed, and after the big win game ends, the state shifts to a high probability state or a short time state. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a special effect is given to raise the player's expectation in accordance with the special symbol variation (see S1110 to S1113) performed in the special symbol process. Specifically, the effect control unit 300 controls the lamp control unit 320 to execute an effect by light emission of the decorative lamp as the light emitting means as a special effect accompanying the special symbol change (hereinafter referred to as a special effect at the time of change). . Here, the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 can be used as the decoration lamp used for the special effect at the time of change. As a specific production mode, only one of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 may be used, or both may be used. In addition, both the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 may perform the special effect at the time of change using all the lamps, or the effect may be provided using only some of the lamps set in advance for the special effect at the time of change. You can go.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a decorative lamp used for a special effect during change.
Here, among the decoration lamps provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, seven decoration lamps are assumed as the decoration lamps used for the special effects at the time of change, and the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are assumed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 28, the decorative lamp C is disposed above the image display unit 114. The decoration lamps L1 to L3 are arranged on the left side of the image display unit 114, and are arranged in the order of L1, L2, and L3 from the bottom. The decorative lamps R1 to R3 are arranged on the right side of the image display unit 114, and are arranged in the order of R1, R2, and R3 from the bottom. In the variation special effect of the present embodiment, the effect control unit 300 and the lamp control unit 320 can use these decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 in various modes according to the determination result of the special symbol process. Make it emit light. The specific contents of the special special effect at the time of change will be described later.

  In the special effect at the time of change of the present embodiment, in addition to the effects by the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3, the image display unit 114 is specially controlled by the effect control unit 300 and the image / sound control unit 310. The decorative design variation effect accompanying the design variation display is performed. In the present embodiment, the decorative symbols are configured by displaying three rows of symbols each consisting of a number sequence in which numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction. As the decorative symbols used for the fluctuating effects of the present embodiment, symbols of several types of display modes having different designs (designs) and display sizes are used. Moreover, in the special effect at the time of change of this Embodiment, the change effect of a decoration symbol is performed in various aspects. The specific contents of the variation effect of the decorative symbol in the special effect at the time of variation will be described later.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a decorative design used in the present embodiment. FIG. 29A shows a decorative design in the first display mode, FIG. 29B shows a decorative design in the second display mode, FIG. 29C shows a decorative design in the third display mode, and FIG. Shows the decorative symbols of the fourth display mode.
In the example shown in FIG. 29, the decorative symbol of the first display mode is the decorative symbol 511, the decorative symbol of the second display mode is the decorative symbol 512, the decorative symbol of the third display mode is the decorative symbol 513, and the decorative symbol of the fourth display mode. Is described as a decorative pattern 514. When distinguishing three rows of symbols in the decorative symbols of each aspect, subscripts a, b, and c are added to the symbols of the decorative symbols in order from the left as in the left symbol 511a, the middle symbol 511b, and the right symbol 511c. It is attached and described. In addition, when the decorative symbol of each aspect is not distinguished, it is described as a decorative symbol 510.

  In the first display mode shown in FIG. 29A, the decorative design 511 is displayed with a highly decorative design that combines numbers and images (such as character images). The images combined with the numbers in the decoration pattern 511 of the first display mode are different for each number, and it is possible to determine whether or not the three patterns are aligned in the stop display of the decoration pattern 511 also by this image.

  In the second display mode shown in FIG. 29 (B), the decorative design 512 is displayed with a design composed only of numerals. In the example shown in the figure, the left symbol 512a, the middle symbol 512b, and the right symbol 512c are all displayed. However, the display is suppressed during the variable display, and a part (for example, the middle symbol 512b) is not displayed or is visible. Display may be low. In addition, the display size and character shape of each decorative pattern 512 may change or a moving image with movement may be displayed.

  In the third display mode shown in FIG. 29C, the decorative design 513 is displayed with a design composed of only numbers having a smaller size than the decorative design 512 of the second display configuration. In the third display mode, the display of the middle symbol 513b is suppressed or hidden, the left symbol 513a is in the upper left corner of the screen of the image display unit 114, and the right symbol 513c is in the upper right corner of the screen of the image display unit 114. Moved and displayed. Further, depending on the variation effect, the middle symbol 513b may be further displayed from the display state of the third display mode, and the decorative symbol 513 may be stopped and displayed. In the illustrated example, the decorative design 513 is displayed on the upper side of the screen of the image display unit 114, and the left design 513a is located in the upper left corner and the right design 513c is located in the upper right corner. Is not limited to the illustrated example. In other words, the decorative pattern 513 only needs to be displayed at the opposite ends (both corners sandwiching one side) of the screen of the image display unit 114, and can be displayed at the lower left corner and the lower right corner of the screen. May be displayed in the upper left corner and the lower left corner, or may be displayed in the upper right corner and the lower right corner.

  In the third display mode, the decorative pattern 513 is displayed at two opposite ends on one side of the screen of the image display unit 114, so that the two displayed decorative patterns 513 are among the three decorative patterns 510. It is easy to associate with the symbols at both ends (left symbol and right symbol). Therefore, even if the middle symbol 513b is not displayed, it is easy to specify that the hidden symbol is the changing middle symbol 513b. And by hiding the middle symbol 513b, a wide area at the center of the screen of the image display unit 114 can be used to display an effect image such as a moving image. Thus, the middle symbol 513b is not displayed in the third display mode, and an effect display using a moving image or a flashy effect image is combined to enhance the player's mood and enhance the entertainment.

  In the fourth display mode shown in FIG. 29D, the decorative design 514 is displayed with a design composed of only numbers having a smaller size than the decorative design 513 of the third display mode. In the fourth display mode, the decorative design 514 is moved to the corner of the screen of the image display unit 114 and displayed. In the illustrated example, it is displayed in the upper right corner, but it may be displayed in other positions (lower right corner, upper left corner, lower left corner), or the display position may change during variable display. In addition, during the variable display, the display is suppressed during the variable display, and a part (for example, the middle symbol 512b) may not be displayed or may be displayed with low visibility.

  In the fourth display mode, the left symbol 514a and the right symbol 514c that are stopped or temporarily stopped, and the changing middle symbol 514b are displayed together in one corner of the screen of the image display unit 114 in a small size. Therefore, if the middle symbol 514b is not displayed as in the third display mode, it is difficult to determine which of the three decorative symbols 514 is displayed. Therefore, in the 4th symbol, even if the display of the middle symbol 514b is suppressed, the display may not be hidden but may be a display with low visibility. In the fourth display mode, a small decorative pattern 514 is displayed at one corner of the screen of the image display unit 114. Therefore, a wide area on the screen of the image display unit 114 is used to display an effect image such as a moving image. be able to. Therefore, by displaying the decorative pattern 514 and combining the effect display using a moving image or a flashy effect image, it is possible to produce an effect that enhances the player's mood and enhances the interest.

