JP2017070653A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of attracting a player's interest by a performance having an element of surprise.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: acquisition means for acquiring game information by satisfaction of predetermined start conditions; special game determination means for determining whether a special game is performed, based on game information acquired by the acquisition means; and performance control means for allowing the performance execution means to execute a report performance for reporting a result determined by the special game determination means. The performance control means includes specific performance execution means for executing a specific performance that can be executed only if a result determined by the special game determination means is affirmative, and the specific performance execution means executes one of a first performance for reporting that a result determined by the special game determination means is affirmative and a second performance for suggesting that a result determined by the special game determination means is negative in execution of the specific performance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

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

  Some modern gaming machines have a plurality of reach productions with different jackpot reliability for the purpose of giving a player a sense of expectation and enjoyment, and one of the plurality of reach productions is selected and executed. . Further, as one of a plurality of reach effects, a pachinko gaming machine is known which has a reach effect that has a low appearance rate but can expect a big hit when it appears (see Non-Patent Document 1, for example).

“Pachinko Winning Guide”, Guide Works Co., Ltd., issued on August 3, 2014, June 21, 2015, page 14, CR Impact Gouraigan Impact full rotation reach

  As described above, at present, gaming machines are required not only to provide fun to acquire gaming media (gaming machines, medals, etc.) but also to provide various values (for example, highly interesting effects). Yes. For this reason, the game machine is always required to have an unexpected performance.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can attract the player's interest with an unexpected performance.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention employs the following configuration. Note that reference numerals, explanatory words, and the like in parentheses indicate correspondence with embodiments described later in order to help understanding of one aspect of the present invention, and limit the scope of one aspect of the present invention. Not what you want.

Acquisition means (100, S204, S210) for acquiring game information upon establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Special game determination means (100, S407) for determining whether or not to perform a special game based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means;
A symbol control means (100, S410, S412) for displaying the symbols in a variable manner when the determination by the special game determination means is performed, and for stopping the symbols in a manner indicating the determination result of the determination;
When it is determined by the special game determination means that the special game is to be performed, the special game execution means (100, S6) for performing the special game after the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating the determination result;
Along with the variation display of the symbol, it is provided with an effect control means (400, 500, S114, S115) for executing a notification effect for notifying the determination result,
The special game execution means can execute one of a plurality of types of special games based on the determination result (FIG. 6).
The production control means includes
A specific effect that can be executed only when it is determined by the special game determination means that the special game is to be performed and that it is determined that the special game is to be performed before the symbol stop display is performed. Specific production execution means to be executed (400, 500, S1153, S1154, FIG. 15),
The production control means includes
When it is determined by the special game determination means that a specific special game is to be performed among the plurality of types of special games, the determination result is obtained at a predetermined timing even when the specific effect is executed. A gaming machine capable of performing an effect of notifying that it is determined that the special game is to be performed by performing a predetermined effect after performing a failure effect that indicates that it is determined that the special game is not performed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the gaming machine which can attract a player's interest with an unexpected production can be provided.

Schematic front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention The enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator 4 provided in the pachinko machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of FIG. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control apparatus provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 The figure for demonstrating an example of the game ball passage determination process peculiar to an embodiment The figure for demonstrating an example of the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery which concerns on embodiment An example of a flowchart showing main processing executed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the power-off monitoring process in step S911 in FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100 The figure for demonstrating the data used when performing a special figure game count process and a usual figure game count process, and the storage area (working area) of RAM103 of the main control part 100 An example of a conceptual diagram of a variation time table used for setting the special symbol variation display time in the area 11A An example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400 An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. The time chart which shows the outline | summary of the production | presentation pattern which the gaming machine 1 which concerns on embodiment can select. The time chart which shows the outline | summary of the production | presentation pattern which the gaming machine 1 which concerns on embodiment can select. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the notification effect execution process in step S115 of FIG. Screen transition diagram showing an example of effects executed in the image display unit 6 Screen transition diagram of the production example following FIG. Screen transition diagram of the production example following FIG. Screen transition diagram showing an example of effects executed in the image display unit 6 Screen transition diagram of the production example following FIG. Screen transition diagram showing an example of effects executed in the image display unit 6 Screen transition diagram of the production example following FIG. Screen transition diagram of the production example following FIG. Screen transition diagram showing an example of effects executed in the image display unit 6 Screen transition diagram of the production example following FIG. Screen transition diagram of the production example following FIG. Screen transition diagram of the production example following FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Then, as part of each processing in the timer interrupt processing executed at intervals of 4 milliseconds (4 ms) by the main control unit 100 described later with reference to FIG. 10, the binarized signal shown in FIG. By determining ON / OFF, the game ball is determined to pass. This will be specifically described below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the switch processing described above, the second ON / OFF determination may not be performed in the timer interrupt processing determined to be ON that is executed after the timer interrupt processing determined to be ON.

  Further, in the switch processing described above, it may be configured to detect the passage of the game ball by detecting the place where the binarized signal is switched from ON to OFF. That is, in FIG. 5, it may be determined that one game ball has passed with the determination that the n + 1 time timer interrupt process is turned on twice and the n + 2 time timer interrupt process is turned off.

  Further, in the switch processing described above, in one timer interrupt process (ON detection), ON / OFF determination may be performed three times or more. In one timer interrupt process (OFF detection), You may perform ON / OFF determination twice or more.

  In addition, in the switch processing described above, a configuration may be adopted in which the game ball passage determination is performed without converting the output signal (analog signal) of the proximity switch into a binary signal (digital signal). In other words, the game ball passage determination may be performed by determining whether or not the output signal (analog signal) of the proximity switch is equal to or less than the passage determination threshold (5 V).

In the switch processing described above, the output signal of the proximity switch is an output signal that is at a low voltage level when the game ball is not detected and becomes a high voltage level when the game ball is detected, and a signal inversion means for inverting the output signal Thus, the output signal may be inverted and converted into a signal as indicated by a dotted line in FIG.
Further, the switch processing described above may be configured such that the proximity switch itself converts the analog signal into a binarized signal and outputs it, and the binarized signal is output from the proximity switch.

  This is the end of the description of the switch processing (game ball passage determination processing) of the present embodiment, and the description returns to FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The lamp control unit 600 is connected to an effect button 37 operated by the player, and the lamp control unit 600 acquires operation data output from the effect button 37 in response to the operation of the effect button 37 by the player. Then, the operation data is transmitted to the effect control unit 400.

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

[Outline of gaming state in this embodiment]
Next, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 includes at least a high probability state, a low probability state, an electric support state, a non-electric support state, a short-time state, a non-short-time state, and a big hit gaming state. The low probability state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a normal low probability (for example, 1/399), and the high probability state is that the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is lower than the low probability state. The gaming state is set to a high probability (for example, 1/80). In the non-electric support state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is a normal low probability (for example, 1/10), and even if the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is short (for example, 0.10 seconds). Is a game state in which the release control is performed only once), and therefore, it is a game state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second start port 22. In the electric support state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is higher than the non-electric support state (for example, 10/10), and when the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is long (for example, 2.00 seconds). 3), the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long period of time, and it is easy for the game balls to enter the second start port 22 frequently (winning). A gaming state. The non-short-time state is a gaming state in which the execution time of the special symbol lottery is a normal predetermined time, and the short-time state is a gaming state in which the execution time of the special symbol lottery is shortened compared to the non-short-time state. The jackpot game state is a game state in which a jackpot game is executed in which a special symbol lottery is won (winning) and the jackpot 23 is opened. In the present embodiment, the electric support state and the short-time state are controlled at the same time. However, in this gaming state, the gaming ball is likely to win a prize at the second starting port 22, so that the gaming ball is mostly Many special symbol lotteries can be executed in a short time without decreasing. In the following, a gaming state that is controlled to a low-accuracy state, a non-electric support state, and a non-short-time state is referred to as a `` normal gaming state '', and a gaming state that is controlled to a high-accuracy state, an electric support state, and a short-time state. It is called “probable gaming state”.

[Outline of the jackpot game in this embodiment]
Next, an outline of the jackpot game of the special symbol lottery in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery according to the present embodiment. (1) in FIG. 6 shows the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 21, and (2) in FIG. 6 shows the special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the second starting port 22. The breakdown of jackpot is shown.

  As shown in (1) of FIG. 6, the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 21 is that the winning probability of the jackpot A is 70% and the winning probability of the jackpot B is 30%. is there. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the special symbol lottery breakdown of the special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the second starting port 22 is that the winning probability of the big hit C is 50% and the winning probability of the big hit A is 20%. The winning probability of jackpot B is 30%. Below, with reference to (3) of FIG. 6, the jackpot game at the time of winning each jackpot AC is demonstrated.

  When the jackpot game that is executed when winning the jackpot A is started, after a predetermined opening time has elapsed, the big winning opening 23 is changed from the closed state to the open state (hereinafter simply referred to as “R”) There is a round game). In 1R, when 10 game balls are won in the big prize opening 23 or when the opening time is 29.5 seconds, the big prize opening 23 is changed from the open state to the closed state, and the 1R round game is ended. Then, after an interval period (for example, 2 seconds) between rounds is provided, the 2R round game is started after the grand prize opening 23 is opened as in the case of 1R, and the big prize opening 23 is closed. The 2R round game ends. Thereafter, similarly, a total of four round games are executed by opening and closing the special winning opening 23 across the interval period. Then, when the predetermined ending time has elapsed, the big hit game ends. Here, the player can obtain a total of about 500 prize balls during the jackpot game. Thereafter, the gaming state is controlled to the probability-changing gaming state from the end of the big hit game until the next winning of the special symbol lottery (more accurately, until the special symbol lottery is executed 9999 times).

  When the big hit game executed when the big win B is won, after a predetermined opening time has elapsed, a total of four round games are executed by opening and closing the big prize opening 23 with an interval period in between. Then, when the predetermined ending time has elapsed, the big hit game ends. Here, the player can obtain a total of about 500 prize balls during the jackpot game. Thereafter, the gaming state is controlled to the normal gaming state after the big hit game is finished.

  When the big hit game executed when the big hit C is won is started, a total of 16 round games are executed by opening and closing the big prize opening 23 with an interval period between them after a predetermined opening time. Then, when the predetermined ending time has elapsed, the big hit game ends. Here, the player can obtain a total of about 2000 prize balls during the jackpot game. Thereafter, the gaming state is controlled to the probability-changing gaming state from the end of the big hit game until the next winning of the special symbol lottery (more accurately, until the special symbol lottery is executed 9999 times).

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

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

  In step S901 in FIG. 7, first, the CPU 101 waits, for example, 2000 ms, and the process proceeds to step S902. Although not shown, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 can receive a signal from the main control unit 100 without performing standby processing. . That is, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 is in a state where processing can be started before the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S909, the CPU 101 executes a recovery process (see FIG. 9) described later, and the process proceeds to step S910.

  In step S910, the CPU 101 sets a cycle (4 ms) of a built-in CTC (timer counter). Note that the CPU 101 executes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 10) described later using the period set here. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S911.

  In step S911, the CPU 101 executes a power shutdown monitoring process (see FIG. 8) described later, and the process proceeds to step S912.

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

  In step S913, the CPU 101 updates (counts up) various initial value random numbers, and the process proceeds to step S914. Here, the initial value random number is used to determine the start value of various random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, variation pattern random number) counted up and updated in a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 10) described later. A plurality of initial value random numbers corresponding to various random numbers are prepared. The initial value random number includes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 10) that occurs every predetermined CTC period (4 ms) and a remaining time (that is, a process time required for the timer interrupt process from the predetermined CTC period). The count-up is updated both in the main process (see FIG. 7) processed during the subtracted time, and after reaching the set maximum value (for example, 299), it returns to the minimum value (for example, 0) again. Further, since this remaining time varies depending on the processing status of the CPU 101, it is a random time, and the number of updates of the initial random number that is updated with the remaining time is also random. On the other hand, as will be described in detail later, since various other random numbers (big hit random numbers, design random numbers, reach random numbers, fluctuation pattern random numbers) are updated only by timer interrupt processing (see FIG. 10), initial value random numbers are random number update processing. The processing cycle is different. In this way, due to the different processing cycles, for example, even if the random number range of the initial value random number and the big hit random number is the same (for example, 0 to 399), the initial value random number acquired as the start value of the big hit random number The value is random every time. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to predict the timing at which the big hit random number value that generates the big hit is acquired.

