JP2017080278A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of performing a performance which enhances an interest of a game.SOLUTION: A game machine performs a special game execution processing for executing a special game when it is determined to perform the special game by a special game determination processing for determining whether or not to perform a jackpot game capable of applying a game ball to a player following to establishment of a start condition, and comprises an image display device 31 for displaying numeric information (for example, put-out game ball number) about the number of game balls applied to the player during the special game, in which the number of the put-out game balls displayed on the image display device 31 reaches a prescribed threshold, a reach notification image 81 for suggesting the fact that, the number of put-out game balls reaches the prescribed threshold, is displayed on the image display device 31, and a sound output device 34 outputs a reach notification performance sound 73.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 39

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine using gaming media.

In gaming machines such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines, those that are configured to execute a plurality of types of jackpots are mainly used in order to improve game playability.
For the above-mentioned multiple types of jackpots, for example, in a pachinko machine, a predetermined opening operation (a single opening operation is referred to as one round) in which a large winning opening is opened for a certain period of time or until a predetermined number of game balls are won. By repeating rounds (for example, 16 rounds), there is a jackpot (so-called “long hit”) that allows a player to acquire a large amount of game balls. In addition to the long hit, there is a big hit (so-called “short win”) that repeats a predetermined round (for example, four rounds) of an opening operation in which the opening time of the big prize opening is extremely shorter than the long hit.
Further, for example, in a pachislot machine, a bonus game (“RB (regular bonus)”, “BB (big bonus)) in which the probability that a combination of symbols from which game medals are paid out is displayed on the active line is improved as compared to the normal state. ”,“ CB (Challenge Bonus) ”,“ MB (Middle Bonus) ”, etc.), and a specific winning combination is determined in which a combination of symbols related to winning is not displayed unless the stop button is operated in an appropriate operation sequence. In such a case, “AT (assist time)” in which an appropriate stop button operation order is notified, and a re-game in which a game is started by operating a start lever without performing a game medal insertion operation is a winning role. “RT (replay time)” that improves the probability of being determined, “ART (assist replayer) in which AT and RT operate simultaneously A beam), and the like.

In recent gaming machines, after a big hit, for example, in a pachinko machine, a specific game such as a “time-saving game” or a “probable change game” that is advantageous to the player is given according to the type of the big hit. In addition, after the jackpot, for example, in a pachislot machine, the game again shifts to a “chance state” where it is easy to win a jackpot.
During specific games such as “short-time game”, “probability game”, “chance state”, etc., it is a game period in which a player can expect a big win again in a relatively short time. When winning the jackpot, it will be a consecutive jackpot winning, and the player can efficiently increase the number of balls.

  The number of paid-out game balls (number of paid-out game medals) paid out to a player by a single jackpot win or consecutive win of jackpots and the number of game balls acquired by the player (number of game medals) are determined by the player in the game. The biggest concern. For this reason, among recent gaming machines, there has been proposed a gaming machine capable of counting and notifying the number of game balls acquired by a player during a jackpot (Patent Document 1, etc.).

  In Patent Document 1, in a ball game machine capable of executing a plurality of types of big hits including a special big hit that is an opportunity to generate a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state after the big hit, It has a big hit medium acquisition ball number counting means for counting the acquired number of acquired balls, and an acquired ball number notification means for notifying the player of the acquired ball number. Counting starts on the condition of occurrence of a special big hit, and if a big hit is drawn in a special game state, the number of balls acquired immediately before the big hit occurs is counted during the big hit on the condition that the big hit has occurred. It is disclosed that the number of acquired balls is added and the result is the current number of acquired balls.

JP2013-226441A

However, a conventional gaming machine capable of notifying the number of acquired game media acquired by a player simply displays the number of acquired game media on the image display device, and thus lacks interest.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a gaming machine with improved interest when notifying numerical information related to the number of game media given during execution of a special game. Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine) capable of playing using a game medium (for example, a game ball or a game medal), and fulfills a start condition. Accordingly, special game determination means (for example, processing in steps S224 and S225) for determining whether or not to perform a special game (for example, jackpot game) that can be given the game medium to the player, and the special game determination means performs the special game determination means. Special game execution means for executing the special game when it is determined to play a game (for example, the processing of steps S271 to S320), and numerical information regarding the number of game media to be given during the execution of the special game (for example, game media) Display means (for example, an image display device 31) for displaying the number of paid-out game balls if the game ball is a game ball, and the number of acquired game balls if the game medium is a game medal. Sound output means for outputting a specific sound (for example, arrival notification effect sound 73) indicating that the numerical information has been reached when the numerical information reaches a predetermined threshold. .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to improve the interest at the time of alert | reporting the numerical information regarding the number of game media provided during execution of a special game.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the perspective view which showed an example of the back side of the gaming machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the game control apparatus with which the gaming machine which concerns on this embodiment is equipped. It is a block diagram of an image control board. It is the figure which showed an example of the jackpot determination table. It is the figure which showed an example of the symbol determination table which determines the stop symbol of a special symbol. It is the figure which showed an example of the hit normal symbol determination table. It is the figure which showed an example of the big hit end time setting data table. It is the figure which showed an example of the special electric accessory operation mode determination table which determines the opening / closing conditions of a special prize opening. It is the figure which showed the structure of the big winning opening open mode determination table for jackpots. It is the figure which showed the structure of the big winning opening open mode determination table for small hits. It is the figure which showed an example of the normal electric accessory operation mode determination table. It is a time chart which shows the energization timing of a start opening / closing solenoid for every table. It is a flowchart explaining the main process by the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the timer interruption process by the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the special figure special electricity control process by a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the jackpot game process by a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the special game end process by a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the main process by an effect control board. It is a flowchart explaining the timer interruption process by an effect control board. It is a flowchart explaining the command analysis process 1 by an effect control board. It is a flowchart explaining the command analysis process 2 by an effect control board. It is a flowchart explaining the effect input control process by an effect control board. It is a flowchart explaining the main process by an image control board. It is a flowchart explaining the interruption process of an image control board. It is a figure which shows the structure of the audio | voice control circuit which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the audio | voice control process by an image control board. It is a flowchart explaining the master volume setting process by an image control board. It is a figure which shows an example of the audio | voice management table with which an image control board is provided (the 1). It is a figure which shows an example of the audio | voice management table with which an image control board is provided (the 2). It is a flowchart which shows the system sound setting process by an image control board. It is a flowchart which shows the effect sound setting process by an image control board. It is a flowchart explaining the process during audio | voice output by an image control board. It is a figure for demonstrating the audio | voice channel selection process by an image control board. It is a flowchart explaining the audio | voice channel selection process by the image control board concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the audio | voice output process by the audio | voice control circuit which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which showed the jackpot game effect when the game machine of this embodiment is won per 1st probable length during normal game. It is the figure which showed an example of the result display effect. It is the figure which showed an example of the jackpot game production at the time of winning a jackpot in the probability variation game state after the jackpot game. It is the figure which showed an example of the result display effect. It is the figure which showed the other example of the predetermined ball number arrival notification effect. It is the figure which showed the other example of the result display effect. It is a flowchart explaining the big hit effect processing by the image control board. It is a flowchart explaining the ending effect process which an image control board performs. It is the figure which showed the further another example of the result display effect. It is explanatory drawing of the execution timing of a result display effect. In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, it is a diagram for explaining the winning sound that is emitted during the round game. It is a flowchart explaining the big winning prize notification process by an image control board. It is the figure which showed an example of the difference sheet number display effect displayed on the image display apparatus of a pachislot machine. It is the figure which showed an example of the predetermined number reach | attainment display effect displayed on the image display apparatus of a pachislot machine. It is the figure which showed an example of the acquisition number display effect displayed on the image display apparatus of a pachislot machine.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.
<Configuration of gaming machine>
1 is a front view showing an example of a gaming machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the back side of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is related to the present embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the game control apparatus with which the gaming machine is equipped.

The gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with an operation handle 11 that can be operated by the player. When the player operates the operation handle 11, a game ball is launched into the game area 10a of the game board 10. The
Further, the gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with an effect button 8 that can be operated by the player. The effect button 8 is configured to be capable of moving back and forth between, for example, a normal operation position and a pressed position that is retracted downward from the normal operation position.

  In the game area 10a of the game board 10, for example, a first start port 13 and a second start port 14 through which game balls can enter, a gate 15 through which game balls can pass, and a first large game game ball can be won. A winning port 16 and a second major winning port 17, a general winning port 18, and an out port 19 for discharging game balls out of the gaming area are provided.

The first start port 13 is disposed, for example, at the center lower side of the game area 10 a, and the second start port 14 is disposed, for example, below the first start port 13.
The second starting port 14 has, for example, an open / close door 14b, and is movably controlled in a first mode in which the open / close door 14b is maintained in a closed state and a second mode in which the open / close door 14b is in an open state. . Therefore, the second start port 14 has no chance to win a game ball in the first mode, and increases the chance to win a game ball in the second mode.
In the present embodiment, when the second start port 14 is controlled to the first mode, the game ball is prevented from entering the second start port 14. However, if there is less opportunity for a game ball to enter when being controlled to the first mode than when being controlled to the second mode, the second is being controlled to the first mode. A game ball may enter the start port 14. That is, the first aspect includes a state where it is impossible or difficult to enter the game ball into the second start port 14.

  The first start port 13 and the second start port 14 are respectively provided with a first start port detection switch 13a (see FIG. 3) and a second start port detection switch 14a for detecting the entrance of a game ball. When the detection switch detects the entry of a game ball, a right acquisition lottery (hereinafter referred to as “hit lottery lottery”) for executing a jackpot game, which will be described later, is performed. In addition, when the first start port detection switch 13a and the second start port detection switch 14a detect a game ball entering, a predetermined prize ball (for example, three game balls) is paid out.

  In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when game balls enter the first start port 13 and the second start port 14, for example, three game balls are paid out. It is not always necessary to pay out when entering the ball. Further, for example, the number of payouts for the first start port 13 may be three, and the number of payouts for the second start port 14 may be one.

  For example, the gates 15 are arranged on the left and right sides of the game area 10a, respectively. The gate 15 is provided with a gate detection switch 15a (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 15a detects the passage of the game ball, a normal symbol lottery described later is performed. .

  The first big prize opening 16 and the second big prize opening 17 are arranged in the game area 10a on the right side. For this reason, the first big prize opening 16 and the second big prize opening 17 are configured not to win unless the operation handle 11 is turned and the game ball is launched with a strong force.

  The first big winning opening 16 is normally kept closed by the open / close door 16b, making it impossible to win a game ball. On the other hand, when a jackpot game, which will be described later, is started, the open / close door 16b is opened, and the open / close door 16b functions as a receiving tray for guiding the game ball into the first big winning opening 16, and the game ball is It is possible to enter the 1st prize opening 16. The first big prize opening 16 is provided with a first big prize opening switch 16a. When the first big prize opening switch 16a detects a winning of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 games) Ball) is paid out.

  The second big winning opening 17 is normally kept closed by the movable piece 17b, and it is impossible to win a game ball. On the other hand, when a jackpot game, which will be described later, is started, the movable piece 17b is actuated and released, and the movable piece 17b functions as a guide path for guiding the game ball into the second big prize opening 17, The game ball can enter the second grand prize opening 17. The second big prize opening 17 is provided with a second big prize opening switch 17a. When the second big prize opening switch 17a detects the winning of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 games) Ball) is paid out.

When a game ball wins, the general winning opening 18 pays out a predetermined prize ball (for example, 10 game balls).
The out port 19 is arranged at the lowermost part of the game area 10 a and enters any of the first start port 13, the second start port 14, the first major winning port 16, the second major winning port 17, and the general winning port 18. The game balls that have not been balled are discharged from the game area 10a to the outside of the game area.

An image display device 31 composed of a liquid crystal display device or the like is provided in the approximate center of the game board 10.
The image display device 31 displays an image while the game is not being performed or displays an image according to the progress of the game. In particular, when a game ball enters the first start port 13 or the second start port 14, the effect symbol 35 for notifying the player of the lottery result is variably displayed.
The production symbol 35 is, for example, a scroll of three symbols (numbers) of the first symbol (left symbol), the second symbol (right symbol), and the third symbol (middle symbol). Scrolling is stopped and a specific symbol (number) is displayed in an array.
As a result, while the symbols are being scrolled, the player is given the impression that the lottery is currently being performed, and the lottery result is notified to the player by the symbols displayed when the scrolling is stopped. By displaying various images, characters, and the like during the variation display of the effect symbol 35, a high expectation that the player may win a big hit is given to the player.

Although not shown, a fourth symbol is displayed on the image display device 31 in addition to the effect symbol 35. The fourth symbol is a symbol showing a variation state of the effect symbol 35 used for notifying the lottery result by the jackpot lottery process.
Note that the 4th symbol does not necessarily have to be displayed on the image display device 31 and may be displayed by providing a 4th symbol display lamp separately.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an audio output device 34 (see FIG. 3) composed of speakers, which outputs BGM (background music), SE (sound effect), etc. I also try to produce by.

  A display area 28 is provided on the lower left side of the game board 10 (outside the game area). In the display area 28, a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a normal symbol display device 22, a first special symbol hold indicator 23, a second special symbol hold indicator 24 shown in FIG. A normal symbol hold indicator 25, a round number indicator 26, and the like are provided.

  The first special symbol display device 20 notifies a jackpot lottery result that is triggered when a game ball enters the first start port 13, and is composed of a plurality of LEDs. That is, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is displayed by displaying a special symbol (lighting mode) corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first special symbol display device 20. The person is notified. The special symbols displayed in this way are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time (flashing).

More specifically, when a game ball enters the first start port 13, a lottery lottery will be performed. However, the lottery lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, and a predetermined time is passed. The player is notified when it has passed. When a predetermined time has elapsed, a special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result.
The second special symbol display device 21 is for notifying the jackpot lottery result performed when a game ball has entered the second starting port 14, and the display mode is the first special symbol. This is the same as the display mode of special symbols on the display device 20.

  The normal symbol display device 22 is for informing a lottery result of a normal symbol that is performed when a game ball passes through the gate 15. As will be described in detail later, when the predetermined symbol is won by the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 22 is turned on, and then the second start port 14 is controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time. Note that the normal symbol does not immediately notify the lottery result when the game ball passes through the gate 15, and the normal symbol fluctuates, for example, the normal symbol display device 22 blinks until a predetermined time elapses. It is trying to display.

Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first start port 13 or the second start port 14 during a special symbol change display or a special game to be described later, it is not possible to make a big win lottery. The right to win a jackpot is reserved. More specifically, the right to win a jackpot where a game ball enters and is retained at the first start port 13 is retained as a first hold, and a game ball is retained and retained at the second start port 14. The jackpot lottery right is reserved as a second hold.
For both of these holds, the upper limit reserve number is set to four, and the reserved number is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24, respectively.

The upper limit reserved number of normal symbols is also set to four, and the reserved number of normal symbols is displayed in the same manner as the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24. Is displayed.
The round number display 26 is for informing the number of rounds of a round game performed during a special game described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a main control board 110, an effect control board 120, a payout control board 130, a power supply board 170, a game information output terminal board 27, and the like are provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 1. The power supply board 170 is provided with a power plug 171 for supplying power to the gaming machine and a power switch (not shown).

<Configuration of game control device>
Next, a game control device that controls the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 3, the main control board 110 controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 110 includes at least a one-chip microcomputer 114 including a main CPU 111, a main ROM 112, and a main RAM 113, and an input port and an output port (not shown) for main control.
The main CPU 111 reads out a program stored in the main ROM 112 based on an input signal from each detection switch and performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device and display, or according to the result of the arithmetic processing. Send commands to other boards. The main RAM 113 functions as a data work area when the main CPU 111 performs arithmetic processing.

  On the input side of the main control board 110, there are a first start port detection switch 13a, a second start port detection switch 14a, a gate detection switch 15a, a first large winning port detection switch 16a, a second large winning port detection switch 17a, A winning opening detection switch 18a is connected, and a detection signal of a game ball in each switch is input.

On the output side of the main control board 110, a start opening / closing solenoid 14c for opening / closing the opening / closing door 14b of the second start opening 14 and a first large winning opening opening / closing solenoid for opening / closing the opening / closing door 16b of the first large winning opening 16 are provided. 16c, a second large prize opening opening / closing solenoid 17c for opening / closing the movable piece 17b of the second big prize opening 17 is connected.
Further, on the output side of the main control board 110, a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a normal symbol display device 22, a first special symbol hold indicator 23, a second special symbol hold indicator. 24, a normal symbol hold display unit 25, and a round number display unit 26 are connected to output various signals via an output port.

Further, an external information signal necessary for managing the gaming machine in the hall computer or the like of the gaming store is output to the gaming information output terminal board 27 on the output side of the main control board 110.
The game information output terminal board 27 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated in the main control board 110 to a hall computer or the like of the game shop. The game information output terminal board 27 is wired to the main control board 110 and is provided with a connector for connecting to a hall computer or the like of a game store.

The main ROM 112 of the main control board 110 stores a game control program to be described later, data and tables necessary for various games.
The main RAM 113 of the main control board 110 has a plurality of storage areas.
For example, the main RAM 113 includes a normal symbol hold count (G) storage area, a normal symbol hold storage area, a first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area, a second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, and a determination storage area. , First special symbol storage area, second special symbol storage area, high probability game count (X) storage area, time-short game count (J) storage area, round game count (R) storage area, release count (K) storage area , Number of balls entered at the first grand prize opening (C1) storage area, number of balls entered at the second grand prize opening (C2) storage area, game state storage area, game state buffer, stop symbol data storage area, transmission data for performance A storage area or the like is provided. The game state storage area includes a short-time game flag storage area, a high-probability game flag storage area, a special-purpose special electric processing data storage area, and a general-purpose normal electric processing data storage area. Note that the storage area described above is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

The effect control board 120 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or standby. The effect control board 120 includes a sub CPU 121, a sub ROM 122, and a sub RAM 123, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be able to communicate in one direction from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120. .
The sub CPU 121 reads out a program stored in the sub ROM 122 based on various commands transmitted from the main control board 110 and an input signal input via the lamp control board 140 and performs arithmetic processing. Based on the processing, the corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 140 or the image control board 150. The sub RAM 123 functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 121 performs arithmetic processing.

The sub ROM 122 of the effect control board 120 stores an effect control program, data necessary for various games, and a table.
For example, a variation effect pattern determination table (not shown) for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110, and an effect symbol pattern determination for determining a combination of effect symbols 35 to be stopped and displayed. A table (not shown) or the like is stored in the sub ROM 122. In addition, the table mentioned above only enumerates the characteristic table among the tables in this embodiment as an example, and in the progress of the game, many other tables and programs are provided.

The sub RAM 123 of the effect control board 120 has a plurality of storage areas.
The sub-RAM 123 includes a command reception buffer, a gaming state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, a determination storage area (0th storage area), a first reservation storage area, and a second reservation storage area. Etc. are provided. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  The effect control board 120 is equipped with an RTC (real time clock) 124 for outputting the current time. The sub CPU 121 receives a date signal indicating the current date and a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 124, and executes various processes based on the current date and time.

  The payout control board 130 performs game ball launch control and prize ball payout control. The payout control board 130 includes a payout CPU 131, a payout ROM 132, and a payout RAM 133, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.

The lamp control board 140 is connected to the effect control board 120 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. An effect button detection switch 8a and a cross key detection switch 40a (not shown) are connected to the input side of the lamp control board 140. When it is detected by the effect button detection switch 8a or the cross key detection switch 40a, a detection signal is output to the effect control board 120.
The lamp control board 140 is connected to the effect accessory device 32 and the effect lighting device 33 not shown in FIG.
The lamp control board 140 performs energization control of a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor that operates the effect accessory device 32 based on the data transmitted from the effect control board 120.
The lamp control board 140 performs lighting control of the effect lighting device 33 and performs drive control on a motor for changing the light irradiation direction.

