JP2017124334A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine having a highly interesting game.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine includes a performance gate installed at an upstream portion of a start winning hole in a flow path of a game ball emitted into a game area. The performance gate has no relation to variable display of a special pattern. A pre-stage performance is executed with passage of the game ball through the performance gate as an opportunity. After that, a notice performance, which indicates a possibility that variable display of the special pattern to be started results in a jackpot, is executed in a mode relating to the pre-stage performance under execution with entry of the game ball into the start winning hole during the execution of the pre-stage performance as an opportunity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  As a gaming machine, a variable display of a plurality of types of identification information, each of which can be identified when the gaming medium is won at a starting port provided in a gaming area where the gaming medium can flow down, and a display result is derived. There is one that controls a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when a predetermined specific display result is derived on the display means.

  Some of these gaming machines are provided with a trigger for starting the execution of an effect separately from the start port, and the effect of the game is improved by executing the effect at various timings (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ). The gaming machine of Patent Literature 1 includes an effect gate different from the start port, and executes an effect when a game medium passes through the effect gate.

JP 2005-218699 A

  In the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, the effect that is executed when the game medium passes through the effect gate is completely unrelated to the variable display of the identification information. Therefore, the degree to which the player is interested in the effect executed when the game medium passes through the effect gate is low, and the interest of the game is low.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine with high interest in gaming.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention provides:
(1) A game medium (for example, a game ball) is launched toward a game area (for example, a game area formed on the game board 2), and a start port (for example, first or A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine) that can be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a big hit gaming state) advantageous for the player by variably displaying when the gaming medium has been won to the second starting prize opening, etc. 1)
Notice effect execution means for executing a notice effect indicating the possibility of being controlled to the advantageous state in the variable display (for example, the effect control CPU 120 for executing step S453 in FIG. 13);
An effect detection means (for example, an effect switch 44 for detecting a game ball that has passed through the effect gate 42) that is provided upstream of the start port and that is capable of detecting the passage of the game medium. etc,
In response to the fact that the effect detection means detects the game medium when the variable display is not being executed, the previous stage effect execution means for executing the previous stage effect (for example, a change start command is issued in step S501 in FIG. 9). After determining that it has not been received and determining that the effect detection flag is on in step S504, the previous stage effect execution flag is set in step S517, and the previous stage effect control setting is executed in step S519. Control CPU 120, etc.)
The notice effect execution means performs the notice effect in the variable display that is executed when the game medium has won the start opening when the previous stage effect execution means is executing the previous stage effect. Executed in a manner associated with the previous stage effect (for example, when the effect control CPU 120 turns on the previous stage effect execution flag in step S401A of FIG. 11 as in the determination example of FIG. 12 in step S402). A portion for determining the notice effect suitable for the aspect of the previous stage effect being executed).
According to such a configuration, the stage-stage effect is executed in response to the fact that the detection means for effect different from the start port that is not involved in whether or not it is in the advantageous state detects the game medium, and then the start port is played in the game. The notice effect can be executed in a manner associated with the previous effect when the medium has passed. For this reason, the player is given an impression that the previous stage effect and the notice effect are related, so even if the player performs the previous stage effect at various timings other than when the game medium wins at the starting point, Attention will be paid to the production in the previous stage, and the fun of the game can be enhanced.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1), the previous stage effect executing means restricts a new previous stage effect when the effect detecting means detects a game medium while the previous stage effect is being executed. Then, the execution of the previous stage effect being executed is continued (for example, the effect control CPU 120 determines that the previous stage effect execution flag is on in step S502 in the variable display start waiting process of FIG. 9). In such a case, even if the effect switch is turned on, a portion where execution of a new notice effect is not started) may be performed.
If the stage detection means detects a new game medium while the previous stage effect is being executed, if the previous stage effect being executed is interrupted, the player's concentration on the previous stage effect may be interrupted, which may reduce the interest of the game. There is. According to such a configuration, since concentration on the previous stage production can be maintained, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the game.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1), the preceding stage effect executing means, when the effect detecting means detects a game medium during execution of the preceding stage effect, Starts execution of different previous stage effects (for example, when the CPU for effect control of the pachinko machine according to the modification determines that the flag for executing the notice effect is on in the variable display start waiting process) In addition, when the effect switch is turned on, a part of the notice effect that is different from the notice effect that is being executed may be started).
According to such a configuration, when the effect detection means detects a new game medium during execution of the previous stage effect, it is possible to execute a new previous stage effect in addition to the previous stage effect being executed. Therefore, a high expectation can be given to the player.

(4) In the gaming machine of the above (1), the preceding stage effect executing means is an effect mode different from a case where the effect detecting means detects a game medium while the preceding stage effect is being executed. (E.g., when the CPU for effect control of the pachinko gaming machine according to the modified example determines that the flag for executing the notice effect is ON in the variable display start waiting process) And a portion that changes the mode of the notice effect when the effect switch is turned on).
According to such a configuration, when the stage detection means detects a new game medium while the previous stage effect is being executed, it is possible to execute the previous stage effect with a different effect mode. A feeling can be given.

(5) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (4), after the variable display is finished, the demonstration display is started based on the fact that a predetermined time has passed without starting the next variable display. Demo display execution means (for example, “Yes” is determined in step S505 of FIG. 9 in response to reception of a customer waiting demo designation command transmitted when a predetermined time has elapsed after the variable display ends) , Further includes an effect control CPU 120 for performing demonstration display setting in step S506),
The pre-stage effect executing means switches the demonstration display to an image to be stopped and displayed in the variable display when the effect detecting means detects a game medium during the demonstration display, and then performs the pre-stage effect. Start (for example, if the production control CPU 120 determines that the production detection flag is on in step S504 of FIG. 9 and that the demonstration display flag is on in step S508) Or the like such as executing a stop display of decorative symbols in S509).
If the previous stage effect is executed as it is during the demonstration display, it overlaps with the demonstration display, so that the effect of the previous stage effect may be reduced. According to such a configuration, when the effect detecting means detects a game medium during the demonstration display, the effect of the previous stage effect is obtained because the effect of the previous stage effect is started after switching to the image to be temporarily stopped and displayed. Decrease can be prevented.

(6) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (5) above, based on the fact that the effect detecting means detects the game medium when the notice effect executing means is executing the notice effect. , Further comprising a specific effect executing means for executing a specific effect different from the previous stage effect (for example, the effect control CPU 120 determines that the notice effect execution period is in step S452 in the variable display effect process of FIG. 13). In addition, when it is determined in step S453A that the effect detection flag is on, the specific effect may be started in step S453B.
According to such a configuration, when the effect detection means detects a new game medium during execution of the notice effect, a specific effect different from the previous effect can be executed. A high expectation can be given to the player without diverting the attention.

(7) In the gaming machine of any one of the above (1) to (6), determination means for determining whether or not to control to the advantageous state (for example, the random number value read in step S232 or step S236 in FIG. 4) Accordingly, the CPU 103 or the like that determines the special figure display result in step S239) is further provided.
The notice effect execution means performs the notice effect in an effect form according to the determination result of the determination means among a plurality of effect forms (for example, the notice effect aspects A1 to A3 and B1 to B3 shown in FIG. 12). (For example, in step S402 in FIG. 11, the CPU 120 for effect control determines the second stage aspect of the notice effect at the rate shown in the determination example in FIG. 12 according to the result of the variable display to be started. , Etc. that execute the notice effect in the determined mode).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify the player of the ratio of the ratio that is advantageous to the player according to the aspect of the notice effect. Therefore, the player's expectation can be enhanced by the notice effect, and the interest in the notice effect can be increased, so that the interest of the game can be enhanced.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the various control boards etc. which were mounted in the pachinko game machine. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol normal process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of determinations, such as a special figure display result. It is the flowchart etc. which show an example of a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of determination of a fluctuation pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variable display start waiting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of determination of a pre-stage effect. It is the flowchart etc. which show an example of a variable display start setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of determination of notice effect. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production process during variable display. It is a figure which shows the execution example of a pre-stage production | presentation and notice production | presentation process. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on an image display apparatus at the time of execution of a pre-stage effect or a notice effect. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on an image display apparatus at the time of previous stage production execution. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on an image display apparatus at the time of specific production execution.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly composed of a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails. In this game area, a game ball as a game medium is launched from a predetermined hitting ball launching device and driven.

  A first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B are provided at predetermined positions of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, on the right side of the game area). Each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B is composed of, for example, 7-segment or dot matrix LEDs (light emitting diodes) and the like. Special symbols (also referred to as “special graphics”), which are a plurality of types of identification information (special identification information) that can be displayed, are variably displayed (variable display). For example, each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B variably displays a plurality of types of special symbols composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. To do.

  The special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are limited to those composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. However, for example, a plurality of types of lighting patterns in which the combination of the LED to be turned on and the LED to be turned off in the 7-segment LED may be set in advance as a plurality of types of special symbols. Hereinafter, the special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as "first special symbol", and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is also referred to as "second special symbol". .

  An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or the like, and forms a display area for displaying various effect images. In the display area of the image display device 5, the first special symbol variable display by the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol variable display by the second special symbol display device 4B in the special symbol game respectively correspond to the variable display. For example, in a decorative symbol display area serving as a plurality of variable display units such as three, decorative symbols that are a plurality of types of identification information (decorative identification information) that can be identified are variably displayed. This variable display of decorative designs is also included in the variable display game.

  As an example, “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas are arranged in the display area of the image display device 5. And in response to the start of one of the changes in the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B in the special symbol game, In each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas, variation of decorative symbols (for example, scroll display in the vertical direction) is started. Thereafter, when the fixed special symbol is stopped and displayed as a variable display result in the special symbol game, the decorative symbol can be changed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas in the image display device 5. The confirmed decorative symbol (final stop symbol) that is the display result is stopped and displayed.

  As described above, in the display area of the image display device 5, a special game using the first special graphic in the first special symbol display device 4A or a special graphic using the second special graphic in the second special symbol display device 4B is used. In synchronism with the figure game, variable display of a plurality of types of decorative symbols that can be identified is performed, and a definite decorative symbol that is a variable display result is derived and displayed (or simply referred to as “derivation”). In addition, for example, deriving and displaying various display symbols such as a special symbol and a decorative symbol means that identification information such as a decorative symbol is stopped and displayed (also referred to as a complete stop display or a final stop display) and the variable display is ended. . On the other hand, during the variable display from the start of the variable display of the decorative pattern until the fixed decorative pattern that is the variable display result is derived and displayed, the variation speed of the decorative pattern becomes “0”, The symbol may be displayed in a stationary state, for example, in a display state that causes slight shaking or expansion / contraction. Such a display state is also called a temporary stop display, and although the display result in the variable display is not displayed deterministically, the player can recognize that the variation of the decorative pattern due to the scroll display or the update display is not progressing. It becomes. The temporary stop display may include displaying the decorative symbols completely stopped for a time shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) without causing slight shaking or expansion / contraction.

  On the screen of the image display device 5, a start winning memory display area 5H is arranged. In the start winning memory display area 5H, a hold memory display for displaying the variable display hold number corresponding to the special figure game (special figure hold memory number) is specified. Here, the variable display suspension corresponding to the special game is that the game ball passes through the first start winning opening formed by the normal winning ball apparatus 6A and the second starting winning opening formed by the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B. Generated based on the start winning by entering (entering). That is, the start condition (also referred to as “execution condition”) for executing a variable display game such as a special figure game or a variable display of decorative symbols has been established, but a variable display game based on the previously established start condition is being executed. When the start condition that allows the start of the variable display game is not satisfied due to the fact that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit gaming state, the variable display corresponding to the established start condition is suspended. Done.

  For example, a special game start condition (first start condition) using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A due to the occurrence of the first start prize that the game ball passes (enters) through the first start prize opening. ) Is satisfied, if the first start condition for starting the special figure game using the first special figure based on the establishment of the first start condition is not satisfied, the first special figure holding storage number is 1. Addition (increment) is made, and execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is suspended. In addition, when the second start winning that the game ball passes (enters) through the second start winning opening is generated, the start condition of the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B (second start condition) ) Is established, if the second start condition for starting the special figure game using the second special figure based on the establishment of the second start condition is not established, the second special figure holding memory number is 1. Addition (increment) is made, and execution of the special figure game using the second special figure is suspended. On the other hand, when the execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is started, the first special figure holding memory number is decremented by 1 (decrement), and the special figure game using the second special figure is executed. Is started, the second special figure reserved memory number is decremented by 1 (decremented).

  The variable display hold memory number obtained by adding the first special figure hold memory number and the second special figure hold memory number is also referred to as a total hold memory number. When simply referring to the “number of special figure hold memory”, it usually refers to a concept including any of the first special figure hold memory number, the second special figure hold memory number, and the total hold memory number. It may refer to a concept that includes the first special figure reserved memory number and the second special figure reserved memory number but excludes the total reserved memory number).

  A display for displaying the number of reserved special figure memories may be provided together with the start winning memory display area 5H or instead of the start winning memory display area 5H. In the example shown in FIG. 1, together with the start winning memory display area 5H, the first hold for displaying the special figure hold memory number in an identifiable manner on the upper part of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B. A display 25A and a second hold display 25B are provided. The first hold indicator 25A displays the first special figure hold memory number so that it can be specified. The second hold indicator 25B displays the second special figure hold memory number so that it can be specified. Each of the first hold indicator 25A and the second hold indicator 25B has a number (for example, 4) corresponding to an upper limit value (for example, “4”) in each of the first special figure hold memory number and the second special figure hold memory number, for example. LED).

  Below the image display device 5, an ordinary winning ball device 6A and an ordinary variable winning ball device 6B are provided. The normal winning ball device 6A forms a first starting winning opening as a starting area (first starting area) that is always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member, for example. The normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B is an electric tulip-type accessory having a pair of movable wing pieces that are changed between a closed state in a vertical position and an open state in a tilt position by a solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory shown in FIG. (Ordinary electric accessory) is provided and a second start winning opening is formed.

  As an example, in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the movable wing piece is in the vertical position when the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory is in the off state, so that the game ball passes (enters) through the second start winning opening. Do not close. On the other hand, in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B, when the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory is in the ON state, the movable wing piece is in the tilting position, so that the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning hole. ) Make it open. The normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is normally opened when the solenoid 81 is in the off state, and the game ball can enter (pass) through the second start winning opening, while the expansion when the solenoid 81 is in the on state. You may comprise so that a game ball may enter (pass) more easily than an open state. As described above, the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B has the first variable state such as the open state or the expanded open state in which the game ball can pass (enter) through the second start winning port, and the game ball cannot pass (enter). It is configured to be able to change to a second variable state such as a closed state or a normally open state that is difficult to pass (enter).