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

[Power-off monitoring process by the main control unit 100]
FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of the power shutdown monitoring process in step S911 of FIG. In step S9111, the CPU 101 prohibits the interrupt process, and the process proceeds to step S9112.

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

  In step S9113, the CPU 101 permits the interrupt process and ends the power shutdown monitoring process (the process moves to step S912 in FIG. 7).

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

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

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

  In step S9117, the CPU 101 prohibits access to the RAM 103 and ends the power-off monitoring process (the process moves to step S912 in FIG. 7).

[Restoration process by main control unit 100]
FIG. 9 is a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. First, in step S9091 of FIG. 9, the CPU 101 sets a work area of the RAM 103 at the time of restoration, and the process proceeds to step S9092.

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

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

  In step S9094, the CPU 101 sets the backup flag to “OFF” and ends the recovery process (the process moves to step S910 in FIG. 7).

[Timer interrupt processing of main control unit]
Next, a timer interrupt process executed in the main control unit 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100. Hereinafter, timer interrupt processing performed in the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control unit 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 10 at regular time intervals (4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Note that the processing performed by the main control unit 100 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 10 and subsequent figures is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 102.

  First, in step S1, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 serves as a starting value for updating various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers, and counting up each random number. Random number update processing for updating each initial value random number is executed. Here, the big hit random number is a random number for determining whether or not a special symbol lottery is won or lost (that is, performing a special symbol lottery). The symbol random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot when the special symbol lottery is won. The jackpot random number and the design random number are random numbers used in the process of step S407 in FIG. 14 described later. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed when a special symbol lottery is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation time (variation pattern) of the special symbol. Here, the variation time of the special symbol is equal to the execution time of the notification effect (variation effect) executed in synchronization with the variation of the special symbol. The reach random number and the variation pattern random number are used in the process of step S408 in FIG. 14 described later. In the random number update process of step S1, the big hit random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, etc. are each added and updated by one. That is, it is counted up. Each random number is acquired in the start port switch (SW) process in step S2 and the gate switch (SW) process in step S3, and is used in the special symbol process in step S4 and the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. Note that the counter that performs the processing of step S1 is typically a loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the variation pattern random number) (that is, the circulation counter). To do). In addition, in the random number update process of step S1, each counter such as a big hit random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number is initialized to an initial value corresponding to each random number at that time when the loop counter counts once. A random number is acquired, and the loop counter is newly started using the initial random number as a start value. The random number ranges such as jackpot random numbers, design random numbers, reach random numbers, and fluctuation pattern random numbers may be set arbitrarily, but by setting each to a different range, the counter value (count) (Value) is preferably set so as not to synchronize.

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

  Next, in step S3, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the gate switch 113 and, based on the output signal from the gate switch 113, determines that the game ball has passed through the gate 25. Is determined to be less than the upper limit value (for example, 4), and if it is determined that the number of holds is less than the upper limit value, a gate switch process for acquiring a random number used in the normal symbol process in step S5 described later is executed. .

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

  Next, in step S5, the CPU 101 executes a normal symbol process for determining whether or not the random number acquired in the gate switch process in step S3 matches a predetermined hit random number. Then, the CPU 101 stops and displays the normal symbol indicating the determination result after the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the normal symbol change time to be stopped and displayed after the normal symbol is variably displayed to 10 seconds in the non-time-short state and to 0.5 seconds in the time-short state. In addition, the CPU 101 sets the probability that the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e becomes a predetermined winning symbol (that is, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery) at a low probability (1/10) in the non-electric support state. However, in the electric support state, it is raised with a high probability (10/10).

  Next, in step S6, when it is determined that the special symbol lottery is won in the special symbol processing in step S4 (when a big hit is made), the CPU 101 controls the big prize opening / closing unit 115 to the special prize lot 23. A predetermined opening / closing operation is performed, and a big prize opening process for transmitting various commands related to a so-called jackpot game effect or the like to the effect control unit 400 is executed. By this processing, the big hit game (special game) is progressed, and the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. This special winning opening process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

  Next, in step S7, the CPU 101 performs electric driving when the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e by the normal symbol processing in step S5 is a predetermined winning symbol (that is, when the normal symbol lottery is won). An electric tulip process for operating the tulip 27 is executed. At that time, the CPU 101 controls the opening of the electric tulip 27 for a very short period (once for 0.10 seconds) in the non-electric support state, and the electric tulip 27 for a long period (three times for 2.00 seconds) in the electric support state. Open control. In addition, when the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be in the open state, a game ball can be won at the second start port 22, and when the game ball wins at the second start port 22, a second special symbol lottery is performed. Will be.

  Next, in step S <b> 8, the CPU 101 executes prize ball processing for managing the number of winning game balls and controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prize.

  Next, in step S9, the CPU 101 executes various commands and effects set in the RAM 103 by the start opening switch process in step S2, the special symbol process in step S4, the big winning opening process in step S6, the prize ball process in step S8, and the like. Output processing for outputting information necessary for the production control unit 400 or the payout control unit 300 is executed. The CPU 101 notifies each winning opening that a gaming ball has won each time the gaming ball wins the first starting opening 21, the second starting opening 22, the big winning opening 23, and the normal winning opening 24. Are set in the RAM 103, and the winning command is output to the effect control unit 400 or the payout control unit 300.

[About control time count processing]
Here, although explanation is omitted in the timer interrupt process described above with reference to FIG. 10, in this timer interrupt process, the CPU 101 measures a series of control times on the special symbol game side using one timer function. Control time count processing on the game side (referred to as “special game count processing”), and control time count processing on the normal symbol game side that measures a series of control times on the normal symbol game side using one timer function (“ The usual game count process ”is executed. The special figure game count process and the normal figure game count process are executed in order between the process of step S7 and the process of step S8 in FIG. 10, for example. In addition, the special symbol game waits for the winning of the game ball to the start opening (21 or 22), repeatedly executes the special symbol lottery in response to the winning of the game ball, and notifies the lottery result, When the special symbol lottery is won, the game is a big hit game. The normal symbol game waits for the game ball to pass to the gate 25, repeats the normal symbol lottery according to the passing of the game ball and informs the lottery result, and wins the normal symbol lottery. In this case, the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 (electric chew opening game) is executed.

  In the following, first, the special game count process will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the data used when executing the special game count process and the normal game count process, and the storage area (work area) of the RAM 103 of the main control unit 100.

  FIG. 11A shows the types of data (referred to as “special drawing side setting data”) for setting (specifying) the time to be counted on the special symbol game side. The special figure side setting data is data for setting which period of each period (time) of the special symbol game is measured. In each period (time) of this special symbol game, as shown in FIG. 11 (1), “Waiting for start opening prize”, “Displaying special symbol variation”, “Displaying special symbol stop”, "Opening display", "Rounding", "Large winning slot validity period", and "Ending display" are included.

  “Waiting for start entrance prize” is a state (period) in which a special symbol lottery related to the start entrance prize can be immediately executed to start displaying the variation of the special design when there is a start entrance prize. It is not a big hit game, and it is in a state where neither a special symbol change display nor a specified time stop display is displayed. “During special symbol variation display” is a state (period) in which special symbol lottery is executed according to the start opening winning and the special symbol variation display is performed on the display 4. “During special symbol stop display” is a state (period) in which the special symbol variably displayed on the display unit 4 is completely stopped and displayed for a specified time (0.5 seconds) in a display mode for notifying the special symbol lottery result. It is. “Opening display” is a state (period) in which an opening effect is displayed on the image display unit 6 informing that the special symbol lottery is won and that the big hit game has started. “During round” is a state (period) in which a round (round game) in which the big winning opening 23 is opened in the big hit game is being executed. “During the grand prize winning period” is a period of time that is arranged immediately after each round, and that the winning of the game ball to the big prize opening 23 is recognized as being valid despite the end of the round and the closing of the big prize opening 23 Thus, a so-called over-winning is recognized (in the big winning opening process described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the processing content of the over-winning is omitted for simplicity of explanation). ). In addition, in the period excluding the period during the round and the grand prize winning period, the winning of the game ball to the big prize opening 23 is not recognized as valid. “During ending display” is a state (period) in which an ending effect is displayed on the image display unit 6 to notify the end of the big hit game.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (1), for example, the special figure side setting data “00H” is data for setting “waiting for start opening prize”, for example, the special figure side setting data “01H” is “ This is data for setting “special symbol variation display”. These special figure side setting data are stored in the ROM 102.

  FIG. 11 (3) is a schematic diagram of a storage area (work area) of the RAM 103. As shown in FIG. 11 (3), the storage area of the RAM 103 includes a count target time setting area 10, a time count area 11, and a simple variation display time count area 12. The count target time setting area 10 includes a count target time setting area 10A (referred to as “area 10A”) on the special symbol game side and a count target time setting area 10B (referred to as “area 10B”) on the normal symbol game side. The time count area 11 includes a time count area 11A (referred to as “area 11A”) on the special symbol game side and a time count area 11B (referred to as “area 11B”) on the normal symbol game side. The simple variation display time count area 12 includes a special symbol display time count area 12A (referred to as "Area 12A") on the special symbol game side and a simple variation display time count area 12B ("Area 12B") on the normal symbol game side. Said).

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

  The CPU 101 sets the type of period (time) to be measured by the area 11A by writing the special setting side setting data in the area 10A, and writes the time data to be measured in the area 11A. In the timer interrupt process of FIG. By subtracting the time data value of the area 11A by 1 by the special figure game count process executed every millisecond, the progress of each period of the special symbol game is sequentially performed using one timer area (area 11A). Measure in order.

  In addition, when the special symbol variation display time is measured in the area 11A, the CPU 101 writes predetermined time data (“12”) in the area 12A and executes it every 4 milliseconds in the timer interrupt processing of FIG. When the value of the time data in the area 12A is subtracted by 1 by the special figure game count process to be 0, the predetermined time data ("12") is written again and the display mode of the special symbol is switched. As a result, when the special symbol is variably displayed in the 7-segment display on the first special symbol display 4a (or the second special symbol display 4b), the three display modes of the 7-segment display are changed every 48 milliseconds. It will be switched in order and displayed cyclically.

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

  As described above, according to this embodiment, a series of control times of the special symbol game is measured using one timer function (see 11A in FIG. 11 (3)). Here, in the conventional gaming machine, each control time (control time for special symbol variation display, control time for round execution, etc.) constituting the special symbol game was measured using an individual timer function. A separate time count area was provided for each control time constituting the special symbol game in the RAM storage area of the main control unit. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, the series of control times of the special symbol game is measured using one timer function, so that the calculation load can be effectively reduced. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the special symbol display 4a (or 4b) in the execution period of the special symbol variation display is configured to cyclically display three 7-segment display modes in turn every 48 milliseconds. For measuring the switching time, a timer function (see 12A in FIG. 11 (3)) different from the timer function (see 11A in FIG. 11 (3)) is used. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively suppress the complexity of the arithmetic processing.

  FIG. 12 is an example of a conceptual diagram of a variation time table used for setting the special symbol variation display time in the area 11A. This variation time table is stored in the ROM 102 and read out to the RAM 103 for use. As shown in FIG. 12, the variation time table includes a variation pattern identification number, data indicating basic variation time (seconds), and data indicating addition variation time (seconds). The identification number of the variation pattern is a number for identifying the variation pattern included in the variation pattern determination tables HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1, and HT2-2, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. The basic variation time is a basic variation time constituting a variation pattern (that is, a special symbol variation time). The added fluctuation time is an added fluctuation time constituting a fluctuation pattern. A time obtained by adding the basic fluctuation time and the addition fluctuation time is a fluctuation pattern (see FIGS. 15 to 18). For example, the variation pattern corresponding to the identification number 1 is 90.20 seconds obtained by adding the addition variation time 0.20 seconds to the basic variation time 95 seconds, and the variation pattern corresponding to the identification number 4 is the basic variation time 90 seconds. Is 90.10 seconds obtained by adding 0.10 seconds to the added fluctuation time. For example, the fluctuation pattern corresponding to the identification number 24 is the basic fluctuation time of 8 seconds.