The image control board 150 is connected to the effect control board 120 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and the image display device 31 and the audio output device 34 are connected to the output side thereof.
When the launch control board 160 receives the launch control data from the payout control board 130, the launch control board 160 permits the launch and launches the game ball with a launch force corresponding to the operation amount of the operation handle 11.
The power board 170 converts the power supply voltage supplied from the power plug 171 into a predetermined voltage and supplies it to each control board.

<Image control board configuration>
Here, the configuration of the image control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image control board.
The image control board 150 includes a host CPU 151, host RAM 152, host ROM 153, CGROM 154, crystal oscillator 155, VRAM 156, and VDP (Video Display Processor) 200 for performing image display control of the image display device 31.
As will be described later, the VDP 200 includes a voice control circuit 300 for controlling voice output in the gaming machine.

The host CPU 151 instructs the image display device 31 to display the image data stored in the CGROM 154 on the VDP 200 based on the later-described effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 120. Such an instruction is performed by setting data in the control register 201 of the VDP 200 and outputting a display list including drawing control command groups.
In addition, when receiving a V blank interrupt signal or a drawing end signal from the VDP 200, the host CPU 151 appropriately performs an interrupt process.

Further, the host CPU 151 also instructs the audio control circuit 300 included in the VDP 200 to output predetermined audio data to the audio output device 34 based on the effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 120.
The host RAM 152 is built in the host CPU 151, functions as a data work area when the host CPU 151 performs arithmetic processing, and temporarily stores data read from the host ROM 153.

The host ROM 153 is composed of a mask ROM, and displays a program for controlling the host CPU 151, symbol arrangement information in which the symbol number of the effect symbol is associated with the type of the effect symbol 35, and a display for generating a display list. A list generation program, an animation pattern for displaying an animation of a production pattern, animation scene information, and the like are stored.
This animation pattern is referred to when displaying the animation of the production pattern, and stores the combination of animation scene information included in the production pattern, the display order of each animation scene information, and the like. The animation scene information stores information such as weight frame (display time), target data (sprite identification number, transfer source address, etc.), parameters (sprite display position, transfer destination address, etc.), drawing method, etc. doing.

The CGROM 154 includes a flash memory, an EEPROM, an EPROM, a mask ROM, and the like. The CGROM 154 compresses and stores image data (sprite, movie) or the like including a collection of pixel information in a predetermined range of pixels (for example, 32 × 32 pixels). ing. The pixel information is composed of color number information for designating a color number for each pixel and an α value indicating the transparency of the image.
Furthermore, the CGROM 154 stores palette data in which color number information for designating color numbers and display color information for actually displaying colors are associated with each other without being compressed.
Note that the CGROM 154 may have a configuration in which only a part of the image data is compressed without being compressed. As a movie compression method, various known compression methods such as MPEG4 can be used.
The CGROM 154 also stores a lot of audio data as will be described later.

  The crystal oscillator 155 outputs a pulse signal to the clock generation circuit 205 of the VDP 200, and divides the pulse signal to synchronize with the system clock for the VDP 200 to control by the clock generation circuit 205 and the image display device 31. A synchronization signal or the like is generated for the purpose.

The VRAM 156 is composed of an SRAM that can write or read image data at high speed.
The VRAM 156 also draws or displays an image, a display list storage area 156a that temporarily stores the display list output from the host CPU 151, a development storage area 156b that stores image data decompressed by the decompression circuit 206, and the like. A first frame buffer 156c and a second frame buffer 156d. The VRAM 156 also stores palette data.
The two frame buffers 156c and 156d are alternately switched between a “drawing frame buffer” and a “display frame buffer” every time drawing is started.

The VDP 200 is a so-called image processor, reads image data from one of the frame buffers (display frame buffer) based on an instruction from the host CPU 151, and a video signal (RGB signal, etc.) based on the read image data. Is generated and output to the image display device.
However, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the VDP 200 is not only an image processor, but has an audio output function.
The VDP 200 includes a control register 201, a CG bus I / F 202, a CPU I / F 203, a clock generation circuit 205, a decompression circuit 206, a drawing circuit 207, a display circuit 208, a memory controller 209, and audio control. And a circuit 300.

The control register 201 is a register for the VDP 200 to control drawing and display, and drawing control and display control are performed by writing and reading data to and from the control register 201. The host CPU 151 can write and read data to and from the control register 201 via the CPU I / F 203.
The control register 201 is a system control register that performs basic settings necessary for the operation of the VDP 200, a data transfer register that performs settings necessary for data transfer, and a drawing that performs settings for controlling drawing. A register, a bus interface register for making settings necessary for bus access, a decompression register for making settings necessary for decompressing a compressed image, a display register for making settings for controlling display, and six types It has a register.

The CG bus I / F 202 is an interface circuit for communication with the CGROM 154, and image data from the CGROM 154 is input to the VDP 200 via the CG bus I / F 202.
The CPU I / F 203 is an interface circuit for communication with the host CPU 151, and the host CPU 151 outputs a display list to the VDP 200, accesses a control register via the CPU I / F 203, and performs various operations from the VDP 200. The host CPU 151 inputs an interrupt signal.

The data transfer circuit 204 performs data transfer between various devices.
Specifically, data transfer between the host CPU 151 and the VRAM 156, data transfer between the CGROM 154 and the VRAM 156, and data transfer between various storage areas (including the frame buffer) of the VRAM 156 are performed.
The clock generation circuit 205 receives a pulse signal from the crystal oscillator 155 and generates a system clock that determines the operation processing speed of the VDP 200. Also, a synchronization signal generation clock is generated, and the synchronization signal is output to the image display device via the display circuit.

The decompression circuit 206 is a circuit for decompressing the image data compressed in the CGROM 154, and stores the decompressed image data in the expanded storage area 153b.
The drawing circuit 207 is a circuit that performs sequence control based on a display list including drawing control commands.

The display circuit 208 generates an RGB signal (analog signal) indicating image color data as a video signal from the image data (digital signal) stored in the “display frame buffer” in the VRAM 156, and the generated video signal ( (RGB signal) to the image display device 31. Further, the display circuit 208 also outputs a synchronization signal (vertical synchronization signal, horizontal synchronization signal, etc.) for synchronizing with the image display device 31 to the image display device 31.
In the present embodiment, an RGB signal obtained by converting a digital signal into an analog signal is output to the image display device 31 as the video signal. However, the video signal may be output as the digital signal.

The memory controller 209 performs control to switch between the “drawing frame buffer” and the “display frame buffer” when the host CPU 151 instructs to switch the frame buffer.
The sound control circuit 300 reads a predetermined program based on the command transmitted from the effect control board 120 and controls sound output in the sound output device 34.
The voice control circuit 300 outputs voice using voice data stored in the CGROM 154. In this case, the CGROM 154 includes a sound source ROM 400 for storing audio data. The sound source ROM 400 will be described later.

Note that the sound source ROM 400 may be separately provided in the VDP 200 instead of being provided in the CGROM 154.
In this case, audio data is not stored in the CGROM 154 having a fixed capacity, and more image data can be stored. Therefore, the production using the video can be more varied and impressive.

  Further, the audio control circuit 300 may not be included in the VDP 200 but may be provided independently within the image control board 150. In that case, the sound source ROM 400 may be included in the sound control circuit 300.

Next, details of various tables stored in the main ROM 112 will be described with reference to FIGS.
<Big hit judgment table>
5 (a) and 5 (b) are diagrams showing an example of a jackpot determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not the special symbol variation stop result is a jackpot, and FIG. The jackpot determination table referred to in the jackpot determination that displays the jackpot determination result using the first special symbol display device 20, FIG. 5B is a jackpot that displays the jackpot determination result using the second special symbol display device 21 It is a jackpot determination table referred in determination. In the tables of FIG. 5 (a) and FIG. 5 (b), the jackpot probabilities are the same even though the winning probabilities are different.

  The jackpot determination table shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is composed of a low-probability random number determination table and a high-probability random-number determination table. A determination table is selected, and one of “big hit”, “small hit”, and “lack” is determined based on the selected table and the extracted random number for determining a special symbol.

For example, according to the low probability random number determination table of the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 5A, two special symbol determination random numbers are determined as “big hit”. On the other hand, according to the high probability random number determination table, 20 special symbol determination random numbers are determined to be “big hits”.
In the jackpot determination table of the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 5 (a), four special symbol determination disturbances are used regardless of whether the low probability random number determination table or the high probability random number determination table is used. The numerical value is determined as “small hit”.
Then, in the jackpot determination table of the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 5A, if the random number value is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.
Since the random number range of the special symbol determination random number value is 0 to 598, the probability of being determined to be a big hit at a low probability in the jackpot determination table of the first special symbol display device is 1 / 299.5, which is a high probability. The probability of being determined to be a big hit sometimes is 10 times, which is 1 / 29.95. In addition, the probability determined to be a small hit is 1 / 149.75 for both low and high probabilities.

On the other hand, in the jackpot determination table of the second special symbol display device shown in FIG. 5B, the special symbol determination random number value determined to be a jackpot at the low probability and the high probability is the same as the first special symbol display device. However, the special symbol determination random number value determined to be a small hit is different from the big hit determination table in the first special symbol display device. For example, in the jackpot determination table in the second special symbol display device, only when the special symbol determination random number value is “50”, it is determined as “small hit”.
Therefore, in the low probability random number determination table in the second special symbol display device, the probability of being determined to be a big hit at the low probability is 1 / 299.5, similarly to the low probability random number determination table in the first special symbol display device. The probability of being determined to be a big hit at a high probability is 10 times, which is 1 / 29.95. On the other hand, the probability determined to be a small hit is 1/599 for both low and high probabilities.

<Hit determination table>
FIG. 5C is a diagram showing a hit determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not the stop result of the normal symbol variation is determined to be a win.
The hit determination table shown in FIG. 5C is composed of a random time determination table for a non-short game state and a random number determination table for a short time game state. The random number determination table for a non-short game state or a short game is referred to with reference to the game state. A state random number determination table is selected, and based on the selected table and the extracted random number value for winning determination, it is determined whether it is “winning” or “lost”.
In the hit determination table shown in FIG. 5 (c), the probability that the normal symbol is determined to be hit in the non-short game state is 1/20, and the probability that the normal symbol is determined to be win in the time-short gaming state is 19/20. It is.

<Design determination table>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol.
FIG. 6A is a jackpot symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of jackpot, and FIG. 6B is a jackpot symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of jackpot. (C) is a lost symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of a loss. More specifically, each symbol determination table is configured for each special symbol display device, and includes a symbol determination table for the first special symbol display device and a symbol determination table for the second special symbol display device.

  In the jackpot symbol determination table shown in FIG. 6A, the jackpot symbol random number value is referred to. If the first special symbol display device 20 determines that the jackpot symbol is a random number for the jackpot symbol from “0” to “59”, “01” (first special symbol 1) is determined as stop symbol data. To do. Further, at the time of starting the change of the special symbol, based on the determined special symbol type (stop symbol data), the production symbol designation commands “E0H” and “01H” as special symbol information are generated.

  Further, when the first special symbol display device 20 determines that the jackpot is a jackpot symbol random number value “60” to “69”, “02” (first special symbol 2) is determined as the stop symbol data. Then, the production symbol designation commands “E0H” and “02H” are generated, and if the jackpot symbol random number value is “70” to “99”, “03” (first special symbol 3) is determined as the stop symbol data. Then, the production symbol designation commands “E0H” and “03H” are generated.

  Further, if the second special symbol display device 21 determines that the jackpot is a random number for the jackpot symbol from “0” to “69”, “04” (second special symbol 1) is determined as the stop symbol data. Then, the production symbol designation commands “E1H” and “01H” are generated, and if the jackpot symbol random number value is “70” to “99”, “05” (second special symbol 2) is determined as the stop symbol data. Then, the production symbol designation commands “E1H” and “02H” are generated.

Next, in the small hit symbol determination table shown in FIG. When the first special symbol display device 20 determines that it is a small hit, regardless of the random number value for the small hit symbol, “11” (special symbol for small hit) is determined as the stop symbol data. Then, at the time of starting the variation of the special symbol, the production symbol designation commands “E0H” and “0AH” are generated based on the determined special symbol type (stop symbol data).
When the second special symbol display device 21 is small hit, regardless of the random number value for the small hit symbol, “12” (special symbol for small bonus) is determined as the stop symbol data, and the production symbol designation commands “E1H” “ 0AH "is generated.

  Next, in the lose symbol determination table shown in FIG. 6C, when it is determined that the first special symbol display device 20 has lost, “00” (special symbol 0 (lost)) is determined as the stop symbol data, At the start of symbol variation, the production symbol designation commands “E0H” and “00H” are generated, and when it is determined that the second special symbol display device 21 has lost, “00” (special symbol 0 ( When the change of the special symbol is started, the production symbol designation commands “E1H” and “00H” are generated.

  As will be described later, the game state after the jackpot (see FIG. 8) and the jackpot mode (see FIG. 9) are determined according to the type of special symbol (stop symbol data), so the type of special symbol is a jackpot It can be said that the game state after the game ends and the jackpot mode are determined.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a hit normal symbol determination table that is referred to when determining a normal symbol based on the stop result of the normal symbol fluctuation. FIG. FIG. 7B is a normal symbol determination table that is referred to when it is determined to be lost by the determination of the random number value for determination of winning.
In the normal symbol determination table shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the normal symbol random numbers (0 to 10) are referred to.
When the normal symbol random number value of the normal symbol display device 22 is determined to be a hit in the hit determination table, the normal symbol random number values are “0” and “1” as shown in FIG. If there is, the long open symbol is determined, and if the normal symbol random number is “2” to “10”, the short open symbol is determined.
In the case of the long open symbol, “01” is determined as the stop symbol data, and the normal symbol designation commands “E8H” and “01H” are generated when the variation of the normal symbol is started. When the short open symbol is determined, “02” is determined as the stop symbol data, and the normal symbol designation commands “E8H” and “02H” are generated when the variation of the normal symbol is started.

On the other hand, when the normal symbol random number value of the normal symbol display device 22 is determined to be lost in the hit determination table, the normal symbol random number value is “0” to “10” as shown in FIG. Whatever value is used, the lost symbol is determined.
In the case of the lost symbol, “00” is determined as the stop symbol data, and the normal symbol designation commands “E8H” and “00H” are generated when the variation of the normal symbol is started. The long open symbol and the short open symbol will be described in detail later.

<Big jackpot setting data table>
FIG. 8 is a jackpot end setting data table for determining the gaming state after the jackpot ends.
Based on the special symbol type (stop symbol data) and the game status at the time of the jackpot winning stored in the game state buffer, the high probability game flag setting and the number of high probability games are determined based on the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. Setting of (X), setting of a short time game flag, and setting of the number of short time games (J) are performed.
It should be noted that “00H” in the gaming state buffer indicating the gaming state at the time of winning the big win indicates gaming state information in which neither the short-time gaming flag nor the high probability gaming flag is set, and “01H” indicates that the short-time gaming flag is set. Although the high probability game flag is not set, the game state information is set. “02H” is the game state information in which the short-time game flag is set but the high probability game flag is not set. "" Indicates game state information in which both the short-time game flag and the high probability game flag are set.

  In the present embodiment, regardless of the game state buffer, when the stop symbol data of the first special symbol display device 20 is “01”, that is, when the first special symbol 1 is won, the gaming state after the jackpot ends is displayed. A short-time gaming state and a high-probability gaming state (so-called probabilistic gaming state) are set. At this time, 10,000 times are set to the number of short-time games (J) and the number of high probability games (X), respectively.

Also, if the stop symbol data of the first special symbol display device 20 is “02” when the game state buffer is “00H”, that is, if the first special symbol 2 is won, the gaming state after the jackpot is ended. A non-time-saving gaming state and a high-probability gaming state (so-called latent probability changing gaming state) are set. At this time, 0 is set as the number of short-time games (J), and 10000 is set as the high probability game number (X).
In addition, when the stop symbol data of the first special symbol display device 20 is “02” when the game state buffer is “01H” to “03H”, the game state after the jackpot is a short-time game state and a high probability. The game state (so-called probabilistic game state) is set. At this time, 10,000 times are set to the number of short-time games (J) and the number of high probability games (X), respectively. That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game state buffer is other than “00H” (normal game state) and the first latent probability change short win is won, the game state after the jackpot end is changed to the probability change game state. Set to.

  Further, when the stop symbol data of the first special symbol display device 20 is “03”, that is, when the first special symbol 3 is won, the gaming state after the jackpot is the short-time gaming state and the non-high probability gaming state. (So-called short-time gaming state) is set. At this time, 100 times is set as the number of short-time games (J), and 0 is set as the high probability game number (X).

  In addition, when the stop symbol data of the first special symbol display device 20 is “11”, that is, when the special symbol for small hit is won, the gaming state after the small hit is the same as the gaming state at the time of winning the small bonus Thus, the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is continued.

In addition, when the stop symbol data of the second special symbol display device 21 is “04”, that is, when the second special symbol 1 is won, the gaming state after the jackpot is the short-time gaming state and the high probability gaming state described above. (So-called probabilistic gaming state) is set.
Further, when the stop symbol data of the second special symbol display device 21 is “05”, that is, when the second special symbol 2 is won, the gaming state after the jackpot is the short time gaming state and the non-high probability. The game state (so-called short-time game state) is set.

  Also, when the stop symbol data of the second special symbol display device 21 is “12”, that is, when the special symbol for small hit is won, the gaming state after the small hit is the same as the gaming state at the time of winning the small bonus Thus, the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is continued.

<Special electric accessory operation mode determination table>
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a special electric accessory operating mode determination table for determining the opening / closing conditions of the special winning opening.
With reference to the special electric accessory operating mode determination table shown in FIG. 9, based on the type of special symbol (stop symbol data), the operating mode of the special winning opening, that is, the number of round games (R) and the opening of the special winning opening The big prize opening opening mode determination table for determining the mode is determined. In the present embodiment, “table” is appropriately omitted and described as “TBL”.

Specifically, when the stop symbol data is “01” or “03”, the round game number R is determined to be “16” and the release mode table is determined to be “TBL per long” to be described later.
Further, when the stop symbol data is “02”, the round game number R is determined to be “4”, and the release mode table is set to “short hit TBL” described later. When the stop symbol data is “11”, the release mode is determined. The table is determined as “small hit TBL” to be described later.
When the stop symbol data is “04” or “05”, the round game number R is determined to be “16” and the release mode table is “TBL per long”. When the stop symbol data is “12”, the release mode is determined. The table is determined as “small hit TBL”.

  As a feature of the special electric accessory actuating mode determination table shown in FIG. 9, in the second special symbol display device 21 that is actuated when a game ball enters the second starting port 17, “short hit TBL” is set. It is configured not to be determined. This is because, in the non-short-time gaming state, almost no game ball enters the second start port 17, but if a short hit is determined when a game ball enters the second start port 17, This is because even if the short-time gaming state is provided, the player's willingness to play may be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the second special symbol display device 21 is configured not to determine “short hit TBL”, but the second special symbol display device 21 also determines “short hit TBL”. You may comprise. However, in the case of determining “short hit TBL” in the second special symbol display device 21, compared to the first special symbol display device 20 that is activated when a game ball enters the first start port 14, It is desirable that the “short TBL” is not easily determined.

<Big winning opening opening determination table for jackpots>
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure of the big winning opening opening determination table for jackpots, and the open / close door 16b of the first winning opening 16 or the like according to the big winning opening opening determination table for jackpots shown in FIG. The opening / closing conditions of the movable piece 17b of the second grand prize winning port 17 are determined.
In the big winning opening opening determination table for jackpots shown in FIG. 10, the type of the big winning opening to be opened (the first big winning opening 16 or the second big winning opening 17) and the maximum round game in one jackpot game. The number of times (R), the specified number indicating the maximum number of winnings in a single winning round in one round, the start interval time from the start of the big win game to the execution of the first round game, and the big winning opening in each round game Maximum number of times of opening (K), opening time of the big prize opening for one opening of each round game, closing time of the big winning opening for one opening of each round game, The closing interval time of the big prize opening from the end of one round game to the execution of the next round game and the end interval time from the end of the last round game to the end of the jackpot game are stored. To have.