  A game ball that has entered the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A is detected by, for example, a first start opening switch 22A shown in FIG. A game ball that has entered the second start winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B is detected by, for example, a second start opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls (prize game media), and the first reserved memory number is a predetermined upper limit value. If it is less than (for example, “4”), the first start condition is satisfied. Based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port switch 22B, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and if the second reserved memory number is equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit value, The second start condition is satisfied.

  The number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A and the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port switch 22B. May be the same number or different numbers. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be one that directly pays out game balls that are prize balls, or may be one that gives a score corresponding to the number of game balls that are prize balls.

  A special variable winning ball device 7 is provided below the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball apparatus 7 includes a special winning opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 82 for the special winning opening door shown in FIG. 2, and the specific region that changes between an open state and a closed state by the special winning opening door. As a big prize opening.

  As an example, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid 82 for the special prize opening door is in the OFF state, the special prize opening door closes the big winning prize opening, and the game ball passes (enters) the big winning prize opening. become unable. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid 82 for the big prize opening door is in the ON state, the big winning opening door opens the big winning opening and the game ball passes through the big winning opening (entrance). ). In this way, the special winning opening as a specific area changes into an open state in which a game ball easily passes (enters) and is advantageous to the player, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot pass (enters) and is disadvantageous to the player To do. Instead of the closed state where the game ball cannot pass (enter) through the big prize opening, or in addition to the closed state, a partially opened state where the game ball hardly passes (enters) through the big prize port may be provided.

  The game ball that has passed (entered) through the big prize opening is detected by, for example, the count switch 23 shown in FIG. Based on the detection of game balls by the count switch 23, a predetermined number (for example, 14) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. In this way, when the game ball passes (enters) through the large winning opening opened in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, the gaming ball passes through other winning openings such as the first starting winning opening and the second starting winning opening, for example. More prize balls are paid out than when passing (entering). Therefore, if the special prize winning ball device 7 is in the open state, the game ball can enter the special prize winning opening, which is a first state advantageous to the player. On the other hand, when the special prize winning device 7 is closed in the special variable prize winning ball device 7, it becomes impossible or difficult for the player to get a prize ball by passing (entering) the gaming ball into the special prize winning port. This is a disadvantageous second state. In addition, the game ball passing (entering) to the winning opening is also referred to as winning.

  In the present embodiment, an effect gate 42 is provided above the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The game ball that has passed through the effect gate 42 is detected by, for example, an effect switch 44 shown in FIG. Based on the fact that the game ball is detected by the effect switch 44, a pre-stage effect described later is executed. The production gate 42 is positioned above the ordinary winning ball device 6A and the ordinary variable winning ball device 6B in the flow path from the game ball ejection portion in the gaming area to the ordinary winning ball device 6A and the ordinary variable winning ball device 6B. When a player injects a game ball aiming at the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B, the game ball is played more frequently than when the game ball wins the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B. Passes through the gate 42 for use. Therefore, even if the game ball does not win the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6 and the variable display of the decorative pattern is not executed, the game ball passes through the effect gate 42 and the previous stage effect is executed. The

  A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (on the left side of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is composed of 7 segments, dot matrix LEDs, and the like, like the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and a plurality of types of identification information different from the special symbols. Is displayed (variably displayed) in a variable manner. Such variable display of normal symbols is called a general game (also referred to as “normal game”). Above the normal symbol display 20, a universal figure holding display 25 </ b> C is provided. The general-purpose hold indicator 25C includes, for example, four LEDs, and displays the general-purpose hold storage number as the number of effective passing balls that have passed through the passing gate 41.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill for changing the flow direction and speed of the game ball and a number of obstacle nails. In addition, as a winning opening different from the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the large winning opening, for example, a single or plural general winning openings that are always kept in a certain open state by a predetermined ball receiving member are provided. May be. In this case, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls may be paid out as a prize ball based on the fact that a game ball that has entered one of the general prize openings is detected by a predetermined general prize ball switch. In the lowermost part of the game area, there is provided an out port through which game balls that have not entered any winning port are taken.

  Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the left and right upper positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 is provided at the periphery of the game area. A decorative LED may be arranged around each structure (for example, the normal winning ball device 6A, the normal variable winning ball device 6B, the special variable winning ball device 7, etc.) in the game area of the pachinko gaming machine 1. At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, there is provided a hitting operation handle (operation knob) operated by a player or the like to launch a game ball as a game medium toward the game area. For example, the hitting operation handle adjusts the resilience of the game ball according to the operation amount (rotation amount) by the player or the like.

  At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, a game ball paid out as a prize ball or a game ball lent out by a predetermined ball lending machine is held (stored) so as to be supplied to a ball hitting device. )) Is provided. Below the gaming machine frame 3, there is provided a lower plate that holds (stores) surplus balls overflowing from the upper plate so as to be discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  Various control boards such as a main board 11, an effect control board 12, an audio control board 13, and a lamp control board 14 as shown in FIG. 2 are mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 1. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is also equipped with a relay board 15 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, an interface board, and a touch sensor board are arranged on the back of the game board or the like in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The main board 11 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 is mainly addressed to a sub-side control board composed of a random number setting function used in a special game, a function of inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, and an effect control board 12. A function of outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information as a control signal, a function of outputting various information to a hall management computer, and the like are provided. In addition, the main board 11 performs on / off control of each LED (for example, segment LED) constituting the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and thereby the first special diagram and the second special diagram Variable display of a predetermined display pattern such as controlling the variable display of the normal symbol display 20 or controlling the variable symbol display of the normal symbol display 20 by controlling the lighting / extinction / coloring control of the normal symbol display 20. It also has a function to control.

  On the main board 11, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, and the like are mounted. The switch circuit 110 takes in detection signals from various switches for detecting game balls and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The solenoid circuit 111 transmits the solenoid drive signal from the game control microcomputer 100 to the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory and the solenoid 82 for the big prize door.

  The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, receives the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, and receives the image display device 5, the speakers 8L, 8R. In addition, various circuits for controlling the rendering operation by the electrical components for rendering such as the game effect lamp 9 and the decoration LED are mounted. That is, the effect control board 12 performs all or part of the display operation in the image display device 5, all or part of the sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, and all or one of the on / off operations in the game effect lamp 9 and the decoration LED. A function of determining the control content for causing the electrical component for production to execute a predetermined production operation, such as a section.

  The sound control board 13 is a control board for sound output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and outputs sound from the speakers 8L and 8R based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. For example, a processing circuit for executing audio signal processing is mounted. The lamp control board 14 is a control board for lamp output control that is provided separately from the effect control board 12, and based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12, the game effect lamp 9, LED for decoration, etc. A lamp driver circuit that performs on / off driving is mounted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, detection signals from various switches such as a gate switch 21, a start port switch (first start port switch 22 </ b> A and second start port switch 22 </ b> B), and a count switch 23 are transmitted to the main board 11. Wiring is connected. In addition, various switches should just have arbitrary structures which can detect the game ball | bowl as game media like what is called a sensor, for example. Further, the main board 11 is connected with wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing display control, such as the first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 4B, and the normal symbol display device 20.

  A control signal transmitted from the main board 11 toward the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15 is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electric signal. The effect control command includes, for example, a display control command used for controlling an image display operation in the image display device 5, a voice control command used for controlling sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a game effect lamp 9. And a lamp control command used for controlling the lighting operation of the decoration LED and the like. Each of these effect control commands has, for example, a 2-byte configuration, the first byte indicates MODE (command classification), and the second byte indicates EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to “1” and the first bit of the EXT data may be set to “0” in advance.

  The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing a game control program, fixed data, and the like, and a game control work. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 that provides an area, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 that executes a control program by executing a game control program, and updates numeric data indicating random values independently of the CPU 103 A random number circuit 104 to perform and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105 are provided.

  As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, a process for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is executed by the CPU 103 executing a program read from the ROM 101. At this time, the CPU 103 reads fixed data from the ROM 101, the CPU 103 writes various fluctuation data to the RAM 102 and temporarily stores the fluctuation data, and the CPU 103 temporarily stores the various fluctuation data. The CPU 103 receives the input of various signals from outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105, and the CPU 103 goes outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105. A transmission operation for outputting various signals is also performed.

  Note that the one-chip microcomputer constituting the game control microcomputer 100 only needs to incorporate the RAM 102 in addition to the CPU 103, and the ROM 101, the random number circuit 104, the I / O 105, and the like may be externally attached.

  In the game control microcomputer 100, for example, the random number circuit 104 or the like counts the numerical data indicating various random values used for controlling the progress of the game in an updatable manner. The random number used for controlling the progress of the game is also called a game random number. The game random number may be updated by hardware such as the random number circuit 104 or may be updated by software when the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 executes a predetermined computer program. May be. For example, the random counter provided in a predetermined area (game control counter setting unit or the like) of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 or a random counter provided in an internal register separate from the RAM 102 indicates a predetermined random number value. The random number value may be updated by storing numerical data and the CPU 103 updating the stored value regularly or irregularly.

  In addition to the game control program, the ROM 101 provided in the game control microcomputer 100 stores various selection data and table data used to control the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 101 stores data constituting a plurality of determination tables, determination tables, setting tables and the like prepared for the CPU 103 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings. Further, the ROM 101 includes table data constituting a plurality of command tables used for the CPU 103 to transmit control signals serving as various control commands from the main board 11 and a variation pattern table storing a plurality of types of variation patterns. Table data to be stored is stored. In the RAM 102 provided in the game control microcomputer 100, various data used for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are temporarily stored so as to be rewritable.

  The effect control board 12 includes an effect control CPU 120 that performs a control operation in accordance with a program, a ROM 121 that stores an effect control program, fixed data, and the like, a RAM 122 that provides a work area for the effect control CPU 120, and an image display device. 5, a display control unit 123 that executes processing for determining the control content of the display operation in FIG. 5, a random number circuit 124 that updates the numerical data indicating the random number value independently of the effect control CPU 120, and the I / O 125. And are installed.

  An effect switch circuit 43 is connected to the effect substrate 12. The effect switch circuit 43 takes in the detection signal from the effect switch 44 and transmits it to the effect substrate 12. With such a configuration, the production board 12 does not depend on the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 and senses that the game ball has passed through the production gate 43 by the detection signal transmitted from the production switch circuit 43. I can do it. Therefore, the previous stage effect can be executed at an arbitrary timing.

  As an example, in the effect control board 12, when the effect control CPU 120 executes an effect control program read from the ROM 121, a process for controlling the effect operation by the effect electric component is executed. At this time, the effect control CPU 120 reads the fixed data from the ROM 121, the effect control CPU 120 writes the various data to the RAM 122 and temporarily stores them, and the effect control CPU 120 stores the effect data in the RAM 122. Fluctuation data reading operation for reading out various fluctuation data temporarily stored, the reception control CPU 120 for receiving the input of various signals from the outside of the presentation control board 12 via the I / O 125, and the presentation control CPU 120 for I / O A transmission operation for outputting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 12 via O125 is also performed.

  The effect control CPU 120, the ROM 121, and the RAM 122 may be included in a one-chip effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board 12. In the effect control board 12, wiring for transmitting a video signal to the image display device 5, wiring for transmitting a sound effect signal as an information signal indicating sound number data to the sound control board 13, Wiring for transmitting an electrical decoration signal as an information signal indicating lamp data is connected to the lamp control board 14. Furthermore, on the effect control board 12, wiring for transmitting from the controller sensor unit 35A an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the player's operation action on the stick controller 31A has been detected, and a game for the push button 31B. Wiring for transmitting from the push sensor 35B an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the user's operation action has been detected is also connected.

  On the effect control board 12, for example, the random number circuit 124 or the like counts the numerical data indicating various random values used for controlling the effect operation so as to be updatable. The random number used for controlling such a production operation is also called a production random number.

  In addition to the program for effect control, the ROM 121 mounted on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 2 has various effects used for controlling the effect operations of various effects including the previous stage effect and the notice effect described later. Stores data tables and so on. For example, the ROM 121 includes a plurality of determination tables prepared for the effect control CPU 120 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings, table data configuring the determination table, pattern data configuring various effect control patterns, and the like. It is remembered. The RAM 122 mounted on the effect control board 12 stores various data used for controlling the effect operation.

  The display control unit 123 mounted on the effect control board 12 determines the control content of the display operation in the image display device 5 based on the display control command from the effect control CPU 120. For example, the display control unit 123 performs control for executing decorative display variable display and various effect displays by determining the switching timing of effect images to be displayed in the display area of the image display device 5. As an example, the display control unit 121 may include a VDP (Video Display Processor), a CGROM (Character Generator ROM), a VRAM (Video RAM), an LCD driving circuit, and the like. The VDP may be a graphics processing unit (GPU), a graphics controller LSI (GCL), or a microprocessor for image processing, more commonly referred to as a digital signal processor (DSP). The CGROM may be, for example, a non-rewritable semiconductor memory, a rewritable semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, or a non-volatile recording medium such as a magnetic memory or an optical memory. Any configuration may be used.

  The I / O 125 mounted on the effect control board 12 includes, for example, an input port for capturing an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 and the like, and an output port for transmitting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 12. It is comprised including. For example, from the output port of the I / O 125, a video signal transmitted to the image display device 5, a command (sound effect signal) transmitted to the sound control board 13, and a command transmitted to the lamp control board 14 (Lighting signal) etc. are output.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a predetermined game using a game ball as a game medium is performed, and a predetermined game value can be given based on the game result. As an example of a game using a game ball, a predetermined hitting ball is emitted based on a predetermined operation (for example, a rotation operation) performed by a player on a hitting operation handle installed on the lower right side of the front surface of the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1 A game ball as a game medium is launched toward a game area by a launch motor provided in the apparatus. When the game ball flowing down the game area passes (enters) the first start winning opening (first start area) formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A, the game ball is moved by the first start opening switch 22A shown in FIG. The first start condition is satisfied due to the detection. Thereafter, a special game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A is started based on the fact that the first start condition is satisfied, for example, due to the end of the previous special figure game or the big hit gaming state. Is done.