  When the CPU 101 measures the special symbol fluctuation display time in the area 11A of FIG. 11 (3), the time data corresponding to the fluctuation pattern determined in the process of step S408 of FIG. (Time indicating data) is read from the fluctuation time table (FIG. 12) of the RAM 103, and the read time data is multiplied by 250 to be converted into time data adapted to time measurement processing executed in a cycle of 4 milliseconds, The converted time data is written in the area 11A of the RAM 103. For example, when the value of the time data indicating the variation pattern “90.10 seconds” corresponding to the identification number 4 is set in the area 11A, the basic variation time 90 seconds and the addition variation time 0.10 from the variation time table of the RAM 103. The time data indicating the second is read and added, and the added time data is multiplied by 250 to be converted into time data “22525” adapted to the arithmetic processing of a cycle of 4 milliseconds, and the converted time data “22525” is converted into the RAM 103. Is written in the area 11A. For reference, the time data that is multiplied by 250 and adapted to the arithmetic processing of a 4-millisecond cycle is described on the side of the variation time table in FIG. Things (see values in parentheses) are adjusted to natural numbers by rounding off.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the time data indicating the variation pattern (special symbol variation time) of the variation time table stored in the ROM 102 and read out to the RAM 103 is changed to the data indicating the time of “second” (that is, the division value). Time data (refer to the basic variation time portion of FIG. 12), and when setting the special symbol variation time, multiply by 250 to adapt the calculation processing to a 4-millisecond period (that is, the time of the multiplication value) Data; see the right side of the variable time table in FIG. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the data indicating the special symbol variation time in the variation time table may be suppressed to a data amount of 1 byte or less, the used memory area of the ROM 102 and the RAM 103 is effectively suppressed. be able to. Further, according to the present embodiment, for example, a special symbol variation time of 90.10 seconds, a special symbol variation time in which the data amount exceeds 1 byte even if indicated by the time data of the division value is the time of the additional variation time. A variable time table is configured by dividing the data (time data indicating the time after the decimal point) (see FIG. 12). Here, in FIG. 12, the same time data value is described for each variation pattern in the table of the added variation time portion for convenience of explanation, but actually the same time data value is duplicated in this table. Only one is stored. For example, in the table of the added fluctuation time part, five time data values of 0.01 seconds are shown for convenience of explanation in FIG. 12, but only one is actually stored. From this, according to the present embodiment, the used memory areas of the ROM 102 and the RAM 103 can be effectively suppressed. Here, in this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, 27 variation patterns are used (see FIG. 12). However, in an actual gaming machine, the variation pattern is enormous, 1000 to 10,000. For this reason, the above-described effect of suppressing the used memory area according to the present embodiment is enormous in an actual gaming machine.

  Next, a general game count process for measuring a series of control times on the normal symbol game side using one timer function will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 (2) shows types of data for setting (specifying) the time to be counted on the normal symbol game side (hereinafter, referred to as “normal drawing side setting data”). The normal-side setting data is data for setting which period of each period (time) of the normal symbol game is measured. In each period (time) of this normal symbol game, as shown in FIG. 11 (2), “waiting to pass through the gate”, “ordinary symbol variation display”, “normal symbol stop display”, “ “During electric Chu open / close control” and “during the second start port effective period” are included.

  “Waiting for gate passage” is a state (period) in which a normal symbol lottery related to this passage can be executed immediately when a game ball passes through the gate 25 to start display of fluctuation of the normal symbol. It is not during the opening / closing control of the tulip 27 (during the opening of the electric chew), it is not during the second starting port effective period, which will be described later, and it is in a state where neither the normal symbol variation display nor the specified time stop display is performed. “Normal symbol change display” is a state (period) in which a normal symbol lottery is executed in accordance with the passage of the game ball through the gate 25 and the normal symbol change display is executed on the display 4. “Normal symbol stop display” is a state (period) in which the normal symbol that has been variably displayed on the display unit 4 is completely stopped and displayed for a specified time (0.5 seconds) in a display mode for notifying the normal symbol lottery result. It is. “During electric Chu open / close control” is a state (period) in which the normal symbol lottery is won and the electric tulip 27 open / close control (electric Chu open game) is being executed. “During the second start port effective period” is a period during which a game ball winning to the second start port 22 is exceptionally recognized for a predetermined period immediately after the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 ends. During the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 (that is, even when the electric tulip 27 is closed), the game ball winning at the second starting port 22 is recognized as being effective, and the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 is being performed. During the period excluding the second start port effective period, the game ball winning to the second start port 22 is not recognized as effective.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (2), for example, the normal setting data “00K” is data for setting that “waiting to pass through the gate”. Further, the normal setting data is stored in the ROM 102.

  Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG. The area 11B is a timer area for measuring the passage of time for each period of the above-described ordinary symbol game (such as “ordinary symbol variation display”), and measures one passage of time by writing one piece of time data. This is a timer area. The area 10B is an area for setting the type of time to be measured in the area 11B by writing any one of the common map side setting data described with reference to FIG. In the area 12B, when the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e (see FIG. 2), two display modes of the malvaz display (the display mode in which only the circle is lit and the display in which only the symbol is lit) This is a timer area for measuring the time lapse of 48 milliseconds when executing the control of switching the display every 48 milliseconds and alternately displaying them, and writing one time data and measuring one time lapse. This is a timer area.

  The CPU 101 sets the type of period to be measured in the area 11B by writing the normal setting data in the area 10B, writes the time data to be measured in the area 11B, and every 4 milliseconds in the timer interrupt process of FIG. By subtracting the value of the time data of the area 11B by 1 by the normal game count process executed at the same time, the progress of each period of the normal symbol game is sequentially measured using one timer area (area 11B) in order. To do.

  Further, when the normal symbol variation display time is measured in the area 11B, the CPU 101 writes predetermined time data (“12”) in the area 12B and executes it every 4 milliseconds in the timer interrupt processing of FIG. When the value of the time data of the area 12B is subtracted by 1 by the usual game count process, the predetermined time data ("12") is written again and the display mode of the normal symbol is switched. As a result, when the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e, the two display modes of the malvaz display are switched every 48 milliseconds and alternately displayed.

  From the above, according to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the special figure game counting process already described can be realized in the common figure game counting process.

  In the configuration in which the series of control times of the special symbol game described above is measured using one timer function, winning in the big winning opening 23 is effective immediately after the big winning opening effective period in the control of the big hit game. There may be a period of suspension of the extra prize opening that is not considered.

  In addition, a control configuration capable of executing the special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display by the first special symbol lottery and the special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display by the second special symbol lottery in parallel, for example, The control time for special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display by one special symbol lottery and the control time for jackpot game by winning the first special symbol lottery are measured using one timer function, while the second The control time for the special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display by the special symbol lottery and the control time for the big hit game by the winning of the second special symbol lottery may be measured using one other timer function.

  In addition, when measuring a series of control times of a special symbol game and a normal symbol game using one timer function, the elapsed time to be measured is measured by “addition” processing instead of “subtraction” processing. It is good. In this case, for example, whether or not the value of the timer (11A) on the special symbol game side has reached the time data value “125” indicating the measurement target time (for example, the special symbol stop display time of 0.5 seconds). It becomes control which judges.

  Further, as described above, in addition to storing the same time data value in the addition variation time portion table of FIG. 12 without storing the same time data value redundantly, in the basic variation time portion table of FIG. However, the same time data value may not be stored redundantly, but only one may be stored, and the effect of suppressing the used memory area may be further enhanced.

  Moreover, you may measure the execution time of the various effects performed by the effect control part 400 grade | etc., By the method demonstrated above.

  This is the end of the description of the control time counting process.

[Start-up switch processing]
FIG. 13 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. Hereinafter, the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

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

  In step S202, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax1 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the number of first special symbol lotteries held from the ROM 102, and the number of retained U1 of the first special symbol lottery stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax1. If the determination in step S202 is YES, the process proceeds to step S203, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S <b> 203, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Further, the CPU 101 sets a winning command in the RAM 103 for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the first starting port 21. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S204.

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

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

  In step S <b> 206, the CPU 101 sets a first hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the first special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the first pending number increase command includes information (hereinafter referred to as “preliminary determination information”) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S205. In addition, the 1st reservation number increase command containing this prior determination information is output by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 10, and the lottery result with respect to the holding | maintenance of the 1st special symbol lottery becomes the symbol in the 1st special symbol lottery. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the change starts. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S207.

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

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

  In step S209, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding 1. Further, the CPU 101 sets a winning command in the RAM 103 for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the second starting port 22. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the second special symbol lottery and the like, They are stored in the RAM 103 in order. Each time the value of the second special symbol lottery holding number U2 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S404 in FIG. 14 to be described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is one set in order from the earlier storage time Deleted one by one. For this reason, for example, when the value of the holding number U2 of the second special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the processing of the last three steps S210 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. It will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S211.

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

  In step S <b> 212, the CPU 101 sets a second hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the second special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the second pending number increase command includes information (preliminary determination information) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S211. In addition, the 2nd reservation number increase command containing this prior determination information is output by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 10, and the lottery result with respect to the 2nd special symbol lottery hold is the symbol in the 2nd special symbol lottery. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the change starts. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 14 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 14, the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. 10 is demonstrated.

  First, in step S401, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines that the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game (a big hit game state) based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information by a flag). It is determined whether or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit game (special game) that is executed when the special symbol lottery is won. If the determination in step S401 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 10, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, the CPU 101 determines whether or not it is during the special symbol variable display period by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b. Here, the variation display period of the special symbol refers to a period including both a period during which the special symbol is actually variably displayed and a stop display period after the special symbol is stopped (specified time; 0.5 seconds). . If the determination in step S402 is yes, the process proceeds to step S411. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S403.

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S407, the CPU 101 executes a big hit determination process for determining whether the special symbol lottery is a big win or a loss. Specifically, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S404, the CPU 101 matches the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S404 with the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Whether the result of the second special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss is determined based on whether or not to do so. On the other hand, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S406, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S406 matches the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Based on this, it is determined whether the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. When the result of the special symbol lottery is determined to be lost, the CPU 101 sets a lost symbol indicating that the special symbol lottery has been lost in the RAM 103 as a special symbol stop symbol in the setting information. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, which of the predetermined values stored in the ROM 102 matches the symbol random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used for this determination? Based on this, the type of the big hit (one of the big hits A to D shown in FIG. 6) is determined. As can be seen from FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the expected value of the number of round games (number of rounds) executed when the second special symbol lottery is won is determined when the first special symbol lottery is won. Greater than expected number of rounds to be executed. That is, the profit degree when winning the second special symbol lottery is larger than the profit degree when winning the first special symbol lottery. The degree of profit is not limited to the number of winning prize balls depending on the number of rounds as described above. For example, in the gaming state controlled after the big hit (probability of being controlled in the high probability state after the big hit, the number of short times) There may be. Then, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, information on the jackpot symbol representing the jackpot and the type of jackpot as information on the stop symbol of the special symbol in the setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S408.

[Variation pattern selection processing]
In step S408, the CPU 101 executes variation pattern selection processing. Specifically, in step S408, in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state), the CPU 101 uses the variation pattern determination tables HT1-1 and HT1-2 shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. State), the fluctuation pattern is determined (selected) for each special symbol lottery using the fluctuation pattern determination tables HT2-1 and HT2-2 shown in FIGS. Here, this variation pattern is a special symbol variation time which is a time from when the special symbol is variably displayed on the display 4 until it is stopped and displayed, and this special symbol variation time is synchronized with the execution time of the notification effect. It is the same time as the execution time of the notification effect. The variation pattern includes a time from when the variation display of the special symbol is started on the display 4 until it is stopped, and a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) for which the special symbol is continuously stopped from the stop. It's time. Hereinafter, the variation pattern determination tables HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1, and HT2-2 may be simply referred to as HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1, and HT2-2.