  Here, in the long winning TBL, the first large winning opening 16 can be opened for a maximum of 29 seconds per round by operating the open / close door 16b of the first large winning opening 16. However, when a specified number (9) of game balls wins the first grand prize opening 16 before the opening time of 29 seconds elapses, the operation of the open / close door 16b is finished and one round of the game is finished. It will be. In this case, the maximum round game count R is set to 16 rounds.

  Further, in the short hit TBL, the movable piece 17b of the second big prize opening 17 is operated to open the second big prize opening 17 for a maximum of 0.052 seconds per round. However, also in this case, when a prescribed number (9) of game balls have won the second grand prize opening 17 in one round, the operation of the movable piece 17b is finished, and one game is finished. become. In this case, the maximum round game count R is set to 4 rounds.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the “long winning game” in which the first big prize opening 16 is opened in a long opening time, and the “short” in which the second big prize opening 17 is opened in a short opening time. There are two types of “big hit games”, “win games”. In the present embodiment, “big hit game” is referred to as “special game”.

<Large winning opening opening mode determination table for small hits>
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the opening mode table for the small winning big winning opening, and the second big winning opening at the time of the small winning is determined by the large winning opening releasing mode determining table for small winning shown in FIG. The open / close conditions of the 17 movable pieces 17b are set.
When the opening mode determination table for small hits shown in FIG. 11 is determined, the small hit game in which the movable piece 17b of the second big prize opening 17 repeats opening for 0.052 seconds and closing for 2.000 seconds is executed. Is done. This small hit game is regarded as one game in which the movable piece 17b of the second big prize opening 17 repeats opening and closing four times continuously, so the concept of “round game” in the long hit game and the short hit game described above. However, the opening / closing mode of the second grand prize winning port 17 is substantially the same as that of the short hit game. Thereby, the pleasure which makes a player guess whether it is a short hit or a short win can be provided. However, if the opening / closing mode is approximated to the extent that it is impossible or difficult to discriminate whether the player is a small hit or short hit even if the opening time and closing time are not set exactly the same, the same as above The fun of gaming can be improved.

  In addition, since the opening time (0.052 seconds) of “short hit” or “small hit” is shorter than the time (about 0.6 seconds) at which one game ball is fired, Even if the movable piece 17b is opened, it is difficult to win the second big prize opening 17, and the opening mode of “short hit” or “small hit” can be said to be “unfavorable opening mode”. On the other hand, since the “long hit” release time (29.5 seconds) is longer than the time (about 0.6 seconds) at which one game ball is fired, it can be said to be an “advantageous release mode”.

<Normal electric accessory operation mode determination table>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a normal electric accessory operation mode determination table, FIG. 12 (a) is a table referred to in the non-short game state, and FIG. 12 (b) is referred to in the short time game state. It is a table.
Specifically, when the long open symbol is determined by the normal symbol lottery performed due to the passing of the game ball to the gate 15, if the gaming state is a non-short game state, it is based on the long open TBL1. Thus, the start opening / closing solenoid 14c is energized. According to the long opening TBL1, the second start port 14 is opened twice, and the total opening time is controlled to 4.200 seconds.
When the short opening symbol is determined in the non-short game state, the start opening / closing solenoid 14c is energized based on the short opening TBL1. According to the short opening TBL1, the second start port 14 is opened once, and the total opening time is controlled to 0.200 seconds.

On the other hand, when the long open symbol is determined, if the game state is the short-time game state, the start opening / closing solenoid 14c is energized based on the long open TBL2. According to the long opening TBL2, the second start port 14 is opened once, and the total opening time is controlled to be 5.000 seconds.
Further, when the short opening symbol is determined in the short-time gaming state, the start opening / closing solenoid 14c is energized based on the short opening TBL2. According to this short opening TBL2, the second start port 14 is opened once, and the total opening time is controlled to 3.000 seconds.

FIG. 13 is a time chart showing the energization timing of the start opening / closing solenoid 14c for each table.
As shown in FIG. 13 (a), when the second start port 14 is controlled with reference to the long opening TBL1, the second start port 14 is first opened for 0.2 seconds and then closed for 4 seconds. Again for 4 seconds.
Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the second start port 14 is controlled with reference to the long opening TBL2, the second start port 14 is opened for 5.0 seconds.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13 (c), when the second starting port 14 is controlled with reference to the short opening TBL1, the second starting port 14 is opened only for 0.2 seconds. As shown in (d), when the second start port 14 is controlled with reference to the short opening TBL2, the second start port 14 is opened for 3.0 seconds.

<Description of gaming state>
Next, the gaming state when the game progresses will be described.
In the present embodiment, the game progresses in any one of the “low probability game state”, “high probability game state”, “time / short game state”, and “non-time / short game state”.
However, when the game state is “low probability game state” or “high probability game state” while the game is in progress, it is always “time-short game state” or “non-time-short game state”. In other words, when it is “low probability gaming state” and “short-time gaming state”, “low probability gaming state” and “non-short-time gaming state”, and “high probability gaming state” There are a case of “time saving gaming state” and a case of “high probability gaming state” and “non-time saving gaming state”.

  In the present embodiment, the “low probability gaming state” means that in the jackpot lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first starting port 13 or the second starting port 14, the winning probability of jackpot is 1 / The game state set to 299.5. The jackpot winning here is to acquire a right to execute a “long win game” or a “short win game” which will be described later.

  On the other hand, the “high probability gaming state” means a gaming state in which the jackpot winning probability is set to 1 / 29.95. Therefore, in the “high probability gaming state”, it is easier to acquire the right to execute “game per long” or “game per short” than in the “low probability gaming state”.

In the present embodiment, the “non-short game state” means that the time required for the lottery is set to 10 seconds in the normal symbol lottery performed on the condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 15, and the game is long open. A game in which the total opening time of the second starting port 14 when the symbol is determined is set to 4.2 seconds and the total opening time of the second starting port 14 when the short symbol is determined is set to 0.2 seconds State.
On the other hand, the “short-time gaming state” means that in the normal symbol lottery performed on the condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 15, the time required for the lottery is set to 1 second, and the long open symbol Is a gaming state in which the total opening time of the second starting port 14 is determined to be 5 seconds, and the total opening time of the second starting port 14 is determined to be 3 seconds when the short opening symbol is determined.

  Also, in the “short-time gaming state”, the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery is higher than in the “non-short-time gaming state”. Therefore, in the “short time gaming state”, the second start port 14 is more easily controlled to the second mode as long as the game ball passes through the gate 15 than in the “non-short time gaming state”. As a result, in the “short-time gaming state”, the player can advance the game without consuming the game ball, and the game efficiency can be greatly increased as compared to the non-short-time gaming state.

In the “short-time gaming state”, a variation pattern (variation time) is set so that the number of special symbol lotteries within a unit time is faster than that in the non-short-time gaming state. That is, the special symbol lottery is more efficiently performed in the “short-time gaming state” than in the “non-short-time gaming state”.
For example, in the “non-short game state”, since it is difficult for a game ball to win the second start port 14, the variation of the first special symbol accompanying the winning of the game ball to the first start port 13 is the main. Therefore, in the “non-short game state”, the fluctuation pattern at the time of losing the first special symbol is “10 seconds” when the number of reserved symbols of the first special symbol is 1 to 3, and the number of reserved numbers is 4 In this case, “5 seconds” is set.
On the other hand, in the “short-time gaming state”, since the game ball is likely to win the second starting port 14, the variation of the second special symbol accompanying the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 14 becomes main, The number of reserved special symbols tends to be plural (2 to 4).
Therefore, in the “short-time gaming state”, the fluctuation pattern of the second special symbol when lost is “10 seconds” when the number of reserved symbols of the second special symbol is 1, and “3” when the number of reserved numbers is plural. It is set to each "second".
With this configuration, in the “short-time gaming state”, most of the time required for one change of the second special symbol is “3 seconds”, whereas in the “non-short-time gaming state” The time required for one change of the first special symbol is longer than “5 seconds” or “10 seconds” and “short-time gaming state”.
Therefore, the special symbol lottery can be performed more speedily in the “short time gaming state” than in the “non-short time gaming state”.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball enters the second start port 14, the winning percentage that is advantageous to the player is greater than when the game ball enters the first start port 13. Therefore, during the short-time game, it is easier to win a jackpot advantageous to the player than during the normal game.
Note that the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery may be set so that it does not change in any of the “non-short-time gaming state” and the “short-time gaming state”.

Next, the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described.
<Main processing of main control board>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining main processing by the main control board.
When power is supplied from the power supply board 170, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 111, and the main CPU 111 performs the following main processing.
First, in step S10, the main CPU 111 performs an initialization process. In this process, the main CPU 111 reads a startup program from the main ROM 112 and initializes a flag stored in the main RAM 113.

In step S <b> 20, the main CPU 111 performs a game random number update process for updating the variation pattern random value and the reach determination random value.
In step S30, the main CPU 111 updates the special symbol determination initial random number value, the big hit symbol initial random value, and the small hit symbol initial random value.
After that, the main CPU 111 repeats the processes in steps S20 and S30 until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

<Timer interrupt processing of main control board>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining timer interrupt processing by the main control board.
A clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (4 milliseconds, hereinafter referred to as “4 ms”) by the reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the main control board 110, so that the timer interrupt processing described below is performed. Executed.
First, in step S101, the main CPU 111 saves the information stored in the register to the stack area.
Next, in step S102, the main CPU 111 updates the special symbol time counter, updates the special game timer counter such as the opening time of the special electric accessory, updates the normal symbol time counter, and updates the general electricity release time counter. Time control processing for updating various timer counters such as processing is performed.
Specifically, the main CPU 111 performs a process of subtracting 1 from the special symbol time counter, the special game timer counter, the normal symbol time counter, and the general electricity open time counter.

In step S103, the main CPU 111 performs a random number update process for the special symbol determination random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, the small hit symbol random number value, and the hit determination random number value.
Specifically, 1 is added to each random number counter to update the random number counter. When the addition result exceeds the maximum value in the random number range, the random number counter is reset to 0, and when the random number counter makes one round, the random number is updated from the initial random number value at that time.
In step S104, the main CPU 111 adds an initial random number counter for special symbol determination, an initial random value counter for jackpot symbol, and an initial random value counter for small jackpot symbol to update the random number counter by one. Do.

In step S105, the main CPU 111 performs input control processing.
In this input control process, the main CPU 111 includes a first start port detection switch 13a, a second start port detection switch 14a, a gate detection switch 15a, a first large winning port detection switch 16a, a second large winning port detection switch 17a, and the like. It is determined whether or not there is an input to each switch of the winning prize detection switch 18a.
In step S <b> 106, the main CPU 111 performs a special symbol special power control process for controlling special symbols and special electric accessories. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS.
In step S <b> 107, the main CPU 111 performs a normal / normal power control process for controlling the normal symbol and the ordinary electric accessory.

In step S108, the main CPU 111 performs a payout control process.
In this payout control process, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not a game ball has won a prize in the first grand prize opening 16, the second big prize opening 17, the first starting opening 13, the second starting opening 14, and the general winning opening 18. When a check is made and there is a winning, a payout number designation command corresponding to each is transmitted to the payout control board 130.
More specifically, the general winning award winning ball counter, the large winning award winning ball counter, and the starting winning award ball counter are checked, and a payout number designation command corresponding to each winning award is transmitted to the payout control board 130. Thereafter, predetermined data is subtracted from the prize ball counter corresponding to the transmitted payout number designation command and updated.
In step S109, the main CPU 111 performs data creation processing of external information data, start opening / closing solenoid data, special winning opening opening / closing solenoid data, special symbol display device data, normal symbol display device data, and a storage number designation command.

In step S110, the main CPU 111 performs output control processing.
In this output control process, the main CPU 111 performs a port output process for outputting signals of the external information data, the start opening / closing solenoid data, and the big prize opening / closing solenoid data created in step S109.

The main CPU 111 also turns on the special symbol display device data and the normal symbol created in step S109 to turn on the LEDs of the first special symbol display device 20, the second special symbol display device 21, and the normal symbol display device 22. Display device output processing for outputting display device data is performed. Further, the main CPU 111 performs command transmission processing for transmitting a command set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 113.
In step S111, the main CPU 111 restores the information saved in step S101 to the register of the main CPU 111.

<Special Figure Special Electric Control Process>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the special figure special electric control processing by the main control board.
First, in step S201, the main CPU 111 loads the value of the special figure special electricity processing data, and refers to the branch address from the special figure special electric treatment data loaded in step S202.
In step S203, if the special figure special electric processing data = 0 (Yes in step S203), the main CPU 111 shifts the processing to a special symbol storage determination process (step S204).

In the special symbol memory determination process, when it is determined that the special symbol is not in a variable display, the number of first special symbols stored in the first special symbol memory area or the second special symbol stored in the second special symbol memory area It is determined whether or not the number of reserved symbols is 1 or more. When the number of reserved symbols is 1 or more, various random numbers (special symbol determination) stored in the first special symbol storage area or the second special symbol storage area. Random number value for jackpot symbol, random number value for jackpot symbol, random number value for reach determination, random number value for variation pattern) is shifted to the previous storage area. Of the various random values shifted to the determination storage area of the special symbol storage area, the jackpot based on a predetermined random number value (a special symbol determination random number value, a jackpot symbol random number value, a small hit symbol random number value) or A jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether or not the jackpot is won.
In the jackpot determination process, when it is determined that the jackpot is won, a special symbol for jackpot to be displayed on the special symbol display devices 20 and 21 is determined. If it is determined that the small winning is won, the special symbol for the small hit to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display devices 20 and 21 is determined, and in the case of the loss, the special symbol for the loss is determined.
In the special symbol memory determination process, a variation pattern determination process is performed. The variation pattern determination process determines a variation pattern with reference to the current gaming state, a special symbol determination random number value, a jackpot symbol random value, a reach determination random value, and a variation pattern random value, and the determined variation pattern This is transmitted to the effect control board 120.
Further, in the special symbol memory determination process, the special symbol display devices 20 and 21 start to display special symbols in a variable manner. Then, when the variation display of the special symbol is started, the variation time based on the variation pattern is set.
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the second special symbol storage area is preferentially processed over the first special symbol storage area.

In step S203, when the special figure special power processing data = 0 is not 0 (No in step S203), the main CPU 111 determines whether the special figure special power processing data = 1 in step S205.
In step S205, if the special figure special electric processing data = 1 (Yes in step S205), the main CPU 111 shifts the processing to the special symbol variation process (step S206).
In the special symbol variation processing, when the variation time of the special symbol set in the special symbol memory determination processing has elapsed, the special symbol set in the special symbol memory determination processing is displayed on the special symbol display devices 20 and 21 with a predetermined symbol stop time. Stop display (for example, 0.5 seconds).

If it is determined in step S205 that the special figure special power processing data is not 1 (No in step S205), the main CPU 111 determines whether the special figure special power processing data = 2 in step S207.
In step S207, if the special figure special electricity processing data = 2 (Yes in step S207), the main CPU 111 shifts the processing to the special symbol stop process (step S208).
In the special symbol stop processing, if the predetermined symbol stop time set in the special symbol variation processing has elapsed, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a big hit symbol, after setting the special symbol special electric processing data = 3, for the big hit The opening command and the opening time are set, and if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is the small hit symbol, “4” is set in the special symbol special electric processing data, and then the opening command for the small hit and the opening time are set.

In step S207, if the special figure special power processing data = 2 is not satisfied (No in step S207), the main CPU 111 determines whether the special figure special power processing data = 3 in step S209.
In step S209, if the special figure special power processing data = 3 (Yes in step S189), the main CPU 111 shifts the processing to the big hit game processing (step S210). The jackpot game process will be described later.
In step S209, when the special figure special power processing data = 3 is not satisfied (No in step S209), the main CPU 111 determines whether the special figure special power processing data = 4 in step S211.
In step S211, if the special figure special processing data = 4 (Yes in step S211), the main CPU 111 shifts the processing to the small hit game processing (step S212).
In the small hit game processing, when the small hit opening is completed, the first big winning opening 16 or the second big winning opening 17 is opened for a predetermined period according to the small hit opening mode determination table (FIG. 11). After the opening of the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17, ending is performed for a predetermined period. After the ending is completed, “5” is set in the special figure special electric processing data.

  In step S211, when the special figure special power processing data = 4 is not satisfied (No in step S211), the main CPU 111 determines that the special figure special electric processing data = 5 and shifts the processing to the special game end processing (step S213). .

<Big hit game processing>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the jackpot game process by the main control board.
First, in step S301, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not it is currently opening. For example, if “0” is stored in the round game count (R) storage area, it is currently being opened. Therefore, it is determined whether the round game count (R) storage area is currently open.
If it is determined that the current opening is being performed (Yes in step S301), the process proceeds to step S302. If it is determined that the current opening is not currently performed (No in step S301), the process proceeds to step S306.

  In step S302, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not a preset opening time has elapsed. As a result, when it is determined that the opening time has not elapsed (No in step S302), the jackpot game process is terminated and when it is determined that the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step S302), The process moves to step S303.

In step S303, the main CPU 111 performs jackpot start setting processing.
In the jackpot start setting process, first, an open mode determination table corresponding to the jackpot type is determined according to the stop symbol data. Specifically, according to the stop symbol data, either the long hit release mode determination table or the short hit release mode determination table shown in FIG. 10 is determined and set.
Next, “1” is added to the current round game number (R) stored in the round game number (R) storage area and stored.
In step S303, nothing is stored in the round game number (R) storage area. That is, since no round game has been performed yet, “1” is stored in the round game count (R) storage area.

  In step S304, the main CPU 111 performs a special prize opening process. In this big prize opening opening process, the energization start data of the first big prize opening / closing solenoid 16c and the second big prize opening / closing solenoid 17c are set and the current round is referred to by referring to the table set in step S303. Based on the number of games (R) and the number of times of opening (K), the opening times of the first big prize opening 16 and the second big prize opening 17 are set in the special game timer counter.

  In step S305, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not K = 1. If K = 1, in order to transmit information on the number of round games to the effect control board 120, the number of round games (R ), A special winning opening (R) round designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area. For example, at the start of the first round game of jackpot, since the number of round games (R) is set to “1” and K = 1, the winning prize opening 1 round designation command is transmitted to the transmission data for production Set in the storage area. On the other hand, if K = 1 is not set, the jackpot game process is terminated without setting the big winning opening (R) round designation command in the effect transmission data storage area. In other words, the case where K = 1 means the start of a round, and therefore, the winning prize opening (R) round designation command is transmitted only at the start of the round.

In step S306, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not it is currently ending. Ending here refers to processing after all preset round games have been completed.
Therefore, if it is determined that the current ending is in progress (Yes in step S306), the process proceeds to step S319. If it is determined that the current ending is not in progress (No in step S306), the process proceeds to step S307. It is.

  In step S307, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not the first big prize opening 16 and the second big prize opening 17 are being closed. If it is determined that the first grand prize winning port 16 and the second grand prize winning port 17 are closed (Yes in step S307), the process proceeds to step S308, and the first grand prize winning port 16 and the second grand prize winning port 17 are moved. Is determined not to be closed (No in step S307), the process proceeds to step S309.

In step S308, the main CPU 111 determines whether the closing time set in step S310 described later has elapsed. Note that the closing time is also determined by whether or not the special game timer counter = 0 as in the opening time. As a result, if the closing time has not elapsed (No in step S308), the jackpot game process is terminated.
On the other hand, when the closing time has elapsed (Yes in step S308), the main CPU 111 shifts the processing to step S304.