  Further, when the game ball passes (enters) the second start winning opening (second start area) formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the game ball is detected by the second start opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Therefore, the second start condition is established. Thereafter, a special game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B is started based on the fact that the second start condition is satisfied, for example, due to the end of the previous special figure game or the big hit gaming state. Is done. However, when the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is in the normally open state or the closed state as the second variable state, it is difficult or impossible for the game ball to pass through the second start winning opening.

  Based on the fact that the game ball that has passed through the passage gate 41 is detected by the gate switch 21 shown in FIG. 2, the normal symbol starting condition for executing the variable symbol display on the normal symbol display 20 is established. Thereafter, the normal symbol game 20 is started by the normal symbol display 20 based on the fact that the normal symbol start condition for starting variable symbol normal display such as the end of the previous normal symbol game has been completed. In this ordinary game, when a predetermined time elapses after starting the change of the normal symbol, the fixed normal symbol that is the variable display result of the normal symbol is stopped and displayed (derived display). At this time, if a specific normal symbol (a symbol per ordinary symbol) is stopped and displayed as the fixed ordinary symbol, the variable symbol display result of the ordinary symbol becomes “per ordinary symbol”. On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the symbols per regular symbol is stopped and displayed as the fixed regular symbol, the variable symbol display result of the regular symbol becomes “ordinary symbol losing”. Corresponding to the fact that the variable symbol display result of the normal symbol is “per standard”, the opening control and the expansion opening control are performed in which the movable wing piece of the electric tulip constituting the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B is tilted. When a predetermined time elapses, closing control or normal opening control for returning to the vertical position is performed.

  When a special symbol game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A is started or when a special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B is started, a special game is started. It is determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed whether or not the variable display result of the symbol is set to “big hit” as a predetermined specific display result. Then, the variation pattern is determined at a predetermined ratio based on the determination of the variable display result, and the effect control command for designating the variable display result and the variation pattern is the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 shown in FIG. To the effect control board 12.

  After the special figure game is started based on the determination of the variable display result and the variation pattern, for example, when a predetermined variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern elapses, a definite special symbol as a variable display result is derived. Is displayed. Corresponding to the variable display of special symbols by the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, decorations of “left”, “middle”, and “right” arranged in the display area of the image display device 5 In the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, a variable display of a decorative symbol (effect symbol) different from the special symbol is performed.

  In the special symbol game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A and the special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B, a fixed special that results in variable display of the special symbol When the symbol is derived and displayed, a fixed decorative symbol that is a variable display result of the decorative symbol is derived and displayed on the image display device 5. When a predetermined jackpot symbol is derived and displayed as the variable symbol display result of the special symbol, the variable symbol display result (special symbol display result) becomes “big jackpot” (specific display result), and the specific gaming state is advantageous for the player. It is controlled to the big hit gaming state. When the jackpot symbol is not derived and displayed as the variable symbol display result of the special symbol, and the loss symbol is derived and displayed, the variable symbol display result (special symbol display result) is “lost”.

  As an example, a special symbol indicating the numbers “3” and “7” is a jackpot symbol, and a special symbol indicating the symbol “−” is a lose symbol. It should be noted that each symbol such as a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol in the special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A may be different from each symbol in the special symbol game by the second special symbol display device 4B. However, a special symbol common to both special symbol games may be a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol. Moreover, the special symbol of the lighting pattern having a specific meaning as a number or symbol is not limited to the jackpot symbol or the lost symbol. For example, the special symbol of the arbitrary lighting pattern in the 7-segment LED can be the jackpot symbol or the lost symbol. It is good.

  In the big hit gaming state, the special winning opening is in an open state, and the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in a first state advantageous to the player. Then, during the predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or the period until a predetermined number (for example, nine) of game balls enter the grand prize opening and a winning ball is generated, the grand prize opening is continuously opened. Round game is executed. During periods other than the execution period of such round games, the big prize opening is closed, and it is difficult or impossible to generate a winning ball. When a game ball enters the big prize opening, the winning ball is detected by the count switch 23, and a predetermined number (for example, 14) of game balls are paid out as a prize ball for each detection. The round game in the big hit game state is repeatedly executed until a predetermined upper limit number (for example, “15”) is reached.

  When the special figure display result is “big hit”, the case where the big hit type is “non-probable change” or “probable change” is included. For example, as a result of variable display of a special symbol, when the big hit symbol indicating the number “3” is derived and displayed, the big hit type is “non-probable change”, and when the big hit symbol indicating the number “7” is derived and displayed, The type is “probable change”. When the jackpot type is “non-probability change” or “probability change”, as a round game in the big hit gaming state, the special variable winning ball device 7 is in a first state (a big winning opening is in an open state) advantageous to the player. A normal open round in which the upper limit time to be performed is a relatively long time (for example, 29 seconds) is executed. In addition, as a round game in the big hit game state, the upper limit time for which the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in the first state (the big winning opening is in the open state) is a relatively short time (for example, 0.1 second), and the short-term opening. A jackpot type (for example, “accuracy”) in which a round is executed may be provided. The big hit gaming state in which the normal open round is executed is also referred to as a first specific gaming state. The jackpot gaming state in which the short-term opening round is executed is also referred to as a second specific gaming state.

  After the big hit gaming state is finished, based on the fact that the predetermined probability changing control condition is satisfied, the probability changing control is executed such that the probability that the variable display result is “big hit” (hit probability) is higher than that in the normal state. The probability change control is continued until a predetermined probability change end condition such as a predetermined number of variable displays is executed or the next big hit gaming state is started. In addition, after the big hit gaming state is ended, the time-shortening control in which the average variable display time becomes shorter than the normal state may be executed. The time-saving control is continued until one of the time-saving ending conditions is satisfied first among the fact that a predetermined number of variable displays are executed and the next big hit gaming state is started. As an example, when the big hit type is “non-probable change”, after the big hit game state is finished, the time-shortening control is executed, and the probability change control is not executed (the probability of being “big hit” (hit probability) is a normal probability. Is controlled), the gaming state becomes the “short-time state”. On the other hand, when the big hit type is “probability change”, after the big hit gaming state is finished, the time reduction control and the probability change control are executed, so that the gaming state becomes the “probability change state”.

  The game ball used as a game medium in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the recorded information of the score given corresponding to the number thereof have value that can be exchanged for special prizes or general prizes according to the quantity, for example. That's fine. Alternatively, these game balls and score recording information may not be exchanged for special prizes or general prizes, but may have valuable value that can be used for a second game in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  When the variable display is not executed and the big hit effect that is executed in the big hit gaming state is not executed (waiting for variable display start), “left” provided in the image display device 5 In the “middle” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, combinations of decorative symbols different from those in the big hit are stopped and displayed. As an example, a combination of decorative symbols derived as a result of the last variable display of decorative symbols may be stopped and displayed. If the game ball does not win the 1st or 2nd starting prize opening and the variable display does not start even after a predetermined period of time with the decorative symbols stopped, the demonstration screen (customer waiting demonstration) is displayed. Is started. As an example, the customer waiting demo may be a moving image that reproduces and displays predetermined moving image data. When the decorative symbol is stopped or the customer waiting demonstration is displayed, when the game ball passes through the effect gate 42, the predetermined effect symbol is displayed in a variable manner (for example, as shown in FIG. 15A). A pre-stage effect (as shown) is executed. The pre-stage effects include displaying an effect image indicating a predetermined character or sign, displaying an image as a message, outputting a sound, turning on a game effect lamp 9 or a decoration LED, or a predetermined operation of an effect model. In this way, it is only necessary to have an effect different from the decorative display variable display operation. As described above, the probability that the game ball will pass through the stage gate 42 is higher than the probability of winning the first or second start winning opening, so even if the variable display is not executed, the previous stage is sufficient. Production is performed. That is, by performing the effect on the image display device 5 at a timing unrelated to the special symbol variable display, it is possible to provide the player with an effect even when the ratio of the variable display not being executed is high due to the setting of the game area. Therefore, the interest of the game is improved.

  After that, when the game ball wins the first or second start winning opening and the variable display of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B is started, the decorative symbol display area 5L, In 5C and 5R, variable display of decorative symbols is started.

  The period from the start of variable display of decorative symbols to the end of variable display due to the stop display of the fixed decorative symbols in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R Then, the decorative display variable display mode may be a predetermined reach mode.

  Here, the reach mode refers to a decorative pattern that has not yet been stopped when the decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed in the display area of the image display device 5 constitutes a part of the jackpot combination ("reach variation pattern"). Is also a display mode in which the variation continues, or a display mode in which all or part of the decorative symbols change synchronously while constituting all or part of the jackpot combination. Specifically, in some of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R (for example, “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R) in advance. The remaining decorative symbol display area (for example, “medium”) that has not yet been stopped when the decorative symbol (for example, the decorative symbol indicating the alphanumeric character “7”) that constitutes the determined jackpot combination is stopped. In the symbol display area 5C, etc., the decorative pattern is fluctuating, or the decorative symbol is a big hit in all or part of the “left”, “middle”, “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, 5R This is a display mode in which all or a part of the combination is changed and changed in synchronization.

  Further, in response to the reach mode, the decorative pattern variation speed is reduced, or a character image (an effect image simulating a person) different from the decorative pattern is displayed in the display area of the image display device 5. Or changing the display mode of the background image, playing and displaying a moving image different from the decorative design, or changing the variation mode of the decorative design, performing different rendering operations from before reaching the reach mode May be. Such effect operations such as display of the character image, change of the display mode of the background image, reproduction display of the moving image, and change of the decorative pattern change mode are referred to as reach effect display (or simply reach effect). The reach effect includes not only the display operation in the image display device 5 but also the sound output operation by the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting operation (flashing operation) in the light emitter such as the game effect lamp 9, and the like. An operation mode different from the previous operation mode may be included.

  As an effect operation in the reach effect, a plurality of types of effect patterns (also referred to as “reach patterns”) having different operation modes (effect modes) may be prepared in advance. Then, the possibility of being a “hit” (also referred to as “reliability” or “hit reliability”) varies depending on the production mode in each reach production. That is, it is possible to vary the possibility that the variable display result will be a “hit” depending on which of the multiple types of reach effects is executed. In this embodiment, as an example, reach effects such as normal, super A, and super B are preset. And, when the reach production of super reach such as Super A and Super B is executed, the variable display result may be “big hit” compared to the case where the normal reach production is executed (expected expectation of big hit) Becomes higher.

  When the preceding stage effect described above is being executed at the start of the variable display, the notice effect that suggests the possibility of the result of the started variable display being a “big hit” is executed. The notice effect is executed in an effect manner related to the previous stage effect being executed. For example, when a predetermined effect image is displayed as the previous stage effect, an image obtained by modifying the effect image of the previous stage effect may be displayed as the notice effect (see FIG. 15). At this time, it is a big hit by determining the effect images to be displayed at different rates depending on whether the result of the variable display started is “big hit” or “losing” from a plurality of types of effect images. The percentage can be suggested to the player. Or, when the lighting operation of the game effect lamp 9 or the decoration LED is executed as the previous stage effect, the lighting mode is increased such as increasing the number of lamps that are lit or increasing the illuminance of lighting. Change it. In this way, following the previous stage effect, the previous stage effect is a part of the notice effect by suggesting whether or not the result of the variable display is a “hit” by the notice effect of the aspect associated with the previous stage effect. It is possible to give the player an impression as if it is related to the result of variable display.

  When the special figure display result, which is a variable display result of the special symbol in the special figure game, is “big hit”, a definite decorative symbol that is a predetermined big hit combination is derived and displayed in the display area of the image display device 5. As an example, when the big hit type is “non-probability change” or “probability change”, the same on a predetermined effective line in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “left”, “middle”, and “right” It is only necessary that a definite decorative symbol that is a jackpot combination is derived and displayed by stopping and displaying the decorative symbols all together.

  When the special figure display result is “losing”, the variable display mode of the decorative pattern is not the reach mode, and the decorative pattern constituting the predetermined non-reach combination is stopped and displayed. In some cases, a definite decorative symbol is derived and displayed (non-reach). In addition, when the special figure display result is “losing”, the decorative symbols constituting a predetermined reach combination (also referred to as “reach lose combination”) are stopped and displayed after the decorative symbol variable display mode becomes the reach mode. As a result, a definite decorative symbol that is a non-specific display result may be derived and displayed (reach lose).

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described.

  In the main board 11, when power supply from a predetermined power supply board is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined process as a game control main process. When the game control main process is started, the CPU 103 performs necessary initial settings after setting the interrupt disabled. In this initial setting, for example, the RAM 101 is cleared. Also, register setting of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) built in the game control microcomputer 100 is performed. Thereby, thereafter, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute timer interrupt processing. When the initial setting is completed, an interrupt is permitted and then loop processing is started. In the game control main process, a process for returning the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the state at the time of the previous power supply stop may be executed before entering the loop process.

  When the CPU 103 that has executed such a game control main process receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and receives an interrupt request, the CPU 103 sets the interrupt disabled state and executes a predetermined game control timer interrupt process. The game control timer interrupt processing includes, for example, switch processing, main-side error processing, information output processing, gaming random number update processing, special symbol process processing, normal symbol process processing, command control processing, and the like in the pachinko gaming machine 1 Processing for controlling the progress of the process is included.

  The switch processing is processing for determining the state of detection signals input from various switches such as the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22 </ b> A, the second start port switch 22 </ b> B, and the count switch 23 via the switch circuit 110. The main-side error process is a process of performing an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and generating a warning if necessary according to the diagnosis result. The information output process is a process for outputting data such as jackpot information, start-up information, probability variation information supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example. The game random number update process is a process for updating at least a part of a plurality of types of game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software.

  As an example, the game random numbers used on the main board 11 side include a random number value MR1 for determining a special figure display result, a random value MR2 for determining a jackpot type, a random value MR3 for determining a variation pattern, There may be a random value MR4 for determining the figure display result. The random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result is a random number value used for determining whether or not the variable display result of the special symbol or the like in the special figure game is controlled as the big hit gaming state. The random value MR2 for determining the big hit type is a random value used to determine the big hit type when the variable display result is “big hit” as one of a plurality of types such as “non-probable change” and “probable change”. is there. The random value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is a random value used to determine the variation pattern in the variable display of the special symbol or the decorative symbol as one of a plurality of patterns prepared in advance. The random value MR4 for determining the general-purpose display result is used to determine whether the variable display result in the general-purpose game by the normal symbol display 20 is “per-normal” or “unusual”. It is a random value.