[First special special effect during fluctuations]
Next, a specific example of the special effect at the time of change will be described.
FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a special effect during fluctuation.
This special effect at the time of change is performed together with the change effect at the time of reach. That is, it is executed as an effect using the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3, decorative symbols, and the like during reach. In the first special special effect during fluctuation, the operation of the effect button 161 is accepted. The reception of the operation of the special effect at the time of change and the effect button 161 is executed by the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 based on the control of the effect control unit 300. In addition, although the example where a special effect at the time of change is performed with the change effect at the time of reach is shown here, it is not limited to the change effect at the time of reach, but a special effect at the time of change together with a change effect (predetermined effect) by a predetermined mode performed at the time of special symbol change You may comprise so that direction may be performed. For example, a special effect at the time of change may be performed in a state where only one of the three decorative symbols 510 is stopped or temporarily stopped. Further, the special effect at the time of change may be performed in a state where a special symbol that is not displayed in the normal change effect is stopped and displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 30, a reach effect is first performed in the decorative symbol variation effect (FIG. 30A). That is, among the three decorative symbols 510, the left symbol and the right symbol stop at the same symbol (or temporarily stop), and the middle symbol continues to fluctuate. The temporary stop is a state in which the symbol appears to have stopped at first glance, but has moved slightly and has not actually stopped. In the example shown in FIG. 30A, the left symbol 511a and the right symbol 511c in the decorative symbol 511 in the first display mode (see FIG. 29A) combining numbers and images are displayed. The following effects are executed until the middle symbol (not shown) is stopped (or temporarily stopped).

  In this state, an effect (operation promotion effect) that prompts the user to operate the effect button 161 as an operation means is performed. In the example shown in FIG. 30A, an image (hereinafter referred to as a button image) 114a of the effect button 161 is displayed instead of the middle symbol 511b at the position where the middle symbol 511b is displayed. In addition, although not shown in particular, a text message that prompts the player to operate the button, such as “Press the button”, or an effect that prompts the button operation using other effect means such as voice may be performed. good. Also, an effective period for receiving the operation of the effect button 161 may be set, and an effective period gauge that visually indicates the effective period may be displayed together with the display of the button image. This effective period gauge is displayed as, for example, a band-shaped image or a circular image, and the display color region that is different from the initial display color increases with the passage of time, and when the effective period ends, the entire image is displayed. By controlling the display so that the color changes, the progress of the effective period is visually expressed. In the example shown in FIG. 30A, a band-shaped effective period gauge 114b is displayed below the button image 114a.

  Here, when the player operates the effect button 161 according to the operation promotion effect, after that, the first control of the effect control unit 300 is performed, and the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are turned off to be in the first state. (FIG. 30B). Then, the second control of the effect control unit 300 is performed, and the decorative lamps L1 to L3 and R1 to R3 emit light in a predetermined order, thereby entering a second state in which the light emitting portion is enlarged (FIG. 30C -1) to (C-3)). In the illustrated example, the decoration lamps L1 and R1 emit light first, the decoration lamps L2 and R2 emit light, and then the decoration lamps L3 and R3 emit light. The second state only needs to realize a mode in which the number of light emission points gradually increases. The example shown in FIG. 30 is merely an example of the number and arrangement of decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3, the order of light emission, etc., and the second state in the special special effect during variation of the present embodiment is It is not limited to the illustrated example.

  Next, in the special effect at the time of change of the present embodiment, the third control of the effect control unit 300 is performed and the state shifts to the third state where the decorative lamp C that is the specific lamp emits light, or the effect control unit The fourth control 300 is performed to enter a fourth state in which the decorative lamp C does not emit light. In other words, when the third control is performed, the light emission portions of the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are expanded by the second control, and the third state in which the decorative lamp C emits light is reached. On the other hand, when the fourth control is performed, the enlargement of the light emission portions of the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 by the second control ends without reaching the third state in which the decorative lamp C emits light, The fourth state in which the decorative lamp C does not emit light as it is. As a transition condition for specifying whether to shift to the third state (third control is performed) or to the fourth state (fourth control is performed), for example, whether the determination result of the special symbol processing is a big hit or not Or, it can be determined whether or not the variation time due to the variation pattern of the special symbol variation is a predetermined length or more. As an example, it may be set to shift to the third state when the big symbol is won in the special symbol process, and to shift to the fourth state when it is not the big jackpot. Further, it may be set such that when a variation pattern of a predetermined length or more is selected, the state shifts to the third state, and when a variation pattern shorter than that is selected, the state shifts to the fourth state. Further, instead of making a transition to the third state or the fourth state depending on these conditions, the transition to the third state or the fourth state may be made with a predetermined probability when the transition condition is satisfied.

  Here, a case is considered in which an effective period for receiving the operation of the effect button 161 is provided in the operation promotion effect, and the state immediately shifts to the first state when the effect button 161 is operated during the effective period. In this case, the timing at which the first state is started varies depending on the timing at which the operation is performed. Therefore, by changing the execution time of the first state, the second state, the third state, or the fourth state according to the operation timing of the effect button 161 during the effective period, the variation time during the special symbol variation The entire execution time of the special effect may be controlled to be the same.

  Also, consider a case where the effect button 161 is not operated during an effective period for receiving the operation of the effect button 161 in the operation promotion effect. In this case, for example, it may be controlled to shift to the fourth state after changing to the first state or the second state, or as an effect to shift to the third state when a specific condition is satisfied. Also good. Furthermore, when the effect button 161 is not operated, an effect set separately from the above-described special effect at the time of change may be performed. The separately provided effect may be an effect of controlling the lighting of the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3 and R1 to R3 in the same manner as the above-described special effect at the time of change. There may be effects in which the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are controlled to emit light in different modes. Specifically, using the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3 and other decorative lamps, light emission control different from the series of light emission control from the first state to the third state or the fourth state is performed. It can be carried out. Further, the same control may be performed until the middle of the first state or the second state, and then control may be performed so as to change to a different light emission mode.

[Special production during second fluctuation]
Next, another specific example of the special effect at the time of change will be described.
FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating another example of the special effect at the time of change.
This variation special effect is configured by adding a predetermined effect using the decorative design 510 to the first variation special effect described above. For example, an effect by the decorative symbol 510 that is stopped (or temporarily stopped) by the variation effect at the time of reach is performed. Note that this special effect during variation can be performed together with a predetermined effect other than the variation effect during reach, similarly to the first special variation effect described above.

  Referring to FIG. 31, after the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are in the third state (see FIG. 30D), the decorative symbol 511 displayed in the first display mode is a transition effect. Then, the display is switched to the decorative pattern 512 of the second display mode (see FIG. 29B) composed only of numerals (FIGS. 31C to 31F). As the transition effect, for example, an effect that the decorative pattern 511 of the first display mode disappears when the screen of the image display unit 114 temporarily becomes white (whiteout) or black (blackout). It can be performed. In addition, it is possible to perform an effect such that the decorative pattern 511 in the first display mode moves so vigorously that the player cannot follow it, and switches to the decorative pattern 512 in the second display mode while moving.