In step S <b> 309, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not an “opening end condition” for ending the opening of the first big winning port 16 and the second big winning port 17 is satisfied.
The “opening end condition” indicates that the value of the first grand prize winning counter (C1) and the second big prize winning counter (C2) have reached the maximum number (for example, nine) or the maximum opening This corresponds to the passage of time (special game timer counter = 0).
When the main CPU 111 determines that the “opening end condition” is satisfied (Yes in step S309), the main CPU 111 proceeds to step S310, and when it is determined that the “opening end condition” is not satisfied, the jackpot game process is ended. To do.

In step S310, the main CPU 111 performs a special winning opening closing process.
In the big prize opening closing process, the main CPU 111 energizes stop data of the first big prize opening / closing solenoid 16c and the second big prize opening solenoid 17c in order to close the first big prize opening 16 and the second big prize opening 17. , And with reference to the release mode determination table (see FIG. 10) determined in the above step S303, based on the current number of round games (R) and the number of releases (K), the first big prize opening 16 The closing time of the second big winning opening 17 is set in the special game timer counter. As a result, the first big prize opening 16 and the second big prize opening 17 are closed.

In step S311, the main CPU 111 determines whether one round has been completed. Specifically, in one round, the number of times of opening (K) is the maximum number of times of opening, or the first counter winning ball entrance counter (C1), the second grand winning port entrance counter (C2). Since the process is terminated on condition that the maximum value (for example, 9) is reached, it is determined whether or not such a condition is satisfied.
If it is determined that one round has been completed (Yes in step S311), the process proceeds to step S312, and if it is determined that one round has not ended (No in step S312), a big hit The game process ends.
In step S312, the main CPU 111 sets 0 in the number-of-openings (K) storage area and sets 0 in the number of balls received (C) in the big winning opening. In other words, the number-of-openings (K) storage area and the number of balls received (C) storage area for the big prize opening are cleared.

In step S313, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not the round game number (R) stored in the round game number (R) storage area is the maximum. If the round game number (R) is the maximum (Yes in step S313), the process proceeds to step S316. If the round game number (R) is not the maximum (No in step S313), the process proceeds to step S314. Move.
In step S314, the main CPU 111 sets a round end designation command in the effect transmission data storage area according to the number of round games (R) in order to transmit the end information of the round game to the effect control board 120.
In step S315, the main CPU 111 adds “1” to the current round game count (R) stored in the round game count (R) storage area and stores the result.
If it is determined in step S313 that the number of round games (R) is the maximum, the main CPU 111 resets the number of round games (R) stored in the round game number (R) storage area in step S316.

In step S317, the main CPU 111 determines whether it is a big hit or “short win” according to the stop symbol data, and transmits an ending command corresponding to the type of the big hit to the effect control board 120. In order to do so, it is set in the transmission data storage area for production.
In step S318, the main CPU 111 determines whether it is a big hit or "short win" according to the stop symbol data, and sets the ending time according to the type of the big win in the special game timer counter. To do.

In step S319, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not the set ending time has elapsed.
If it is determined that the ending time has passed (Yes in step S319), in step S320, 5 is set in the special figure special electric processing data and the jackpot game processing is terminated.
If it is determined in step S319 that the ending time has not elapsed (No in step S319), the jackpot game process is terminated as it is.

<Special game end processing>
FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining special game end processing by the main control board.
In step S321, the main CPU 111 loads the stop symbol data set in the stop symbol data storage area and the game information in the game state buffer.
In step S322, the main CPU 111 refers to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 8, and based on the stop symbol data loaded in step S321 and the game information in the game state buffer, the high probability game flag at the end of the jackpot. Processing for determining whether or not to set a high probability game flag in the storage area is performed. For example, if the stop symbol data is “01”, a high probability flag is set (turned on) in the high probability game flag storage area.

  In step S323, the main CPU 111 refers to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 8, and based on the stopped symbol data loaded in step S321 and the game information in the game state buffer, the high probability game count (X). A predetermined number of times is set in the storage area. For example, if the stop symbol data is “01”, 10000 times is set in the high probability game number (X) storage area.

  In step S324, the main CPU 111 refers to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 8 and sets a flag in the short-time game flag storage area based on the stop symbol data loaded in step S321 and the game information in the game state buffer. Whether or not to set is performed. For example, when the stop symbol data is “01”, a flag is set (turned on) in the time-saving game flag storage area.

  In step S325, the main CPU 111 refers to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 8, and stores the number of short-time games (J) based on the stop symbol data loaded in step S321 and the game information in the game state buffer. A predetermined number of times is set in the area. For example, when the stop symbol data is “01”, 10000 is set in the time-saving game count (J) storage area.

In step S326, the main CPU 111 confirms the gaming state, and sets a gaming state designation command in the effect transmission data storage area.
In step S327, the main CPU 111 sets “0” in the special figure special power processing data, and ends the special game end processing.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the main control board 110 obtains the special symbol display device type, the special symbol determination random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, the reach determination random number value, etc., the big hit lottery Pre-determination (pre-reading determination) for determining the result in advance is performed. The prior determination result is transmitted from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120 in an output control process described later. When the predetermination result is received from the main control board 110, the effect control board 120 executes the predetermination effect (prefetching effect) according to the received predetermination result.

Next, processing executed by the sub CPU 121 in the effect control board 120 will be described.
As described above, when the effect control board 120 receives the variation pattern command from the main control board 110, the effect corresponding to the received change pattern command is determined by lottery and executed.

<Main process of production control board>
FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the main processing by the effect control board.
In step S510, the sub CPU 121 performs an initialization process. In this processing, the sub CPU 121 reads the main processing program from the sub ROM 122 and initializes and sets a flag stored in the sub RAM 123 in response to power-on. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S520.

  In step S520, the sub CPU 121 performs an effect random value update process. In this processing, the sub CPU 121 performs processing for updating various random numbers stored in the sub RAM 123. Thereafter, the process of step S510 is repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

<Timer interrupt processing of production control board>
FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining timer interruption processing by the effect control board.
Although not shown in the figure, a clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (2 milliseconds) by a reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the effect control board 120, and a timer interrupt processing program is read to display the effect control board 120. Timer interrupt processing is executed.

First, in step S601, the sub CPU 121 saves information stored in its own register to the stack area.
In step S <b> 602, the sub CPU 121 performs update processing of various timer counters used in the effect control board 120.
In step S603, the sub CPU 121 performs command analysis processing. In this process, the sub CPU 121 performs a process of analyzing a command stored in the reception buffer of the sub RAM 123. A specific description of the command analysis processing will be described later with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.
When the effect control board 120 receives a command transmitted from the main control board 110, a command reception interrupt process of the effect control board 120 (not shown) occurs, and the received command is stored in the reception buffer. Thereafter, the received command is analyzed in step S603.

  In step S <b> 604, the sub CPU 121 checks the signal of the effect button detection switch 8 a input via the lamp control board 140 and performs effect input control processing related to the effect button 8. A specific description of the effect input control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S <b> 605, the sub CPU 121 transmits various data set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 123 to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140.
In step S606, the sub CPU 121 restores the information saved in step S601 to the register of the sub CPU 121.

<Command analysis processing>
21 and 22 are flowcharts for explaining command analysis processing by the effect control board. Note that the command analysis processing 2 shown in FIG. 22 is performed following the command analysis processing 1 shown in FIG.
In step S611, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command is received in the reception buffer, and confirms whether or not the command is received.
If there is no command in the reception buffer (No in step S611), the sub CPU 121 ends the command analysis process. If there is a command in the reception buffer (Yes in step S611), the sub CPU 121 moves the process to step S621.

In step S621, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a customer waiting command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a customer waiting command (Yes in step S621), the sub CPU 121 moves the process to step S622, and if it is not a customer waiting command (No in step S621), the sub CPU 121 proceeds to step S631. Move.
In step S622, the sub CPU 121 performs a customer waiting effect pattern determination process for determining a customer waiting effect pattern. Specifically, the customer waiting effect pattern is determined, the determined customer waiting effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined customer waiting effect pattern is transmitted to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140. Therefore, data based on the determined customer waiting effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 123.
Thereby, the customer waiting effect is started by the image control board 150.

In step S631, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a start winning designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a start winning designation command (Yes in step S631), the sub CPU 121 moves the process to step S632, and if it is not a starting winning designation command (No in step S631), step S641. Move processing to.

  In step S632, the sub CPU 121 analyzes the received start prize designation command and executes data update processing corresponding to the start prize designation command. The start winning designation command is associated with information related to the big hit, the small hit, and the loss that are provisionally determined by the preliminary determination process. Therefore, here, information about the first hold (U1) or the second hold (U2) newly reserved is stored in a predetermined storage area of the sub-RAM 123.

  In step S633, the sub CPU 121 analyzes the start winning designation command and performs a hold display mode determination process for transmitting a hold display command to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140 so as to perform the hold display in a predetermined mode. As a result, the current reserved number of the first hold (U1) and the second hold (U2) is displayed on the image display device 31.

In step S641, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a variation pattern designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a variation pattern designation command (Yes in step S641), the sub CPU 121 moves the process to step S642, and if it is not a variation pattern designation command (No in step S641), step S651. Move processing to.

  In step S642, based on the received variation pattern designation command, the sub CPU 121 performs variation effect pattern determination processing for determining one variation effect pattern from among a plurality of variation effect patterns.

  In step S643, the sub CPU 121 shifts the hold display data stored in the first hold storage area and the second hold storage area and the data corresponding to the start winning designation command, and information on the hold display data after the shift. Is sent to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140.

In step S651, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect designating command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect symbol designation command (Yes in step S651), the sub CPU 121 moves the process to step S652, and if it is not an effect symbol designation command (No in step S651), step S661. Move processing to.

  In step S652, the sub CPU 121 performs an effect symbol determination process for determining an effect symbol 35 to be stopped and displayed on the image display device 31, based on the content of the received effect symbol designation command. Specifically, the effect designating command is analyzed, the effect symbol data constituting the combination of the effect symbols 35 is determined according to the presence / absence of jackpot and the type of jackpot, and the determined effect symbol data is stored in the effect symbol storage area Set to.

In step S661, the sub CPU 121 checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a symbol determination command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a symbol confirmation command (Yes in step S661), the sub CPU 121 moves the process to step S662, and if it is not a symbol confirmation command (No in step S661), the sub CPU 121 proceeds to step S671. Move.
In step S662, the sub CPU 121 transmits data based on the effect symbol data determined in step S652 and stop instruction data for stopping and displaying the effect symbol in order to stop display the effect symbol 35. The effect design stop process to be set is performed.

In step S671, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a common map variation pattern designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a common map variation pattern designation command (Yes in step S671), the sub CPU 121 moves the process to step S672, and if it is not a common diagram variation pattern designation command (No in step S671). ), The process proceeds to step S681.
In step S <b> 672, the sub CPU 121 performs a general variation variation effect pattern determination process for determining one general variation variation effect pattern from a plurality of ordinary variation variation patterns based on the received normal variation variation designation command.

In step S681, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a long release start command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a long release start command (Yes in step S681), the sub CPU 121 moves the process to step S682, and if it is not a long release start command (No in step S681), step S700. Move processing to.
In step S682, the sub CPU 121 performs a long open effect process. Here, a notification effect is executed in order to notify the player that the second start port 14 is opened for a long time (4.2 seconds) in the non-short-time gaming state.

In step S691, the sub CPU 121 checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a normal symbol determination command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a normal symbol determination command (Yes in step S691), the sub CPU 121 moves the process to step S692, and if it is not a normal symbol determination command (No in step S691), step S700. Move processing to.

  In step S692, the sub CPU 121 stores the effect symbol data corresponding to the received normal symbol confirmation command and the stop instruction data for stopping and displaying the ordinary symbol effect symbol in the sub RAM 123 in order to stop and display the ordinary symbol effect symbol. Normal symbol variation stop processing to be set in the transmission buffer is performed.

In step S700, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command (Yes in step S700), the sub CPU 121 moves the process to step S701, and if it is not a gaming state designation command (No in step S700), step S711. Move processing to.
In step S <b> 701, the sub CPU 121 sets a gaming state based on the received gaming state designation command in a gaming state storage area in the sub RAM 123.

In step S711, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an opening command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is an opening command (Yes in step S711), the sub CPU 121 moves the process to step S712, and if not a opening command (No in step S711), moves the process to step S721. .

  In step S712, the sub CPU 121 performs a hit start effect pattern determination process for determining a hit start effect pattern. Specifically, the hit start effect pattern is determined based on the opening command, the determined hit start effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined hit start effect pattern is controlled by the image control board 150 and the lamp control. In order to transmit to the board 140, data based on the determined hit start effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 123.

In step S721, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a big winning opening opening designation command indicating the start of a big hit round game.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a big winning opening release designation command (Yes in step S721), the sub CPU 121 moves the process to step S722, and if it is not a big winning opening opening designation command (No in step S721). ), And the process proceeds to step S731.

  In step S722, the sub CPU 121 performs a mid-round effect pattern determination process for determining a jackpot effect pattern. Specifically, the in-round effect pattern is determined for each round to be started, based on a special winning opening release designation command having information on how many round games start. Then, the determined effect pattern during the round is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the effect pattern is transmitted to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140, so that the corresponding data is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 123. .

In step S731, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a round end designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a round end designation command (Yes in step S731), the sub CPU 121 moves the process to step S732, and if it is not a round end designation command (No in step S731), step S741. Move processing to.
In step S732, the sub CPU 121 performs a pause effect pattern determination process for determining an effect pattern between rounds.

In step S741, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an ending command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is an ending command (Yes in step S741), the sub CPU 121 moves the process to step S742, and if not a ending command (No in step S741), moves the process to step S751. .

  In step S742, the sub CPU 121 performs a hit end effect pattern determination process for determining a hit end effect pattern. Specifically, the winning end effect pattern is determined based on the ending command, the determined hit end effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and the information of the determined hit end effect pattern is controlled with the image control board 150 and the lamp control. In order to transmit to the board 140, data based on the determined winning end effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 123.

In step S751, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a big prize entry ball command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a prize winning ball entering command (Yes in step S751), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S752, and if the command is not a big prize winning ball entering command (No in step S751). ), The command analysis process is terminated.
In step S <b> 752, the sub CPU 121 sets the winning prize entry ball command to the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 123 in order to transmit it to the image control board 150 and lamp control board 140.

Here, the chance game period in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, for a player who can receive a jackpot lottery during the probability-changing game state with a short-time game or during the short-time game state without reducing the number of balls in the player as compared to the normal game state. This is an advantageous game period (chance game period). Therefore, if the big win is won again during this chance game period, it will be a continuous big win called so-called consecutive Chang, and the player can greatly increase his ball in a short time.
The number of game balls to be paid out (acquired by the player) during the chance game period is one of the players' interests.
For this reason, informing the numerical information regarding the number of game media given during the execution of the jackpot game during the chance game period also leads to improvement of the player's game motivation.
For example, if the game medium is a game ball, the numerical information related to the game medium is simply based on the number of payout game balls paid out to the player based on the winning of the game ball to the big prize opening, or the number of payout game balls Any acquired game ball obtained by subtracting the number of shot balls may be used, but here, the number of payout game balls will be described as an example.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a big win is won in the chance game period, the chance game period is set to the number of game balls paid out in the big win (so-called first win) won in the normal gaming state. The number of game balls paid out in the jackpot game won is added and displayed.
However, since the gaming state after the jackpot game is not accompanied by a short-time game when winning the latent probability variation jackpot, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when the winning probability variation jackpot is won in the normal gaming state, It will not be considered a win.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, when the winning probability change jackpot is won in the normal gaming state, the gaming state after the jackpot game is a high probability non-short-time gaming state (latency probability changing gaming state). If the winning probability change jackpot is won in a state other than the normal gaming state, the gaming state after the jackpot game ends becomes a high probability short-time gaming state (probability changing gaming state).

<Production input control processing>
FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the effect input control process by the effect control board.
First, in step S831, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not there is a valid effect button detection signal from the effect button detection switch 8a based on the effect button detection command from the lamp control board 140. If the sub CPU 121 determines that there is no effect button detection signal (No in step S831), the sub CPU 121 ends the process, and if it determines that there is an effect button detection signal (Yes in step S831), the process proceeds to step S832. Transition to processing.

  In step S832, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not the button operation effect executable flag = 01 is set in the storage area of the sub RAM 123. Here, if the button operation effect executable flag = 01 is not set (No in step S832), the sub CPU 121 ends the process, and if the button operation effect executable flag = 01 is set (step S832). Yes in S832), the process proceeds to step S833.

  The button operation effect executable flag is used to determine whether or not an effect corresponding to the operation can be executed based on the button operation being performed. ”Indicates that an effect corresponding to the operation can be executed, and a flag“ 00 ”indicates that an effect corresponding to the operation cannot be executed. The flag “01” is set in accordance with the start and the effect button is operated, or the flag “00” is set when the operation effective period ends without the effect button being operated.

In step S833, the sub CPU 121 sets a button operation effect execution command in the transmission buffer. This command is a command for causing the image control board 150 to execute an effect corresponding to the operation of the effect button 8.
Here, the sub CPU 121 transmits the command set in the transmission buffer in step S605 (see FIG. 20) after the effect input control process to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140. The image control board 150 operates the image display device 31 and the audio output device 34 based on the received command, and the lamp control board 140 operates the effect accessory device 32 and the effect lighting device 33 based on the received command. Let

Next, the image control board 150 will be described.
In the image control board 150, when receiving the production command from the production control board 120, the host CPU 151 reads out the audio output device control program from the host ROM 153 based on the received production command, and the audio output device 342 performs the audio. And the host CPU 151 reads an animation control program from the host ROM 153 and controls image display on the image display device 31.

Here, processing executed by the host CPU 151 in the image control board 150 will be described.
<Host CPU main processing>
FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining main processing by the image control board.
When power is supplied from the power supply board 170, a system reset occurs in the host CPU 151, and the host CPU 151 performs the following main processing.

  First, in step S901, the host CPU 151 performs an initialization process. In this processing, the host CPU 151 reads the main processing program from the host ROM 153 and instructs the initial setting of the various modules of the host CPU 151 and the VDP 200 in response to power-on.

In step S <b> 902, the host CPU 151 performs effect pattern designation command analysis processing for analyzing the effect pattern designation command (command stored in the reception buffer of the host RAM 152) transmitted from the effect control board 120.
When the image control board 150 receives a command transmitted from the effect control board 120, a command reception interrupt process of the image control board 150 (not shown) occurs, and the received command is stored in the reception buffer. Thereafter, the received command is analyzed in step S902.

The effect pattern designation command analysis process confirms whether or not an effect pattern designation command is stored in the reception buffer. If the effect pattern designation command is not stored in the reception buffer, the process proceeds to step S903 as it is.
If an effect pattern designation command is stored in the reception buffer, a new effect pattern designation command is read, and one or more animation groups to be executed are determined based on the read effect pattern designation command, and each animation is selected. Determine the anime pattern from the group. When the animation pattern is determined, the read effect pattern designation command is deleted from the transmission buffer.

In step S903, the host CPU 151 performs animation control processing. In this process, the addresses of various animation scenes are updated based on the “scene switching counter”, “weight frame”, “frame counter” updated in step S921, which will be described later, and the animation pattern determined in step S902. To do.
In step S904, the host CPU 151 determines the display list from the display information (sprite identification number, display position, etc.) of one frame of the animation scene at the updated address according to the priority order (drawing order) of the animation group to which the animation scene belongs. Will be generated. When the generation of the display list is completed, the host CPU 151 outputs the display list to the VDP 200. The display list output here is stored in the display list storage area 156a of the VRAM 156 via the CPU I / F 203 in the VDP 200.

In step S905, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not the FB switching flag = 01.
Here, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 25B, the FB switching flag is set to FB if the previous display list has been drawn in a V blank interrupt every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms). Switching flag = 01. That is, in step S905, it is determined whether or not the previous drawing has been completed.
If the FB switching flag = 01 (Yes in step S905), the host CPU 151 proceeds to step S906, and if the FB switching flag = 00 (No in step S905), the host CPU 151 waits until the FB switching flag = 01. do.