  In the special symbol process included in the game control timer interrupt processing, the value of the special symbol process flag provided in the RAM 102 is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the first special symbol display device 4A. In addition, various processes are selected and executed in order to perform control of display operation in the second special symbol display device 4B and setting of opening / closing operation of the big prize opening in the special variable winning ball device 7 in a predetermined procedure. . The normal symbol process process controls the display operation (for example, turning on / off the segment LED) on the normal symbol display 20 to variably display the normal symbol, set the tilting operation of the movable wing piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, and the like. It is a process that enables.

  The command control process is a process of transmitting a control command from the main board 11 to a sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12. As an example, in the command control process, the output control board 12 among the output ports included in the I / O 105 corresponds to the setting in the command transmission table specified by the value of the transmission command buffer provided in the RAM 102. After setting the control data in the output port for transmitting the effect control command, the predetermined control data is set in the output port of the effect control INT signal, and the effect control INT signal is turned on for a predetermined time and then turned off. Thus, it is possible to transmit the effect control command based on the setting in the command transmission table. After executing the command control process, after setting the interrupt enabled state, the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol process. In this special symbol process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (step S101). In the start winning determination process, it is determined whether the first start port switch 22A and the second start port switch 22B are on. At this time, if the first start opening switch 22A is on, the first special drawing is used based on the fact that the game ball has passed (entered) the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A. A first start winning process is performed to update the first special figure reserved memory number which is the reserved memory number of the special figure game. On the other hand, if the second start opening switch 22B is on, the second special drawing is used based on the fact that the game ball has passed (entered) the second start winning opening formed in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B. A second start winning process is performed to update the second special figure reserved memory number which is the reserved memory number of the special figure game.

  As an example, in the first start winning process, it is determined whether or not the first special figure holding memory number is a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “4”). At this time, if the first special figure reservation storage number has reached the upper limit value, the first start winning process is terminated. On the other hand, if the first special figure reserved memory number is less than the upper limit value, the first reserved memory number count that is the stored value of the first reserved memory number counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the game control counter setting unit). Add 1 to the value. Thus, the first reserved memory number count value is 1 when the game ball passes (enters) the first start winning opening and the first start condition corresponding to the special figure game using the first special figure is satisfied. Updated to increase (increment). Thereafter, a predetermined game random number corresponding to the occurrence of the start winning is extracted and stored as reserved data in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the first special figure storage unit).

  In the second start winning process, it is determined whether or not the second special figure holding storage number is a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “4”). At this time, if the second special figure reservation storage number has reached the upper limit value, the second start winning process is terminated. On the other hand, if the second special figure reserved memory number is less than the upper limit value, the second reserved memory number count that is the stored value of the second reserved memory number counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the game control counter setting unit). Add 1 to the value. Thus, the second reserved memory number count value is 1 when the game ball passes (enters) the second start winning opening and the second start condition corresponding to the special figure game using the second special figure is satisfied. Updated to increase (increment). Thereafter, a predetermined game random number corresponding to the occurrence of the start winning is extracted and stored as reserved data in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the second special figure storage unit).

  After executing the start winning determination process in step S101 shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 103 performs steps S110 to S117 in accordance with the value of the special figure process flag provided in a predetermined area (such as a game control flag setting unit) of the RAM 102. Select one of these processes and execute it.

  The special symbol normal process in step S110 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “0”. In this special symbol normal processing, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol are based on the presence / absence of reserved data stored in the first special symbol reservation storage unit 151A and the second special diagram reservation storage unit 151B. It is determined whether or not to start the special game using the display device 4B. Further, in the special symbol normal processing, whether or not the variable display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is set to “big hit” based on the numerical data indicating the random value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result is determined by the variable display result. Make a decision (predetermined) before being displayed. Further, in the special symbol normal process, in response to the variable display result of the special symbol in the special symbol game, the confirmed special symbol (the big hit symbol or the like in the special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B). One of the lost symbols) is set. In the special symbol normal process, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “1” when the variable display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is determined in advance.

  The variation pattern setting process in step S111 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “1”. This variation pattern setting process includes a process of determining a variation pattern as one of a plurality of types based on a result of prior determination as to whether or not the variable display result is “big hit”. The variable display time for special symbols and decorative symbols is set in advance corresponding to the variation pattern. Accordingly, by determining the variation pattern in the variation pattern setting process, the variable display time from the start of variable display of the special symbol to the deriving of the definite special symbol resulting in the variable display result is determined. In addition, the variation pattern setting process may include a process of determining whether or not the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is “reach” when the variable display result is “losing”. Alternatively, even if it is determined whether or not the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is set to “reach” by determining the fluctuation pattern when the variable display result is “lost” in the fluctuation pattern setting process at a predetermined ratio. Good. Furthermore, the variation pattern setting process may include a process of performing setting for starting the variation of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B. When the variation pattern setting process is executed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “2”.

  The special symbol variation process in step S112 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “2”. The special symbol variation process includes a process for performing setting for varying the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and an elapsed time after the special symbol starts to vary. It includes processing to measure When the elapsed time since the start of the special symbol variation reaches the special symbol variation time, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “3”.

  The special symbol stop process in step S113 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “3”. In the special symbol stop process, the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B stops the change of the special symbol, and the fixed special symbol which is the variable symbol display result is stopped and displayed. A process for setting is included. Then, it is determined whether or not a big hit flag provided in a predetermined area (such as a game control flag setting unit) of the RAM 102 is turned on. When the big hit flag is ON, the transmission setting of the hit start designation command for designating the start of the big hit gaming state based on the special figure display result being “big hit” is set, and the value of the special figure process flag is set to “ Update to 4 ". When the big hit flag is off, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0”.

  The big hit release pre-processing in step S114 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “4”. The pre-opening process for the big hit is based on the fact that the variable display result is “big hit”, etc., and the process for starting the execution of the round game in the big hit gaming state and setting the winning prize opening to the open state, etc. It is included. In this process, for example, the upper limit of the period during which the special winning opening is opened may be set to “29 seconds” so that the normal opening round is executed. In addition, when “surprise” is provided for the big hit type, if the upper limit of the period during which the big winning opening is opened is set to “0.1 second”, the short-term open round is executed. Good. When the big hit release pre-processing is executed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “5”.

  The big hit release processing in step S115 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “5”. In the big hit opening process, the winning prize opening is based on the process of measuring the elapsed time since the big winning opening is in the open state, the measured elapsed time, the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23, and the like. The process etc. which determine whether it became the timing which returns to a closed state from an open state are included. When the special winning opening is returned to the closed state, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “6”.

  The big hit release post-processing in step S116 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “6”. In this post-hit opening process, a process for determining whether or not the number of executions of the round game in which the big winning opening is in an open state has reached a predetermined upper limit number, or the next round game when the upper limit number has not been reached. Processing that waits until the start is included. When the next round game is started, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “4”, while when the number of executions of the round game reaches the upper limit number, the value of the special figure process flag is “7”. Is updated.

  The big hit end process in step S117 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “7”. In the jackpot end process, a waiting time corresponding to a period in which an ending effect as an effect operation for notifying the end of the jackpot game state is executed by an effect device such as the image display device 5, the speakers 8L and 8R, the game effect lamp 9 or the like. Processing that waits until time elapses, processing that performs various settings for executing probability variation control and time-shortening control in response to success or failure of the probability variation control condition, and the like are included. For example, when the big hit type is “probability change”, settings are made to execute probability change control and time reduction control, and when it is “non-probability change”, the time reduction control is set. Thereafter, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0”.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S110 of FIG. 3 as the special symbol normal process. In the special symbol normal process shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the second special figure holding storage number is “0” (step S <b> 231). The second special figure reserved memory number is the reserved memory number of the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B. The CPU 103 only has to read the second reserved storage number count value and determine whether or not the read value is “0”.

  When the second special figure reservation storage number is other than “0” in step S231 (step S231; No), for example, the first area of the second special figure reservation storage unit (for example, the storage area corresponding to the reservation number “1”) The numerical data indicating a predetermined random number value is read as the hold data stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 102 (step S232). Thereby, the game random numbers extracted in response to the occurrence of the start winning (second start winning) at the second start winning opening in the start winning determination process of step S101 shown in FIG. 3 are read. The numerical data read at this time may be temporarily stored, for example, in a random number buffer for variation.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S232, for example, by subtracting and updating the second reserved memory number count value by 1, etc., the second special figure reserved memory number is updated by 1 and the second special figure reserved memory is also updated. The stored contents in the unit are shifted (step S233). For example, the second special figure hold storage unit stores the hold data stored in the storage area lower than the hold number “1” (the storage area corresponding to the hold numbers “2” to “4”) one entry at a time. shift. Further, in the process of step S233, the total number of reserved storages may be updated to be subtracted by one. Then, the variation special figure designation buffer value, which is the stored value of the fluctuation special figure designation buffer provided in a predetermined area (for example, the game control buffer setting unit) of the RAM 102, is updated to “2” (step S234).

  When the second special figure reserved memory number is “0” in step S231 (step S231; Yes), it is determined whether or not the first special figure reserved memory number is “0” (step S235). The first special figure reserved memory number is the reserved memory number of the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A. The CPU 103 only has to read the first reserved storage number count value and determine whether or not the read value is “0”. Thus, the process of step S235 is executed when it is determined in step S231 that the second special figure reserved memory number is “0”, and the first special figure reserved memory number is “0”. It is determined whether or not. Thereby, execution of the special figure game using the second special figure is started in preference to the special figure game using the first special figure.

  The special figure game using the second special figure is not limited to the one executed with priority over the special figure game using the first special figure. In other words, the special game may be executed in the order in which the game balls have passed (entered) the start winning opening regardless of the first starting winning opening or the second starting winning opening. In this case, the start opening data indicating whether the game ball has passed (entered) through the first start winning opening or the second starting winning opening is stored with the hold data or separately from the hold data and the hold number. It is possible to store them in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in association with each other and make it possible to specify the order in which the start conditions are established for the special game corresponding to each hold data.

  When the first special figure reservation storage number is other than “0” in step S235 (step S235; No), for example, the first area of the first special figure reservation storage unit (for example, the storage area corresponding to the reservation number “1”) The numerical data indicating a predetermined random number value is read as the hold data stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 102 (step S236). Thereby, the game random number extracted in response to the occurrence of the start winning (first start winning) at the first start winning opening in the start winning determination process of step S101 shown in FIG. 3 is read. The numerical data read at this time may be temporarily stored, for example, in a random number buffer for variation.

  Subsequent to the process of step S236, for example, by updating the first reserved memory number count value by subtracting 1 and updating the first special figure reserved memory number, the first special figure reserved memory is updated. The stored contents in the unit are shifted (step S237). For example, the first special figure reservation storage unit stores the hold data stored in the storage area lower than the hold number “1” (the storage area corresponding to the hold numbers “2” to “4”) one entry at a time. shift. Further, in the process of step S237, the total number of reserved storages may be updated to be decremented by 1. Then, the variable special figure designation buffer value is updated to “1” (step S238).

  After executing one of the processes of steps S234 and S238, the special figure display result, which is the special symbol variable display result, is determined as either “big hit” or “losing” (step S239). As an example, in the process of step S239, a special figure display result determination table prepared by storing in a predetermined area of the ROM 101 in advance is selected and set as a use table for determining the special figure display result. In the special figure display result determination table, the numerical value (determination value) compared with the random number MR1 for determining the special figure display result is the determination result of whether the special figure display result is “big hit” or “lost”. As long as it is assigned. The CPU 103 may determine the special figure display result by referring to the special figure display result determination table based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result read from the variation random number buffer.

  FIG. 5A shows an example of determining the special figure display result by the process of step S239. As described above, whether the special figure display result is “big hit” or “losing” is determined by using the numerical data indicating the random value MR1 for determining the special figure display result and the special figure display result determination table. It may be determined by. In the determination example shown in FIG. 5A, the determination ratio of whether or not the special figure display result is “big hit” is varied depending on the presence or absence of probability variation control in the probability variation state. The CPU 103 may determine that the probability variation control is being performed when the probability variation flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (such as a game control flag setting unit) is on.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (A), when the probability variation control is performed in the probability variation state, the special figure display result is “a higher rate than when the probability variation control is not performed in the normal state or the time reduction state. "Big hit" is decided. Therefore, for example, in the jackpot ending process in step S117 shown in FIG. 3, the probability change in which the probability change control is performed based on the fact that the probability change flag is set to the on state corresponding to the case where the jackpot type is “probability change”. In the state, the special figure display result is more likely to be “big hit” and more likely to be in the big hit gaming state than when the probability variation control is not performed in the normal state or the short time state.

  In this embodiment, whether the game is a special game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A or a special game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B. Instead, the special figure display result is determined at a predetermined ratio according to the presence or absence of the probability variation control. On the other hand, determination values are assigned to the special graphic display results corresponding to the special graphic game by the first special symbol display device 4A and the special graphic game by the second special symbol display device 4B. Different decision tables may be prepared. In this case, the allocation of the decision value for the predetermined special symbol display result is different between the case of the special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A and the case of the special symbol game by the second special symbol display device 4B. May be.

  Thereafter, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the special figure display result determined by the process of step S239 is “big hit” (step S240). When the special figure display result is determined to be “big hit” (step S240; Yes), a big hit flag provided in a predetermined area (such as a game control flag setting unit) of the RAM 102 is set to an on state (step S241). . Further, the big hit type is determined to be one of a plurality of types (step S242). As an example, in the process of step S242, a jackpot type determination table prepared by storing in a predetermined area of the ROM 101 in advance is selected and set in a use table for determining the jackpot type. In the jackpot type determination table, a numerical value (decision value) to be compared with the random number value for determining the jackpot type may be assigned to a determination result as to which of the plurality of types of jackpot types. The CPU 103 may determine the jackpot type by referring to the jackpot type determination table based on the numerical data indicating the jackpot type determination random value MR2 read from the variation random number buffer.