  Here, the decorative pattern 511 in the first display mode is switched to the decorative pattern 512 in the second display mode, but it may be switched to the decorative pattern 510 in another display mode. Moreover, after shifting to the second display mode, it may be switched to another display mode. In the example shown in FIG. 32, first, the display sizes of the left symbol 511a and the right symbol 511c in the first display mode are enlarged (FIG. 32 (C)), and switched to the left symbol 512a and the right symbol 512c in the second display mode ( FIG. 32 (D)). Thereafter, the left symbol 512a and the right symbol 512c move to opposite sides (both corners sandwiching one side) of the screen of the image display unit 114 while reducing the display size (FIG. 32E). In the illustrated example, the left symbol 512a moves to the upper left corner of the screen of the image display unit 114 while reducing the display size, and the right symbol 512c moves to the upper right corner of the screen of the image display unit 114 while reducing the display size. The state of switching to the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode is shown.

  On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 31, after the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are in the fourth state (see FIG. 30E), the display mode of the decorative pattern 511 of the first display mode is switched. Without stopping, the middle symbol 511b stops together with the left symbol 511a and the right symbol 511c (FIGS. 31 (G) to (I)). Thereby, the symbol indicating the determination result of special symbol processing (whether it is a big hit) is stopped and displayed.

[Third special special effects during fluctuations]
Furthermore, another specific example of the special effect at the time of change will be described.
FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating another example of the special effect at the time of change.
As the special effect at the time of change, two types of operation promotion effects are prepared. Then, different special effects at the time of change are performed depending on which operation promotion effect is performed according to which operation of the effect button 161 is performed.

  Referring to FIG. 33, a reach effect is first performed in the decorative symbol variation effect (FIG. 33A). In this state, in the example shown in FIG. 33, one of two types of operation promotion effects is performed (FIGS. 33 (B-1) and (B-2)). In the first operation promotion effect shown in FIG. 33 (B-1), the button image 114a representing the effect button 161 as the operation means is displayed at the position of the middle symbol. On the other hand, in the second operation promotion effect shown in FIG. 33 (B-2), a button image 114c that is an image representing the effect button 161 as the operation means and is different from the button image 114a is displayed at the position of the middle symbol. ing. Which operation promotion effect is executed is set based on whether or not a predetermined execution condition is satisfied. The execution condition can be, for example, whether or not the determination result of the special symbol process is a big hit, whether or not the variation time due to the variation pattern of the special symbol variation is equal to or longer than a predetermined length, and the like. As an example, when a variation pattern with a predetermined length is selected, the first operation promotion effect shown in FIG. 33B-1 is executed, and when a variation pattern with another predetermined length is selected. May be set to execute the second operation promotion effect shown in FIG. In addition, the first operation promotion effect or the second operation promotion effect is not necessarily executed according to these conditions, but the first operation promotion effect or the second operation is performed with a predetermined probability when the execution condition is satisfied. A promotion effect may be executed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 33, when the effect button 161 is operated according to the first operation promotion effect, the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 emit light in the first light emission mode (FIG. 33). (C-1)). Here, as an example of the first light emission mode, a state in which all of the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 emit light is shown.

  On the other hand, when the operation of the effect button 161 is performed according to the second operation promotion effect, the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are in a second light emission mode different from the first light emission mode. Emits light (FIG. 33C-2). Here, among the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3 and R1 to R3 arranged on both sides of the image display unit 114, only the decorative lamps L3 and R3 positioned at the highest level emit light. In other words, in the illustrated example, some decorative lamps (decorative lamps L3 and R3 in the illustrated example) among the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3 and R1 to R3 used for the special effects at the time of the change are the first. Light is emitted in both the light emission mode and the second light emission mode. The other decorative lamps (decorative lamps C, L1, L2, R1, and R2 in the illustrated example) emit light only in the first light emission mode and do not emit light in the second light emission mode. Note that the examples illustrated in FIGS. 33C-1 and 33C are merely examples of the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode, and these light emission modes are not limited to the illustrated examples. For example, in the illustrated example, in the second light emitting mode, the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and part of R1 to R3 that emit light in the first light emitting mode (decorative lamps L3 and R3) emit light. A decorative lamp (panel lamp 116 or frame lamp 157) other than the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 that emit light in the first light emitting mode may emit light.

  Furthermore, in this special effect at the time of change, depending on whether the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3 emit light in the first light emission mode or the second light emission mode (in other words, the first operation promotion) Depending on whether the effect or the second operation promotion effect has been performed), different effects are performed in the variation effect of the decorative design 510. In the example shown in FIG. 33, the first operation promotion effect is performed as the first variation effect when the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 emit light in the first light emission mode. The display of the decorative symbol 511 (left symbol 511a and right symbol 511c) according to the display mode is switched to the display of the decorative symbol 512 (left symbol 512a and right symbol 512c) according to the second display mode, and the state where the changing effect continues is shown. (FIG. 33 (D-1), (E-1)). On the other hand, as a second variation effect when the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 emit light in the second light emission mode, the decorative pattern according to the second display mode when the second operation promotion effect is performed. It is shown that the fluctuating effect continues with the display of 511 (left symbol 511a and right symbol 511c) (FIGS. 33 (D-2) and (E-2)). In addition, the example shown to FIG. 33 (D-1), (E-1), (D-2), (E-2) is only an example of the change effect in this special effect at the time of a change, These change effects Is not limited to the illustrated example.

[Direction when the decorative pattern changes]
In the above example, the special effect at the time of change due to the light emission of the decorative lamp and the special effect at the time of change due to the combination of the light emission of the decorative lamp and the change effect of the decorative design have been described. Here, a display effect (hereinafter referred to as a variable symbol effect) of the decorative symbol itself when the decorative symbol changes will be described. The decorative symbols are changed and stopped in accordance with the change display and stop display of the special symbols by the special symbol indicators 221 and 222. And in the display of this decorative design, various control design effects are performed under the control of the effect control unit 300 and the image / sound control unit 310 in order to enhance the interest of the player. This variation design effect can be executed in combination with the above-described variation special effect using, for example, various decorative design display modes shown in FIG.

[First variation design effect]
A specific example of the fluctuating symbol effect will be described.
FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of the symbol design during variation.
In the example shown in FIG. 34, the case where the variation effect is performed with the decoration symbol 512 of the second display mode shown in FIG. 29B will be described as an example. However, the display of the decoration symbol 510 used for the variation symbol effect is shown. The mode is not limited to the second display mode. For example, when a variation effect is performed with the decorative symbol 511 in the first display mode shown in FIG.