  First, a case where a variation pattern is selected using HT1-1 and HT1-2 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state) will be described. FIG. 15 is a table used for determining the variation pattern when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state). FIG. 16 is a table used for determining the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state).

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

  In step S408, when the CPU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in the first special symbol lottery in the big hit determination process in step S407, the random number and variation pattern read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407. A variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined based on the random number. Specifically, when the design random number is a value corresponding to the jackpot A, the CPU 101 determines that each of the fluctuation pattern random numbers (any one of 0 to 299) is the “big hit A” portion of the HT1-1. A variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined based on which of the random number values assigned to the variation pattern matches. For example, when the design random number is a value corresponding to the jackpot A and the variation pattern random number is “78”, the CPU 101 is assigned to the variation pattern “90.03 seconds” of the “big hit A” portion of HT1-1. Therefore, “90.03 seconds” is determined as the variation pattern. Here, as indicated by HT1-1, the fluctuation patterns “15.01 seconds”, “40.01 seconds”, “40.02 seconds”, “40” of the “big hit A” portion and the “big hit B” portion. .03 seconds ”,“ 90.01 seconds ”,“ 90.02 seconds ”,“ 90.03 seconds ”,“ 90.04 seconds ”,“ 90.05 seconds ”, and“ 90.11 seconds ” The types of performance patterns of the notification effect are “per reach”, “per third SP”, “per second SP”, “per first SP”, “per fifth SPSP”, “per fourth SPSP”, “per third SPSP”, “per third SPSP”. It corresponds to “per 2SPSP”, “per first SPSP”, and “per sixth SPSP”. Note that “per reach” is a type that hits big after reaching reach, and “per first SP” to “per third SP” are types that hit big after finally developing to SP reach, “per first SPSP” “Sixth SPSP” is a type that is a big hit after finally developing to SPSP reach.

  In addition, “95.01 seconds” and “95.02 seconds” are defined as variation patterns in the “big hit A” portion, and random value ranges “294 to 296” and “297 to 299” are respectively allocated. Yes. This variation pattern “95.01 seconds” corresponds to the effect pattern type “per 6th SPSP revival” of the notification effect. “Sixth SPSP revival hit” is a type in which, after developing to the sixth SPSP reach, the big hit is not notified as it is, and after losing is suggested, the big hit is finally made. This variation pattern “95.01 seconds” can be selected only in the case of a specific jackpot (that is, the jackpot A in the first special symbol lottery), and is not included in the jackpot B portion and the loss portion. It is a pattern. The variation pattern “95.02 seconds” corresponds to the effect pattern type “per 5th SPSP revival” of the notification effect. “Fifth SPSP revival hit” is a type in which, after developing to the fifth SPSP reach, the jackpot is not notified as it is, and after losing is suggested once, it finally becomes a jackpot. This variation pattern “95.02 seconds” is a variation pattern that can be selected in both cases of big hit A and big hit B, but is not included in the lost portion.

  The variation pattern “90.11” is a variation pattern that can be selected only in the case of the big win of the first special symbol lottery and is not included in the lost portion.

  Note that the reach (reach effect) is, for example, when a changing decorative symbol that is stopped last among a plurality of decorative symbols in a notification effect is stopped and displayed with a specific symbol. It is an effect that expects to be a big hit symbol pattern together with the symbol. Typically, the right and left decorative symbols are stopped at the same symbol (for example, 7), and the central ornament that stops at the end This is an effect that is variably displayed in the expectation that the symbol stops at the same symbol (for example, 7) (that is, it becomes a doublet 777). The SP reach is generally referred to as super reach or special reach, and is an effect that further expects to win more than reach, for example, an effect of a moving image in which a hero character plays a mini game. In addition, SPSP reach is generally called super super reach or special special reach, and is an effect that further expects a big hit than SP reach production. For example, it is a production of a moving image in which a hero character fights against an enemy character. is there.

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

  Specifically, the CPU 101 determines the reach random number (0) read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S407 when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “1” or “2”. ˜99) is included in the reach random number value range “0-69” of the number of holdings “1, 2” of “losing” of HT1-1, or the reach random number value range It is determined whether it is included in “70 to 99”.

  Then, when the read reach random number is included in the reach random number value range “0 to 69”, the CPU 101 reads the fluctuation pattern random number (0) read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407. ˜299) is included in the variation pattern random value range “0-59” or in the variation pattern random value range “60-299”. Then, when the fluctuation pattern random number is included in the fluctuation pattern random value range “0 to 59”, the CPU 101 determines “8.00 seconds” as the fluctuation pattern, and the fluctuation pattern random number is changed to the fluctuation pattern random value range “ In the case of “60 to 299”, “13.50 seconds” is determined as the variation pattern. Here, as indicated by HT1-1, the variation patterns “8.00 seconds” and “13.50 seconds” both correspond to the effect pattern type “immediately lost”. “Immediately lost” is a type of production pattern that immediately loses without reaching reach.

  On the other hand, when the read reach random number is included in the reach random number value range “70 to 99”, the CPU 101 reads the variation pattern random number (0) read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407. ˜299) is included in the variation pattern random value range assigned to each variation pattern in the above reach random value range “70 to 99” of HT1-1. Then, the variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined. For example, when the variation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S407 is “260”, the CPU 101 determines the variation pattern random value assigned to the variation pattern “40.05 seconds”. Since it is included in the range “256 to 271”, “40.05 seconds” is determined as the variation pattern. Here, as indicated by HT1-1, the fluctuation patterns “15.02 seconds”, “40.04 seconds”, “40.05 seconds” of the above-described reach random number value range “70 to 99” of HT1-1. ”,“ 40.06 seconds ”,“ 90.06 seconds ”,“ 90.07 seconds ”,“ 90.08 seconds ”,“ 90.09 seconds ”, and“ 90.10 seconds ” Production pattern types “Leach Loss”, “3rd SP Loss”, “2nd SP Loss”, “1st SP Loss”, “5th SPSP Loss”, “4th SPSP Loss”, “3rd SPSP Loss”, “2nd SPSP Loss” and This corresponds to “first SPSP loss”. Further, “Leach Loss” is a type that loses after the reach is established, and “First SP Loss” to “3rd SP Loss” are types that finally lose after being developed into SP Reach, and “First SPSP Loss” to “ “Fifth SPSP Loss” is a type that loses after finally developing into SPSP reach.

  In addition, when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, the CPU 101 basically performs the variation pattern in the same manner as when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “1” or “2”. To decide. However, when the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, as shown in HT1-1, the CPU 101 has the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery being “1” or “2”. On the other hand, the reach random value range “0-69” is replaced with “0-79”, the reach random value range “70-99” is replaced with “80-99”, and the fluctuation pattern “8.00 seconds”. The variable pattern random value range “0 to 59” assigned to “0” to “209” is replaced with “0 to 209”, and the fluctuation pattern random value range “60 to 299” assigned to the fluctuation pattern “13.50 seconds” is changed to “210 to 299”. The variation pattern is determined by the random value range replaced with “”.

  In addition, when the number of holds for the first special symbol lottery is “4”, the CPU 101 basically performs the variation pattern similarly to the case where the number of holds for the first special symbol lottery is “1” or “2”. To decide. However, when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “4”, the CPU 101, as shown in HT1-1, when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “1” or “2”. On the other hand, the reach random value range “0-69” is replaced with “0-84”, the reach random value range “70-99” is replaced with “85-99”, and the fluctuation pattern “8.00 seconds” The variable pattern random value range “0 to 59” allocated to the variable pattern is replaced with “210 to 269”, and the random pattern value range “60 to 299” allocated to the variable pattern “13.50 seconds” is converted to “270 to 299”. In addition, according to the random value range of the content to which the variation pattern “3.00 seconds” to which the variation pattern random value range “0 to 209” is assigned in correspondence with the production pattern type “immediately lost” is added, Deciding the fluctuation pattern To.

  As described above with reference to the variation pattern determination table HT1-1 shown in FIG. 15, when the first special symbol lottery is lost in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state), the number of first special symbol lottery holds The smaller the variation is, the easier it is to select the variation pattern with reach, and when the variation pattern without reach is selected, the smaller the number of the first special symbol lottery is, the easier the variation pattern is selected.

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

[Non-time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the second special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, the determination of the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state) will be described with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines the variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performs processing for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 15, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It is different in that processing is performed on the second special symbol lottery using HT1-2 shown in FIG. Here, HT1-2 shown in FIG. 16 is different from HT1-1 shown in FIG. 15 in that “the number of first special symbol lottery hold” is replaced with “the number of second special symbol lottery hold”. Only different. That is, while the variation pattern determination process described with reference to FIG. 15 takes into account the number of first special symbol lottery holds, the variation pattern determination process takes into account the number of second special symbol lottery holds. The

[Time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the first special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, the determination of the variation pattern when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the probability variation gaming state (short time state) will be described with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performs processing for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 15, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It differs by the point which processes with respect to a 1st special symbol lottery using HT2-1 shown. Here, in the case of HT2-1 shown in FIG. 17, when “no reach” is selected by “reach random number” in “losing”, the fluctuation pattern “13.50 seconds” (regardless of the number of the first special symbol lottery hold) ( This is different from HT1-1 shown in FIG.

[Time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the second special symbol lottery]
The determination of the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the probability variation gaming state (short time state) will be described below with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performs processing for the first special symbol lottery using the HT2-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 17, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It is different in that processing is performed for the second special symbol lottery using HT2-2 shown in FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 18, HT2-2 replaces HT1-1 shown in FIG. 15 with “the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery” replaced with “the number of holdings of the second special symbol lottery”. ing. That is, while the variation pattern determination process described with reference to FIG. 15 takes into account the number of first special symbol lottery holds, the variation pattern determination process takes into account the number of second special symbol lottery holds. The Further, as shown in FIG. 18, in HT2-2, when the number of holds in the second special symbol lottery “1” in “losing” is “1” and no reach is selected by the reach random number, the variation pattern “13” is uniformly set. .50 seconds "is determined. Also, as shown in FIG. 13-2, in HT2-2, in the case of the second special symbol lottery holding number “2-4” in “losing”, when no reach is selected by the reach random number, the fluctuation pattern The fluctuation pattern “2.00 seconds” is determined in the random value range “0 to 239”, the fluctuation pattern “4.00 seconds” is determined in the fluctuation pattern random value range “240 to 269”, and the fluctuation pattern random value range “ In “270 to 299”, the fluctuation pattern “10.00 seconds” is determined.

  Here, as described in the processing in steps S403 to S406, in this embodiment, the second special symbol lottery hold is digested in preference to the first special symbol lottery hold. Further, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), as described in the processing of steps S5 and S7 in FIG. 10, the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long period of time, and the game ball is frequently won at the second starting port 22. Therefore, the second special symbol lottery is executed frequently and continuously. Further, as described in the processing in step S407, the second special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the second starting port 22 is more than the first special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 21. However, there are many winning ratios of probability variation big hits (big hits with a large profit for the player) that are controlled in the probability variation gaming state (short time state) until the next big hit. Therefore, conversely, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), when the first special symbol lottery is executed, the normal big hit (big hit with a small profit for the player) that will be controlled to the normal gaming state It can be said that there is a greater possibility of winning. In the present embodiment, as described above using HT2-2 in FIG. 18, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), when the number of second special symbol lottery hold is 2 to 4 and there is no reach While it is easy to select a short-time fluctuation pattern (2.00 seconds, 4.00 seconds) and the second special symbol lottery is suspended at high speed, 2 When the number of special symbol lotteries held is 1 and there is no reach, be sure to select a long-term fluctuation pattern (13.50 seconds) to control the first special symbol lottery that is relatively unfavorable to the player. ing. Further, in the present embodiment, as described with reference to HT2-1 in FIG. 17, even if the first special symbol lottery that is relatively disadvantageous to the player is executed in the probability variation gaming state (time-short state), In all cases where the number of first special symbol lotteries is 1 to 4, if there is no reach, a long-term variation pattern (13.50 seconds) must be selected, and a game ball wins the second starting port 22 The second special symbol lottery that is relatively advantageous to the player is controlled so as to earn time.