  FIG. 5B shows an example of determining the jackpot type by the process of step S242. In this determination example, regardless of whether the fluctuation special chart is the first special chart or the second special chart, the big hit type is determined to be “non-probable change” or “probability change” at a predetermined rate. Depending on whether the variation special chart is the first special chart or the second special chart, the determinable jackpot type may be varied, or the determination ratio of the jackpot type may be varied. As an example, when the fluctuation special chart is the first special figure, the big hit type can be determined as “surprise” at a predetermined rate, while when the fluctuation special figure is the second special figure, the big hit type is “surprise”. May be set so as not to be determined.

  After executing the process of step S242, the big hit type is stored (step S243). The CPU 103 may store the jackpot type by storing data indicating the determination result of the jackpot type in a jackpot type buffer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (such as a game control buffer setting unit).

  When the special figure display result is not “big hit” in step S240 (step S240; No), or after executing the process of step S243, a fixed special symbol that becomes a variable display result of the special symbol in the special figure game is determined. (Step S244). As an example, when it is determined in step S240 that the special symbol display result is not “big hit”, the special symbol indicating the symbol “−” predetermined as the lost symbol is determined as the confirmed special symbol. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S240 that the special figure display result is “big hit”, any of the special symbols predetermined as a plurality of types of big hit symbols is determined according to the determination result of the big hit type in step S242. Can be determined as a confirmed special symbol. More specifically, when the jackpot type is “non-probable change”, the special symbol indicating the number “3” may be determined as the confirmed special symbol. When the big hit type is “probability change”, the special symbol indicating the number “7” may be determined as the confirmed special symbol.

  After executing the process of step S244, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “1” (step S245), and then the special symbol normal process is terminated. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “1” in the process of step S245, and the next timer interruption occurs, the variation pattern setting process of step S111 shown in FIG. 3 is executed.

  In step S235, when the number of reserved figures stored in the special figure game using the first special figure is “0” (step S235; Yes), the CPU 103 determines whether or not it is the demonstration display period (step S246A). ). For example, the CPU 103 refers to a demonstration display timer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (such as a game control buffer setting unit), and when the variable display of the first or second special symbol or the big hit gaming state ends last. Whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed has been determined, and if the predetermined time has elapsed, it may be determined that the demo display period is in effect. The demonstration display timer may be a timer that starts counting when the variable display of the first or second special symbol or the big hit gaming state is ended. If it is a demo display period (step 246A; Yes), a predetermined demo display setting is performed (step S246), and then the special symbol normal process is terminated. In this demonstration display setting, for example, an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating demonstration display (demonstration display) by displaying a predetermined effect image on the image display device 5 is sent from the main board 11 to the effect control board. 12 determines whether or not the transmission has been completed. At this time, if the transmission has been completed, the demonstration display setting is ended as it is. On the other hand, if it has not been transmitted, the setting for transmitting the customer waiting demonstration designation command is performed, and then the demonstration display setting is terminated. On the other hand, when it is not a demo display period, such as when the predetermined time has not elapsed since the last time the variable display of the first or second special symbol or the big hit gaming state ended last (step S246A; No), step S246 Is skipped and the special symbol normal processing is terminated. In this case, the combined decorative pattern derived and displayed last is stopped and displayed on the image display device 5.

  FIG. 6A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S111 in FIG. 3 as the variation pattern setting process. In the variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 6A, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the big hit flag is on (step S261). If the big hit flag is off (step S261; Yes), a variation pattern corresponding to the big hit when the special figure display result is “big hit” is determined (step S262). On the other hand, when the big hit flag is off (step S261; No), a variation pattern corresponding to the time of loss when the special figure display result is “lost” is determined (step S263).

  FIG. 6B shows the variation pattern in this embodiment. In this embodiment, among the cases in which the variable display result (special drawing display result) is “losing”, the case where the decorative symbol variable display mode is “non-reach” that does not become the reach mode and the reach mode is reached. ”And a plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance in correspondence with the case where the variable display result (special drawing display result) is“ big hit ”.

  In the process of step S262 shown in FIG. 6A, the variation pattern at the time of big hit is determined using a big hit variation pattern determination table prepared by storing in a predetermined area of the ROM 101 in advance. In the jackpot variation pattern determination table, a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the random value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is determined according to whether the jackpot type is “non-probable variation” or “probability variation”. It only has to be assigned to the result. The CPU 103 corresponds to the case where the variable display result is “big hit” by referring to the big hit fluctuation pattern determination table based on the numerical data indicating the random value MR3 for fluctuation pattern reading read from the random number buffer for fluctuation. What is necessary is just to determine a fluctuation pattern.

  In the process of step S263 shown in FIG. 6 (A), corresponding to the normal time when the game state is the normal state and the short time control when the game state is the probability changing state or the short time state, The variation pattern at the time of losing is determined using any of a plurality of losing variation pattern determination tables prepared in advance. In the plurality of loss variation pattern determination tables, a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the random value MR3 for determining a variation pattern is a variation pattern according to whether it is normal time or short of time, and according to the total number of reserved memories It is only necessary to be assigned to the determination result. The CPU 103 is variable by referring to any one of the loss variation pattern determination tables corresponding to the normal time and the short time based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern read from the variation random number buffer. A variation pattern corresponding to the case where the display result is “lost” may be determined.

  In the loss variation pattern determination table, when the total number of reserved memories is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, “2”), the decorative symbol variable display mode is set to “non-reach” at a higher rate than when the total number is less than the predetermined number. It is sufficient that a decision value is assigned so as to be decided. In this way, when the number of special figure reservations stored is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the decorative symbol variable display mode may be set to be less likely to be determined as the reach mode than when it is less than the predetermined number. As a result, when the number of special figure hold memory is relatively large, the average variable display time can be shortened compared to when the number of special figure storage is relatively small, and the occurrence of invalid start winnings can be suppressed. Can be reduced.

  FIG. 7A shows an example of determining a variation pattern at the time of big hit. In this determination example, when the big hit type is “non-probability change” or “probability change”, only the normal reach effect such as the change pattern PA3-1 is executed and the reach effect of Super A or Super B is not executed. The determination ratio is set to be lower than the determination ratio of the variation pattern in which the reach effect of super reach such as the variation pattern PA3-2 and the variation pattern PA3-3 is executed.

  FIG. 7B shows an example of determining the variation pattern at the time of loss. In this determination example, the determination ratio of the variation pattern PA2-1, in which only the normal reach effect is executed and the reach effect of Super A or Super B is not executed, is the change pattern PA2-2 or the change pattern PA2-3. It is set to be higher than the determination ratio of the variation pattern in which the reach effect of super reach is executed. Moreover, at the time of big hit, the determination ratio of the fluctuation pattern in which the reach effect of super reach is executed is set to be higher than that at the time of loss. Thereby, when the variable display result is derived after the reach effect of the super reach is executed, the possibility that the variable display result becomes “big hit” (expected degree of big hit) is increased.

  In the determination example shown in FIG. 7B, the determination ratio of the variation pattern PA2-2 from which the variable A display result is derived when the super A reach effect is executed is the same as the determination ratio of the variation pattern PA2-2. It is set to be higher than the determined ratio of the derived variation pattern PA2-3. On the other hand, in the determination example shown in FIG. 7A, when the jackpot type is “non-probable change”, the determination ratio of the variation pattern PA3-2 is higher than the determination ratio of the variation pattern PA3-3, When the big hit type is “probability change”, the determination ratio of the variation pattern PA3-2 is set to be lower than the determination ratio of the variation pattern PA3-3. Further, at the time of big hit, the determination ratio of the variation pattern in which the super B reach effect is executed is set to be sufficiently higher than that at the time of losing. Therefore, when the variable display result is “big hit” and the gaming state becomes the big hit gaming state, the variable display result is obtained after the reach effect of Super B is executed at a higher rate than when the big hit gaming state is not achieved. Derived.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the variation patterns PA2-1 to PA2-3 and the variation patterns PA3-1 to PA3-3 have the same special diagram variation time and content, but the variable display result. Will be “lost” or “big hit”. With the determination ratio setting shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the super reach reach effect is executed, the big hit expectation is higher than when the normal reach effect is executed. Also, when the Super B reach effect is executed, the big hit expectation degree and the probability change expectation level (the variable display result is “big hit” and the big hit type is “probable change”) than when the Super A reach effect is executed. Sex) is increased.

  After executing one of the processes in steps S262 and S263, a special figure change time which is a variable symbol display time is set (step S264). The special figure change time, which is the variable display time of the special symbol, is the time required from the start of the change of the special symbol in the special figure game until the fixed special symbol that becomes the variable display result (special display result) is derived and displayed. It is. As shown in FIG. 6B, the special figure fluctuation time is determined in advance corresponding to a plurality of fluctuation patterns prepared in advance. The CPU 103 can set the timing at which a special symbol or decorative symbol variable display result is derived by setting the special symbol variation time.

  Following the process of step S264, a special game using the first special figure in the first special symbol display device 4A and a special game using the second special figure in the second special symbol display device 4B are started. The setting for starting the variation of the special symbol is performed so as to start one of the special symbol games for which the condition is satisfied (step S265). As an example, if the variable special symbol designation buffer value is “1”, a setting for transmitting a drive signal for updating the display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A is performed. On the other hand, if the variable special symbol designation buffer value is “2”, a setting for transmitting a drive signal for updating the display of the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B is performed.

  After the process of step S265 is executed, a command transmission setting at the time of starting the change of the special symbol is performed (step S266). For example, when the variation special figure designation buffer value is “1”, the CPU 103 sends a first variation start command, a variation pattern designation command, a variable display result notification command, a first variation from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. In order to sequentially transmit the pending storage number notification command, the storage address (first address) in the ROM 101 of the first variation start command table prepared in advance is designated. On the other hand, when the variation special figure designation buffer value is “2”, the CPU 103 sends the second variation start command, the variation pattern designation command, the variable display result notification command, the second variation from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. In order to sequentially transmit the pending storage number notification command, the storage address in the ROM 101 of the second variation start command table prepared in advance is designated.

  The first variation start command and the second variation start command use the variation start in the special symbol game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B. This is an effect control command for designating the start of fluctuation in the special figure game. The variation pattern designation command is variably displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R in the image display device 5 in response to the variable display of the special symbols in the special symbol game. This is an effect control command for designating a variation pattern such as a decorative pattern. The variable display result notification command is an effect control command for designating a variable display result such as a special symbol or a decorative symbol.

  After executing the process of step S266, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “2” (step S267), and the variation pattern setting process is terminated. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “2” in step S267, when the next timer interruption occurs, the special symbol variation process in step S112 shown in FIG. 3 is executed.

  Next, the operation in the effect control board 12 will be described.

  In the effect control board 12, when the supply of the power supply voltage is received from the power supply board or the like, the effect control CPU 120 is activated to execute a predetermined effect control main process. When the production control main process is started, the production control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined initialization process, clears the RAM 122, sets various initial values, and CTC (counter / timer mounted on the production control board 12). Circuit) register setting, etc. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is on. The timer interrupt flag is set to the ON state every time a predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses based on, for example, the CTC register setting. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off, the process waits.

  On the side of the effect control board 12, an interrupt for receiving an effect control command from the main board 11 is generated separately from the timer interrupt that occurs every time a predetermined time elapses. This interruption is generated when, for example, an effect control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on. When an interruption due to the turn-on of the effect control INT signal occurs, the effect control CPU 120 automatically sets the interrupt prohibition, but if a CPU that does not automatically enter the interrupt disable state is used, the interrupt is interrupted. It is desirable to issue a prohibition instruction (DI instruction). The effect control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process in response to an interrupt when the effect control INT signal is turned on. In this command reception interrupt process, a control signal that becomes an effect control command from a predetermined input port that receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15 among the input ports included in the I / O 125. Capture. The effect control command captured at this time is stored in an effect control command reception buffer provided in the RAM 122, for example. Thereafter, the effect control CPU 120 ends the command reception interrupt processing after setting the interrupt permission.

  If the timer interrupt flag is on, the timer interrupt flag is cleared and turned off, and command analysis processing is executed. In the command analysis processing, for example, after reading various effect control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 and stored in the effect control command reception buffer, the read effect control commands are used. Corresponding settings and controls are performed.

  After executing the command analysis process, the effect control process is executed. In the effect control process, for example, various operations such as a display operation of an effect image in the display area of the image display device 5, an audio output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a lighting operation in a light emitter such as the game effect lamp 9 and a decoration LED. With respect to the control content of the rendering operation using the rendering device, determination, determination, setting, etc. according to the rendering control command transmitted from the main board 11 are performed. Subsequent to the effect control process, an effect random number update process is performed, and numerical data indicating the effect random numbers counted by the random counter in the RAM 122 is updated by software as various random values used for effect control.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control process. In the effect control process shown in FIG. 8, the effect control CPU 120 first executes an effect switch detection process (step S170A). In the effect switch detection process, it is determined whether or not the effect switch 44 is on. At this time, if the effect switch 44 is on, the effect detection flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 is turned on. After the effect detection flag is set to the on state, the effect switch 44 is initialized and turned off.

  When the effect switch detection process is completed, the effect control CPU 120 performs the following processes in steps S170 to S176 according to the value of the effect process flag provided in a predetermined area (for example, the effect control flag setting unit) of the RAM 122. Select one of them and execute it.

  The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “0”. The variable display start waiting process performs variable display of decorative symbols on the screen of the image display device 5 based on whether the first variation start command or the second variation start command transmitted from the main board 11 is received. It includes a process for determining whether or not to start. The first variation start command is an effect control command for notifying that the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A is started. The second variation start command is an effect control command for notifying that the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B is started. If the change start command has not been received, the decorative design is not displayed, and the decorative design is not displayed. When the game ball passes through the effect gate and the effect detection flag is turned on during the stop display of the decorative symbol, the previous stage effect is executed. When the change start command is not transmitted while the decorative symbol is stopped and the predetermined time has passed, the fact that the customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted by the main board 11 is received in step S246 of the special symbol normal process of FIG. Based on this, display of the customer waiting demonstration starts. When the game ball passes through the stage gate while the customer waiting demonstration is displayed and the stage detection flag is turned on, the stage effect is executed after switching from the customer waiting demonstration display to the stop display of decorative symbols. The For this reason, the pre-stage effect can be executed at a timing independent of the execution of the special game. When either the first change start command or the second change start command is received, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “1”.