  This variation design effect is performed, for example, together with the reach variation effect. That is, the effect is executed by controlling the display of the decorative symbols 512 (for example, the left symbol 512a and the right symbol 512c) stopped or temporarily stopped by the reach variation effect and the changing decorative symbols 512 (for example, the middle symbol 512b). Is done. Here, an example is shown in which a variation time symbol effect is performed together with a reach time variation effect, but is not limited to a reach time variation effect. You may comprise so that direction may be performed. For example, the changing time design effect may be performed in a state where only one of the three decorative symbols 510 is stopped or temporarily stopped. Moreover, you may perform a change time symbol effect in the state which stopped and displayed the special symbol which is not displayed by a normal change effect.

  Referring to FIG. 34, first, a reach effect is performed with the decorative pattern 512 of the second display mode (FIG. 34 (A)). Then, after the predetermined transition effect 1 is performed (FIG. 34B), the decorative design 512 reduces the display size while the opposite end of one side of the screen of the image display unit 114 (both sandwiching one side). To the corner) and switch to the decorative pattern 513 of the third display mode shown in FIG. 29C (FIG. 34C). In the illustrated example, the left symbol 512a moves to the upper left corner of the screen of the image display unit 114 while reducing the display size, and the right symbol 512c moves to the upper right corner of the screen of the image display unit 114 while reducing the display size. Thus, the state of switching to the decorative pattern 513 of the third display mode is shown. Here, the decorative symbol 512 in the second display mode is easy to visually recognize the left symbol 512a and the right symbol 512c that are stopped or temporarily stopped by the reach effect, but the changing middle symbol 512b is not easily visible. . And as for the decoration design 513 of a 3rd display mode, the display of the middle design 513b is suppressed. Therefore, the left symbol 512a and the right symbol 512c in the second display mode are moved and switched to the left symbol 153a and the right symbol 513c in the third display mode, and the middle symbol 512b in the second display mode being changed is not displayed as it is. Impression can be given.

  As the transition effect 1, for example, when the screen of the image display unit 114 is temporarily whitened (whiteout) or blackened (blackout), the decorative pattern 512 of the second display mode is temporarily lost. It is possible to produce such an effect. Further, after the decorative symbols 512 (left symbol 512a and right symbol 512c) of the second display mode move on the screen of the image display unit 114, they move to both corners on the upper side of the screen and switch to the third display mode. Production can be performed.

  Next, the decorative symbol 510 is switched from the decorative symbol 513 in the third display mode to the decorative symbol 514 in the fourth display mode shown in FIG. 29D (FIG. 34D). Then, in the decorative pattern 514 of the fourth display mode, stop display indicating the determination result of the special symbol lottery is performed in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol (FIG. 34 (E)). In the illustrated example, the left symbol 514a is “7”, the middle symbol 514b is “8”, the right symbol 514c is “7”, and the special symbol lottery determination result is determined by the decorative symbol 514 of “787” indicating stoppage. Is represented.

  Thereafter, a predetermined transition effect 2 is performed (FIG. 34 (F)), the display mode of the decorative symbol 510 is switched, and a stop display is performed again by the decorative symbol 512 of the second display mode (FIG. 34 (G). )). Here, the transition effect 2 that is performed when the fourth display mode is switched to the second display mode is the transition effect 1 that is performed when the second display mode is switched to the third display mode (FIG. 34B). The same production may be used, or different productions may be used.

  34, after the transition from the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode to the decorative pattern 514 in the fourth display mode, stop display is performed in the decorative pattern 514 in the fourth display mode. It was broken. On the other hand, the stop display may be performed after the display mode is switched so that the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode and the decorative pattern 514 in the fourth display mode are alternately displayed a plurality of times. Even in this case, after the display mode is switched a plurality of times, stop display is performed on the decorative symbol 514 in the fourth display mode.

  Further, the display position of the decorative symbol 513 may be dynamically changed in the third display mode, or the display position of the decorative symbol 514 may be dynamically changed in the fourth display mode. Further, a predetermined transition effect may be performed when switching between the third display mode and the fourth display mode. Further, in the above-described effect example, the transition effect is performed when the second display mode is switched to the third display mode and when the fourth display mode is switched to the second display mode (FIGS. 34B and 34F). ) In these scenes, the display mode may be switched directly without performing the transition effect.

[Stop display by the fourth display mode]
In the production example described with reference to FIG. 34, the stop display is performed with the decorative symbol 514 in the fourth display mode. Here, among the display modes of the decorative symbol 510 shown in FIG. 29, the decorative symbol 512 of the second display mode, the decorative symbol 513 of the third display mode, and the decorative symbol 514 of the fourth display mode are composed only of numerals. Design. The size of the numbers constituting the symbols is the largest in the decorative symbols 512 in the second display mode, the second largest in the decorative symbols 513 in the third display mode, and the smallest in the decorative symbols 514 in the fourth display mode. Therefore, the decorative symbol 512 is also called a large symbol, the decorative symbol 513 is also called a middle symbol, and the decorative symbol 514 is also called a small symbol. That is, in the effect example described with reference to FIG. 34, the stop display is performed by the small symbols displayed at one corner of the screen of the image display unit 114.

  By performing stop display using the decorative pattern 514 in the fourth display mode, which is a small design, a wide area on the screen of the image display unit 114 can be used to display an effect image such as a moving image. Therefore, by displaying the effect image reminiscent of the determination result of the special symbol lottery represented by the stop display together with the stop display of the decorative symbol 514, the player's interest can be enhanced. For example, when an effect of performing a predetermined mission is performed when the special symbol fluctuates, along with the stop display by the decorative symbol 514, if the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, an effect image in which the mission is successful is displayed. If the determination result of the lottery is off, an effect image in which the mission fails is displayed. In addition, when an effect is displayed in which a moving image in which the main character and the enemy character fight at the time of the special symbol change is displayed on the image display unit 114, if the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the main character wins and the special symbol lottery If the determination result is off, an effect image in which the main character is defeated is displayed. By performing such an effect, the player can assume the determination result of the special symbol lottery based on the contents of the effect image, and the interest in the effect can be increased.

  However, the decorative design 514, which is a small design, is inferior in visibility compared to the decorative design 512 of the second display mode because the size of the design is small. Therefore, it is conceivable that after the stop display is performed with the decoration symbol 514, the display of the decoration symbol 510 is switched to the decoration symbol 512 of the second display mode which is a large symbol and the stop display is performed.