In step S906, the host CPU 151 sets the FB switching flag = 00 (turns the FB switching flag off), and proceeds to step S906.
In step S907, the host CPU 151 performs drawing execution start processing.
In this process, in order to instruct the VDP 200 to execute drawing on the display list that has already been output, drawing execution start data is set in the drawing register. That is, the execution of drawing on the display list output in step S904 is instructed.
Thereafter, the processing from step S902 to step S907 is repeated until a predetermined interrupt shown in FIG. 25 occurs.

<Image control board interrupt processing>
An interrupt process of the image control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG.
The interrupt process of the image control board 150 includes at least a drawing end interrupt process performed by inputting a drawing end interrupt signal and a V blank interrupt process performed by inputting a V blank interrupt signal. Yes.

<Host CPU drawing end interrupt processing>
FIG. 25A is a flowchart for explaining a drawing end interrupt process by the image control board.
When drawing of a predetermined unit frame (one frame) is completed, the VDP 200 outputs a drawing end interrupt signal to the host CPU 151 via the CPU I / F 203.
When the host CPU 151 receives a drawing end interrupt signal from the VDP 200, the host CPU 151 executes a drawing end interrupt process.
In the drawing end interrupt process, in step S911, the host CPU 151 sets the drawing end flag = 01 (turns on the drawing end flag), and ends the current drawing end interrupt process. That is, the drawing end flag is turned on every time drawing ends.

<Host CPUV blank interrupt processing>
FIG. 25B is a flowchart for explaining the V blank interrupt processing by the image control board.
The VDP 200 outputs a V blank interrupt signal (vertical synchronization signal) to the host CPU 151 via the CPU I / F 203 every 1/60 seconds (about 16.6 ms).
When the host CPU 151 receives a V blank interrupt signal from the VDP 200, the host CPU 151 executes a V blank interrupt process.

In step S921, the host CPU 151 performs processing for updating various counters such as “scene switching counter”, “wait frame”, and “frame counter”.
In step S922, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not the drawing end flag is “01”. That is, it is determined whether or not drawing of a predetermined unit of frame has been completed.
If the drawing end flag = 01 (Yes in step S922), the host CPU 151 moves the process to step S923. If the drawing end flag = 01 (No in step S922), the host CPU 151 ends the current V blank interrupt process. To do. That is, even if the V blank interrupt signal is input, if the drawing is not completed, the processing after step S923 is not performed.

In step S923, the host CPU 151 sets a drawing end flag = 00 (turns the drawing end flag off).
In step S924, the host CPU 151 gives an instruction to switch between the “display frame buffer” and the “drawing frame buffer” to the memory controller 209 of the VDP 200.
In step S925, the host CPU 151 sets the FB switching flag = 01 (turns on the FB switching flag), cancels the standby state in step S905 (see FIG. 24), and ends the current V blank interrupt processing. To do.

Next, an outline of the lamp control board 140 will be briefly described.
When the lamp control board 140 receives an effect command from the effect control board 120, it reads out the effect accessory device operation program based on the received effect command and controls the operation of the effect accessory device 32. At the same time, the effect lighting device control program is read based on the received effect command, and the effect lighting device 33 is controlled.
Further, when the lamp control board 140 receives the command for the effect button from the image control board 150 via the effect control board 120, the effect button operation program is read based on the received command for the effect button, and the effect button 8 is controlled.

<Configuration of voice control circuit>
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sound control circuit according to the present embodiment.
The sound control circuit 300 shown in FIG. 26 includes a sound source ROM 400 in which various sound data (effect sound, system sound) are stored as compressed data, and various control commands related to sound output, such as effect sound output command and error sound output. It is connected to the host CPU 151 and the like of the image control circuit 150 for inputting commands to the sound control circuit 300.

The host CPU 151 included in the image control board 150 outputs an effect sound output command including sound necessary for the change effect based on the change effect pattern specified by the effect pattern specification command input from the sub CPU 121 to the sound control circuit 300 (sound Input to the control unit 301).
Further, the host CPU 151 sends an error sound output command to the voice control circuit based on various switch detection information (door opening information, dish full information, ball clogging information, illegal radio wave detection information) transmitted from the main control board 110. 300 (voice control unit 301).
The sound control circuit 300 performs processing on sound data stored in the sound source ROM 400 in accordance with a control command input from the host CPU 151, and performs processing of inputting to at least one sound output device (speaker) 34 and outputting as sound. .

  The audio control circuit 300 includes a plurality of (for example, 40) audio channels (ch0 to ch39) each including a decoding unit 310 and a channel volume control unit 311, and audio data and volume corresponding to a control command input from the host CPU 151. An audio control unit 301 that inputs control commands (decoding unit control command, volume control command) to the audio channel, a mixer 302 that mixes and outputs audio signals output from each of the audio channels 0ch to 39ch, and a mixer 302 An audio signal processing unit 303 that performs predetermined audio processing (equalization, effect processing, panning, looping, etc.) on the signal output from the signal, an operational amplifier 304 as an amplification device, and an audio signal that is a digital signal as an analog signal Convert and output to audio output device 34 A D / A conversion unit 305, and a.

In the sound source ROM 400, a plurality of (eg, 4096 types) audio data (phrase data) including system sounds such as background sounds (BGM) used in gaming machines, effect sounds for sound effects, and error sounds are compressed digitally. Stored as data.
As a method for compressing audio data, for example, a modified discrete cosine transform or the like can be used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the audio data may not necessarily be compressed.

Among a plurality of audio channels (for example, 0ch to 39ch) provided in the audio control circuit, for example, 6 audio channels of 0ch to 5ch are reserved for system sounds (error sounds) and can be used for effect sounds. Can not.
The audio control unit 301 selects a free audio channel from the remaining 6ch to 39ch audio channels, and uses it to reproduce audio data instructed by the host CPU 151.

When an error such as opening of a door occurs in a gaming machine, the volume of all effect sounds is reduced or stopped, and an error sound as a system sound is preferentially generated.
By clearly distinguishing the plurality of audio channels included in the audio control circuit 300 for system sound and effect sound as described above, it is not necessary to consider which sound channel is outputting the effect sound. Since it suffices to perform control to reduce the volume of the audio channel that can be used for sound or to stop the output, the processing can be simplified and the audio channel can be used efficiently.

The audio channel will be described in detail.
The decoding units 310-0 to 310 to 39 included in each of the audio channels 0ch to 39ch read (compressed) audio data from the sound source ROM 400 in accordance with the decoding unit control command input from the audio control unit 301 and perform decoding processing.
The channel volume control unit 311 included in each of the audio channels 0ch to 39ch, based on the volume control command input from the audio control unit 301, the output volume for the expanded audio data input from the decoding unit 310, and (specified Control fade-in / fade-out, etc.)
Fade-in designates the values of the initial volume and the target volume and the time from the initial volume to the target volume to the channel volume control unit 311.
In the fade-out, the start timing and the target volume are designated to the channel volume control unit 311.

The host CPU 151 and the audio control unit 301 regularly acquire information from the audio channels 0ch to 39ch, and always grasp the processing status in these audio channels.
More specifically, the host CPU 151 and the audio control unit 301 periodically acquire and hold status information of the decoding unit 310 and the channel volume control unit 311 included in each audio channel.
Since the host CPU 151 designates the audio channel to the audio control unit 301 and outputs the audio, which audio channel outputs which effect sound and system sound, the volume of each audio channel, the remaining playback time, Naturally knows the status of fade-in and fade-out.

The status information of the decoding unit 310 in each audio channel includes, for example, “playback status”, “priority”, and “sound number”.
“Reproduction status” is information indicating whether or not audio is being reproduced on the audio channel, and includes “reproducing” or “standby”.

The “priority” is the priority of audio reproduced on the audio channel, and is set in advance as “high”, “medium”, and “low” in an audio management table (FIG. 30) described later. .
Basically, the priority of background sounds with little information suggesting game results and game states is low for the player, and the priority of operation sound of the effect button, notice effect sound, and sound effect is set high.

The “sound number” is a number for specifying the sound reproduced / reproduced in each audio channel.
In the audio management table (FIG. 30) described later, each audio data is managed in association with the “sound number”, and the host CPU 151 instructs the audio control unit 301 to specify the audio number to be reproduced. . As a result, the sound to be reproduced from the sound source ROM 400 is also identified by the “sound number” from the sound control unit 301 to the decoding unit 310 of each sound channel.

The status information of the channel volume control unit 311 for each audio channel includes, for example, “volume” and “fade status”.
“Volume” is the volume of the audio currently being played on the audio channel (eg, a percentage of the maximum volume (master volume)).
The “fade status” is whether or not fade-in (FI) / fade-out (FO) is set for the audio currently played back on the audio channel, and whether or not these are completed. Contains information.

For example, “fade timer 5” indicates that the FI / FO performed using 5 seconds is incomplete.
“Fade timer 0” indicates that FI / FO is not designated or has been completed.

The status information of all audio channels 0ch to 39ch includes information on “reproduction status”, “priority”, “sound number”, “volume”, and “fade status” for each audio channel.
The status information of all audio channels is as shown below, for example.

Audio channel ch6: Standby audio channel ch7: Playing, priority “high”, note number 11, current volume 90%, fade timer 0
Audio channel ch8: During playback, priority “high”, note number 11, current volume 90%, fade timer 0
Audio channel ch9: During playback, priority “low”, note number 33, current volume 70%, fade timer 0
Audio channel ch10: During playback, priority “medium”, note number 72, current volume 80%, fade timer 0
...
Audio channel ch39: Waiting

<Voice control processing>
Hereinafter, a voice control process performed by the image control board provided in the gaming machine of the present embodiment using a voice control circuit will be described in detail.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining sound control processing by the image control board.
The image control board 150 performs not only the sound output process but also the process of the image data output to the image display device 31. Here, the sound control process for outputting the production sound and the system sound from the sound output device 34 will be particularly described. .
The process shown in FIG. 27 is a main process (related to the audio process) by the host CPU 151 included in the image control board 150, and is a control process for the audio control circuit 300.

First, the host CPU 151 performs a master volume setting process in step S1001.
This master volume setting process is a process for setting the master volume value of the gaming machine according to the operation of the volume changeover switch 280 and the cross key (left / right key) (not shown) by the player or game shop staff.

Here, the volume setting process in the gaming machine will be outlined.
In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the initial value of the “master volume value” is set by the volume switch 280. This is basically an operation that can only be performed by game shop staff, and the volume switch 280 is often installed at a position where the player cannot operate, such as the back of the gaming machine. The volume selector switch 280 is often composed of a dip switch.
Also, the player can adjust (change) the “master volume value” from the set initial value by using the left key and the right key of the cross key according to his / her convenience and preference. This operation can be performed when the gaming machine is in a customer waiting state.

The master volume adjustment operation using the cross key may be performed while the special symbol is changing.
However, the adjustment work cannot be performed within 15 frames of the fluctuation start and when the fluctuation is stopped (when the symbol confirmation command is received).

The “master volume value” is a comprehensive volume setting value given to all of the plurality of audio channels included in the audio control circuit 300. In the audio control circuit 300 according to the present embodiment, the “master volume value” is included in each audio channel. The above-described channel volume control unit 311 can be given a sub-volume value with volume adjustment for the master volume value (a different volume value is input only for a specific audio channel).
Therefore, it is possible to adjust the relative volume difference (volume ratio) between the respective audio channels and output and emphasize important sounds with a louder sound than other sounds.

  The “master volume value” can be switched from “1” to “10” step by step using the volume switch 280 or the left / right key. Depending on the volume switch 280 (FIG. 3), ”,“ Medium ”,“ Small ”, and“ Eco ”can be set as the initial value of the master volume value.

When the volume switch 280 is switched to “large”, the master volume value is “10”, and when it is switched to “medium”, the master volume value is switched to “7”, “small”, and “eco”. Is set to a master volume value “4”.
When the “master volume value” is set to “eco”, the effect lighting device 33 is turned off during the period in which the gaming machine 1 is in the customer waiting state, and the image display device 31 when not operated is displayed. Set the brightness to low.
The “master volume value” set using the volume switch 280 is referred to as a “hard volume value” in the present embodiment.
When the volume changeover switch 280 is operated while the gaming machine is not energized, the host CPU 151 sets the hard volume value according to the output value of the volume changeover switch 280 when the gaming machine is started up. The hard volume value is stored in the host RAM 152 of the image control board 150.

Also, when waiting for a customer or when the special symbol changes, the master volume value (initial value) set by the volume changeover switch 280 is changed from “1” using the left and right keys so as to obtain the player's preferred volume. Adjust between "10".
This adjusted master volume value is referred to as a “soft volume value” in the present embodiment.
When the initial value set by the volume switch 280 is “eco”, adjustment by the player using the cross key cannot be performed.
The master volume value adjusted using the left and right keys is stored in the host RAM 152 of the image control board 150.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 27, in step S1002, the host CPU 151 performs a system sound setting process.
This is a setting / output process of an error sound (system sound) according to an instruction from a higher-order board (main control board 110, effect control board 120). Details will be described later with reference to FIG.
Next, in step S1003, the host CPU 151 performs an effect sound setting process.
This is an effect sound setting / output process in response to an instruction from the higher-order board (effect control board 120). Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, in step S1004, the host CPU 151 performs processing for the sound currently being output.
This is a control process for the sound currently output by the sound control circuit 300. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.
Next, in step S <b> 1005, the host CPU 151 performs command output processing for outputting a control command to the voice control circuit 300.

<Master volume setting process>
FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining master volume setting processing by the image control board.
In step S1101, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not the hard volume has been changed using the volume switch 280.
If it is determined that the hard volume value has been changed (Yes in step S1101), the host CPU 151 sets the changed hard volume value as the master volume value in step S1102.

If it is determined that there is no change in the hard volume value (No in step S1101), the host CPU 151 determines in step S1103 whether or not the soft volume value is changed using the cross key (left / right key).
If it is determined that the soft volume value has been changed (Yes in step S1103), the host CPU 151 sets the changed soft volume value as the master volume value in step S1102.
If the soft volume value has not been changed (No in step S1103), the host CPU 151 ends the current volume setting process.

Next, system sound (error sound) and effect sound setting processing by the image control board in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.
As described above, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the host CPU 151 of the image control board 150 is necessary based on the fluctuation effect pattern specified by the effect pattern specification command supplied from the effect control board 120 that is the upper circuit board. The voice is selected from the voice management table, and the voice control circuit 300 is instructed to output it.
As for the error sound, the necessary sound is obtained based on various sensor detection results (dish full detection result, door open detection result, ball clogging detection result, illegal radio wave detection result) supplied from the main control board 110. It selects from the voice management table and instructs the voice control circuit 300 to output it.

<Voice management table>
The sound used in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.
29 and 30 are diagrams illustrating an example of a sound management table provided in the image control board.
In the voice management table shown in FIG. 29, each system sound is managed in association with a sound number.
In the sound management table shown in FIG. 30, the sound number, its priority, and the stereo / monaural type are managed in association with the sound number.
Usually, the priority is not particularly conscious. However, as described later, when the audio channel of the audio control circuit 300 is exhausted, the priority is a level for determining audio to be preferentially reproduced. .

  In the voice management table shown in FIG. 29, sound number 1 is an error sound generated when the door is opened, and sound number 2 is detected as an illegal radio wave by the magnetic sensor 50 installed on the game board. This is an error sound that is sometimes emitted. The sound number 3 is an error sound that is generated when a ball is clogged, and the sound number 4 is an error sound that is generated when the storage ball of the game ball is full.

When the occurrence of these events is detected by various sensors connected to the main control board 110, a detection signal is input from the main control board 110 to the image control board 150 via the effect control board 120.
As a result, the host CPU 151 selects a sound number according to various events occurring in the gaming machine, and transmits an output command to the voice control board 300.

Note that these error sounds have priorities set according to the importance of the error, and the priority is set to “High” for door opening and fraud detection that lead to or result from fraud. Has been.
Although “ball clogging” is an important error, the priority is set to “medium” because it is less important than fraudulent acts.
The notification when the storage ball of the game ball is full is clearly lower in importance than the above, and therefore the priority is “low”.

The error notification is controlled so that only one highly important error sound can be heard.
For example, when the door full is notified when the full number notification (significance “low”) of the sound number 4 is generated, an error sound of the sound number 1 is generated and the error sound of the sound number 4 is generated. Mute When the door open state is resolved, the error sound with the sound number 1 is stopped and the volume of the error sound with the sound number 4 is restored.
When a note number with a priority of “high” is generated, even if an event with a lower priority occurs, no new error sound is generated for that event.
If events of the same priority occur in parallel, an error sound is output for the event that occurred later.

In the sound management table shown in FIG. 30, the sound numbers 11 to 30 are, for example, stereo sound background sounds (BGM) output during a period in which the special symbol is variably displayed (during variability).
For example, the sound number 11 is a stereo sound BGM that is played before the start of the reach effect in the reach A1 effect.
In addition, the sound number 12 is a stereo sound BGM reproduced after the start of the reach effect in the reach A1 effect.
In the gaming machine 1, the BGM is often different before and after the start of reach. Of course, the same BGM may be used before and after the start of reach.
Since such BGM basically does not strongly suggest a game result or a game state to the player, the priority is set low.

The sound number 13 is a BGM that is played before the start of the reach effect in the reach A2 effect.
In addition, the sound number 14 is BGM that is reproduced after the reach effect is started in the reach A2 effect.
Similarly, sound numbers 15 to 18 are BGM reproduced in the reach B1 and B2 effects, sound numbers 19 to 22 are BGM reproduced in the reach C1 and C2 effects, and the sound numbers 23 to 26 are BGM played in reach D1 and D2 effects.
Moreover, the sound number 27 is BGM reproduced in the design effect production, and the sound number 28 is BGM reproduced in the chance production effect.
The sound number 29 is BGM reproduced during the normal variation effect, the sound number 30 is BGM reproduced during the shortened variation effect A, and the sound number 31 is BGM reproduced during the shortened variation effect B. It is.

The sound numbers 41 and 42 are stereo sound BGM reproduced during the jackpot game.
Since the big hit BGM is basically not a voice that provides special information to the player, the priority as a voice is set low, for example.

The sound numbers 51 to 53 are effect sounds that are reproduced when the player operates the effect button 8.
This is basically a single sound and has a very short reproduction time, so that the sound does not need to be so thick, so monaural sound is sufficient.
The effect button sound is basically not a sound that provides special information to the player, and therefore the priority as a sound is set to be low, for example.

  The sound number 61 is an effect symbol variation start sound (monaural) for notifying the player of the start of variation of the effect symbol 35 in the variation effect, and the sound number 62 is a variation stop sound (monaural) of the effect symbol 35. is there. These priorities are, for example, medium.

  The sound numbers 71 and 72 are voices such as a character's voice used in a notice effect. The voices are related to each other, but are different voices because they are voices produced by different characters. Since the notice effect is large as an effect, the priority of the sound is set high, for example.

The sound numbers 81 and 82 are sound effects used in a result display effect described later.
The sound numbers 91 and 92 are sound effects used in a predetermined number of balls reaching display effect described later.
The sound number 100 is a winning sound that is emitted when a game ball wins a big winning opening. The priority of these sounds is set to medium, for example.

The sound number 110 is an “over winning notification sound” for notifying the player as an over-winning when there is a winning over a predetermined number (9) per round during the big winning game. is there.
The sound numbers 121 to 123 are reach notification effect sounds 1 to 3 used when reaching reach. The priority of these sounds is set high, for example.

<System sound setting process>
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing system sound setting processing by the image control board.
In step S1201, the host CPU 151 determines whether various error detection signals have been input from the main control board 110 (main CPU 111) (whether an error has occurred).
If it is determined that an error detection signal has been input (Yes in step S1201), in step S1202, the host CPU 151 sets 1 to the error detection flag in the host RAM 152, and in step S1203, is there an effect sound currently being output? Determine whether or not.