  The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “1”. This variable display start setting process is performed on the screen of the image display device 5 in response to the start of variable display of special symbols in the special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B. In order to perform the variable display of decorative symbols and other various effects, the process of determining the fixed decorative symbols and various effect control patterns according to the variation pattern of the special symbols and the type of display result is included. . The determining process includes executing the notice effect in a mode related to the previous stage effect being executed based on the fact that the variable display effect process is started during the execution of the previous stage effect started in step S170. Processing to determine is included. When the variable display start setting process is executed, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “2”.

  The variable display effect process in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “2”. In the effect processing during variable display, the effect control CPU 120 performs various control data from the effect control pattern corresponding to the timer value in the effect control process timer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (such as an effect control timer setting unit). , And various kinds of effect control during the variable display of the decorative symbols are included. The effect control process executed here includes the effect control process of the notice effect determined in step S171. Further, in the variable display effect, a process of starting execution of a specific effect different from the previous stage effect based on the fact that the game ball passes through the effect gate 42 and the effect detection flag is turned on during the notice effect. including. With this specific effect, the effect can be executed even when the notice effect is being executed, triggered by the passage of the effect gate 42, and the effects become more diverse. In addition, since a specific effect different from the previous stage effect can be executed, a higher sense of expectation can be given to the player without diverting the player's attention to the notice effect. In addition, in the variable display effect processing, in response to the reception of the symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 11, the finalized symbol as the final stop symbol resulting in the variable symbol variable display result is displayed as a complete stop. Processing to display (derived display) is included. Note that, in response to the end code being read from the predetermined effect control pattern, the finalized decorative symbol may be displayed in a complete stop (derived display). In this case, when the variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command has elapsed, it is autonomous on the side of the production control board 12 without using the production control command from the main board 11. The fixed display pattern can be derived and displayed on the screen to determine the variable display result. After performing such effect control, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “3”.

  The variable display stop process in step S173 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “3”. In the variable display stop process, the jackpot gaming state starts based on the variable display result notified by the variable display result notification command, the determination result of whether or not the jackpot start designation command transmitted from the main board 11 is received, and the like. The process which determines whether it is performed is included. When the variable display result corresponds to “big hit” and the big hit gaming state is started, the value of the production process flag is updated to “4”, while the variable display result corresponds to “lost”. If the big hit gaming state is not started, the effect process flag is cleared and its value is initialized to “0”.

  The jackpot display process of step S174 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “4”. This jackpot display process includes a process for executing a jackpot notification effect (fanfare effect) for notifying the start of the jackpot gaming state based on the reception of the jackpot start designation command transmitted from the main board 11 or the like. Yes. When the execution of the big hit notification effect ends, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “5”.

  The big hit effect process in step S175 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “5”. In the jackpot effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the effect contents in the jackpot gaming state, and displays an effect image based on the set contents on the screen of the image display device 5. In addition, a sound or sound effect is output from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting a command (sound effect signal) to the sound control board 13, and a game effect lamp 9 or a decoration is output by outputting a command (electric signal) to the lamp control board 14. Various effect control is executed in the big hit gaming state such as turning on / off / flashing the LEDs for use. Also, in the big hit effect processing, the value of the production control process flag is updated to “6” in response to, for example, receiving a big hit end designation command transmitted from the main board 11.

  The big hit end effect process in step S176 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “6”. In the jackpot end effect process, the effect control CPU 120 sets an effect control pattern corresponding to the end of the jackpot game state, for example, and displays an effect image based on the set content on the screen of the image display device 5. In addition, a sound or sound effect is output from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting a command (sound effect signal) to the sound control board 13, and a game effect lamp 9 or a decoration is output by outputting a command (electric signal) to the lamp control board 14. Various effect control is executed at the end of the big hit gaming state, such as turning on / off / flashing the LED for the game. Thereafter, the effect process flag is cleared and its value is initialized to “0”.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display start waiting process executed in step S170 of FIG. In the variable display start waiting process shown in FIG. 9, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not there is a change start command transmitted from the main board 11 such as a first change start command or a second change start command. Determination is made (step S501). At this time, if neither the first variation start command nor the second variation start command has been received (step S501; No), whether or not the previous stage effect execution flag provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 122 is on. Is determined (step S502). The preceding stage effect execution flag is a flag indicating that the previous stage effect is being executed, and is turned on in step S517 described later. The pre-stage production execution flag indicates that a predetermined pre-stage production execution period has elapsed since the execution of the previous stage production, or that a game ball has won a prize at the first or second start winning opening, and variable symbol display is started. It is cleared at the time of either, or it will be in an OFF state.

  If it is determined in step S502 that the previous stage effect execution flag is off (step S502; No), then the effect control CPU 120 turns on the previous stage effect start waiting flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. It is determined whether or not (step S503). It should be noted that the previous stage production start waiting flag is an on state in step S517, which will be described later, and is a flag indicating that the execution of the previous stage production is determined and the production stage is waiting. The waiting flag for the start of the previous stage production is cleared when the waiting time until the production starts and the process reaches step S514 and is turned off.

  If it is determined in step S503 that the previous stage production start waiting flag is in an off state (step S503; No), then the production control CPU 120 refers to the production detection flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. It is then determined whether or not the effect detection flag is on (step S504). If the game ball has not yet passed through the effect gate 42 and the effect detection flag is OFF (step S504; No), then the effect control CPU 120 has received a customer waiting demonstration designation command or not. Determination is made (step S505). When the customer waiting demonstration designation command has not been received (step S505; No), step S506 described later is skipped.

  On the other hand, a customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted by the main board 11 based on the fact that a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the last display of the variable display of the first or second special symbol or the big hit gaming state is received. If yes (step S505; Yes), the demonstration display setting is executed (step S505). As an example, the effect control CPU 120 reads out a predetermined demonstration display effect control pattern from the ROM 121 and transmits a predetermined display control command to the effect control unit 123 in the demonstration display setting. Then, it is set as a usage pattern for controlling the production operation during the demonstration screen display. In addition, a demonstration display flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 is set to an on state. Alternatively, when reproducing and displaying a moving image in the demonstration display, a control signal for starting the decoding of the moving image to the display control unit 123 and a control signal for displaying the decoded moving image on the image display device 5 are provided. Just send it.

  When it is determined No in step S505 or when step S506 is ended, a demonstration display or decorative symbol stop display control process is executed (step S507). If the demonstration display setting (step S506) has been executed since the last variable display of the first or second special symbol has been completed, the effect control CPU 120 executes the demonstration display control process in step S507. To do. For example, as the demonstration display control process, the presentation control process timer is updated, and control data (for example, display control data, voice, etc.) according to the updated presentation control process timer value from the demonstration display presentation control pattern set in step S506. Control data, lamp control data, etc.), various commands corresponding to the control data may be created and transmitted to the display control unit 124, the audio output board 13, the lamp control board 14, and the like. On the other hand, if the customer waiting demonstration designation command has not yet been received, a control command for stopping and displaying the decorative symbol derived in the last variable display may be transmitted to the display control unit 124. When step S507 ends, the variable display start waiting process ends. Thus, while the change start command has not yet been received and the game ball has not passed through the effect gate 42, the demo display or the decorative symbol is displayed according to the time elapsed since the last variable display ended. Stop display is executed.

  When it is determined that the effect detection flag is on in step S504 based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the effect gate 42 when the change start command has not yet been received (step S504; Yes). Then, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the demonstration display flag is on (step S508). When the demonstration display flag indicating that the demonstration display set in step S506 is being executed is on (step S508; Yes), the production control CPU 120 switches the demonstration display to the stop display of the decorative symbols. Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, a setting process for executing the previous stage effect is executed. That is, first, the demonstration display flag that was turned on in step S506 is cleared (step S509). Then, the display content of the image display device 5 is switched from the demonstration display to the decorative symbol stop display (step S510). For example, what is necessary is just to transmit to the display control part 123 the control command which stops and displays the decorative design which was displayed before performing demonstration display setting in step S506. Next, a previous stage start waiting timer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 is set (step S511). The previous stage start waiting timer corresponds to a predetermined waiting time (for example, 5 seconds) in step S510 in order to measure the waiting time until the previous stage effect is executed after switching to the stop display of the decorative symbol in step S510 Any timer may be used as long as it is set to a value to be subtracted and subtracted as time elapses. Then, the previous stage start wait flag provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 122 is set to the on state (step S512), and the variable display start wait process is ended. As described above, when the game ball passes through the effect gate 42 during the demonstration display, after the demonstration display is switched to the stop display of the decorative symbol, the setting for executing the previous stage effect after a predetermined time is performed. . If the previous stage effect is executed as it is during the demonstration display, it overlaps with the demonstration display, so that the effect of the previous stage effect may be reduced. According to such a configuration, when the game ball passes through the effect gate 42 during the demonstration display, the effect of the previous stage effect is started because the previous stage effect is started after switching to the stop display of the decoration symbol once. Can be prevented from decreasing.

  If it is determined in step S503 that the previous stage start waiting flag is on (step S503; Yes), the next stage control CPU 120 determines whether or not the previous stage start waiting timer has expired (step S513). In step S513, the previous stage start waiting timer set in step S511 set in a predetermined part of RAM 122 is referred to. If the timer value is 0, the previous stage start waiting timer is up. Can be determined. This means that a predetermined waiting time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the decorative symbol was stopped and displayed. If it is determined in step S513 that the previous stage start waiting timer is not up (step S513; No), the variable display start waiting process is terminated because the start waiting time has not yet elapsed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the previous stage start waiting timer has expired (step S513; No), the effect control CPU 120 clears the previous stage start waiting flag (step 514).

  If step S514 is executed or if it is determined in step S508 that the demonstration display flag is not on (step S508; No), the effect control CPU 120 executes a pre-stage effect start setting process (step S515). In the previous stage production start setting process, first, with reference to a determination table recorded in a predetermined area of the ROM 121, it is determined which of the predetermined types of production modes is used to execute the previous stage production. FIG. 10 shows an example of determining the previous stage effect. In the determination example of FIG. 10, either the previous-stage aspect A or the previous-stage aspect B is determined according to the random number updated by the effect random number update process. For example, in the previous stage A, a yellow egg is displayed on the lower left of the image display device 5, while in the previous stage B, a rainbow-colored egg is displayed on the full screen. It is desirable to define each aspect as given. The method of determining the aspect of the previous stage effect is not limited to this. The previous stage effect that is executed for the first time after power-on is the previous stage aspect A, and the next stage effect that is executed next is the previous stage aspect B. The next stage effect to be executed may be determined in a predetermined order, such as being executed in the previous stage mode C. Then, image / sound data for effects corresponding to the determined effect mode is read from the ROM 121 and temporarily stored in the RAM 122. Next, the effect CPU 120 sets a previous effect timer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (step S516). The previous stage production timer is set to a value corresponding to a predetermined previous stage production execution maximum time (for example, 10 seconds) in step S516 for time management of the previous stage production and is subtracted as time elapses. If it is good. Then, the previous stage execution flag provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 122 is set to the on state (step S517), and the variable display start waiting process is ended. As described above, either the game ball passes through the effect gate 42 during the demonstration display and the previous stage start waiting time elapses, or the game ball passes through the effect gate 42 during the stop display of the decorative symbol. In this case, a setting process for starting execution of the previous stage effect is performed.

  If the previous stage effect executing flag is set in step S517 of the previous variable display start waiting process, it is determined in step S502 that the previous stage effect executing flag is on (step S502; Yes). . In this case, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the previous stage effect timer set in step S516 is up (step S518). If the timer is not up (step S518; No), the previous stage effect control process is executed (step S519). For example, as pre-stage effect control processing, control data (for example, display control data, audio control data, lamp control data, etc.) corresponding to the effect mode determined in step S515 is read, and various commands corresponding to the control data are created. Then, it may be transmitted to the display control unit 124, the audio output board 13, the lamp control board 14, and the like. On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer has expired (step S518; Yes), the previous stage processing effect end setting is executed (step S520). As an example, in the previous stage production end setting, the production control CPU 120 transmits a control command to stop the output of the control data of the previous stage production to the display control unit 124, the audio output board 13, the lamp control board 14, and the like. What is necessary is just to control so that the stop display or demonstration display of the decorative pattern before stage effect execution may be continued. Then, the previous stage effect execution flag is cleared (step S521), and the variable display start waiting process is ended. Thus, in the variable display start waiting process, the previous stage effect is executed during the period until the effect timer is up, and the previous stage effect is ended after the timer is up.

  When it returns to step S501 and it determines with having received the change start command (step S501), in order to transfer to a variable display start setting process, 1 is substituted for an effect process flag (step S522), and a variable display start waiting process Exit. When 1 is assigned to the effect process flag, the variable display start setting process of step S171 is executed in the next effect control process (FIG. 8).

  FIG. 11A is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display start setting process executed in step S171 of FIG. In the variable display start setting process shown in FIG. 11A, the effect control CPU 120 first determines a final stop symbol or the like to be a finalized symbol as a variable symbol display result (step S401). At this time, the CPU 120 for effect control is based on the change start time determination contents such as the change pattern indicated by the change pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11 and the variable display result indicated by the variable display result notification command. The final stop symbol is determined. In this embodiment, the determination contents at the start of variation according to the combination of the variation pattern and the variable display result are “non-reach (loss)”, “reach (loss)”, “non-probability variation (big hit)”, “probability variation (big hit) ) ”.

  FIG. 11B shows an example of determining a decorative symbol that will be the final stop symbol in the process of step S401. In this example, when the change start determination content is “non-reach (losing)”, different (unmatched) decorative symbols in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R are the final stop symbols. To decide. The effect control CPU 120 extracts numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the left determined symbol updated by an effect random counter or the like provided in a predetermined area (such as an effect control counter setting unit) of the random number circuit 124 or the RAM 122. Referring to the left determined symbol determination table stored and prepared in advance in the ROM 121, the left that is stopped and displayed in the “left” decorative symbol display area 5L in the display area of the image display device 5 among the determined decorative symbols. Determine the final decorative pattern. Next, numerical value data indicating a random number value for determining the right determined symbol updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter is extracted, and the right determined symbol determining table prepared in advance stored in the ROM 121 is referred to. For example, the right determined decorative symbol to be stopped and displayed in the “right” decorative symbol display area 5R in the display area of the image display device 5 is determined. At this time, the symbol number of the right determined decorative symbol may be determined so as to be different from the symbol number of the left determined decorative symbol by setting in the right determined symbol determining table. Subsequently, the numerical data indicating the random number value for determining the medium fixed symbol updated by the random number circuit 124 or the production random counter is extracted, and the medium fixed symbol determination table prepared in advance stored in the ROM 121 is referred to. From the determined decorative symbols, the medium fixed decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed in the “medium” decorative symbol display area 5C in the display area of the image display device 5 is determined.