  Moreover, in said production example, in the decorative pattern 514 of the 4th display mode, the symbol stopped and displayed was displayed. However, it is not always necessary to stop the variation of the symbol when the decorative symbol 514 is displayed. For example, let us consider a case in which the decorative symbol 513 according to the third display mode and the decorative symbol 514 according to the fourth display mode are displayed while being switched during the variation effect of the decorative symbol 510. In this case, when the decorative symbol 513 in the third display mode is displayed, the variation of the symbol is stopped (that is, the decorative symbol 513 that has been stopped is displayed), and then the decorative symbol 514 in the fourth display mode is displayed. By switching, the decorative symbol 514 stopped and displayed may be displayed.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing another example of progress of the changing time symbol effect.
In the example shown in FIG. 35, similarly to the example shown in FIG. 34, the reach effect is performed with the decorative pattern 512 in the second display mode (FIG. 35A), and after the predetermined transition effect 1 (FIG. 35 ( B)), the display is switched to the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode (FIG. 35C). Then, after the change of the pattern is stopped and the stop display is performed on the decorative pattern 513 (FIGS. 35D and 35E), the decorative pattern 514 is switched from the third display mode to the fourth display mode. Then, stop display is performed (FIG. 35 (F)). In the example shown in the figure, after the decorative symbol 513 of the third display mode is displayed, the variation of the symbol is stopped as it is, but after the switching between the third display mode and the fourth display mode is performed a plurality of times. Further, control may be performed so that the variation of the symbol stops when the decorative symbol 513 of the third display mode is displayed.

  Next, the display mode of the decorative design 510 is switched from the state in which the stop display is performed on the decorative design 514 through a predetermined transition effect 2 (FIG. 35G), and the decorative design 512 of the second display mode is changed again. Stop display is performed (FIG. 35 (H)). Then, after the predetermined transition effect 3 is performed (FIG. 35 (I)), the display mode of the decorative design 510 is switched, and the stop display is performed by the decorative design 511 of the first display mode (FIG. 35 (J)). ). In the example shown in the drawing, a moving image representing a state in which the sliding door is closed is displayed as the transition effect 3 (FIG. 35I) when switching from the second display mode to the first display mode. When the sliding door is closed, the decorative pattern 512 in the second display mode is not displayed. When the sliding door is opened again, the decorative pattern 511 in the first display mode is displayed (FIGS. 35H to 35J). The illustrated example is only an example of the transition effect 3, and a transition effect different from the illustrated example may be performed. Further, transition effect 1 when switching from the second display mode to the third display mode (FIG. 35 (B)), transition effect 2 when switching from the fourth display mode to the second display mode (FIG. 35 (G)), Any of the transition effects 3 (FIG. 35 (I)) when switching from the second display mode to the first display mode may be the same transition effect or different transition effects.

[Second variation design effect]
Next, another specific example of the symbol design during variation will be described.
FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating another example of the symbol design during variation.
In the example shown in FIG. 36, two types of effect modes (A mode and B mode) are provided as the changing time symbol effect. In the A mode, the variation starts with the decorative pattern 511 in the first display mode (FIG. 36 (A-1)). Then, after the reach effect is performed and the left symbol 511a and the right symbol 511c are stopped or temporarily stopped (FIG. 36A-2), the left symbol 511a and the right symbol 511c that are stopped or temporarily stopped are displayed on the image display unit 114. The screen moves to both upper corners of the screen and switches to the decorative symbol 513 (left symbol 513a and right symbol 513c) of the third display mode (Fig. 36 (A-3)).

  Next, the decorative symbol 510 is switched from the decorative symbol 513 in the third display mode to the decorative symbol 514 in the fourth display mode (FIG. 36 (A-4)). And the change of a symbol stops in the decoration symbol 514 of a 4th display mode, and a stop display is performed (FIG. 36 (A-5)). Thereafter, the display mode of the decorative symbols is further switched from the fourth display mode to the first display mode, and stop display is performed with the decorative symbols 511 (FIG. 36 (A-6)). As described above, in the A mode, the change starts with the decorative symbol 511 in the first display mode, the stop display is performed with the decorative symbol 511 in the same first display mode, and the variable time design effect ends.

  On the other hand, in the B mode, the change starts with the decorative pattern 512 in the second display mode (FIG. 36 (B-1)). Then, after the reach effect is performed and the left symbol 512a and the right symbol 512c are stopped or temporarily stopped (FIG. 36B-2), the left symbol 512a and the right symbol 512c that are stopped or temporarily stopped are displayed on the image display unit 114. The screen moves to the upper right corner of the screen and switches to the decorative pattern 514 of the fourth display mode (FIG. 36 (B-3)).

  And the change of a symbol stops in the decoration symbol 514 of a 4th display mode, and a stop display is performed (FIG. 36 (B-4)). Thereafter, the display mode of the decorative symbol is further switched from the fourth display mode to the second display mode, and stop display is performed on the decorative symbol 512 (FIG. 36 (B-5)). As described above, in the B mode, the change starts with the decorative pattern 512 in the second display mode, the stop display is performed with the decorative pattern 512 in the same second display mode, and the variable time design effect ends.

  As described above, in this variation-time symbol effect, each mode is stopped and displayed with the decoration pattern 510 having the same display mode as that of the decoration pattern 510 when the variation starts. Thereby, the division | segmentation from the start of a change to a stop (namely, change effect) becomes clear. Here, each mode can give a different expectation to the determination result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the effect control unit 300 acquires an effect random value when receiving a change start command, and whether to perform the A mode or the B mode when a change time effect is performed by lottery using the effect random number. Shall be selected. Then, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the probability that the effect of the A mode is selected is set higher than the probability that the effect of the B mode is selected, and the determination result of the special symbol lottery Is set to be lower than the probability that the B mode effect is selected. By setting in this way, when the changing time symbol effect is performed in the A mode, the degree of expectation that is a big hit becomes higher than that in the B mode.

  In the example shown in FIG. 36, in the A mode, after the left symbol 511a and the right symbol 511c are stopped by the reach effect, the decorative symbol 513 of the third display mode and the decorative symbol 514 of the fourth display mode are switched. The presentation proceeds while displaying (first symbol display mode). On the other hand, in the B mode, after the left symbol 512a and the right symbol 512c are stopped due to the reach effect, the decoration symbol 514 in the fourth display mode is displayed and the effect proceeds, and the decoration symbol 513 in the third display mode is displayed. Is not performed (second symbol display mode). As described above, when the expectation level for the jackpot of the special symbol lottery in the variation symbol production in the A mode is higher than that in the variation variation in the B mode, the variation symbol production is started in the A mode. Increased expectations. Therefore, by increasing the switching of the display mode of the decorative symbols 510, the power of the production is increased and the player's expectation is further enhanced. In the example shown in FIG. 36, the decoration pattern 513 in the third display mode is always displayed in the A mode (100%), and the decoration pattern 513 in the third display mode is not displayed in the B mode (0). However, the ratio regarding whether or not to display the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode is not limited to the above example. For example, in the A mode, it may be controlled not to display the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode with a predetermined probability. However, in the A mode, the control is performed such that the probability of performing the effect of displaying the decorative symbol 513 in the third display mode is higher than the probability of performing the effect of not displaying the decorative symbol 513 in the third display mode. In the B mode, it may be controlled to display the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode with a predetermined probability. However, in the B mode, the control is performed so that the probability of performing the effect of displaying the decorative symbol 513 in the third display mode is lower than the probability of performing the effect of not displaying the decorative symbol 513 in the third display mode.