  Information on the variation pattern determined in step S408 as described above (that is, it can be said that the execution time of the notification effect: the information about the type of the effect pattern of the notification effect) is set in the RAM 103 as setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S409.

  In step S409, the CPU 101 generates a notification effect start command including the setting information set by the jackpot determination process in step S407 and the setting information set by the variation pattern selection process in step S408, and sets the notification effect start command in the RAM 103. Here, the notification effect start command is a command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to start the notification effect by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, and the like. The setting information included in the notification effect start command includes information indicating which of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery has been executed. Further, the CPU 101 sets a gaming state notification command indicating the current gaming state (for example, a probable variation gaming state) in the RAM 103. The notification effect start command and the gaming state notification command described above are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S410.

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

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

  In step S <b> 412, the CPU 101 sets a notification effect stop command instructing the end of the notification effect by the image display unit 6 or the like in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S413. Note that the notification effect stop command set in step S412 is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG.

  In step S413, the CPU 101 ends the special symbol variation display by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b started in the process of step S410, and the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b. On the symbol display 4b, the symbol for notifying the special symbol lottery result is displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) in a stopped state. At this time, the CPU 101 sets a symbol determination command in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S414.

  In step S414, the CPU 101 executes a stop process. Specifically, when the CPU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in step S407, the information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information based on a flag) is in the big hit game (the big hit game state). And an opening command for instructing the start of the big hit game effect is set in the RAM 103.

  In step S415, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a customer waiting command and a gaming state notification command indicating the current gaming state have already been transmitted in the process of step 416 (described later). Here, the customer waiting command is a command that is transmitted when there is no special symbol lottery hold, and in a state where a notification effect for notifying the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not executed (so-called customer waiting state). It is a command to notify that it has become. If the determination in step S415 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 10, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S416.

  In step S <b> 416, the CPU 101 sets a customer waiting command and a gaming state notification command in the RAM 103. The customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 in FIG. 10, and a predetermined stop effect (for example, an effect of displaying a decorative symbol stop) is started based on the customer waiting command. Is done. When a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) elapses after the stop effect described above is started, the customer waiting effect is started. Here, the customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect in which a video related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 is displayed on the image display unit 6, for example, a predetermined effect ( For example, the image display unit 6 displays a part of the reach effect). Thereafter, the processing moves to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG.

[Large winning prize processing]
19 and 20 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the special winning a prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. Hereinafter, the special winning opening process in step S6 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 19 and FIG.

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

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

  In step S <b> 603, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a set opening time that defines the execution time of the opening effect has elapsed. If the determination in step S603 is YES, the process proceeds to step S604. If the determination is NO, the opening effect has not ended, and the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 604, the CPU 101 sets the total number of rounds Rmax for the jackpot game and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 for the jackpot game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the number of rounds included in the jackpot game (Rmax: “4” or “16” in this embodiment) and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 during the jackpot game, and the setting information Is set in the RAM 103. By the process of step S604, the total number of rounds Rmax of the jackpot game, the interval time between rounds in the jackpot game, the set ending time that is the time for performing the ending effect at the end of the jackpot game, and the like are set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S605.

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

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

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

  In step S <b> 608, the CPU 101 sets a round start notification command for notifying a round start (round game start) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 10, and the round effect is started. The round start notification command includes information indicating the total number of rounds Rmax set in step S604 and information indicating the current number of rounds R updated by the process in step S606. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S612.

  In step S609, the CPU 101 determines based on the information stored in the RAM 103 whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in the big hit game interval. If the determination in step S609 is yes, the process proceeds to step S610. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S611.

  In step S610, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set interval time in the jackpot game set in the process in step S604 has elapsed since the big winning opening 23 was closed at the end of the previous round in the jackpot game. To do. If the determination in step S610 is YES, it is time to start the next round in the jackpot game, so the process moves to step S605. If this determination is NO, the next round in the jackpot game is started. Since the timing is not reached, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 611, the CPU 101 determines whether the state of the gaming machine 1 is executing the jackpot game ending effect based on the information stored in the RAM 103. If the determination in step S611 is YES, the process proceeds to step S621 in FIG. 20, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S612.

  In step S612, the CPU 101 determines that the state of the gaming machine 1 is in the big win game round, and based on the output signal from the big prize opening switch 114, whether or not the game ball has won the big prize opening 23. Determine whether. If the determination in step S612 is YES, the process moves to step S613. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S614.

  In step S <b> 613, the CPU 101 determines that a winning of game balls to the big winning opening 23 has been detected, and updates the winning number C of game balls stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. The processing in step S613 is executed each time a game ball wins the big winning opening 23, so that the total number of game balls (winning number C) won in the big winning opening 23 during one round is accumulated and stored in the RAM 103. To go. In addition, the CPU 101 sets a winning command for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the big winning opening 23 in the RAM 103. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 in FIG. 10, and the winning process instruction in step S125 in FIG. 23 is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S614.

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

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

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

  In step S617, the CPU 101 sets a round end notification command for notifying the end of round (round game end) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 10, and the round effect is ended. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S618.

  In step S618, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the current round number R stored in the RAM 103 has reached the maximum round number Rmax of the big hit game set in the process of step S604. If the determination in step S618 is YES, the process proceeds to step S619 in FIG. 20, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S619 in FIG. 20, the CPU 101 resets the number of rounds R stored in the RAM 103 to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S620.

  In step S620, the CPU 101 sets an ending command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to execute the ending effect of the big hit game in the RAM 103. The ending command set in this process is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 in step S9 (output process) in FIG. As the ending command, a command corresponding to the jackpot symbol and the gaming state controlled after the end of the jackpot game is transmitted. Control the production of (after). Specifically, in the case of an ending command corresponding to a jackpot symbol indicating a jackpot (for example, jackpot A shown in FIG. 6) that is controlled in the probability change gaming state after the jackpot, the game is controlled to the probability change gaming state after the jackpot game ends. When the ending command indicating that the effect is transmitted, the effect control unit 400 executes the effect in the effect mode indicating the probability variation game state after the jackpot game effect is ended based on the ending command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S621.

  In step S621, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set ending time set in the process of step S604 in FIG. 19 has elapsed since the ending command was set in the RAM 103 in step S620. If the determination in step S621 is YES, the process proceeds to step S622. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

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

  In step S623, the CPU 101 executes a game state setting process. Specifically, when the jackpot game is ended in step S622, the CPU 101 switches the gaming state according to the type of jackpot (the jackpot symbol) this time (that is, the winning probability setting of the special symbol lottery and the electric tulip 27) Switch open settings). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

[Timer interrupt processing by production control unit]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400. Below, with reference to FIG. 21, the timer interruption process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 is demonstrated. The production control unit 400 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 21 at regular time intervals (4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. Note that the processing performed by the effect control unit 400 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 21 and subsequent figures is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 402.

  First, in step S11, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 receives various commands output from the main control unit 100 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 10, sets the effect contents according to the received command, A command reception process for setting various commands in the RAM 403 for instructing the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute the effect of the set effect content is executed. This command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, in step S12, the CPU 401 executes output processing for outputting various commands set in the RAM 403 in the processing of steps S11 and S12 to the image sound control unit 500 and the like. By this process, various effects determined to be executed in the process of step S11 are executed by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, the panel lamp 8, and the like by the execution control of the image sound control unit 500 and the like.

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

[Command reception processing]
22 and 23 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the command receiving process in step S11 of FIG. Hereinafter, the command reception process in step S11 of FIG. 21 will be described with reference to FIG. 22 and FIG.

  First, in step S111 of FIG. 22, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not a hold increase command (first hold number increase command or second hold number increase command) is received from the main control unit 100 ( (See steps S206 and S212 in FIG. 13). If the determination in step S111 is YES, the process proceeds to step S112. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S112, the CPU 401 performs a prefetch notice effect setting process. Specifically, the CPU 401 stores the special symbol lottery hold number (the number of hold data) stored in the RAM 403 one or more including the hold added in step S112, and stores it in the RAM 403 most recently. Whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice effect is determined by lottery or the like based on the prior determination information (that is, included in the latest pending data). For example, the CPU 401 determines that the prior determination information indicates “big hit”, “losing” and “reach effect” (reach effect), or “losing” and “reach effect”. In each of the cases indicating “None” (no reach reach), a pre-read random number (effect random number) is acquired, and when the pre-read random number matches a predetermined pre-read winning value, it is determined to execute the pre-read notice effect. . It should be noted that different numbers may be set for the pre-reading winning values depending on whether the pre-determination information is “big hit”, “losing with reach”, or “losing without reach”. Specifically, by setting the number of prefetch winning values in the case of “big hit” larger than the number of prefetching winning values in the case of “losing with reach”, a prefetching notice effect is easily performed in the case of “big hit”. It may be a thing. If it is determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect, the CPU 401 performs a pre-reading notice to be executed by lottery or the like from a number of pre-reading notice effect patterns that satisfy the conditions of the prior determination information (such as the condition of whether or not a big hit). Set the contents of the production. That is, as the pre-reading notice effect, what kind of notice effect is performed in each notification effect is set. Note that the pre-reading notice effect may be, for example, a continuous notice effect that suggests the possibility of a big hit over a plurality of notification effects. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 in response to the hold increase command received in the process of step S111, and performs an additional display process of the hold image indicating the special symbol lottery hold on the image display unit 6. Do. The displayed hold image is deleted in order when the notification effect is started based on the process of step S115 described later. Also, the instruction to the image sound control unit 500 is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. In addition, when the CPU 401 receives the first hold number increase command, the RAM 403 causes the RAM 403 to store one piece of data (hold data) indicating the hold of the first special symbol lottery in time series, while the second hold number When the increase command is received, the RAM 403 stores one piece of data (holding data) indicating the holding of the second special symbol lottery in time series order. At that time, the CPU 401 extracts pre-determination information included in the hold increase command, includes it in the above-described hold data, and stores it in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S114, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect start command and the gaming state notification command set in step S409 of FIG. 14 have been received. If the determination in step S114 is YES, the process proceeds to step S115, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S115, the CPU 401 sets the effect content of the notification effect by the image display unit 6 or the like according to the notification effect start command received in the process of step S114, and executes the notification effect of the set content. A notification effect execution process for instructing and starting 500 is performed. Here, the notification effect (variation effect) is an effect that is executed in the image display unit 6 or the like according to the variation display of the special symbol and suggests the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the decorative symbol is variably displayed. This is an effect in which the result of the special symbol lottery is notified when the decorative symbol that is variably displayed is stopped and displayed. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. This notification effect execution process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect stop command set in the process of step S412 in FIG. 14 has been received. If the determination in step S116 is YES, the process proceeds to step S117, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

  In step S117, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to end the notification effect started to be executed in the process of step S115, and finally stops all the decorative symbols that have been variably displayed (confirmed). Stop the display) and inform the effect of the special symbol lottery. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

  In step S120 in FIG. 23, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the opening command set in the stopping process in step S414 in FIG. 14 has been received. If the determination in step S120 is yes, the process proceeds to step S121. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S121, the CPU 401 issues an opening effect instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start the opening effect of the big hit game effect. Here, the opening effect is an effect for notifying the start of the big hit game, and is typically an image effect that prompts the player to launch a game ball toward the big prize opening 23. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S122, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round start notification command set in the process of step S608 in FIG. 19 has been received. If the determination in step S122 is YES, the process proceeds to step S123, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S123, the CPU 401 issues a round effect start instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start a round effect process of a big hit game effect. Here, the round effect is an effect executed during the round game of the big hit game, for example, an effect by an image or the like in which the main character is fighting an enemy character. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S124, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the winning command set in the process of step S613 in FIG. 19 and output in the output process of step S9 in FIG. 10 has been received. If the determination in step S124 is YES, the process proceeds to step S125, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S125, the CPU 401 issues a winning process instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start a winning process. Here, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 that has received an instruction to start the winning process from the effect control unit 400, based on the winning command received via the effect control unit 400, each winning port (first start port). 21, the second starting port 22, the big winning port 23, the normal winning port 24) are counted and stored in the RAM 503. In addition, when the CPU 501 receives a winning command based on a game ball winning at the big winning opening 23 (that is, when one gaming ball wins at the big winning opening 23), the number of winning balls corresponding to the big winning opening 23 is "13". Is added to the total number of prize balls stored in the RAM 503 and updated, and the updated total number of prize balls is displayed on the image display unit 6. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S126, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round end notification command set in the process of step S617 in FIG. 19 has been received. If the determination in step S126 is YES, the process proceeds to step S127, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S127, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to end the round effect of the big hit game effect. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S128, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the ending command set in the process of step S620 in FIG. 20 has been received. If the determination in step S128 is YES, the process proceeds to step S129, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S129, the CPU 401 issues an ending effect instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start the ending effect of the big hit game effect. Here, the ending effect is an effect of notifying the end of the big hit game, and is typically an effect of displaying the mark of the manufacturer of the gaming machine 1. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S130.