If there is an effect sound currently being output (Yes in step S1203), the host CPU 151 stores the current master volume value in the host RAM 152 and sets a new master volume value with a predetermined amount lowered in step S1204. (A volume value reset command for lowering the volume of the production sound is set in the transmission buffer).
That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when outputting an error sound, the volume of the effect sound is reduced so that the error sound can be heard more easily.

In step S1205, the host CPU 151 sets an error sound output command in the transmission buffer and ends the system sound setting process.
If it is determined in step S1203 that there is no effect sound being output (No in step S1203), the host CPU 151 proceeds to step S1205 as it is and sets an “error sound output command” in the transmission buffer.
If it is determined in step S1201 that no error detection signal has been input (No in step S1201), the host CPU 151 sets an error detection flag to 0 in step S1206, and in step S1207, an error has occurred in the gaming machine. Is resolved (whether or not a state change has occurred in which the error detection flag changes from 1 to 0).

If it is determined that the error that has occurred in the gaming machine has been resolved (Yes in step S1207), the host CPU 151 restores the master volume value to the master volume value stored in step S1204 (the volume of the effect sound). In step S1209, an “error sound stop command” is set in the transmission buffer, and the current system sound setting process is terminated.
If it is determined that the error has not been resolved (no error has occurred) (No in step S1207), the host CPU 151 ends the current system sound setting process.

<Direction sound setting processing>
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing effect sound setting processing by the image control board.
In step S <b> 1301, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not there is an effect sound output instruction from the sub CPU 121.
When it is determined that there is an effect sound output instruction (Yes in step S1301), in step S1302, the host CPU 151 analyzes the effect pattern designation command.

  Next, in step S1303, the host CPU 151 determines a sound number to be designated for the sound control circuit 300 based on the variation effect pattern designated by the effect pattern designation command. Note that a sound number may be specified in the effect pattern specifying command itself.

Next, in step S1304, the host CPU 151 checks the master volume value stored in the host RAM 152.
Next, in step S1305, the host CPU 151 performs channel selection processing described later.
Further, in step S1306, the host CPU 151 sets the “effect sound output command” including the sound number determined in step S1303, the audio channel selected in step S1305, and the volume based on the master volume value confirmed in step S1304 in the transmission buffer. Then, the sound control circuit 300 reproduces the effect sound.

<Processing during audio output>
FIG. 33 is a flowchart for explaining the audio output processing by the image control board.
In step S1401, the host CPU 151 determines whether there is an effect sound that is currently being output by the audio control circuit 300.
If it is determined that there is an effect sound being output (Yes in step S1401), the host CPU 151 determines in step S1402 whether or not the master volume value has been changed by the volume setting process (FIG. 27: step S1001).

If the master volume value has been changed (Yes in step S1402), the host CPU 151 sets a volume value reset command based on the changed master volume value in the transmission buffer in step S1403, and sends it to the audio control circuit 300. Send.
If there is no effect sound being output (No in step S1401), the host CPU 151 ends the current output process.

If it is determined in step S1402 that there is no change in the master volume value (No in step S1402), the host CPU 151 needs to perform volume adjustment, fade-in, and fade-out later on the effect sound currently being output in step S1404. It is determined whether there is anything.
If there is such an effect sound (Yes in step S1404), the host CPU 151 sets a volume value reset command for the necessary audio channel in step S1405, and ends the current output process.
If there is no effect sound that requires volume adjustment, fade-in, or fade-out later in the effect sound currently being output (No in step S1404), the host CPU 151 ends the current output process.

<Auto channel processing>
FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining audio channel selection processing by the image control board.
As described above, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the voice control circuit 300 includes 40 voice channels and can simultaneously play up to 40 voices.

When the host CPU 151 reproduces and outputs the production sound, the channel is empty (no audio is output) from 34 channels excluding the six audio channels reserved for the system sound (error sound). And an effect sound output command including information on the selected sound channel, sound number, and volume is input to the sound control circuit 300.
The voice control unit 301 that controls the voice control circuit 300 inputs the voice data instructed by the host CPU 151 to the decoding unit of the designated voice channel and starts reproduction.

As for the audio channels provided in the audio control circuit 300, adjacent audio channels are used as one audio channel pair.
For example, as shown in FIG. 34, audio channel ch0 and audio channel ch1 are used as audio channel pair 1, audio channel ch2 and audio channel ch3 are used as audio channel 2, and audio channel ch4 and audio channel ch5 are audio channels. Used as pair 3.
One “audio channel” is used to reproduce one monaural data, and one “audio channel pair” is used to reproduce a set of stereo data.

  Stereo data is divided into a sound channel for the right speaker and a sound channel for the left speaker, and by playing each sound channel from each speaker at the same time, the player recognizes it as a wide stereo sound. The

  Stereo data is sound information for outputting one sound by a plurality of sound data, and monaural data is sound information for outputting one sound by a single sound data.

Furthermore, it is also possible to output surround sound using an “audio channel group” composed of three or more audio channels. In that case, in addition to the left speaker and the right speaker, it is necessary to separately provide speakers according to the number of audio channels.
The surround sound is sound data divided according to the number of speakers.
That is, an audio channel group (pair) in which a plurality of audio channels are associated in advance is set as the audio channel, and the audio control circuit 300 outputs stereo sound using the associated audio channel group (pair). Monaural audio is output using one audio channel of the audio channel group (pair).
That is, the host CPU 151 sets stereo sound for the audio channel pair (group) and sets monaural audio for one audio channel of the audio channel pair (group).

Note that in the audio control circuit 300 of this embodiment, stereo data cannot be output across audio channel pairs.
For example, as shown in FIG. 34, stereo audio (L) and stereo audio (R) can be reproduced and output using audio channel ch16 and audio channel ch17 constituting audio channel pair 9, but audio channel pair 5 Cannot be reproduced and output using the audio channel ch 9 included in the audio channel 10 and the audio channel 10 included in the audio channel pair 6.

Accordingly, in the case of newly outputting stereo sound in the case of FIG. 34, the host CPU 151, of course, includes the audio channel pair 6 (audio channel ch10, audio channel ch11) in which stereo audio has already been output. The channel pair 4 or the channel pair 5 from which monaural sound is output is not selected.
The channel pair 7 or the channel pair 9 is selected in which any audio channel is vacant.

In the case of FIG. 34, when a new monaural sound is output, the host CPU 151 outputs the other channel in the channel pair outputting the monaural sound in one of the channel pairs. For example, the audio channel ch7 and the audio channel ch8 correspond to this.
This is due to the fact that stereo audio can be reproduced and output only with one channel pair as described above.

Since it is impossible to output stereo audio in a channel pair in which monaural audio has already been reproduced and output in one audio channel, for example, if monaural audio is input to the audio channel ch14 of the currently available channel pair 8, In addition, one channel pair capable of outputting stereo sound is reduced.
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a new monaural sound is input to the other channel pair of the channel pair that is outputting the monaural sound on the one hand, so that the sound channel is efficiently used without wasting the sound channel. Like to use.

The case where all the audio channels are filled will be described.
When there is a request for a new audio output when all the audio channels that can be used for the production sound are filled, the host CPU 151 outputs the audio with the lowest priority among the audios being reproduced. Input new audio to the audio channel.
Since only one audio can be output in one audio channel, the audio with low priority that has been output previously is stopped, and the newly requested audio is output from that audio channel.
Even if the newly requested voice priority is lower than the currently output voice, the new voice output is given priority. However, if the newly requested voice has the lowest priority, the request may be discarded without outputting.

  When a plurality of low priority sounds are output, the host CPU 151 inputs a new sound from among them to a sound channel outputting a sound having a short remaining reproduction time.

In the case of the present embodiment, in the case where the sound with the same sound number is continuously reproduced, the host CPU 151 inputs the sound to the same sound channel.
The case where the sound having the same sound number is continuously played back is, for example, a case where the player repeatedly strikes the effect button 8 in the button effect during reach.
In the button repeated striking effect, when the effect button 8 is repeatedly hit, the effect button repeated hitting sound (sound number 32) shown in the management table of FIG. 30 is generated.
When the production button 8 is repeatedly hit, it is necessary to continuously generate the production button repeated sound (sound number 32). However, if all voices are input to different empty audio channels, the empty channels are quickly exhausted. become.

Further, in this embodiment, when there is no empty channel, the newly input sound is basically preferentially pronounced, so the sound (effect sound) output on other sound channels is also available. , It is overwritten by the newly input effect button press sound.
That is, since only one sound can be output in one sound channel, the sound that has been output previously is stopped, and the newly requested (input) sound (production button press sound) is output from the sound channel. Is done.
As a result, other production sounds other than the production button pressing sound are not output, and the production becomes unnatural.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the same sound number is assigned to the same sound, and when the same sound number is continuously input, the same sound channel is continuously input. did.
As a result, the limited number of audio channels included in the audio control circuit 300 can be used efficiently.
In addition, if the same sound (the direct sound of the effect button) is input to different audio channels and played back, the sounds overlap and are heard by the player, but they are input to the same audio channel and overwritten. Such an inconvenience can be solved by outputting (while stopping the output of the effect button pressing sound input earlier).

<Audio channel selection processing>
FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining audio channel selection processing by the image control board according to the present embodiment.
The audio channel selection process may be performed on the audio control circuit 300 side (by the audio control unit 301).

In step S1501, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not the sound having the same sound number as the effect sound specified by the variation effect pattern is output.
For example, this is a case where the effect button pressing sound (sound number 31) as described above is continuously generated.
If the sound having the same sound number is output (Yes in step S1501), the host CPU 151 sets the sound channel (in monaural) or channel pair (in stereo) to the sound of the designated sound number in step S1502. Select as output destination.
The host CPU 151 outputs the same sound (sound based on the first sound information) as the currently output sound (sound based on the first sound information) or similar sound (sound based on the second sound information). In the case of output, output is performed using an audio channel that outputs audio based on the first audio information (new first audio information and second audio information are converted to the first audio information at present). Set to the audio channel that is outputting the audio based on.)

If the same sound number is not output (No in step S1501), the host CPU 151 determines in step S1503 whether the sound having the specified sound number is stereo sound or monaural sound.
If it is stereo audio (Yes in step S1503), the host CPU 151 determines whether there is an empty audio channel pair in step S1504.
If it is determined that there is an empty audio channel pair (Yes in step S1504), the host CPU 151 selects any audio channel pair selected from the empty audio channel pairs in step S1505 as the stereo audio of the designated sound number. Set as output destination.
The host CPU 151 outputs a sound using a sound channel that does not output sound among a plurality of sound channels (a new sound is set for a sound channel that does not output sound among the plurality of sound channels). To do).

  If it is determined in step S1504 that there is no free audio channel pair (no audio is set for all audio channel pairs among the configurable audio (variable) channel pairs) (No in step S1504), the host CPU 151 In step S1506, a specific audio channel, for example, the audio channel pair that is outputting the audio with lower priority than the newest effect sound with a short remaining playback time is selected (set) as the output destination, and the newest effect is generated. Output sound (always).

At this time, the production sound of the specific audio channel pair (the audio channel pair that is outputting the audio with lower priority than the newest production sound with a short remaining playback time) was stopped and the stopped sound was output. Using the audio channel pair (used for output control), the new audio is output (set as the output destination).
New audio may be output using any audio channel pair (set as an output destination) instead of a specific audio channel pair.
At this time, the production sound of one of the audio channel pairs is stopped, and the new audio is output using the audio channel pair that was outputting the stopped audio (used for output control) (set as the output destination). Is output.

In particular,
(1) Stop the sound that is being played back and output the low-priority performance sound.
For example, when the priority levels are “high”, “medium”, and “low” as in the voice management table of FIG. 30, sound effects having a priority level of “high” in a state where all variable channels are filled (for example, For the group announcement sounds 61 to 69 of the announcement effect and the effect button continuous hit sounds 32 and 33), the sound of the low priority (low) reach BGM 14 or the like is stopped.
(2) Rather than simply stopping the output of the low-priority production sound, if there are a plurality of production sounds with lower priority than the production sound to be newly reproduced (want to be preferentially reproduced) The output of the effect sound with the shortest remaining playback time or the effect sound being reproduced from the earliest is stopped from the effect sounds straddling the priority order.

Note that the priority order may be set between the stereo sound and the monaural sound, instead of simply following the priority level set in the sound management table of FIG. For example, priority is given to stereo sound over monaural sound.
In this case, if there is no empty channel pair for outputting new stereo sound, the host CPU 151 determines in step S1506 whether there is a channel pair occupied by monaural sound.
Then, among the channel pairs that are playing these monaural audio, the remaining short playback time or the low priority audio is paired with the channel pair that is playing (there is stereo audio with a lower priority than those monaural audio). Input new stereo sound.

  On the other hand, if monaural audio is prioritized over stereo audio, select the channel pair that is playing back low-priority audio with the shortest remaining playback time from the channel pairs that are playing back stereo audio. Input new stereo sound.

If it is determined in step S1503 that the specified audio is not stereo audio (No in step S1503), the host CPU 151 determines in step S1507 whether there is an audio channel pair that is playing back monaural audio. To do.
If there is such an audio channel pair (Yes in step S1507), the host CPU 151 inputs the monaural audio of the designated sound number and the volume value in the empty channel of the audio channel pair in step S1508.
The host CPU 151 causes the audio to be output using an audio channel that does not output audio (set as an output destination).

If it is determined in step S1507 that there is no audio channel pair that is playing back monaural audio (No in step S1507), the host CPU 151 determines in step S1509 whether there is an empty audio channel pair.
If it is determined that there is a free audio channel pair (Yes in step S1509), the host CPU 151 determines in step S1510 that one of the free audio channels of the empty channel pair has the monaural audio of the designated specified sound number. Enter the volume value.
The host CPU 151 causes the audio to be output using an audio channel that does not output audio (set as an output destination).

  If it is determined that there is no free audio channel pair (no audio is output on all audio channels among the configurable audio (variable) channels) (No in step S1509), the host CPU 151 determines in step S1511. One of the audio channels, for example, an audio channel that is outputting low-priority audio with a short remaining reproduction time, is selected (set) as a monaural audio output destination with a designated sound number.

At this time, the production sound of the specific audio channel (the audio channel pair outputting the audio with lower priority than the newest production sound with a short remaining playback time) was stopped, and the stopped sound was output ( Using the audio channel (used for output control) (set as the output destination), a new audio is output.
New audio may be output using any audio channel (set as an output destination) instead of a specific audio channel.
At this time, the production sound of one of the audio channels is stopped, and the new audio is output using the audio channel that has been output (used for output control). To do.
As described above, the priority order may be set between the stereo sound and the monaural sound instead of simply following the priority level set in the sound management table of FIG. For example, it is assumed that stereo sound is given priority over monaural sound.
If there is no empty channel pair for outputting new monaural audio, in step S1511, the remaining playback time or low priority audio in the channel in which the monaural audio is being played is assigned to the channel being played (from the monaural audio). (Even if there is stereo audio with a lower priority), input new monaural audio.

On the other hand, if monaural audio is prioritized over stereo audio, select the channel pair that is playing back low-priority audio with the shortest remaining playback time from the channel pairs that are playing back stereo audio. , A new monaural sound is output to one channel of the channel pair.
In this case, one channel of the channel pair is an empty channel.

<Audio output processing by the audio control circuit>
Next, audio output processing by the audio control circuit 300 based on control by the host CPU 151 will be described.
As described above, the audio control circuit 300 includes a fixed channel used for outputting an error sound (system sound) and a variable channel used for outputting a production sound.
That is, of the audio information, audio based on specific audio information (system sound / effect sound) is output using a specific audio channel (fixed channel / variable channel) among a plurality of audio channels.
If the command input from the host CPU 151 is “effect sound output command”, the sound control unit 301 inputs the effect sound data specified by the “effect sound output command” to the specified variable channel.
Then, the audio control unit 301 gives a decoding unit control command and a volume control command to the decoding unit 310 and the channel volume control unit 311 in the designated audio channel, respectively.
If the input command is an “error sound output command”, control is performed so that error sound data according to the error content is input to the sound channel designated there.

Upon receiving the decoding unit control command, the decoding unit 310 performs processing corresponding to the command, for example, reproduction start processing, reproduction pause processing, and reproduction end processing.
In the reproduction start process, audio data corresponding to the sound number included in the decoding unit control command is read from the sound source ROM 400 and decompressed.
The decompressed audio data is sent to the channel volume control unit 311. When the audio data stored in the sound source ROM 400 is not compressed, the decompression process is not performed.

The channel volume control unit 311 that has received the volume control command performs processing according to the command.
For example, when playback is started, control is performed to output at a specified volume (%), and when a fade-in timer is specified, the specified volume is reached at that time. Control.
When playback is stopped, the volume is set to 0. Further, when a fade-out timer is defined, control is performed so that the volume reaches 0 at that time.

  For example, when the production sound output command input from the host CPU 151 to the sound control unit 301 is “Start playback of BGM (stereo) with sound number 11 at a final volume of 90% and a fade timer of 0.1 second”. Will be described.

  The audio control unit 301 refers to the production sound output command (refers to the current status indicated by the all audio channel status information), and is not currently used (standby) audio channel specified by the production sound output command. In the channels 6 and 7, the decoding units 310-6 and 310-7 and the channel volume control units 311-6 and 311-7 of the respective audio channels ch 6 and 7 are started so as to start the reproduction of the designated audio (sound number 11). Give a command.

The decoding units 310-6 and 310-7 that have received the control command for the decoding unit read out the audio data of the sound number 11 from the sound source ROM 400 and decompress the audio data, while expanding the channel volume control units 311-6 and 311-7 in the subsequent stage. Send to.
In addition, the voice control unit 301 sends a volume control command including a volume instruction to the volume of 90% in the fade-in timer of 0.1 second to the channel volume control unit 310.
The channel volume control unit 311 that has received the volume control command receives the audio data input from the decoding units 311-6 and 311-7 as an audio signal that can be 90% volume over 0.1 second. To 320.

When the “effect sound stop command” is received from the host CPU 151, the sound control unit 301 refers to the status information of all sound channels and identifies the sound channel outputting the sound of the sound number.
Then, a decoding unit control command including a reproduction stop instruction is sent to the decoding unit 310 in order to stop the sound being reproduced in the audio channel.
The audio channel decoding unit 310 that has received such a decoding unit control command stops the decompression process of the compressed data and stops supplying the audio data to the channel volume control unit 311.
The audio channel that is outputting the sound number to be stopped may be specified in the “production sound stop command” output by the host CPU 151.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining in detail audio output processing by the audio control circuit according to the present embodiment.
As described above, the sound output process in the sound control circuit 300 is controlled by the sound control unit 301 included in the sound control circuit 300.
The voice output processing by the voice control circuit will be described in the form of a flowchart, but is actually realized by hardware logic.

In step S2001, the voice control unit 301 determines whether an error sound output command has been received from the host CPU 151.
In the error sound output command, the sound number of the error sound to be output, the sound channel to be output, and the volume value (maximum) are specified.
If it is determined that an error sound output command has been received (Yes in step S2001), the voice control unit 301 reads the system sound data of the sound number designated by the error sound output command from the sound source ROM 400 in step S2002, and step S2003. , The read system sound data and the volume value (maximum) are input to the audio channel designated by the error sound output command.
Specifically, the system sound data is input to the audio channel decoding unit 310 and the volume value is input to the channel volume control unit 311.
For error sounds with low priority, such as dish full notification, a volume value corresponding to the current master volume value may be input to the audio channel instead of the maximum volume value.

If it is determined that the error sound output command has not been received (No in step S2001), the voice control unit 301 determines in step S2004 whether or not an effect sound output command has been received.
The effect sound output command includes the sound number of the effect sound to be output, the volume, the audio channel, and the presence / absence of fade (fade in, fade out).

  If it is determined that the effect sound output command has been received (Yes in step S2004), the voice control unit 301 reads the effect sound data of the designated sound number from the sound source ROM 400 in step S2005.