  When the variation start determination content is “reach (losing)”, the same (matching) decorative symbol is determined as the final stop symbol in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R. . The effect control CPU 120 extracts numerical data indicating random values for determining the left and right determined symbols that are updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter, and stores the left and right determined symbol determination table that is stored in advance in the ROM 121 and prepared. By referring to the decorative symbols, the decorative symbols having the same symbol number that are stopped and displayed in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R in the display area of the image display device 5 are displayed. decide. Further, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining a medium fixed symbol updated by the random number circuit 124 or a random counter for production is extracted, and a medium fixed symbol determination table stored and prepared in advance in the ROM 121 is referred to. As a result, among the determined decorative symbols, the medium fixed decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed in the “medium” decorative symbol display area 5C in the display area of the image display device 5 is determined. Here, for example, when the confirmed decorative symbol is a jackpot combination, such as when the symbol number of the middle confirmed decorative symbol is the same as the symbol number of the left confirmed decorative symbol and the right confirmed decorative symbol, an arbitrary value (For example, “1”) may be added to or subtracted from the symbol number of the medium-decorated decorative symbol so that the finalized decorative symbol is not the jackpot combination but the reach combination. Alternatively, when determining the medium-decorated decorative symbol, a difference (design difference) between the symbol number of the left confirmed decorative symbol and the right confirmed decorative symbol may be determined, and the medium-decorated decorative symbol corresponding to the symbol difference may be set. .

  If the content of the decision at the start of fluctuation is “non-probable change (big hit)” or “probable change (big hit)”, it is the same in the “left”, “middle” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C and 5R The (coincident) decorative symbol is determined as the final stop symbol. The effect control CPU 120 extracts numerical data indicating a random value for determining the jackpot determined symbol updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter. Subsequently, by referring to the jackpot determined symbol determination table stored and prepared in advance in the ROM 121, the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L in the display area of the image display device 5 are provided. A decorative symbol having the same symbol number that is stopped and displayed along with 5C and 5R is determined. At this time, depending on whether the jackpot type is “non-probable change” or “probability change”, or whether or not the promotion effect during the jackpot is executed, the normal symbol or the probable symbol is used as the confirmed decorative symbol. It may be determined. Specifically, when the jackpot type is “non-probable change”, a symbol to be a confirmed decorative symbol is determined from a plurality of types of normal symbols. Further, when the jackpot type is “probability change” and it is determined not to execute the jackpot promotion effect, the one that becomes a definite decoration symbol is determined from a plurality of types of probability change symbols. On the other hand, when it is determined that the jackpot promotion effect is to be executed even if the jackpot type is “probability change”, the determined symbol is selected from a plurality of types of normal symbols. Accordingly, it is only necessary to prevent the promotion effect during the big hit from being executed despite the fact that the probability variation symbols are all derived and displayed as the confirmed decorative symbols, so that the player is not distrusted.

  In the process of step S401, whether or not to execute a probability change promotion effect, such as a re-lottery effect or a jackpot promotion effect, when the determination content at the start of variation is “non-probability change (big hit)” or “probability change (big hit)”. It may be determined. In the redraw lottery effect, once the decorative symbol of the non-probable variable big hit combination consisting of the same normal symbol is displayed during variable display of the decorative symbol, it is once difficult to recognize or impossible to recognize that it is controlled to the probabilistic state, It is possible to notify that the control is changed to the probability variation state by variably displaying (revariing) the decoration symbol again and stopping and displaying the decorative symbol of the probability variation big hit combination comprising the same probability variation symbol. Note that there is a case in which the control of the probability variation state is not notified when the decoration symbol of the non-probable variation big hit combination is stopped and displayed after the decoration symbol is re-variable in the re-lottery effect. Moreover, what is necessary is just to be able to alert | report that it is controlled to a probability change state by performing promotion effect during a big hit at the time of a big hit game state or completion | finish of a big hit game state. If it is determined in step S401 that the re-lottery effect is to be executed, a combination of decorative symbols to be temporarily stopped and displayed may be determined before the re-lottery effect is executed.

  Following the determination of the final stop symbol or the like in step S401, it is determined whether or not the previous stage effect execution flag is on (step S401A). If the previous stage effect execution flag is on (step S401A; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 then clears the previous stage effect execution flag and turns it off (step S401B). Then, a notice effect determination process is executed (step S402). FIG. 12 is a table showing an example of determining the notice effect in step S402. In the notice effect determination process, as shown in FIG. 12, using the random number for notice effect determination and the notice effect determination table updated in the effect random number update process, the effect mode of the previous stage effect being executed and the start The mode of the notice effect may be determined at a ratio according to whether or not the result of the variable display is a big hit and, if it is a big hit, the type of the big hit. In the example of FIG. 12, when the effect mode of the previous stage effect being executed is the previous stage mode A, it is determined as one of the notice effect modes A1 to A3 associated with the previous stage mode A. As an example, when a yellow egg is displayed in the previous-stage mode A, the previous-stage effect modes A1 to A3 are such that the egg is cracked and a predetermined symbol appears from the inside. It can be set to give the impression that there is a strong connection to the notice production. On the other hand, when the effect mode of the previous stage effect being executed is the previous stage mode B, it is determined as one of the notice effect modes B1 to B3 associated with the previous stage mode B. As an example, when a large rainbow-colored egg is displayed in the previous-stage mode B, the notice effect modes B1 to B3 may be set to a mode in which a predetermined large symbol appears after the egg is broken. Since the player is given an impression as if the previous stage effect and the notice effect are related by determining the notice effect mode associated with the previous stage effect mode being executed in this way, the game medium is provided at the start opening. Even if the pre-stage effect is executed at various timings other than winning a prize, the player comes to pay attention to the pre-stage effect, and the interest of the game can be enhanced.

  If the previous stage effect execution flag is in the on state, the notice effect in the form associated with the previous stage effect being executed is selected in step S402. In other words, execution of the notice effect in an unrelated manner is limited. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the game due to the execution of an irrelevant performance.

  In the example of FIG. 12, when the result of the variable display is “losing”, the notice effect modes A1 and B1 are higher than the notice effect aspects A2 and B2, and “non-probable big hit”. The notice effect aspects A2 and B2 are determined at a higher rate than the notice effect aspects A1 and B1. As a result, there is a high probability of being lost when the notice effects of the notice effect aspects A1 and B1 are executed, while the ratio of the uncertain change big hit when the notice effects of the notice effect aspects A2 and B2 are executed. The player can be informed that the price is high. In addition, when the variable display result is “probable big hit”, the game is determined to be the promising big hit when the notice effects A3 and B3 are executed by determining the notice effects A3 and B3. Can be notified. As an example, the symbol displayed in the notice effects A1 and B1 is “☆”, the sign displayed in the notice effects A2 and A2 is “heat”, and the sign displayed in the notice effects A3 and B3 is “ It is desirable to make it possible to identify the degree of advantage (high percentage of jackpots and jackpot type) when the notice effect is executed, such as “Intense heat”. With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the player of the percentage of the ratio that is controlled to the big hit gaming state after the variable display result is a big hit depending on the mode of the notice effect. Therefore, the player's expectation can be enhanced by the notice effect, and the interest in the notice effect can be enhanced, so that the interest of the game can be enhanced.

  Then, the effect control CPU 120 determines the effect control pattern as one of a plurality of patterns prepared in advance (step S403). For example, the effect control CPU 120 selects one of a plurality of special figure variation effect control patterns prepared in accordance with the notice effect aspect determined in step S402 and the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command. Select and set as usage pattern.

  After executing the process of step S403, for example, the initial value of the effect control process timer provided in a predetermined area (such as the effect control timer setting unit) of the RAM 122 corresponding to the change pattern specified by the change pattern specifying command is set. Setting is performed (step S404). And the setting for starting the fluctuation | variation of the decoration design etc. in the image display apparatus 5 is performed (step S405). At this time, for example, the display control command designated by the display control data included in the effect control pattern determined as the use pattern in step S404 is transmitted to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123. The variation of the decorative symbols may be started in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “left”, “middle”, and “right” provided on the display screen.

  Following the process of step S405, in response to the start of variable display of decorative symbols, settings are made to update the hold memory display in the start winning memory display area 5H (step S406). For example, the display part corresponding to the hold number “1” in the start winning memory display area 5H may be deleted and the entire display part may be moved to the left one by one. Thereafter, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “2”, which is a value corresponding to the effect process during variable display (step S407), and the variable display start setting process ends.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the variable display effect process executed in step S172 of FIG. In the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 12, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed based on, for example, an effect control process timer value (step S451). ). As an example, in the process of step S451, the effect control process timer value is updated (for example, 1 is subtracted), and a predetermined effect control pattern (for example, a special-figure variation effect control pattern) corresponding to the updated effect control process timer value. It may be determined that the variable display time has elapsed, for example, when the end code is read out from.

  If the variable display time has not elapsed in step 451 (step S451; No), it is determined whether or not it is a notice effect execution period (step S452). As an example, the CPU 120 for effect control compares the effect control process timer with the execution period of the notice effect determined in step S402 of the variable display start setting process to determine whether or not it is during the effect period of the notice effect. What is necessary is just to judge. If it is determined that the notice effect is to be executed (step S452; Yes), the notice effect operation control process is executed (step S453). As an example, with reference to the use pattern determined in step S403 of the variable display start setting process (FIG. 11), control data (for example, for executing the effect mode determined in step S402 according to the current effect control process timer) Display control data, audio control data, lamp control data, etc.), various commands corresponding to the control data are created and transmitted to the display control unit 124, the audio output board 13, the lamp control board 14, and the like. Good. When step S453 ends, the effect control CPU 120 next determines whether or not the effect detection flag provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 122 is on (step 453A).

  If it is determined that the effect detection flag is on (step S453A; Yes), a specific effect start process is executed that is executed based on the fact that the game ball has passed the effect gate 42 during the execution of the notice effect ( Step S453B). As an example, in the specific effect start process, a specific effect execution timer is set, and a specific effect execution program for executing a predetermined specific effect in addition to other effects being executed (notice effect, reach effect, etc.) is executed. Just start. The specific effect production execution program reads control data (for example, display control data, voice control data, lamp control data, etc.) corresponding to the specific effect in accordance with the elapsed time from the start of the specific effect measured by the specific effect execution timer. Any program that creates various commands corresponding to the control data and transmits the commands to the display control unit 124, the audio output board 13, the lamp control board 14, and the like may be used. The specific effect is an effect different from the previous effect. In the specific effect start process, effect control data for executing the specific effect may be added to the usage pattern determined in the variable display start setting process instead of starting the execution of the specific effect execution program. According to such a configuration, when the game ball passes through the effect gate during execution of the notice effect, a specific effect different from the previous effect can be executed. High expectations can be given to the player without diverting.

  Whether step S453B is ended, whether it is determined in step S453A that it is a notice effect execution period and the effect detection flag is not ON (step S453A; No), or whether it is determined in step S452 that it is not in the notice effect execution period (Step S452; No), in either case, it is next determined whether or not it is a reach effect execution period for executing the reach effect execution period reach effect (step S454). The reach effect execution period may be determined in advance in, for example, an effect control pattern (for example, a special chart change effect control pattern) determined as a usage pattern according to the change pattern. When it is the reach effect execution period in step S454 (step S454; Yes), effect operation control for executing the reach effect is performed (step S455). For example, in the process of step S455, various commands are issued in order to execute a reach effect in a predetermined effect mode according to the effect control execution data (for example, display control data or lamp control data) read from the effect control pattern. What is necessary is just to produce and transmit with respect to the display control part 123, the audio | voice control board | substrate 13, the lamp | ramp control board | substrate 14, etc. Thereby, a predetermined effect image is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5, a predetermined sound effect is output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and the game effect lamp 9 and the decoration LED are turned on, blinked, or turned off. That is, it is only necessary that the reach effect can be executed by a predetermined effect device by operating the effect model or by combining some or all of them.

  When it is determined in step S454 that it is not the reach effect period (step S454; No), or after the process of step S455 is executed, for example, based on the setting in the effect control pattern selected corresponding to the variation pattern. In addition, after performing the presentation operation control including the variable display operation of the decorative design (step S456), the variable display effect processing is ended.

  If the variable display time has elapsed in step S451 (step S451; Yes), it is determined whether or not a symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received (step S457). At this time, if there is no reception of the symbol confirmation command (step S457; No), the variable display effect processing is terminated and waits. If the predetermined time has elapsed without receiving the symbol confirmation command after the variable display time has elapsed, predetermined error processing is executed in response to the failure to successfully receive the symbol confirmation command. You may make it do.

  When a symbol confirmation command is received in step S457 (step S457; Yes), for example, in a variable display of decorative symbols such as transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123, for example. Control is performed to derive and display the final stop symbol (definite decorative symbol) that is the display result (step S458). In addition, a predetermined time is set as a waiting time for receiving the hit start designation command (step S459). Then, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “3” which is a value corresponding to the variable display stop process (step S460), and then the variable display effect process is ended. By substituting 3 for the effect process flag, the variable display stop process in step S173 is executed in the next effect control process (FIG. 8).

  FIG. 14 shows the execution timing of the previous stage effect and the notice effect. Of these, FIG. 14 (A) is waiting for the start of variable display, and the execution timing of the previous stage effect and the notice effect that is executed when the game ball passes the effect gate 42 while the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed. It is. In the example of FIG. 14A, the previous stage effect is immediately started based on the fact that the game ball has passed the effect gate at time T1 during the stop display of the decorative symbol. Based on the fact that the game ball has won the first or second start winning opening at time T2 during the previous stage production period (the period from the start of the previous stage production until the previous stage production timer is up), the variable display and the advance notice are given. Production begins. Further, the specific effect is further executed based on the fact that the game ball has passed the effect gate at time T3 during execution of the notice effect.