  In step S130, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command set in the process of step S416 in FIG. 14 have been received. If the determination in step S130 is yes, the process proceeds to step S131. If the determination is no, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

  In step S131, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start the stop state process based on the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command received in step S130. Then, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG. Here, the stop state process is a process that is started when a so-called customer waiting state is entered, and the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 instructed to start the stop state process has a predetermined value corresponding to the game state. A stop effect (for example, an effect in which all decorative symbols are stopped and displayed) is displayed on the image display unit 6. When the CPU 501 does not receive an instruction for another effect from the CPU 401 when a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the stop effect described above, the CPU 501 starts the customer waiting effect. Note that the customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect of causing the image display unit 6 to display a video related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1, or a predetermined effect (eg, reach effect) executed during the game. ) Is displayed on the image display unit 6. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. However, if the CPU 501 is notified of the information indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 25 or the information indicating that the game ball has won the normal winning opening, the CPU 501 continues without stopping the stop state process. .

[Outline of effects executed by gaming machine according to the present embodiment]
Here, an outline of effects that can be executed by the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 24 is a time chart showing an outline of effect patterns that can be selected by the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment.

  FIG. 24A is a diagram illustrating an effect pattern of “sixth SPSP reach effect → success effect” that can be executed when the variation pattern “90.11 seconds” in FIG. 15 is selected. In the production pattern of “sixth SPSP reach production → success production”, after the special symbol change display (notification production) is started, the reach is established and the sixth SPSP reach production is developed. When a predetermined time elapses from the start of the sixth SPSP reach effect, a display prompting the operation of the effect button is displayed, and when a predetermined operation input is made from the effect button during the operation valid period, a successful effect is executed. This successful effect is an effect of notifying that a special symbol lottery has been won. Thereafter, the big hit is confirmed and notified, and the notification effect (variation display of special symbol variation) is terminated. As described with reference to FIG. 15, the variation pattern “90.11 seconds” is a variation pattern that can be selected when the type of jackpot specified by the design random number is either jackpot A or jackpot B. Therefore, when the production pattern “sixth SPSP reach production → success production” corresponding to the fluctuation pattern of “90.11 seconds” is selected, the success game is a big hit (that is, the big win) A or B) is notified.

  FIG. 24B is a diagram showing an effect pattern of “sixth SPSP reach effect → failure effect → effect per revival” that can be executed when the variation pattern “95.01 seconds” in FIG. 15 is selected. Also in this effect pattern, as in FIG. 24A, after the special symbol variation display (notification effect) is started, reach is established and the sixth SPSP reach effect is developed. When a predetermined time elapses from the start of the sixth SPSP reach effect, a display prompting the operation of the effect button is displayed, and when it is detected that a predetermined operation input is made from the effect button during the operation valid period, the failure effect is executed. This failure effect is an effect that suggests that the special symbol lottery has been lost. After the failure production is finished, the screen returns to the normal screen, and the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped in a lost state. Here, the temporary stop is apparently stopped in a state where the decorative symbol is visible, but for example, it is in a state of slightly swinging up and down and left and right, and has not yet stopped completely. Say. When a predetermined time elapses after temporarily suspending the decorative design of the lose, a per-resurrection effect is provided to notify that the special symbol lottery has been won. When the failure production is performed and the player returns to the normal screen in the state of losing (temporarily stopped due to irregular decorations), the player recognizes that he has lost, but then suddenly the movable accessory is activated. Or by giving a rebirth effect such as a sudden change in the display content of the image display unit 6 and notifying the big hit, it can be revived and look like a big hit. Thereafter, the big hit is confirmed and notified, and the notification effect (variation display of special symbol variation) is terminated.

  Normally, the failure effect executed in the SPSP reach effect or the like is often performed to notify that the result of the special symbol lottery is a loss, but as described with reference to FIG. "Second" is a variation pattern that can be selected only when the type of jackpot identified by the design random number is jackpot A. Therefore, when the production pattern “sixth SPSP reach production → failure production → reproduction per revival” corresponding to the fluctuation pattern of “95.01 seconds” is selected, a specific big hit (big hit) is performed by executing the failure production. A) will be notified that he has won.

  24A and 24B, the same effect is performed from the start of the sixth SPSP reach effect until the start of the success effect or the failure effect. Therefore, the player cannot grasp which effect pattern is the sixth SPSP effect until the player operates the effect button and sees either the success effect or the failure effect.

  FIG. 25 is a time chart showing an outline of effect patterns that can be selected by the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment.

  FIG. 25A is a diagram illustrating an effect pattern “fifth SPSP reach effect → success effect” that can be executed when the variation pattern “90.01 seconds” of FIG. 15 is selected. In the production pattern of “5th SPSP reach production → success production”, after the special symbol change display (notification production) is started, reach is established and the 5th SPSP reach production is developed. When a predetermined time elapses from the start of the fifth SPSP reach effect, a display prompting the operation of the effect button is displayed, and when it is detected that a predetermined operation input is made from the effect button during the operation valid period, the successful effect is executed. Thereafter, the big hit is confirmed and notified, and the notification effect (variation display of special symbol variation) is terminated. As described with reference to FIG. 15, the variation pattern “90.01 seconds” is a variation pattern that can be selected when the type of jackpot specified by the design random number is either jackpot A or jackpot B. Accordingly, when the production pattern of “5th SPSP reach production → success production” corresponding to the fluctuation pattern of “90.01 seconds” is selected, the success has been won (ie, the big win) A or B) is notified.

  FIG. 25B is a diagram showing an effect pattern “fifth SPSP reach effect → failure effect → effect per revival” that can be executed when the variation pattern “95.02 seconds” in FIG. 15 is selected. Also in this effect pattern, as in FIG. 25A, after the change display (notification effect) of the special symbol is started, reach is established and the fifth SPSP reach effect is developed. When a predetermined time elapses from the start of the fifth SPSP reach effect, a display prompting the operation of the effect button is displayed, and when it is detected that a predetermined operation input is made from the effect button during the operation valid period, the failure effect is executed. After the failure production is finished, the screen returns to the normal screen, and the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped in a lost state. When a predetermined time elapses after temporarily suspending the decorative design of the lose, a per-resurrection effect is provided to notify that the special symbol lottery has been won.

  FIG. 25C is a diagram showing an effect pattern of “fifth SPSP reach effect → failure effect” that can be executed when the variation pattern “90.06 seconds” of FIG. 15 is selected. Also in this effect pattern, as in FIG. 25 (b), after the special symbol variation display (notification effect) is started, reach is established and the fifth SPSP reach effect is developed. When a predetermined time elapses from the start of the fifth SPSP reach effect, a display prompting the operation of the effect button is displayed, and when it is detected that a predetermined operation input is made from the effect button during the operation valid period, the failure effect is executed. After the failure production is finished, the screen returns to the normal screen, and the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped in a lost state. When a predetermined time elapses after temporarily suspending the lost decorative symbols, the decorative symbols are irregularly stopped and finally stopped, and the fact that the special symbol lottery has been lost is notified. Here, the actual stop means a state in which the decorative symbol is completely stopped without swinging or the like after a lapse of a predetermined time from the temporary stop.

  In any of the effect patterns in FIGS. 25A to 25C, the same effect is performed from the start of the fifth SPSP reach effect until the start of the success effect or the failure effect. Further, as shown in FIGS. 25B and 25C, even when the failure effect is performed, the case where the big hit is notified through the revival effect and the loss is notified as it is after the failure effect. There are cases. That is, the failure effect executed in the sixth SPSP effect notifies the jackpot A, but the failure effect executed in the fifth SPSP effect does not notify the jackpot. Therefore, whether the player has won the special symbol lottery until the result of the special symbol effect is confirmed and notified at the end of the notification effect, and what effect pattern is the fifth SPSP effect performed based on? I can't figure out.

  Hereinafter, control processing performed by the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 26 is an example of a detailed flowchart showing the notification effect execution process in step S115 of FIG.

  First, in step S1151, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 executes a reserved image update process. Specifically, the CPU 401 indicates information indicating which of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery included in the setting information of the notification effect start command received in step S114 of FIG. However, when it shows that the 1st special symbol lottery was performed, the pending | holding data of the 1st special symbol lottery stored earliest in RAM403 are deleted. On the other hand, when the setting information of the notification effect start command indicates that the second special symbol lottery has been executed, the CPU 401 deletes the second special symbol lottery pending data stored in the RAM 403 earliest. When the CPU 401 deletes the hold data of the first special symbol lottery from the RAM 403, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to hold the hold image corresponding to the deleted hold data (the hold image of the first special symbol lottery). Is deleted, and an image corresponding to the deleted reserved image is displayed as a variable right image indicating that the notification effect is being executed. Further, when other reserved images are displayed, the display positions of these reserved images are sequentially raised and displayed. Similarly, when the CPU 401 deletes the hold data for the second special symbol lottery from the RAM 403, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to hold the hold image corresponding to the deleted hold data (the hold image for the second special symbol lottery). ) Is deleted, and an image corresponding to the deleted reserved image is displayed as a variable right image indicating that the notification effect is being executed. Further, when other reserved images are displayed, the reserved images are sequentially raised and displayed. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1152.

  In step S1152, the CPU 401 determines how many seconds the variation pattern (variation time) is based on the setting information set in the notification effect start command received in step S114. Any one of steps S1153 to S1158 is performed.

  When the variation pattern is “90.11”, in step S1153, the CPU 401 refers to an effect pattern table (not shown) in which one or more effect patterns are stored in association with each of the change patterns. An effect pattern “sixth SPSP reach effect → success effect” corresponding to the pattern “90.11” is selected (see FIG. 24A). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1159.

  If the variation pattern is “95.02”, in step S1154, the CPU 401 selects an effect pattern “sixth SPSP reach effect → failure effect → effect per revival” corresponding to the change pattern “95.02” (FIG. 24). (See (b)). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1159.

  When the variation pattern is “90.01”, in step S1155, the CPU 401 selects an effect pattern “fifth SPSP reach effect → success effect” corresponding to the change pattern “90.01” (see FIG. 25A). ). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1159.

  If the variation pattern is “95.01”, in step S1156, the CPU 401 selects an effect pattern “fifth SPSP reach effect → failure effect → effect per revival” corresponding to the change pattern “95.01” (FIG. 25). (See (b)). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1159.

  When the variation pattern is “90.06”, in step S1157, the CPU 401 selects an effect pattern “fifth SPSP reach effect → failure effect” corresponding to the change pattern “90.07” (see FIG. 25C). ). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1159.

  When the variation pattern is other values other than the five types described above, in step S1155, the CPU 401 selects an effect pattern corresponding to the selected variation pattern. For example, if the variation pattern is “90.05”, the CPU 401 refers to the variation pattern table, selects one effect pattern from one or more effect patterns belonging to the type per first SPSP, and changes the variation pattern. Is “90.10”, referring to the variation pattern table, one effect pattern is selected from one or more effect patterns belonging to the first SPSP loss type. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1159.

  In step S <b> 1159, the CPU 401 determines whether or not other notice effects to be executed in combination with the effect pattern selected in any of steps S <b> 1153 to S <b> 1158 and the content of the notice effect to be executed. Examples of other notice effects combined with the effect pattern include a step-up notice effect and a cut-in notice effect. The CPU 401 determines the execution order and execution schedule of the effects based on the selected effect pattern and other effects. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1160.