Next, in step S2006, the audio control unit 301 inputs the read effect sound data and the volume value to the audio channel specified by the effect sound output command.
Specifically, the effect sound data specified by the effect sound output command is input to the audio channel decoding 310 unit, and the volume value specified by the effect sound output command is input to the channel sound volume control unit 311.
As described above, the volume value specified by the effect sound output command is a value based on the master volume value confirmed in step S1304 of FIG.

If it is determined in step S2004 that an effect sound output command has not been received (No in step S2004), the voice control unit 301 determines in step S2007 whether an error sound stop command has been received.
The error sound stop command includes the sound number of the error sound to be stopped and the audio channel.
If it is determined that an error sound stop command has been received (Yes in step S2007), the voice control unit 301 stops the error sound being output in the designated channel in step S2008.

If it is determined in step S2007 that an error sound stop command has not been received (No in step S2007), the sound control unit 301 determines in step S2009 whether or not an effect sound stop command has been received.
The production sound stop command includes the sound number to be stopped.
If it is determined that the production sound stop command has been received (Yes in step S2009), in step S2010, the audio channel that is reproducing the sound of the designated sound number is controlled to stop the production sound output.

If the sound control unit 301 determines in step S2009 that it has not received a production sound stop command, has it received a volume value reset command (output in steps S1403 and S1405 in FIG. 33) in step S2011? Determine whether or not. As described with reference to FIG. 33, the reception of the volume value reset command means that the master volume value has been changed, or that there is a need for subsequent volume adjustment, FI, and FO on the currently output effect sound. It is.
If it is determined that the volume value reset command has been received (Yes in step S2011), the voice control unit 301 is designated by the volume value reset command in step S2012 for the voice channel designated by the volume value reset command. Enter a new volume value and change the volume.

When it is determined that the volume value reset command has not been received (No in step S2011), the voice control unit 301 determines in step S2013 whether or not an effect sound pause command has been received.
The effect sound pause command includes the sound number of the effect sound whose playback should be paused.
If it is determined that the effect sound pause command has been received (Yes in step S2013), in step S2014, the audio control unit 301 controls the audio channel playing the designated sound number to output the effect sound. Pause.
In the “effect sound pause command”, an audio channel that outputs an effect sound to be paused may be specified.

Next, the jackpot game effect in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes first and second positive variable lengths and first and second normal lengths as jackpots from which a player can acquire a game ball (see FIG. 7). ).
First, the jackpot game effect in the case of winning in the first certain variable length (first special symbol 1) in the normal game state will be described.

<Big hit game production 1>
FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of a jackpot game effect in the case where the gaming machine of the present embodiment is won per first variable length during a normal game.
In this case, first, as shown in FIGS. 37 (a) and 37 (b), the effect symbol 35 that was a stop mode in the image display device 31 is matched to the variation of the first special symbol of the first special symbol display device 20. Start the variable display. Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 37 (c), of the effect symbols 35 displayed on the image display device 31, the two symbols, the left symbol 35a and the right symbol 35b, stop at the same symbol, The state shifts to a state in which only the middle symbol 35c fluctuates, a so-called reach state.
Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the middle symbol displayed on the image display device 31 is the left symbol as shown in FIG. 37 (d) in accordance with the stoppage of the fluctuation of the first special symbol of the first special symbol display device 20. And it stops at the same design as the right design and shifts to jackpot game.

When the game is shifted to the jackpot game, an indication that the jackpot is won is displayed as an opening effect as shown in FIG.
After the opening effect, the first round (1R) round game is started.
At the start of the 1R round game, the 1R round effect image 41 is displayed on the image display device 31 as shown in FIG.
At this time, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, for example, the number of game balls to be paid out with the winning of the game ball to the first big winning opening 16 during the big hit game is shown in the lower right in the screen of the image display device 31. A payout ball number display effect 51 is performed. This payout ball number display effect 51 is updated and performed every time a winning prize entry command is received on the image control board 150.
At the start of the 1R round game shown in FIG. 37 (f), the game ball has not yet won in the first big winning opening 16, that is, the image control board 150 has not received the big winning opening entry command. Therefore, the number of payout balls displayed in the payout ball number display effect 51 is also “0 ball”.

  In a round game, a predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls wins the first grand prize opening 16, or a predetermined time (for example, 29.5 seconds) after the first big prize opening 16 shifts to an open state. When it has elapsed, the round game ends. And when predetermined interval time passes, it will transfer to the next round game. The round game described above is performed 16 rounds per first probability variation.

For example, at the start of the 10R round game shown in FIG. 37 (g), the first grand prize opening 16 is displayed on the image display device 31 by the 10R round effect image 41 and the 10R round game start time. The number of payout balls paid out in accordance with the winning of the game ball to is displayed as a payout ball number display effect 51.
FIG. 37 (g) shows that the number of payout balls at the start of the round game of the 10R is “1215 balls”.

  Similarly, at the start of the 16R round game shown in FIG. 37 (h), the image display device 31 displays the 16R round effect image 41 and the first grand prize opening before the 16R round game start time. The number of payout balls paid out in accordance with the winning of the game ball to 16 is displayed as the payout ball number display effect 51. Here, it is shown that the number of payout balls at the start of the 16R round game is “2025 balls”.

After the 16th round game is finished, an ending effect is performed in the image display device 31.
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the result display effect 61 shown in FIG. 37 (i) and the game state notification effect 62 shown in FIG. 37 (j) are performed as the ending effect. Details of the result display effect 61 will be described later.
In the game state notification effect 62 shown in FIG. 37 (j), characters “probability change game entry” for notifying that the game state after the jackpot game is the probability change game state are displayed.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, during the big hit round game, the payout ball number display effect 51 is displayed to display the number of balls to be paid out with the winning of the game ball to the first big winning opening 16. Therefore, the player can easily recognize the number of paid-out balls paid out during the round game.

<Result display effect 1>
FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of the result display effect.
In this case, the image display device 31 displays, as a result display effect 61, a character image “number of payout balls” as shown in FIG. 38A and a 6-digit payout ball number for displaying the number of payout balls. A region 61a is displayed. However, immediately after the start of the result display effect shown in FIG. 38A, the ball number display in the payout ball number display area 61a is in an invisible state.

Next, in the image display device 31, as shown in FIG. 38B, the ball number display in the lower first digit in the payout ball number display area 61a is stopped and displayed. In FIG. 38 (b), “0” is displayed as the number of spheres in the first digit, and the stop sound effect 71 from the sound output device 34 is synchronized with the timing at which the number “0” in the first digit stops. (For example, “Dan!”) Is output.
Next, as shown in FIG. 38 (c), in the image display device 31, “6” is displayed as the number of balls in the lower second digit in the payout ball number display area 61 a. Also at this time, the stop sound effect 71 (for example, “Dan!”) Is output from the audio output device 34 in synchronization with the timing at which the lower second digit “6” stops.

Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 38D and 38E, in the image display device 31, “1” is stopped and displayed in a state where the number of balls in the lower third digit is visually recognizable. Then, “2” is stopped and displayed in a state where the number of balls in the lower fourth digit is visible. Also at this time, a stop sound effect 71 (for example, “Dan!”) Is output from the audio output device 34 in synchronization with the timing at which the lower third digit “1” and the lower fourth digit “2” stop. Is output.
In this case, since the number of balls in the lower fifth digit and the lower sixth digit does not exist, the lower fifth digit and the lower sixth digit are synchronized with the timing when the lower fourth digit is stopped. Blank (blank) display is performed. Of course, even if the number of balls in the lower 5th and 6th digits is “0”, after the lower 4th digit is stopped, the lower 5th and 6th digits are stopped. Anyway.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, in the result display effect 61, although the payout is made during the jackpot game, the number of payout balls is notified. It becomes possible to recognize.
Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the result display effect 61, the number of balls that have been paid out is disclosed in order from the last digit. It can raise the player's interest.
Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the result display effect 61, when the paid-out number of balls is disclosed in order from the last one digit, the number of balls of each digit is matched with the timing disclosed. Since the stop sound effect is output, the player's interest in the result display effect 61 can be further enhanced.

<Big hit game production 2>
Next, as a jackpot game effect 2 in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a jackpot game effect when winning a jackpot during the chance game period will be described.
FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of a jackpot game effect in the case of winning the second probability variation length (second special symbol 1) in the probability variation gaming state after the jackpot game shown in FIG.

  In this case, as shown in FIGS. 39 (a) and 39 (b), the two symbols on the left and right of the effect symbols 35 that have been variably displayed on the image display device 31 stop at the same symbol, and only the middle symbol fluctuates. It reaches the reach state. Then, after the predetermined period, as shown in FIG. 39 (c), the image display device 31 is changed to the image display device 31 as shown in FIG. 39 (c) in accordance with the stoppage of the second special symbol in the 2 special symbol display device 21. The displayed effect symbol 35 stops at the same symbol. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 39 (d), a display indicating that the jackpot is won is performed, and the game shifts to a jackpot round game.

At the start of the 1R round game, as shown in FIG. 39 (e), the 1R round effect image 41 is displayed on the image display device 31, and the payout ball number display effect 51 is performed at the lower right in the screen. .
Here, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of payout balls displayed in the payout ball number display effect 51 is a big win in the normal gaming state (first win) when the big hit is a big hit in the chance game period. , The total number of game balls paid out with the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening in the jackpot.
Therefore, at the start of the 1R round game shown in FIG. 39 (e), the number of payout balls “2160” paid out in the previous jackpot game shown in FIG. 37 is displayed as the payout ball number display effect 51. Is done.

  Then, when a predetermined number (for example, nine) of game balls wins the first grand prize opening 16, or when a predetermined time (for example, 29.5 seconds) elapses after the first big prize opening 16 shifts to the open state. After the 1R round game is finished and a predetermined interval time elapses, the game shifts to the 2R round game. Thereafter, the above round game is repeated until the 16th round.

  Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39 (f), when the number of game balls paid out in the chance game period reaches a predetermined number (here, “2500 balls”, for example). As the arrival notification image 81 of the predetermined number-of-balls arrival notification effect indicating that the number of paid-out balls has reached 2500, for example, a message such as “2500 balls reached!” Is displayed along with the timing at which the arrival notification image 81 is displayed. An arrival notification effect sound 73 (for example, “vacuum!”) Is output from the output device 34.

  At the start of the 16R round game shown in FIG. 39 (g), the number of payout balls that have been paid out up to the start of the 16R round game are displayed on the image display device 31 together with the 16R round effect image 41. Displayed as display effects 51. Here, it is shown that the total number of payout balls at the time of starting the 16th round game is “4185 balls”.

  After the 16R round game is completed, a result display effect 61 shown in FIG. 39 (h) is performed as an ending image on the image display device 31, and after the result display effect 61 ends, the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game is displayed. A gaming state notification effect 62 for notification is performed. In FIG. 39 (i), as the game state notification effect 62, characters “probability game entry” for displaying that the game state after the jackpot game is the probability change game state are displayed.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the jackpot is won again during the chance game period, the number of game balls paid out in the first win during the round game is the jackpot game won during the chance game period. Since the payout ball number display effect 51 for displaying the added payout ball number is displayed, the player can easily determine the number of payout balls paid out in the first win and the jackpot during the chance game period. It becomes possible to recognize.

Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the total number of game balls paid out in the first win and the number of payout game balls paid out in the big win during the chance game period is a predetermined number of balls (for example, “2500 balls”). When it reaches, the arrival notification image 81 is displayed as a predetermined ball number arrival notification effect when the predetermined number of balls is reached.
With this configuration, it is possible to notify the player that the game balls that have been paid out have reached a target number of balls, for example, “2500 balls”. Can be increased.
In the present embodiment, the arrival notification effect sound 73 is output in accordance with the display of the arrival notification image 81 as the predetermined ball number arrival notification effect, so that not only the arrival notification image 81 but also the arrival notification effect sound. 73, it is possible to notify the player that the target number of balls has been reached, so that the interest as a gaming machine can be enhanced.

<Result display effect 2>
FIG. 40 is a diagram showing another example of the result display effect as the result display effect 2.
Also in this case, in FIG. 40A, as in FIG. 38A, the number of balls in the payout ball number display area 61a of the result display effect 61 displayed on the image display device 31 becomes invisible. Yes.
Next, as shown in FIG. 40 (b), “0”, which is the number of the first digit of the payout ball number display area 61a displayed on the image display device 31, is stopped and displayed in a visible state. The Next, as shown in FIG. 40 (c), the image display device 31 stops and displays “2”, which is the number of balls in the lower second digit, in a visually recognizable state.
Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 40D and 40E, in the image display device 31, “3”, which is the lower third digit ball number, and “4”, which is the lower fourth digit ball number, sequentially. Stopped and displayed in a visible state.

  Also at this time, the stop sound effect 71 (for example, “Dan!”) Is output from the audio output device 34 in accordance with the timing at which the first to fourth digits stop. Eventually, the number of balls that were paid out as a result of winning the game balls to the big prize opening in the jackpot game (first win) won in the normal game state and this jackpot game was totaled. The number of payout balls (for example, “4320 balls”) is displayed.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a big win is won again during the chance game period, in the ending, the number of game balls paid out in the first win is paid out in the jackpot game won during the chance game period. Since the result display effect 61 is displayed to display the total number of balls that have been added, the player can easily determine the total number of balls that have been paid out in the first win and the jackpot during the chance game period. Can be recognized.
In addition, as the result display effect 61, the number of balls that have been paid out is disclosed in order from the last digit, so that, for example, the player's number of balls to be paid out at the end of the big hit game is more than that disclosed at a time. Increase interest.
Further, as the result display effect 61, when the number of paid-out game balls is disclosed in order from the last digit, a stop sound effect is output in accordance with the timing at which the digits of each digit are disclosed. Therefore, the interest at the time of displaying the number of payout balls can be further enhanced.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of game balls paid out as a result of winning a game ball at the big winning opening that is released during the jackpot game is used as the payout ball number display effect 51 and the result display effect 61. The case of displaying has been described as an example, but this is merely an example.
For example, in the payout ball number display effect 51 displayed during the round game, the number of balls paid out in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening that is released during the big hit game is displayed and displayed during the ending. In the display effect 61, the number of balls paid out in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the grand prize opening is added to the game to the other winning openings (the general winning opening 18, the first starting opening 16, the second starting opening 17). You may make it display, adding the number of balls paid out with the winning of a ball.
In addition, for example, in both the payout ball display effect 51 and the result display effect 61, the number of balls paid out as a result of winning a game ball to the grand prize opening is accompanied by the winning of game balls to other winning holes. The number of balls that have been paid out may be added and displayed.

<Predetermined number of balls arrival notification effect 2>
FIG. 41 is a diagram showing another example of the predetermined number of balls reaching notification effect shown in FIG.
FIG. 41A shows an arrival notification image 82 displayed when the total number of balls paid out during the jackpot game reaches, for example, “5000 balls”. In this case, the predetermined number of balls arrival notification is shown. As an effect, for example, the arrival notification image 82 of “5000 balls reached!” Is displayed, and the arrival notification effect sound 73 (for example, “vacuum!”) Is output from the audio output device 34 in accordance with the display timing. .

  On the other hand, FIG. 41B is an arrival notification image 83 that is displayed when the total number of balls paid out during the jackpot game reaches, for example, “10000 balls”. As the predetermined number-of-balls arrival notification effect, for example, the arrival notification effect sound 74 that differs from the arrival notification effect sound 73 in accordance with the display of the arrival notification image 83 that “10000 balls have reached!” ! ") Is output from the audio output device 34.

With this configuration, the player can tell the player that the paid-out game ball has reached a target number of balls such as “2500 balls”, “5000 balls”, “10000 balls”, for example. It becomes possible to notify.
In particular, when the paid-out game ball reaches, for example, “10000 balls”, if the arrival notification effect sound 74 (for example, “Docan!”) Different from the previous one is output from the audio output device 34, the payout is performed. For example, not only the arrival notification image 83 but also the arrival notification effect sound 74 is used to notify the player that the game balls that have been issued have reached “10000 balls”, which is a five-digit number from a four-digit number of balls. It becomes possible.

<Result display effect 3>
FIG. 42 is a diagram showing another example of the result display effect as the result display effect 3.
Here, a case where the total number of balls paid out during the jackpot game during the chance game period has reached “10000 balls” will be described.
Also in this case, in FIG. 42A, the ball number display in the payout ball number display area 61a of the result display effect 61 displayed on the image display device 31 is in an invisible state.
Then, as shown in FIG. 42 (b), in the payout ball number display area 61 a of the result display effect 61, the ball number “0” of the lower first digit is stopped and displayed.
Next, as shown in FIG. 42C, the ball number “0” in the lower second digit is stopped and displayed in a visible state.
Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 40D and 40E, the lower third digit ball number “8”, the lower fourth digit ball number “0”, and the lower fifth digit ball number “1” are in order. Stopped and displayed in a visible state.

  In this case, the stop sound effect 71 (for example, “Dan!”) Is output from the audio output device 34 as before, at the timing when the number of balls in the first to fourth digits stops. At the timing when the number of balls in the lower fifth digit stops, a stop sound effect 72 (for example, “Dan!”) Different from the first to fourth digit stop sound effects 71 (for example, “Dan!”) From the audio output device 34. , “Dadadan!”) Is output.

Thus, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the total number of payout balls is “10000 balls” or more, for example, the stop sound effect 72 (for example, “Dadadan” !)) Is a sound effect different from the stop sound effect 71 (for example, “Dan!”) When the number of balls from the last one digit to the last four digits stops, The sound output device 34 outputs sound effects that are more flashy than the sound effects.
If comprised in this way, it will become possible to alert | report to a player not only by the result display effect 61 but stop effect sound that the number of payout balls is "10000 balls" or more.

<Direction processing during jackpot>
FIG. 43 is a flowchart for explaining the jackpot effect processing by the image control board in order to realize the effect during the jackpot game.
In step S2021, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not data based on the hit start effect pattern has been received from the effect control board 120, and determines that data based on the hit start effect pattern has been received (Yes in step S2021). ), The process proceeds to step S2022, and if it is determined that the data based on the hit start effect pattern is not received (No in step S2021), the process proceeds to step S2023.

  In step S2022, the host CPU 151 executes a process of displaying an opening effect (FIG. 37 (e)) based on the received hit start effect pattern on the image display device 31 and an opening sound (not shown) in the sound management table. By transmitting a production sound output command to be reproduced and output to the sound control circuit 300, the sound output device 34 outputs an opening sound.

  In step S2023, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not the data based on the in-round effect pattern has been received from the effect control board 120, and determines that the data based on the in-round effect pattern has been received (Yes in step S2023). ), The process proceeds to step S2024, and if it is determined that data based on the effect pattern during the round is not received (No in step S2023), the process proceeds to step S2025.

  In step S2024, the host CPU 151 executes processing for displaying the round effect 41 (FIGS. 37 (f) to (h)) based on the received during-round effect pattern on the image display device 31, and the round game in the sound management table. By transmitting an effect sound output command for reproducing and outputting a sound (not shown) to the sound control circuit 300, the sound output device 34 outputs a round sound.

In step S2025, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not a grand prize entry command has been received from the effect control board 120, and if it is determined that a grand prize entry command has been received (Yes in step S2025), If the process proceeds to step S2026 and it is determined that the winning prize entry command is not received (No in step S2025), the process proceeds to step S2030.
In step S2026, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not the game is currently a jackpot game. If it is determined that the game is a jackpot game (Yes in step S2026), the process proceeds to step S2027. If it is determined (No in step S2026), the process proceeds to step S2030.

In step S2027, if the host CPU 151 is in a round game, the game ball number display effect 51 (FIGS. 37 (f) to (h)) corresponding to the value of the payout ball number display counter provided in the host RAM 152 is displayed. Processing to be displayed on the image display device 31 is executed.
The payout ball number display counter is incremented by the number of payouts (for example, 15) every time a winning game entrance ball command is received.
In step S2028, the host CPU 151 determines that the predetermined ball number arrival notification effect 61 (based on the fact that the value of the payout ball number display counter becomes equal to or greater than a specific value (eg, “2500”, “5000”, “10000”)). For example, a process of displaying “2500 reach” in FIG. 39F, “5000 reach” in FIG. 41A, “10000 reach” in FIG. 41B) on the image display device 31 is executed. Then, an effect sound output command for reproducing and outputting the predetermined number of balls reaching notification effect sound in the sound management table (FIG. 30) is transmitted to the sound control circuit 300. For example, by designating the predetermined ball number arrival notification effect sound 1 (pronunciation is “vacuum”) of the sound number 91, the predetermined ball number arrival notification effect sound is output from the audio output device 34.
In step S2029, the host CPU 151 executes a jackpot winning sound notification process. Details of the jackpot winning sound notification process will be described later.