[Technical features of the present embodiment]
In this embodiment, in order to increase the variety of effects using decorative lamps (panel lamps 116 and frame lamps 157) that are light emitting means,
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling production according to the game;
Operation means (for example, effect button 161) that can be operated by the player;
Light emitting means (for example, decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3) that emit light under the control of the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300);
The effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300)
As an effect of prompting the player to operate the operation means (for example, the effect button 161), the first operation promotion effect and a second operation promotion effect different from the first operation promotion effect can be controlled.
When an operation of the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) performed according to the first operation promotion effect is received, the light-emitting means (for example, the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3) in the first light emission mode. , R1 to R3),
When the operation of the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) performed in response to the second operation promotion effect is received, the light emission means (in the second light emission mode different from the first light emission mode) For example, the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3) are configured to emit light.
With such a configuration, it is possible to increase the variety of effects due to the light emission of the decorative lamp based on the operation of the operation means performed according to the operation promotion effect.
More specifically, the light emitting means (for example, decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3)
A region that emits light in any one of the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode;
A region that emits light in common in both the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode;
It was set as the structure containing.
If it does in this way, the variety of the production | presentation by light emission of a decoration lamp can be improved with the difference in a light emission member.
More preferably, the above gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 100) is
A determination means (for example, a special symbol determination unit 234) for determining a gaming state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) for displaying effect images under the control of the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300)
Based on the establishment of the starting condition, the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) performs an effect of display control of the design,
When the operation of the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) performed in response to the first operation promotion effect is received, the symbol variation display according to the first display mode is performed,
When the operation of the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) performed in response to the second operation promotion effect is received, the symbol changes due to a second display mode different from the first display mode. Display.
In this way, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player by linking the effect by the light emission of the light emitting means and the effect by the display of the change of the symbol.

In addition, in this embodiment, in order to increase the player's expectation by performing an effect of causing the light emitting means to emit light according to the operation of the operating means,
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling production according to the game;
Operation means (for example, effect button 161) that can be operated by the player;
Light emitting means (for example, decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3) that emit light under the control of the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300);
The effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300)
When a predetermined execution condition is satisfied, an operation promotion effect that prompts the player to operate the operation unit (for example, the effect button 161) is executed, and the operation unit is operated during an effective period set corresponding to the operation promotion effect. (For example, the production button 161) can be accepted,
When the operation of the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) is received during the effective period, the light emission means as the light emission control effect of the light emission means (for example, the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3). (E.g., a first control in which at least some of the light emitting members constituting the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are in the first state, and the light emitting members from the first state by the first control to the first state) A second control for shifting to the second state, and a third control for shifting the light emitting member from the second state to the third state by the second control according to a predetermined condition, and the light emission Executing any one of the fourth controls for bringing the member into the fourth state without reaching the third state from the second state by the second control;
It is characterized by.
By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to perform an effect with movement by the player's operation using the light emitting means, and to increase the player's expectation.
More preferably, the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300) performs the first control and the second control according to the timing when the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) is accepted during the effective period. The execution time of any one of the control, the third control, and the fourth control is variable.
In this way, it is possible to respond to the operation timing of the operating means by the player, and to perform different effects according to the operations performed at different timings.
More preferably, the above gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 100) is
A determination means (for example, a special symbol determination unit 234) for determining a gaming state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) for displaying effect images under the control of the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300)
Based on the establishment of the starting condition, the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) performs an effect of controlling display of a plurality of symbols,
In the effect of controlling display of the plurality of symbols, performing a predetermined effect of stopping a part of the plurality of symbols,
In the predetermined effect, the light emission control effect is executed until the changing symbol is in a predetermined state corresponding to the part of the symbols that are stopped.
In this way, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player by linking the effect by the light emission of the decorative lamp and the effect by the display of the variation of the symbol.
More preferably, the effect control unit (for example, the effect control unit 300) executes an effect provided separately from the light emission control effect when the operation of the operation unit is not accepted during the effective period. To do.
If it does in this way, an added value can be given to the light emission control production performed according to operation of an operation means, and a player's willingness can be raised.

In addition, in this embodiment, the player's sense of expectation when developing to an effect with a higher degree of expectation of the jackpot by performing the effect of causing the light emitting means to emit light according to the operation of the operation means along with the effect of the decorative design To enhance
A determination means (for example, a special symbol determination unit 234) for determining a gaming state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling production according to the game;
Operation means (for example, effect button 161) that can be operated by the player;
Image display means (for example, image display unit 114) for displaying effect images under the control of the effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300);
Light emitting means (for example, decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3) that emit light under the control of the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300);
The effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300)
Based on the establishment of the starting condition, the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) performs an effect of display control of the design,
When a predetermined execution condition is established, an operation promotion effect is provided to prompt the player to operate the operation means (for example, the effect button 161).
When the operation of the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) performed according to the operation promotion effect is received,
Using at least a part of the light emitting members constituting the light emitting means (for example, the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3), a light emission control effect that expands the light emitting region from the first state to the second state Done
When the light emitting member reaches the second state in the light emission control effect, the display mode of the symbol is switched from the first symbol display mode to the second symbol display mode through a predetermined transition effect,
It is characterized by.
By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to correlate the production with the movement by the light emitting means and the development to the production with a high expectation degree of the jackpot by the decoration design, so that the player compared with the production by the simple decoration design. Can expect the expectation of
More preferably, the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300) switches the symbol from the first symbol display mode to the second symbol display mode, and then displays the symbol displayed in the second symbol display mode. The design is moved to one side on the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) to continue the variable display.
In this way, it is possible to display an effect image using a wide area of the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) after the decorative design has moved, such an image. The player's sense of expectation can be further enhanced by the effect of displaying the symbol.

In addition, in this embodiment, in order to increase the player's expectation for the operation of the operation means,
A determination means (for example, a special symbol determination unit 234) for determining a gaming state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling production according to the game;
Operation means (for example, effect button 161) that can be operated by the player;
Image display means for displaying effect images under the control of the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300)
Based on the establishment of the starting condition, the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) performs an effect of controlling display of a plurality of symbols,
In the variation display that varies the plurality of symbols in the effect of controlling the display of the plurality of symbols, a predetermined effect is performed in which a part of the plurality of symbols is stopped and the variation of the remaining symbols is continued,
In the predetermined effect, when a predetermined execution condition relating to the operation of the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) is satisfied, the display of a part of the symbols that are stopped is suppressed and the display of the symbols that are continuously changing is suppressed. Switching from the 1st symbol display mode to the 2nd symbol display mode, changing the display position of some symbols displayed in the 2nd symbol display mode,
It is characterized by.
With such a configuration, it is possible to associate the operation of the operation means by the player with the effect accompanied by the movement of the display position of the decorative symbol, and to increase the expectation for the operation of the operation means.
More preferably, when the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300) switches the display mode of the part of the symbols in the predetermined effect, the symbols are displayed according to the first symbol display mode. After performing a predetermined transition effect from the state, the display shifts to the symbol display in the second symbol display mode.
In this way, the player can be more impressed with the change in the display of the decorative symbols, and the interest can be further enhanced.