  In step S1160, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start a notification effect. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. This command includes effect contents executed during the notice effect, effect details of the pre-reading notice effect, and the execution order and execution timing of each effect content. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116 in FIG.

  Next, the characteristic operation according to the present embodiment executed by the control process described above will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 34C. In the following description, “3” and “7” of the decorative symbols are notified of “big hit A (probably changed gaming state after big hit game)” shown in FIG. The other decorative symbols are symbols that notify the “big hit B (the normal gaming state after the big hit)” shown in FIG.

<Example of Production 1: Production Example of Production Pattern in FIG. 24A>
FIG. 27, FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B are screen transition diagrams showing an example of effects executed when the effect pattern “6th SPSP reach effect → success effect” in FIG. 24A is selected (FIG. 15). Corresponding to fluctuation pattern “90.11”). More specifically, FIG. 27 shows a screen transition from when the decorative symbol starts to fluctuate until execution of a successful effect, and FIG. 28A is a screen transition following FIG. Indicates a transition. FIG. 28B shows a screen transition subsequent to FIG. 27 and a screen transition when the big hit A is notified.

  First, FIG. 27 (1) shows a state in which a notification effect is started and a decorative symbol variation display is performed in each of the symbol display areas 60a to 60c. A downward arrow in the figure indicates that the decorative symbol is being displayed in a variable manner. The lower part of the image display unit 6 is a display area for a reserved image, and a diamond-shaped figure represents a normal-type reserved image.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 27B, the decorative symbol “6” is temporarily stopped in the symbol display areas 60a and 60c, and reach is established.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 27 (3) to 27 (5), the sixth SPSP reach effect is executed. In the present embodiment, in the sixth SPSP reach production, a warrior and a monster battle each other, and it indicates whether the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss depending on whether the warrior wins or loses the monster.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 27 (6), when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the sixth SPSP reach production, a display prompting the user to press the production button and a gauge indicating the effective period of the production button at the center of the image display unit. Is displayed.

  The production pattern of FIG. 24A can be selected only when the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit (either big hit A or big hit B). At this stage, the player Since it is not possible to grasp that the special symbol lottery is won, it is possible to keep expectation that the result of the special symbol lottery will be a big hit.

  If an operation input of a predetermined effect button is detected within the effective period of the effect button, a successful effect starts as shown in FIGS. 27 (7) and 27 (8). In the present embodiment, as a successful performance, a performance is performed in which a warrior wins by defeating a monster with a sword. In the successful performance, it is notified that the special symbol lottery was won by the fact that the warrior won and that the decorative symbols “6” displayed in the upper right of the image display unit 6 were temporarily stopped. Has been.

  By executing the successful effect, it is notified that the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit, but the effect pattern (variation pattern “90.11”) shown in FIG. Since the result of the special symbol lottery is an effect pattern that can be selected in both cases of the big hit A and the big hit B, at the stage when the successful presentation is executed, it is notified whether the big hit A or the big hit B is won. Absent. Therefore, the player cannot keep track of which type of jackpot is won just by looking at the successful performance, and can maintain a more favorable expectation for the jackpot A.

  Next, when the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit B, as shown in FIG. 28A (1), when the variation time 90.11 seconds determined by the selected variation pattern has elapsed, the symbol display area 60a It is confirmed that the three decorative symbols “6” are completely stopped at ˜60c, that the special symbol lottery is won, and that the winning type is the big hit B. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 28A (2), the big hit game effect starts.

  On the other hand, when the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit A, as shown in FIG. 28B (1), after temporarily stopping all three decorative symbols “6” in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c. 28B (2), the decorative symbols are changed again in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c. Next, as shown in FIG. 28B (3), after temporarily stopping all three decorative symbols “7” in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, the big hit A was won. Confirmed notification. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 28B (4), the big hit game effect starts. In FIG. 28B, after temporarily stopping all three decorative symbols “6”, the decorative symbol “7” for notifying the big hit A after stopping the decorative symbol again is stopped. However, the reach is established with the decorative symbol that notifies the big hit A (for example, “7” is temporarily stopped in the left and right symbol display areas 60a and 60c), and the three decorative symbols are stopped as they are (“7”). ”Is stopped when all three are stopped), the big hit A may be notified.

<Production Example 2: Production Example of Production Pattern in FIG. 24B>
FIGS. 29 and 30 are screen transition diagrams showing an example of an effect executed when the effect pattern “6th SPSP reach effect → failure effect → return effect” is selected in FIG. 24B (FIG. 15). Corresponding to the fluctuation pattern “95.01”). FIG. 29 shows a screen transition from when the decorative design starts to fluctuate until the failure effect is being executed, and FIG. 30 shows a screen transition following FIG.

  FIG. 29 (1) shows a state in which the notification effect has started and the decorative symbol variation display is performed in each of the symbol display areas 60a to 60c. Next, as shown in FIG. 29 (2), after the decorative symbol “6” temporarily stops in the symbol display areas 60a and 60c and reach is established, it is shown in FIGS. 29 (3) to 29 (5). Thus, the sixth SPSP reach effect is executed. Next, as shown in FIG. 29 (6), when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the sixth SPSP reach effect, a display prompting the user to press the effect button and a gauge indicating the effective period of the effect button at the center of the image display unit. Is displayed.

  The effect pattern of FIG. 24B can be selected only when the result of the first special symbol lottery wins the big hit A, but a predetermined trigger (depression button operation from the start of the sixth SPSP reach effect) In the example of the effect shown in FIG. 27, the contents of the effect performed until the failure effect is started at the expiration of the valid period or the like are the same as the effect contents from the start of the sixth SPSP reach effect until the start of the successful effect. Therefore, the player can not only know whether or not the big hit A is won at this stage, but can also grasp whether or not the big hit is made, and can continue to have a sense of expectation that the special symbol lottery result will be a big hit.

  When an operation input of a predetermined effect button is detected within the effective period of the effect button, as shown in FIGS. 29 (7) and 29 (8), a failure effect starts. In the present embodiment, as the failure production, the warrior fails to defeat the monster, and conversely, the production is performed by being defeated by the monster. In the failure production, it is suggested that the special symbol lottery was lost because the warrior was defeated and the decorative symbols displayed in small size in the upper right of the image display unit 6 were irregular.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 30 (1), the screen of the sixth SPSP effect failure effect is returned to the normal screen for variable display of decorative symbols, and temporarily stopped due to irregularities in the decorative symbols in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c. It becomes. As shown in FIG. 30 (2), the screen on which the decorative symbols are irregular and temporarily stopped is displayed continuously for a certain period of time.

  Next, when a certain period of time has elapsed since the temporary stop of the decorative design on the normal screen, as shown in FIG. 30 (3), a screen on which three “7” decorative designs are arranged on the image display unit 6 is suddenly displayed. Reproduction per revival such as display starts. The effect per revival is notified that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit A.

  Usually, the failure effect is often executed to notify that the result of the special symbol lottery is lost. Therefore, when the failure effect is executed and the normal screen is restored, the player recognizes that he has lost and feels disappointed. However, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30 (3), it is possible to give the player an unexpected feeling by performing the revival effect and informing the jackpot unexpectedly. In particular, since the revival effect is executed after the failure effect only when the more advantageous jackpot A is won, the unexpected feeling given to the player is greater.

  Next, when a variation time of 95.01 seconds determined by the selected variation pattern elapses, as shown in FIG. 30 (4), the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, and the special symbol lottery is performed. It will be notified that the winner has been won.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 30 (5), the big hit game effect starts.

<Production Example 3: Production Example of Production Pattern in FIG. 25A>
31, FIG. 32A and FIG. 32B are screen transition diagrams showing an example of effects executed when the effect pattern “5th SPSP reach effect → success effect” in FIG. 25A is selected (FIG. 15). Corresponding to the fluctuation pattern “90.01”). More specifically, FIG. 31 shows a screen transition from when the decorative design starts to fluctuate until execution of a successful effect, and FIG. 32A is a screen transition following FIG. Indicates a transition. FIG. 32B shows a screen transition subsequent to FIG. 31, and shows a screen transition when the big hit A is notified.

  First, FIG. 31 (1) shows a state in which the notification effect is started and the decorative symbols are variably displayed in each of the symbol display areas 60a to 60c. Next, as shown in FIG. 31 (2), after the decorative symbol “5” temporarily stops in the symbol display areas 60a and 60c and reach is established, it is shown in FIGS. 31 (3) to 31 (5). As described above, the fifth SPSP reach effect is executed. In the present embodiment, in the fifth SPSP reach production, whether the character jumps from the jumping table and jumps to the rising balloon and whether the character can catch the balloon, whether the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss? To suggest.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 31 (6), when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fifth SPSP reach effect, a display prompting the user to press the effect button and a gauge indicating the effective period of the effect button at the center of the image display unit. Is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the 5th SPSP reach production can be executed both when the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big win and when it is a loss, so the player wins the special symbol lottery at this stage. It is not possible to grasp whether or not it is, and it can continue to have a sense of expectation that the special symbol lottery result will be a big hit.

  When an operation input of a predetermined effect button is detected within the effective period of the effect button, a successful effect starts as shown in FIGS. 31 (7) and 31 (8). In the present embodiment, as a successful effect, an effect is performed in which the character jumps from the jump base and catches the balloon in response to the pressing operation of the effect button.

  By executing the successful production, it is notified that the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit, but the production pattern (fluctuation pattern “90.01”) shown in FIG. Since the result of the special symbol lottery is an effect pattern that can be selected in both cases of the big hit A and the big hit B, at the stage when the successful presentation is executed, it is notified whether the big hit A or the big hit B is won. Absent. Therefore, the player cannot keep track of which type of jackpot is won just by looking at the successful performance, and can maintain a more favorable expectation for the jackpot A.

  Next, when the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit B, as shown in FIG. 32A (1), when the variation time 90.01 seconds determined by the selected variation pattern has elapsed, the symbol display area 60a ˜60c, three decorative symbols “5” are fully stopped and the special symbol lottery is won, and the winning jackpot type is the big hit B. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 32A (2), the big hit game effect starts.

  On the other hand, if the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit A, as shown in FIG. 32B (1), after temporarily stopping all three decorative symbols “5” in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c. 32B (2), the decorative symbols are changed again in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c. Next, as shown in FIG. 32B (3), after temporarily stopping all three decorative symbols “3” in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, the big hit A was won by making a final stop. Confirmed notification. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 32B (4), the big hit game effect starts. In FIG. 32B, after temporarily stopping all three decorative symbols “5”, the decorative symbol “3” for notifying the big hit A after stopping the decorative symbol again is stopped. However, it is also possible to notify the big hit A by establishing a reach with the decorative symbol for notifying the big hit A and stopping the decorative symbols as they are.

<Production Example 4: Production Example of Production Pattern in FIG. 25B>
FIG. 33, FIG. 34A and FIG. 34B are screen transition diagrams showing an example of effects executed when the effect pattern “5th SPSP reach effect → failure effect → revival effect” of FIG. 25 (b) is selected. (Corresponding to the fluctuation pattern “95.02” in FIG. 15). FIG. 33 shows screen transitions from when the decorative symbol starts to fluctuate until failure production is being executed, and FIG. 34A shows screen transitions following FIG. 33 and shows screen transitions when jackpot A is notified. FIG. 34B shows a screen transition subsequent to FIG. 33, and shows a screen transition when the big hit B is notified.

  FIG. 33 (1) shows a state in which the notification effect has started and the decorative symbol variation display is performed in each of the symbol display areas 60a to 60c. Next, as shown in FIG. 33 (2), after the decorative symbol “5” is temporarily stopped in the symbol display areas 60a and 60c and reach is established, it is shown in FIGS. 33 (3) to 33 (5). As described above, the fifth SPSP reach effect is executed. Next, as shown in FIG. 33 (6), when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the fifth SPSP reach production, a display that prompts the user to press the production button and a gauge that indicates the effective period of the production button at the center of the image display unit. Is displayed.