In step S2030, the host CPU 151 determines whether data based on the pause effect pattern has been received from the effect control board 120, and determines that data based on the pause effect pattern has been received (Yes in step S2030). ), The process proceeds to step S2031, and if it is determined that data based on the pause effect pattern has not been received (No in step S2030), the process proceeds to step S2032.
In step S <b> 2031, the host CPU 151 executes processing for displaying a pause effect (inter-round effect) on the image display device 31 based on the received pause effect pattern.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the case of performing the paused effect (inter-round effect) has been described as an example. However, this is merely an example, and the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment performs the inter-round effect. The specification may not be performed.
In that case, the effect displayed at the end of the previous round may be continuously displayed as the effect between rounds.

In step S2032, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not data based on the hit end effect pattern has been received from the effect control board 120, and if it is determined that data based on the hit end effect pattern has been received (Yes in step S2032). ), The process proceeds to step S2033, and if it is determined that data based on the winning end effect pattern has not been received (No in step S2032), the big hit effect processing ends.
In step S2033, the host CPU 151 executes an ending effect process described later.

<Ending production process>
FIG. 44 is a flowchart for explaining an ending effect process executed by the image control board in order to realize the ending effect.
In step S2051, the host CPU 151 reads the value of the payout ball number display counter, and in step S2052, determines the result display effect based on the read value of the payout ball number display counter.
In step S2053, the host CPU 151 executes the result display effect and the ending effect together during the ending period.

  In the present embodiment, as an example of executing both the result display effect and the ending effect (game state notification effect) during the ending period, the result display effect as shown in FIGS. 37 (i) and (j) during the ending period. After performing 61, the case where the game state alerting effect 62 is performed was shown. That is, the case where the result display effect and the gaming state notification effect are displayed in time series during the ending period has been shown, but as another example of executing the result display effect and the ending effect together during the ending period, However, the result display effect and the game state notification effect may be displayed simultaneously during the ending period.

As the result display effect, for example, a process of displaying the result display effect 61 (FIG. 37 (i), FIG. 38) on the image display device 31 is executed and the result display effect sound in the sound management table (FIG. 30) is reproduced and output. An effect sound output command is transmitted to the sound control circuit 300. For example, the result display effect sound is output from the sound output device 34 by designating the result display effect sound 1 (pronunciation is “dan”) of the sound number 81.
Further, as the ending effect, for example, a process for displaying the gaming state notification effect 62 (FIG. 37 (j)) on the image display device 31 and an effect sound for reproducing and outputting an ending sound (not shown) in the sound management table. By transmitting an output command to the audio control circuit 300, an ending sound is output from the audio output device.

<Result display effect 4>
FIG. 45 is a diagram showing still another example of the above-described result display effect as the result display effect 4.
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as a result display effect described above, the player can shorten (cut) the result display effect by operating (pressing) the effect button 8.
For example, when the result display effect 61 as shown in FIG. 45A is displayed on the image display device 31, by pressing the effect button 8, the result display effect as shown in FIG. All the 61 balls in the payout ball number display area 61a are stopped and displayed at a time.
In this case, the stop sound effect is, for example, a stop sound effect corresponding to the most significant digit of the number of balls displayed in the payout ball number display area 61a. ) Is output from the audio output device 34 only once.

  In the result display effect 4 shown in FIG. 45, when the player shortens (cuts) the result display effect by operating (depressing) the effect button 8, the result display effect effect time is reduced by the shortened amount. Therefore, the payout ball number display image shown in FIG. 45B is continuously displayed until the remaining time is over.

  Further, in the result display effect 4 shown in FIG. 45, the result display effect can be shortened by the player operating (pressing) the effect button 8, but basically the result display effect should not be shortened. Since it is highly interesting, as shown in FIG. 45, even if the result display effect can be shortened, an image prompting the operation of the effect button 8 is displayed on the display screen of the image display device 31. It is preferable to stop the suggestion to the extent that the lamp built in the effect button 8 is lit without making an active suggestion such as displaying.

<Execution timing of result display effect>
FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram of the execution timing of the result display effect.
The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment described so far is a so-called loop-type gaming machine in which the probability variation gaming state continues until the next jackpot is won as long as the jackpot symbol continues to be won with the probability variation symbol.
In the loop type gaming machine, if the result display effect is performed in the ending period B in the jackpot game period A shown in FIG. 46 (a), the number of balls paid out during the jackpot game is reflected. A result display effect can be performed.

In addition, even if the game machine wins a jackpot with a probability variation symbol, if the jackpot is not won within a predetermined period, the gaming state shifts (returns) from the probability variation gaming state to the normal gaming state, so-called ST type. There is a gaming machine.
In the case of winning a promising jackpot in the ST type gaming machine, the result display effect is preferably performed in the jackpot gaming ending period B shown in FIG. 46 (a) as in the case of the loop type gaming machine described above. .
Furthermore, in the ST type gaming machine, as shown in FIG. 46B, a result display effect may be performed using a special symbol variation period E of a predetermined number of times after the jackpot game ends.
The special symbol variation period E of the predetermined number of times shown in FIG. 46B is the special symbol variation of the last 100th rotation if the number of probability variation games after the big hit game is 100, for example. If comprised in this way, the result display effect which reflected the game nature (falling from a probability change game to a normal game by a predetermined number of times) of ST type game machine is realizable. Of course, it goes without saying that the result display effect may be performed using a special symbol moving period other than the final fluctuation.

Next, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, a winning sound that is generated during a round game will be described.
<Winning sound during round game>
FIG. 47 is a diagram for explaining a winning sound generated during a round game in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 47, winning sounds generated during an unspecified round game in the 16R jackpot game are shown.
The prescribed number of winnings per round is nine (see FIG. 10). That is, when 10 or more prizes are won in one round, it becomes an “over prize”.

During the jackpot game, when the opening period or the interval period from the previous round ends as shown in FIG. 47A, the round game as shown in FIG. 47B starts.
During a round game, for example, when a game ball wins a prize at the first big winning opening 16 that is open, a winning sound 75 “beep” for notifying the player of the winning is generated for each winning. For this reason, in the voice management table shown in FIG. 30, a big winning opening winning sound (sound number 100) for notifying the winning of the game ball to the opened first big winning opening is set.
In the present embodiment, there is only one winning prize winning sound, but a plurality of winning prize winning sounds may be prepared in the voice management table and the winning sound may be changed for each winning.

Here, when the tenth game ball is won in the big winning opening, that is, when the over-winning exceeding the specified number (9) occurs, the over-winning notification sound for notifying the player of the over-winning is generated. For this reason, in the voice management table shown in FIG. 30, an over winning notification sound (sound number 110) for notifying over winning of the game ball to the open big winning opening is set.
When an over-winning has occurred, the player receives more winnings than prescribed and can obtain more winning balls. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 47 (d), an over-winning notification sound that is pleasing to the player is provided. 76 (for example, “I did it!”) Is pronounced.
After that, when an over-winning is further made to the big winning opening, the over-winning notification sound is set to sound again. Of course, it may be set not to be performed.

  When the round game ends with the arrival of the prescribed number of winnings, the operation shifts to an interval period shown in FIG. In the next round game, a winning notification sound is similarly generated, but the winning count number is naturally reset for each round.

<Large winning prize sound notification processing>
FIG. 48 is a flowchart for explaining the jackpot winning sound notification process during a round game by the image control board.
In step S2101, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not it is a jackpot round game period, that is, whether or not it is a period from reception of the big winning opening release designation command until reception of the round end designation command. .
If it is determined in step S2101 that it is a jackpot round game period (Yes in step S2101), an effect sound output command for reproducing and outputting a winning sound in the sound management table is transmitted to the sound control circuit 300 in step S2102. For example, a winning sound with a tone number 100 (pronunciation is “pi”) is designated.
If it is determined in step S2101 that it is not a jackpot round game period (No in step S2101), the host CPU 151 shifts the processing to step S2103.

In step S2103, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not it is a jackpot interval period, that is, whether or not it is a period from reception of the round end designation command to reception of the big prize opening designation command.
In step S2103, when it is determined that it is a jackpot interval period (Yes in step S2103), in step S2104, for example, an over winning notification sound (FIG. 30: sound number 110) having a content such as “Yeah!” Is displayed. An effect sound output command to be reproduced and output is transmitted to the sound control circuit 300, and the jackpot winning sound notification process is terminated.
If it is determined in step S2103 that it is not a jackpot interval period (No in step S2103), the host CPU 151 ends the jackpot winning sound notification process.

In the present embodiment, a gaming machine that outputs a big winning opening opening designation command indicating the start of a jackpot round and a round end designation command indicating the end of the jackpot round has been described as an example, but this is only an example. Depending on the gaming machine, only a special winning opening opening designation command indicating the start of a big hit round may be output.
In this case, the host CPU 151 resets a counter that counts the number of game balls won in the big prize opening when receiving the big prize opening designation command, and starts counting the number of winning game balls. Then, a normal winning sound is output until the count value of the counter reaches a predetermined number (for example, 9), and an over winning sound may be output for subsequent winnings.

<Pachislot>
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment described so far, the case where the number of game balls to be paid out when winning a jackpot in the pachinko machine is displayed on the display screen of the image display device 31 is described as an example. The present invention is also applicable to pachislot machines.
The numerical information on the number of game media in the pachislot is, for example, the number of payouts paid out to the player based on the fact that a game medal, which is a game medium, has been won, or the number obtained by subtracting the number of payouts. Any number of sheets (difference sheets) may be used, but here, the number of acquired sheets will be described as an example.

  In the pachi-slot, when starting a game, for example, by inserting three game medals as game media and operating the start lever, a drum provided in a pachi-slot body (not shown) rotates to start the game. When a predetermined combination is won at the time of operating the start lever, the player can operate the stop button for stopping the rotation of the drum to align the selected predetermined combination. Game medals are paid out. Therefore, in this case, the number of game medals that can be acquired in one game is six.

In pachislot machines, there are gaming machines equipped with ART (assist replay time) and AT (assist time) as a chance game period advantageous to the player.
For this reason, when the present invention is applied to the pachislot machine, the number of game medals acquired during the above-mentioned chance game period such as ART or AT is displayed on the display screen of the image display device.
In this case, the number of acquired medals displayed on the display screen of the pachislot may be the total number of game medals paid out from the pachislot. Therefore, it is possible to display the difference number obtained by subtracting the inserted number from the payout number as the acquired number.

  The “chance game period” in the pachislot includes a period from the end of the ART game period to the elapse of a predetermined number of games (for example, 20 games). In addition, it is assumed that the period until the RT gaming state falls into the re-gaming low probability state after the ART gaming period ends is included.

<Difference display display effect>
FIG. 49 is a diagram showing an example of the difference number display effect displayed on the image display device of the pachislot.
FIG. 49A is a diagram showing a display screen at a certain timing during an ART game. In the upper right of the screen of the image display device 91, there are an ART game remaining number display 92 and an acquired number display 93. Has been done. FIG. 49A shows that the remaining number of ART games is “46” and the acquired number is “270”.

Here, when the player inserts three game medals into the gaming machine in order to start a new game, the acquired number displayed on the display screen of the image display device 91 as shown in FIG. The acquired number of the display 93 is updated to “267”, which is obtained by subtracting 3 as the inserted number from “270”.
If the player wins the predetermined role when operating the start lever, as shown in FIG. 49 (c), on the display screen of the image display device 91, the push order navigation indicating the push order of the stop buttons. An image 94 is displayed. FIG. 49C shows that the stop button is pressed in the order of “left” → “right” → “middle”.

  When the player operates the stop button in accordance with the push order navigation image 94 described above, the predetermined winning combination is arranged, so that a predetermined number (for example, 9) of game medals are paid out. At this time, on the display screen of the image display device 91, as shown in FIG. 49 (d), the acquired image 95 indicating that “9” game medals have been acquired, and the acquired number of acquired number display 93 are displayed. Is updated to “276” obtained by adding 9 newly acquired from “267”.

<Predetermined number arrival display effect>
FIG. 50 is a diagram illustrating an example of a predetermined number arrival display effect displayed on the image display device of the pachislot.
FIG. 50A is a diagram showing a display screen at a certain timing during the ART game, and an ART game remaining number display 92 and an acquired number display 93 are displayed on the upper right in the screen of the image display device 91. Has been done. In FIG. 50A, it is displayed that the remaining number of ART games is “46” and the acquired number is “999”.

Here, in order to start a new game, the player puts three game medals into the gaming machine (BET) and then operates the start lever (ON), as shown in FIG. 50 (b). The acquired number on the acquired number display 93 displayed on the display screen of the display device 91 is updated to “996”, which is obtained by subtracting three of the inserted number from “999”.
If the player wins the predetermined role when operating the start lever, as shown in FIG. 50 (c), on the display screen of the image display device 91, the push order navigation indicating the push order of the stop buttons. When the image 94 is displayed and the player operates the stop button according to the push order navigation image 94, a predetermined number of winning combinations are aligned and a predetermined number (for example, nine) of game medals are paid out. At this time, as shown in FIG. 50D, the display screen of the image display device 91 displays the acquired image 95 indicating that “9” game medals have been acquired, and the acquired number of acquired number display 93. Is updated from “996” to “1005” obtained by adding 9 newly acquired images.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 50 (e), when the payout number of game medals during the ART game reaches a predetermined number (here, “1000”), it indicates that the payout number has reached 1000. As the arrival notification image 96, for example, together with a display such as “1000 arrivals!”, The arrival notification effect sound 73 (for example, “vacuum!”) Is output from the audio output device 34 in synchronization with the timing of displaying the arrival notification image 96. I am doing so.

<Acquired number display effect>
FIG. 51 is a diagram showing an example of the acquired number display effect displayed on the image display device of the pachislot.
FIG. 51A shows that the remaining number of ART games is “1” and the acquired number is “630”.
Here, when the player inserts three game medals into the gaming machine and then operates the start lever, as shown in FIG. 51B, the acquired number of the acquired number display 93 is from “630” to the inserted number. It is updated to “627 sheets” obtained by subtracting 3 sheets.
If the player wins the predetermined role when operating the start lever, as shown in FIG. 51 (c), a push order navigation image 94 is displayed on the display screen of the image display device 91, and the game When the user operates the stop button according to the push order navigation image 94, a predetermined number of winning combinations are aligned and a predetermined number (for example, nine) of game medals are paid out. At this time, on the display screen of the image display device 91, as shown in FIG. 51 (d), the acquired image 95 indicating that “9” game medals have been acquired, and the acquired number of acquired number display 93 are displayed. Is updated from “627” to “636” obtained by adding 9 newly acquired images.

  Thereafter, as a result display effect, as shown in FIG. 51 (e), the number of payout number display areas 97a of the result display effect 97 displayed on the image display device 31 is changed from the invisible state to the state shown in FIG. 51 (f). As shown, “6”, which is the number of the first digit of the payout number display area 97a, is stopped and displayed in a visible state. Next, as shown in FIG. 51 (g), “3”, which is the number of the lower second digit, is stopped and displayed in a visible state. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 51 (h), “6”, which is the number of the lower third digit, is stopped and displayed in a visible state.

  Also at this time, the stop sound effect 71 (for example, “Dan!”) Is output from the audio output device 34 in accordance with the timing at which the lower first digit to the lower third digit stop. Finally, the number of acquired sheets (for example, “636 sheets”) is displayed in this ART game.

<Configuration and effect of the present invention>
The gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine) that is capable of playing using a game medium (for example, a game ball or a game medal), and the game medium is provided to the player when a start condition is established. It is determined that the special game is determined to be performed by the special game determination means (for example, the processing of steps S224 and S225) for determining whether or not to perform a special game (for example, jackpot game) that can be awarded Special game execution means for executing the special game (for example, the processing of steps S301 to S320) and numerical information regarding the number of game media given during the execution of the special game (for example, if the game medium is a game ball, payout) Display means (for example, the image display device 31) for displaying the number of game balls and the number of games that are obtained if the game medium is a game medal; and the numerical information displayed on the display means. And a sound output means (for example, a sound output device 34) that outputs a specific sound (for example, the arrival notification effect sound 73) indicating that the predetermined threshold has been reached. It is possible to enhance the interest in notifying numerical information relating to the number of game media given during execution of the game (for example, the number of paid-out game balls if the game media is a game ball, or the number of games acquired if the game media is a game medal). .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine, 10 Game board, 13 1st start opening, 14 2nd start opening, 31 Image display apparatus, 34 Audio | voice output apparatus, 35 Decoration design, 51 Dispensing ball number display effect, 61 Result display effect, 71 72 Stop effect Sound, 73 74 reaching notification effect sound, 75 winning sound, 76 over winning notification sound, 81 reaching notification image, 110 main control board, 111 main CPU, 112 main ROM, 113 main RAM, 120 effect control board, 121 sub CPU, 122 sub ROM, 123 sub RAM, 140 lamp control board, 150 image control board, 151 host CPU, 152 host RAM, 153 host ROM

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine) capable of playing using a game medium (for example, a game ball or a game medal), and fulfills a start condition. Accordingly, special game determination means (for example, processing in steps S224 and S225) for determining whether or not to perform a special game (for example, jackpot game) that can be given the game medium to the player, and the special game determination means performs the special game determination means. Special game execution means for executing the special game when it is determined to play a game (for example, the processing of steps S271 to S320), and numerical information regarding the number of game media given by the execution of the special game (for example, the game medium is if the game ball payout game ball number, viewable display unit game media acquisition number) if medal (for example the image display apparatus 31), the special Yu Since There ended, a display control means for displaying on said display means in a visually recognizable manner after a viewable state the numerical information (eg performance control board 120, the image control board 150), capable of outputting a sound effect An audio output control unit (for example, an audio output device 34) and an audio output control unit (for example, an audio output control unit) that causes the audio output unit to output the sound effect in accordance with the timing at which the numerical information is displayed on the display unit in a visible state An effect control board 120 and an image control board 150) .

<Configuration and effect of the present invention>
The gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine) that is capable of playing using a game medium (for example, a game ball or a game medal), and the game medium is provided to the player when a start condition is established. It is determined that the special game is determined to be performed by the special game determination means (for example, the processing of steps S224 and S225) for determining whether or not to perform a special game (for example, jackpot game) that can be awarded Special game executing means for executing the special game (for example, the processing of steps S271 to S320), and numerical information regarding the number of game media given by the execution of the special game (for example, a payout game if the game medium is a game ball) sphere number, and game media can display payout number) if the game medals display unit (for example, the image display device 31), after which the special game is finished, the Display control means (e.g., performance control board 120, the image control board 150) to be displayed on said display unit in a viewable state after the value information and viewable state, capable of outputting audio output means a sound effect (e.g., audio output Device 34) and sound output control means (for example, effect control board 120, image control) that causes the sound output means to output the sound effect in accordance with the timing at which the numerical information is displayed on the display means in a state where the numerical information is visible. a substrate 150), by providing, it is possible to enhance the interest of the time of notifying the numerical information on game medium count granted by the execution of the special game.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing using a game medium,
Special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game capable of giving the game medium to the player in accordance with the establishment of the start condition;
Special game execution means for executing the special game when it is determined by the special game determination means to perform the special game;
Display means for displaying numerical information relating to the number of game media given during execution of the special game;
Audio output means for outputting a specific sound indicating that the predetermined threshold is reached when the numerical information displayed on the display means reaches a predetermined threshold;
A gaming machine comprising:

Images