In this embodiment, in order to increase the variety of production using decorative designs,
A determination means (for example, a special symbol determination unit 234) for determining a gaming state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling production according to the game;
Image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) for displaying effect images under the control of the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300)
Based on the establishment of the start condition, after the symbols are displayed on the image display means (for example, the image display section 114) in a variable manner, the symbols are stopped according to the determination result of the determination means (for example, the special symbol determination section 234). Perform the symbol display effect to be displayed,
In the symbol display effect, the symbol includes at least a large symbol which is a display mode of a predetermined display size, a middle symbol which is a display mode of a display size smaller than the display size of the large symbol, and the display of the middle symbol A small symbol which is a display mode smaller than the size is displayed while being switched, and the symbol which is stopped and displayed is displayed by the small symbol.
With such a configuration, it is possible to perform a variety of effects using decorative designs, and when displaying a stopped design with small symbols, an effect image can be displayed using a wide area of the screen of the image display means. Since it can be displayed, the interest of the player can be enhanced.
More preferably, in the above decorative design,
The large symbol is displayed in the center of the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114),
The middle symbols are displayed at both corners on one side of the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114),
The small symbols are displayed at one corner of the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114).
Thereby, when a medium symbol or a small symbol is displayed, a wide area in which the symbol is not displayed can be obtained on the screen of the image display means, so that the degree of freedom of the effect image that can be displayed is increased.

In addition, in this embodiment, in order to increase the variety of production using decorative designs,
A determination means (for example, a special symbol determination unit 234) for determining a gaming state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling production according to the game;
Image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) for displaying effect images under the control of the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300)
Based on the establishment of the starting condition, a symbol display effect for controlling display of a plurality of symbols on the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114),
In the variation display that varies the plurality of symbols in the effect of controlling the display of the plurality of symbols, a predetermined effect is performed in which a part of the plurality of symbols is stopped and the variation of the remaining symbols is continued,
In the predetermined performance,
A first special that displays the stopped part of the symbols on one side of the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) and suppresses the display of the remaining symbols that continue to fluctuate. Variation mode,
A second special variation mode in which the part of the stopped symbols and the remaining symbols in which the variation continues are displayed in one corner of a display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114);
The display of the symbols was made while switching between the two.
With such a configuration, it is possible to perform various effects using decorative symbols in combination with the effect image displayed on the image display means, and to enhance the player's interest.
More preferably, in the second special variation mode, the part of the symbols that have been stopped and the remaining symbols that are continuing the variation are any one of the four corners of the display screen of the image display means. Is displayed while switching the display position.
Thereby, the diversity of display of a decorative design increases and it can raise a player's interest further.

In addition, in this embodiment, in order to increase the variety of production using decorative designs,
A determination means (for example, a special symbol determination unit 234) for determining a gaming state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling production according to the game;
Image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) for displaying effect images under the control of the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300)
Based on the establishment of the starting condition, a symbol display effect for controlling display of a plurality of symbols on the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114),
In the variation display that varies the plurality of symbols in the effect of controlling the display of the plurality of symbols, a predetermined effect is performed in which a part of the plurality of symbols is stopped and the variation of the remaining symbols is continued,
In the predetermined performance,
A first special that displays the stopped part of the symbols on one side of the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) and suppresses the display of the remaining symbols that continue to fluctuate. Variation mode,
A second special variation mode in which the part of the stopped symbols and the remaining symbols in which the variation continues are displayed in one corner of a display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114);
The display of the symbols was made while switching between the two.
With such a configuration, it is possible to perform various effects using decorative symbols in combination with the effect image displayed on the image display means, and to enhance the player's interest.

In the present embodiment, in order to reduce the increase in the number of control commands for controlling the operation of the game control means, in the main control process repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals by the game control unit 200, one cycle of main control is performed. At the end of the process, the commands generated in the execution of the one cycle are collected and output to the effect control unit 300. In other words, a gaming machine that achieves the above-described purpose is a gaming machine that produces an effect according to the progress of the game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100), and performs a main control process that is a series of processes related to the progress of the game. A game control means (for example, a game control unit 200) that repeatedly executes according to conditions and generates data including information on a game obtained by executing the main control process, and executes a series of the main control processes in one cycle Output means (for example, the output control unit 240) for outputting the data generated by the execution of the one cycle after the last data is generated in the execution of the one cycle, and the output means (For example, an effect control unit 300) that receives data output from the output control unit 240 and performs an effect based on the received data. Equipped with a.
In this way, since it is not necessary to perform output processing for each generated data, control instructions for performing output processing can be reduced, and an increase in program size can be suppressed. In addition, since it is not necessary to perform output processing every time data is generated, the time required for the entire output processing can be shortened.
More specifically, in the above gaming machine, storage means (for example, RAM 203) for storing the data generated by the main control processing in a storage area (for example, command storage area) set for each data is provided. The game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) further stores the data generated in the main control process in the storage area (for example, command storage area) associated with the generated data, The output means (for example, the output control unit 240) checks whether data is stored in each storage area of the storage means (for example, the RAM 203), and obtains data from the storage area where the data is stored. Read and output.
In this way, each time the output process is performed, each storage area is checked and the stored data is output, so that leakage of data output can be prevented.

The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100) that produces an effect according to the progress of the game, and performs a main control process that is a series of processes related to the progress of the game. Game control means (for example, game control unit 200) that executes repeatedly according to conditions and executes special processing different from the main control processing according to conditions different from the main control processing, and the game control means (for example, game) An output control unit (for example, an effect control unit 300) that receives data output from the control unit 200) and performs processing related to the effect based on the data, and in the main control process, the game control unit (for example, The processing by the game control unit 200) performs processing based on the progress of the game, and generates one or more data including information obtained by executing the processing A portion that calls and executes the first processing means (for example, the game control unit 200), and the data generated by the execution of the first processing means (for example, the game control unit 200) are used as the effect control means (for example, A second processing means (for example, the output control section 240) that outputs to the effect control section 300) and executes the processing, and the processing by the game control means (for example, the game control section 200) in the special processing A part that executes a setting process for setting a gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 100) and data generated in the setting process are used as the second processing means (for example, output control) in the main control process. Part 240), and a part that outputs to the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300).
In this way, there is no need to prepare individual control instructions for the output processing of data generated by special processing, so control instructions for output processing are reduced and the increase in program size is suppressed. can do.
More specifically, the above gaming machine further comprises storage means (for example, a RAM 203) for storing the data generated in the main control process in a storage area set for each data, and the main control process The first processing means (for example, the game control unit 200) in the table sequentially stores the data generated by executing the process in the storage area (for example, command storage area) associated with the generated data, The second processing means (for example, the output control unit 240) in the main control process checks whether data is stored in each storage area of the storage means (for example, the RAM 203), and stores the data. The data is read out from the storage area that is being output and output, and in the setting process in the special process, the data generated in the setting process is憶 means (e.g., RAM 203) is stored in a predetermined said memory area in.
In this way, each time the output process is performed, each storage area is checked and the stored data is output, so that leakage of data output can be prevented.