  The production pattern of FIG. 25 (b) can be selected only when the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit A, but since the start of the fifth SPSP reach production, The content of the production performed until the failure production starts at the expiration of the valid period or the like is the same as the production content from the start of the fifth SPSP reach production to the start of the success production in the production example of FIG. Therefore, the player cannot grasp whether or not the special symbol lottery is won at this stage, and can keep expectation that the special symbol lottery result will be a big hit.

  When an operation input of a predetermined effect button is detected within the effective period of the effect button, as shown in FIGS. 33 (7) and 33 (8), a failure effect starts. In the present embodiment, as the failure effect, an effect is performed in which the character fails to take the jump stand and falls off the jump stand, and the balloon that has failed to catch rises and disappears in the screen information. It is suggested that a special symbol lottery was lost by executing the failure production.

  When the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit A, as shown in FIG. 34A (1), the screen of the failure effect of the sixth SPSP effect returns to the normal screen for variable display of the decorative symbols, and the symbol display areas 60a to 60a- At 60c, the decorative symbols are uneven and temporarily stopped. When a certain period of time has elapsed since the temporary stop of the decorative pattern on the normal screen, as shown in FIG. 34A (2), a screen with three decorative patterns “7” is suddenly displayed on the image display unit 6. The rebirth per production starts. By this effect per revival, it is notified that the special symbol lottery has been won and that the type of the big hit that has been won is the big hit A. When the variation time of 95.02 seconds determined by the selected variation pattern has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 34A (3), three decorative symbols “5” are aligned in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, and the actual stop is made. Thus, the result of the special symbol lottery is confirmed and notified. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 34A (4), the big hit game effect starts.

  On the other hand, when the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit B, as shown in FIG. 34B (1), the screen returns to the normal screen for the variation display of the decorative symbol from the screen of the failure effect of the fifth SPSP effect, and the symbol display The decorative symbols are not uniform in the regions 60a to 60c and are temporarily stopped. When a certain period of time has elapsed since the temporary stop of the decorative pattern on the normal screen, as shown in FIG. 34B (2), a screen with three decorative symbols “2” is suddenly displayed on the image display unit 6. The rebirth per production starts. By this effect per revival, it is notified that the special symbol lottery has been won and that the type of the big hit that has been won is the big hit B. When the variation time of 95.02 seconds determined by the selected variation pattern has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 34B (3), the symbol display areas 60a to 60c have three decorative symbols “2” and stop at this time. Thus, the result of the special symbol lottery is confirmed and notified. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 34B (4), the big hit game effect starts.

  As in the case of the production example 2 described above, when the failure production is executed and the normal screen is restored, the player recognizes that he has lost and feels disappointed. However, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, FIG. As shown in 3) or FIG. 34B (3), the player can be given a surprising feeling by performing the revival hit effect and informing the player of the big hit unexpectedly.

<Production Example 5: Production Example of Production Pattern in FIG. 25C>
FIG. 34C is a screen transition diagram showing an example of an effect executed when the effect pattern “5th SPSP reach effect → failure effect” in FIG. 25C is selected (the variation pattern “90.06 in FIG. 15). ”). FIG. 34C shows only a part of the screen transition following FIG.

  When the effect pattern of FIG. 25C is selected, the effect contents executed from the start of the fifth SPSP reach effect to the temporary stop of the decorative symbol are the same as in the effect example 4 described above. That is, after the same effect as described in FIGS. 33 (3) to 33 (8) is performed on the image display unit 6, as shown in FIG. 34C (1), the failure effect of the fifth SPSP effect is performed. The screen returns to the normal screen for displaying the variation of the decorative symbols from the screen of FIG. After that, as shown in FIG. 34C (4), the image display unit 6 is informed of the fact that the decorative symbols are not complete and the present stop is made, and the special symbol lottery is lost.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment executes the sixth SPSP reach effect that is selected only when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, but in the sixth SPSP reach effect, There are a case where a success effect for notifying a big hit is executed and a case where a failure effect indicating a loss is executed. In both cases of performing a successful presentation and executing a failure presentation, the jackpot is finally notified, but by making the contents of the presentation up to the jackpot notification different, an unexpected presentation can be realized. . As a result, it becomes possible to attract the player's interest.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the effect pattern which is the revival hit from the failure effect is selected only when the big hit A in FIG. 6 (3), that is, the big hit that becomes an advantageous probability change gaming state after the big hit game is finished. Accordingly, when the failure effect is executed after the sixth SPSP reach effect is started, it is determined that the game has become a big hit that is in an advantageous probability change gaming state after the big hit game ends. As the game time and the number of games increase, the player knows which production is likely to be connected to the big hit, so when the production that is rich in connecting to the big hit like the sixth SPSP reach production starts, the content of the production May not be watched so much. In this embodiment, while executing an effect that has been determined to be a big hit, it is possible to suggest a gaming state after a big hit game by branching into a successful production and a failure production within the production. You can continue to attract the player's interest.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes an effect pattern for notifying the jackpot via the success effect from the sixth SPSP reach effect, an effect pattern for notifying the jackpot through the failure effect and the resurrection effect from the sixth SPSP reach effect, An effect pattern for notifying the jackpot through a success effect from the 5SPSP effect, an effect pattern for notifying the jackpot through a failure effect and a resurrection effect from the fifth SPSP reach effect, and an effect pattern for notifying the loss from the fifth SPSP reach effect via the fail effect Therefore, it is possible to execute an unexpected effect such as connecting from a failure effect to a big hit or losing as it is from the failure effect.

[Other variations]
In the above embodiment, the type of jackpot is informed after the success effect or the failure effect, but the type of jackpot is not notified at the end of the notification effect, and the promotion effect is performed during the execution of the jackpot game effect, Depending on the result of the promotion effect, the jackpot type determined by the design random number may be notified. In this case, when the successful presentation is executed, either the big hit A or the big hit B is notified in the promotion presentation, and when the failure presentation is executed, the promotion presentation is always promoted and the big hit A is notified. Will be. By combining with the promotion effect, it is possible to increase the notification timing of the jackpot type and to give randomness to the notification timing of the jackpot type, so that it becomes possible to attract the player's interest more.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which the operation of the effect button is urged during execution of the sixth SPSP effect, and the success effect or the failure effect is executed when a predetermined operation input of the effect button is detected within the effective period. However, the success or failure effect may be executed without being based on the effect button operation (that is, without causing the player to operate the effect button). However, as in the above embodiment, when the success or failure effect is executed across the effect button operation, the player can easily understand the branch point between the success effect and the failure effect, and the player Can be noticed.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a successful effect or a failed effect is executed when a predetermined operation input of the effect button is detected within the effective period has been described. However, an operation button operation input is detected within the effective period. If not, a successful effect or a failed effect may be executed when or after the validity period has elapsed.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when a predetermined operation input of the effect button is not detected within the effective period, the success effect is executed without executing the failure effect, and then the jackpot type is notified when the big hit is confirmed. It is also possible to notify the type of jackpot during the execution of the jackpot game effect.

  Also, in the above embodiment, by defining the variation pattern (FIG. 15) so that the type of effect pattern “per 6th SPSP revival” can be selected only in the case of a specific big hit (big hit A), An example has been described in which a big hit A is always made when a failure production is performed. However, if it is not always necessary to set the big hit A when the failure production is performed, the fluctuation pattern determination table shows the change patterns that can be selected only in the case of the big win regardless of the type of the big hit (the value of the design random number). When this variation pattern is selected, any one of an effect pattern that executes a successful effect and an effect pattern that develops from a failure effect per revival may be selected. More specifically, two types of variation patterns that can be selected only in the case of a big hit are prepared. When one is selected, an effect pattern that executes a successful effect is selected, and when the other is selected. The production pattern for executing the failure production may be selected. Alternatively, two types of variation patterns that can be selected only in the case of a big win are prepared, and during the notification effect execution process performed by the effect control unit 400, it may be determined by lottery whether a successful effect or a failure effect is executed. .

  Further, in the above embodiment, the big hit type (big hit A and big hit C in FIG. 6) that is expected to be another big hit is controlled after the big hit game and is controlled to the normal gaming state after the big hit game. An example of a jackpot specification gaming machine configured with a jackpot type (big hit B in FIG. 6) is given as an example, and only when winning big win A which is more advantageous than big hit B, “Sixth SPSP Reach Production → Failure Production → Although the example of enabling the per-revival performance pattern to be selectable has been described, in other jackpot-specific gaming machines, the performance pattern per revival after a failure effect can be selected only when a specific jackpot is won. It may be provided as follows. For example, regardless of which jackpot type is won, the game is controlled to a probable game state for a certain number of times after the jackpot game, but the actual number of round games performed during the jackpot game is different for each jackpot type (for example, round game In a gaming machine (so-called ST machine) with specifications of 2R, 4R, 8R, and 16R, the number of times is the big hit that plays the most round games during the big hit game (for example, the big hit that performs 16R round games) Only in the case of winning, it may be possible to select an effect pattern (type per sixth SPSP revival) that is revival after a failure effect. Alternatively, in a specific round during the big hit game, a gaming machine having a specification for controlling to a probable game state after the big hit game on the condition that a game ball wins a special winning opening (V zone) provided in the big winning opening ( In a so-called V-ST machine), the opening of the big prize opening is made so that the opening time of the big prize opening becomes relatively long during the specific round during the big hit game (so that the game ball can easily win the V zone). Only in the case of winning a big hit for controlling the pattern, it is possible to select an effect pattern to be revival through a failure effect.

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

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

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

Acquisition means (100, S204, S210) for acquiring game information upon establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Special game determination means (100, S407) for determining whether or not to perform a special game based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means;
A symbol control means (100, S410, S412) for displaying the symbols in a variable manner when the determination by the special game determination means is performed, and for stopping the symbols in a manner indicating the determination result of the determination;
When it is determined by the special game determination means that the special game is to be performed, the special game execution means (100, S6) for performing the special game after the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating the determination result;
Along with the variation display of the symbol, it is provided with an effect control means (400, 500, S114, S115) for executing a notification effect for notifying the determination result,
The special game execution means can execute one of a plurality of types of special games based on the determination result (FIG. 6).
The plurality of types of special games include normal special games and specific special games,
The normal special game is a special game in which the probability that the special game determination means determines to perform the special game is set to a normal probability after the special game ends,
The specific special game is a special game in which, after the special game ends, the probability that the special game determination means determines that the special game is to be performed is set to be higher than the normal probability.
The production control means includes
A specific effect that can be executed only when it is determined by the special game determination means that the special game is to be performed and that it is determined that the special game is to be performed before the symbol stop display is performed. Specific effect execution means (400, 500, S1153, S1154,
FIG. 15)
The specific effect executing means is either when the special game determining means determines that the normal special game is to be performed, or when the special game determining means is determined to perform the specific special game. The specific performance can be executed,
The production control means includes
Among the plurality of types of special game by the special game determination means, wherein when it is determined to perform the specific special game, even when the specific effect has been executed, a special pre SL at a predetermined timing effect and, the determined the special game is the certain special game to perform for informing that it is determined to perform the failure directing done by either et previous SL special game suggests that it is determined not to perform the game A game machine capable of performing the effect of notifying that .

Claims (1)

An acquisition means for acquiring game information upon establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means;
When the determination by the special game determination unit is performed, the symbol control unit displays the symbol in a variable manner, and stops and displays the symbol in a manner indicating the determination result of the determination;
When it is determined by the special game determination means that the special game is to be performed, the special game executing means for performing the special game after the symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode showing the determination result;
Along with the variation display of the symbol, comprising an effect control means for executing a notification effect of notifying the determination result,
The special game execution means can execute any one of a plurality of types of special games based on the determination result,
The production control means includes
A specific effect that can be executed only when it is determined by the special game determination means that the special game is to be performed and that it is determined that the special game is to be performed before the symbol stop display is performed. Including a specific performance execution means to be executed,
The production control means includes
When it is determined by the special game determination means that a specific special game is to be performed among the plurality of types of special games, the determination result is obtained at a predetermined timing even when the specific effect is executed. A gaming machine capable of performing an effect of notifying that it is determined that the special game is to be performed by performing a predetermined effect after performing a failure effect that indicates that it is determined that the special game is not performed.

Images