Also, in this embodiment, in order to improve the accuracy of data transmission from the game control means to the effect control means, a predetermined bit of “code” as the first data portion and “data” as the second data portion A predetermined bit of “is used as a flag for identifying“ code ”and“ data ”. In other words, a gaming machine that achieves the above-described purpose is a gaming machine that produces an effect in accordance with the progress of the game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100), and executes a main control process related to the progress of the game, and the main control process The game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) that generates and outputs data including information relating to the game obtained by executing the game, and the data output from the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) And an effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300) that performs processing related to the effect based on the received data, and the data generated by the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) includes: a A first data portion (for example, “code”) having a size of bits (a is an integer of 2 or more) and the value of the first 1 bit specified as either 1 or 0, and n × a The first 1-bit value is specified to be different from the first 1-bit value of the first data portion (for example, “code”). 2 data portions (for example, “data”).
In this way, since the first data portion and the second data portion can be clearly distinguished by recognizing the value of the leading 1 bit, data transmission from the game control means to the effect control means Accuracy can be improved.
More preferably, in the gaming machine, the second data portion (for example, “data”) of the data generated by the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) is a bit from the beginning. Is set to the same value as the value of the first one bit.
In this way, even when the size of the second data portion is large, it is easy to identify each of the second data portions by dividing each specific size.

In the present embodiment, the data sent from the game control means to the effect control means even when it is necessary to send large-size data, such as when a command specifying a variation pattern to be executed is sent. In order to suppress an increase in the overall size, a predetermined bit of “code” that is the first data portion is used to describe the data value, and a part of “code” and “data” that is the second data portion In this paper, we proposed a method for describing data values. In other words, a gaming machine that achieves the above-described purpose is a gaming machine that produces an effect in accordance with the progress of the game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100), and executes a main control process related to the progress of the game, and the main control process The game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) that generates and outputs data including information relating to the game obtained by executing the game, and the data output from the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) And an effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300) that receives and processes the effect based on the data, and the data generated by the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) is a bit A first data portion (for example, “code”) having a size of (a is an integer of 3 or more) and the value of the first 1 bit specified as either 1 or 0, and n × a bits n is an integer greater than or equal to 1), and the first 1-bit value is specified to be different from the first 1-bit value of the first data portion (for example, “code”). (For example, “data”), and a predetermined bit constituting the first data part (eg “code”) and a bit constituting the second data part (eg “data”) The data of a predetermined type is recorded, and other types different from the data of the predetermined type are used by using the remaining bits except the predetermined bit in the first data portion (for example, “code”). The data can be recorded.
Another gaming machine according to the present invention that achieves the above object is a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100) that produces an effect in accordance with the progress of the game, and executes main control processing relating to the progress of the game. From the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) that generates and outputs data including information related to the game obtained by executing the main control process, and the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) that receives the output data and performs processing related to production based on the data, and is generated by the game control unit (for example, game control unit 200). The data has a size of a bit (a is an integer of 3 or more), and the first data portion (for example, “code”) in which the value of the first 1 bit is specified as either 1 or 0, A second data portion (eg, “data”) having a bit size and a value of the leading 1 bit different from a value of the leading 1 bit of the first data portion (eg, “code”) ), And b bits (b is smaller than a-1 and an integer greater than or equal to 1) constituting the first data portion (for example, “code”) and the second data portion (for example, “data”) )) And data having a size of (a + b) bits can be recorded.
With the above configuration, the size of data to be recorded in the second data portion can be increased without changing the total size of the first data portion and the second data portion. When large data is sent from the game control means to the effect control means, an increase in the size of the entire transmitted data can be suppressed.

  The pachinko gaming machine 100 (see FIG. 1) is an example of a gaming machine. The game control unit 200 (see FIG. 3) is an example of a game control unit. The production control unit 300 (see FIG. 3) is an example of production control means. The output control unit 240 (see FIG. 4) is an example of an output unit. The RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) is an example of a storage unit. The command storage area is an example of a storage area.

100 ... Pachinko machine (an example of a game machine)
114 ... Image display section (an example of image display means)
161 ... Production button (an example of operation means)
234 ... Special symbol determination unit (an example of determination means)
300 ... Production control unit (an example of production control means)
C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3 ... Decorative lamp (an example of light emitting means)

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. This gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 100)
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling production according to the game;
Operation means (for example, effect button 161) that can be operated by the player;
Image display means for displaying effect images under the control of the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300)
Based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition, the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) performs an effect of controlling display of a plurality of symbols,
The Oite display control of a plurality of symbols, to display a part of the pattern of the plurality of symbols, performs predetermined reach demonstration of continuing variation of the remaining symbols,
After the predetermined reach effect is established , together with the reach effect, an operation promotion effect is made to prompt the player to operate the operation means (for example, the effect button 161), and the operation performed according to the operation promotion effect When the operation of the means (for example, the effect button 161) is accepted, the display of a part of the symbol which is displayed as the reach effect is suppressed as the first symbol display mode. Switching from 2 to the 2nd symbol display mode, changing the display position of some symbols displayed in the 2nd symbol display mode,
It is characterized by.
With such a configuration, it is possible to associate the operation of the operation means by the player with the effect accompanied by the movement of the display position of the decorative symbol, and to increase the expectation for the operation of the operation means.

Claims (2)

Determination means for determining a gaming state triggered by establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Production control means for controlling the production according to the game;
Operation means that can be operated by the player;
Image display means for displaying an effect image under the control of the effect control means,
The production control means includes
Based on the establishment of the starting condition, an effect of displaying and controlling a plurality of symbols on the image display means,
In the variation display that varies the plurality of symbols in the effect of controlling the display of the plurality of symbols, a predetermined effect is performed in which a part of the plurality of symbols is stopped and the variation of the remaining symbols is continued,
In the predetermined effect, when a predetermined execution condition regarding the operation of the operation means is established, the display of the symbols that are continuously changing is suppressed, and the display mode of the part of the symbols that are stopped is changed from the first symbol display mode. Switching to the second symbol display mode and changing the display position of the part of the symbols displayed in the second symbol display mode;
A gaming machine characterized by   The effect control means performs a predetermined transition effect from a state in which the symbols are displayed in the first symbol display mode when switching the display mode of the part of the symbols in the predetermined effect. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine shifts to a symbol display according to the second symbol display mode.

Images