  FIG. 14B shows the execution timing of the pre-stage effect and the notice effect that are executed when the game ball passes the effect gate 42 at the time T4 during the demonstration display waiting for the variable display start. In the example of FIG. 14B, at time T4 during the demonstration display, the display is temporarily switched to the stop display of the decorative symbols. Then, at the time T5 after the elapse of a predetermined time when the previous stage production start waiting timer is up, the previous stage production is started. Then, the variable display and the notice effect are started based on the fact that the game ball has won the first or second start winning opening at time T6 during the previous stage effect period. Further, the specific effect is further executed based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the effect gate at time T7 during execution of the notice effect. Thus, in the present embodiment, before the game ball passes through the stage gate 42 that is different from the start port (first or second start winning port), which is not related to whether or not the specific game state is entered. The stage effect is executed, and then the notice effect is executed in a manner associated with the previous stage effect when the game ball passes through the start opening. Therefore, the player can be given an impression as if the previous stage effect and the notice effect are related, so that various timings (time T1) other than the game ball winning at the start opening (first or second start winning opening). Even if the previous stage effect is executed at the time T5, etc., the player comes to pay attention to the previous stage effect, and the interest of the game can be enhanced. Even if the game ball passes through the stage gate during execution of the previous stage stage (between time T1 and T2 or between time T5 and T6), the start of a new previous stage stage is limited, The previous stage effect being executed is executed as it is. If a game ball newly passes the stage gate during the previous stage production, if the previous stage production is interrupted, the concentration of the player on the previous stage production may be interrupted, which may reduce the interest of the game. is there. According to such a configuration, since concentration on the previous stage production can be maintained, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the game.

  An example of the effect screen displayed on the image display device 5 in the previous stage effect and the notice effect in FIG. 14 is shown in FIG. When the game ball passes through the effect gate 42 at the time T1 or T4 in FIG. 14, a symbol such as an egg shown in FIG. 15A is displayed as the previous stage effect. After that, when the game ball wins the first or second start winning opening during the previous stage production period and the variable display of the decorative pattern as shown by the black arrow is started, the previous stage production is displayed as a notice production simultaneously. A symbol is displayed as if the broken egg is broken (FIG. 15B). In this notice effect, the egg is further broken and a star-like pattern appears from the inside (FIG. 15C). This star symbol notifies that the rate at which the result of the started variable display is “big hit” is a predetermined rate (for example, a rate lower than the symbol appearing in other notice symbols). Then, after the notice effect is completed, a reach effect is executed such that the decorative symbol of the jackpot combination is stopped and displayed in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R (FIG. 15D). ). In the example of FIGS. 15 (A) to (D), an egg is displayed in the previous stage effect, and the state in which the symbol indicating the ratio of the big hit from the inside is displayed as the notice effect is continuously displayed. The impression that the stage production is related to the notice production is given and the player's interest in the previous stage production is increased. In addition, by changing the ratio of jackpot for each symbol that appears when the egg is broken (hit hit reliability), it is possible to get a sense of expectation as to whether or not the jackpot will be a jackpot by the notice effect.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of the effect screen displayed on the image display device 5 when the previous stage effect is executed but the game ball has not won the first or second start winning opening during the previous stage effect execution period. FIG. At this time, based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the production gate 42 during the variable display waiting period, an image like an egg appears as the previous stage production (FIG. 16A). Until the previous stage performance execution timer is up, an image like an egg is continuously displayed (FIG. 16B). If the game ball does not win the first or second start winning opening until the previous stage effect execution timer is up and the special symbol variable display is not executed, the previous stage effect ends and the image display device 5 returns to the decorative symbol stop display during the execution of the previous stage effect (FIG. 16C).

  The notice effect may be a step-up notice effect in which a predetermined story is displayed in order and the story develops as the jackpot reliability increases, in addition to the modes shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effect screen displayed on the image display device 5 when a specific effect is further executed during execution of such a step-up notice effect. In this example, SU1 shown in FIG. 17A and SU2 shown in FIG. 17B are displayed as the notice effect. For example, an image for introducing a story is displayed as a previous stage effect. Then, in the notice effect with a low jackpot reliability (the notice effect aspect A1 and the notice effect aspect B1 in the determination example of FIG. 12), the image SU1 indicating the story following the introduction displayed in the previous stage effect is displayed, and the notice effect ends. To do. On the other hand, in the notice effect with higher reliability (the notice effect aspect A2 and the notice effect aspect B2 in the determination example of FIG. 12), the effect image SU2 indicating the next story is also displayed following SU1, and the notice effect is ended. Then, in the notice effect with the highest reliability (in the decision example of FIG. 12, the notice effect aspect A3 and the notice effect aspect B3), the effect screen is displayed step by step until the effect screen SU4 indicating the end of the story. At this time, as indicated by T3 or T7 in FIG. 14, the character is displayed as the specific effect in addition to the notice effect being executed based on the fact that the game ball has passed the effect gate 42 during the notice effect being executed ( FIG. 17 (A)). Then, when the story of the notice exercise progresses to the final stage SU4, the character of the specific effect notifies the player that the reliability of the big hit is particularly high (FIG. 17B). As described above, by executing the specific effect different from the previous stage effect as shown in FIG. 17 based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the effect gate 42 during the execution of the recreation effect, the concentration on the notice effect can be increased. Various performances can be performed without interruption.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is for an effect different from the start opening (first or second start winning opening) that is not related to whether or not the specific gaming state (big hit gaming state) is entered. In a mode in which the preceding stage effect is executed when the detecting means (the effect switch 44) detects the game medium (game ball), and then associated with the previous stage effect when the game medium passes through the start port. Perform a notice effect. For this reason, the player is given an impression that the previous stage effect and the notice effect are related, so even if the player performs the previous stage effect at various timings other than when the game medium wins at the starting point, Attention will be paid to the production in the previous stage, and the fun of the game can be enhanced.

  In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, even when the game ball further passes through the effect gate during execution of the previous stage effect, the start of a new previous stage effect is limited, The stage effect is executed as it is. If a game ball newly passes the stage gate during the previous stage production, if the previous stage production is interrupted, the concentration of the player on the previous stage production may be interrupted, which may reduce the interest of the game. is there. According to such a configuration, since concentration on the previous stage production can be maintained, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the game.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the production gate 42 during the demonstration display, the demonstration display is switched to the decorative symbol display, and the pre-stage production is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed. Execute. If the previous stage effect is executed as it is during the demonstration display, it overlaps with the demonstration display, so that the effect of the previous stage effect may be reduced. According to such a configuration, when the game ball passes through the effect gate 42 during the demonstration display, the effect of the previous stage effect is started because the previous stage effect is started after switching to the stop display of the decoration symbol once. Can be prevented from decreasing.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the effect gate during execution of the notice effect, a specific effect different from the previous stage effect is executed. With such a configuration, a high sense of expectation can be given to the player without diverting the player's attention to the notice effect.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, any one of a plurality of types of notice effects is executed at different rates depending on whether or not the big hit gaming state is set. With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the player of the percentage of the ratio that is controlled to the big hit gaming state after the variable display result is a big hit depending on the mode of the notice effect. Therefore, the player's expectation can be enhanced by the notice effect, and the interest in the notice effect can be enhanced, so that the interest of the game can be enhanced.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may not have all the technical features shown in the above embodiment, and a part of the configuration described in the above embodiment so as to solve at least one problem in the prior art. It may be provided.

  As a specific example, in the above-described embodiment, when the game ball further passes through the effect gate during execution of the previous stage effect, the new previous stage effect is limited. The pachinko gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the game ball passes through the stage gate during execution of the previous stage effect, the execution of the previous stage effect different from the previous stage effect being executed may be started. good. For this purpose, for example, when it is determined Yes in step S502 of the variable display start waiting process in FIG. 9, it is further determined whether or not the effect switch is turned on, and is being executed when the effect switch is turned on. A new previous stage effect different from the previous stage effect may be executed. For example, if the previous stage effect being executed is an effect that displays an image of an egg as shown in FIG. 15A, there is a difference in effect mode such as displaying a predetermined character or outputting a predetermined sound. What is necessary is just to perform the front stage effect of the aspect which can be recognized by the player. According to such a configuration, when a new game ball passes through the effect gate while the previous stage effect is being executed, a new previous stage effect can be executed in addition to the previous stage effect being executed. , Can give high expectations to players.

  Further, when the game ball further passes through the effect gate during execution of the previous stage effect, the aspect of the previous stage effect being executed may be changed. For this purpose, for example, when it is determined Yes in step S502 of the variable display start waiting process in FIG. 9, it is further determined whether or not the effect switch is turned on, and is being executed when the effect switch is turned on. What is necessary is just to perform the process which changes the aspect of the previous stage production. For example, if the previous stage effect being executed is an effect that displays an image of an egg as shown in FIG. 15A, whether the color or size of the egg changes, and whether a predetermined character is warming the egg It is only necessary that the player can recognize that the effect mode has changed, such as displaying such a symbol. According to such a configuration, when a new game ball passes through the effect gate while the previous stage effect is being executed, it is possible to execute the previous stage effect with a different effect mode. Can be given.

  Furthermore, the physical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine is not limited to the example shown in FIG. For example, in FIG. 2, the effect switch circuit 43 that detects the detection signal from the effect switch 44 is connected to the effect control board 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the detection signal from the effect switch 44 is transmitted to the game control microcomputer by the switch circuit 110 on the main board is also possible. In this configuration, it is determined whether or not the effect switch 44 is on in the switch process executed by the game control microcomputer 100, and if it is on, an effect detection command is transmitted via the relay board 15. That's fine. Then, based on the fact that the effect control CPU 120 has received the effect detection command, the effect detection flag may be turned on in the command analysis process described above.

  In the above embodiment, the execution of the previous stage effect is started when the game ball passes through the effect gate 42, but the effect gate can be replaced by any game ball detecting means. For example, a stage winning opening may be installed instead of the stage gate, and the previous stage stage may be started when a game ball has won the stage winning opening. In addition, a game ball detection sensor may be installed in an arbitrary detection area instead of a gate or a winning opening, and the pre-stage effect may be started when the game ball detection sensor detects a game ball. Further, such a game ball detecting means is installed at the position of the effect gate 42 in FIG. You may install in any upstream of a 2nd start winning prize opening. For example, it may be provided above the passing gate 41 on the game area, or may be provided not at the game area but at the exit of the hit ball launching device.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, when the previous stage production | presentation was not performed, the example of a setting which a notification effect was not performed was mainly demonstrated. However, a configuration in which a notice effect (for example, a step-up notice effect) is executed at a predetermined ratio even when the previous stage effect is not executed is possible. In this case, for example, a determination table corresponding to the case where the previous stage effect execution flag is OFF is stored in the ROM 121, and the previous stage effect execution flag is OFF in the variable display start setting process of FIG. The determination table may be used to determine whether or not to execute the notice effect and the effect mode. The determination table used when the previous stage effect execution flag is off is a predetermined ratio (for example, 1/2) and has an unrelated relationship with the previous stage effect (for example, the notice effect mode C for the step-up notice). Any table may be used so long as the notice effect is selected. In addition, as a method for restricting a notice effect in an unrelated manner during execution of a previous stage effect, a setting example in which a notice effect in an aspect unrelated to the previous stage effect being executed is not selected as shown in FIG. did. However, the method for limiting the notice effect in an unrelated manner is not limited to this. As another method, a ratio in which a notice effect of an aspect not related to a previous stage effect (for example, the notice effect aspect C) is selected is lower than that in the case where the previous stage effect is not executed during execution of the previous stage effect. You may set so that it becomes. As a specific example, in the variable display start setting process, the determination table used when the previous stage effect execution flag is OFF is set to 1/2 for the notice effect of the aspect not related to the previous stage effect (for example, the above notice effect form C). Set to be determined by the ratio. On the other hand, the determination table used when the previous stage effect execution flag is on may be set so that the notice effect of the aspect not related to the previous stage effect is selected at a ratio of 1/10. According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute a wider variety of notice effects while preventing a decrease in the interest of the game due to the execution of irrelevant effects.

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

  In the above embodiment, as an example of the gaming machine, the description has been given using the pachinko gaming machine 1 having a function of variably displaying special symbols and decorative symbols and a function of displaying various effect images. However, at least a part of the configuration and functions of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the above embodiment can also be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine.

  In addition, the device configuration and data configuration of the gaming machine, the processing shown in the flowchart, the image display operation in the image display device for executing predetermined effects such as the previous stage effect and the notice effect, the sound output operation in the speaker, and the game Various rendering operations including lighting operations in effect lamps and decorative LEDs can be arbitrarily changed and modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of gaming media as prizes based on the occurrence of winnings, and is scored based on the occurrence of winnings by enclosing gaming media It can also be applied to an enclosed game machine that gives

  The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to a form distributed and provided by a detachable recording medium to a computer device included in the gaming machine such as the pachinko gaming machine 1. Alternatively, it may be distributed in a pre-installed manner in a storage device such as a computer device. Furthermore, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

  The game execution mode is not only executed by attaching a detachable recording medium, but can also be executed by temporarily storing the program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. It is also possible to execute directly using hardware resources on the other device side on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game can be executed by exchanging data with other computer devices or the like via a network.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 2 ... Game board 3 ... Gaming machine frame 4A, 4B ... Special symbol display device 5 ... Image display device 6A ... Ordinary winning ball device 6B ... Ordinary variable winning ball device 7 ... Special variable winning ball device 8L, 8R ... Speaker 9 ... Game effect lamp 11 ... Main board 12 ... Production control board 13 ... Audio control board 14 ... Lamp control board 15 ... Relay board 20 ... Normal symbol display 21 ... Gate switch 22A, 22B ... Start-up switch 23 ... Count switch 42 ... Stage gate 43 ... Stage switch circuit 44 ... Stage switch 100 ... Game control microcomputers 101, 121 ... ROM
102, 122 ... RAM
103 ... CPU
104, 124 ... random number circuit 105, 125 ... I / O
120 ... CPU for effect control
123 ... Display control unit

Claims (1)

A game machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous for the player by launching the game medium toward the game area, displaying a variable when the game medium is awarded to the start port provided in the game area There,
Notice effect execution means for executing a notice effect indicating the possibility of being controlled to the advantageous state in the variable display;
An effect detection means provided on the upstream side of the flow path of the game medium from the start port and capable of detecting the passage of the game medium;
When the variable display is not executed, the stage detection execution means for executing the previous stage presentation triggered by the fact that the stage detection means has detected a game medium,
The notice effect execution means performs the notice effect in the variable display that is executed when the game medium has won the start opening when the previous stage effect execution means is executing the previous stage effect. Executing in a manner associated with the previous stage effect;
A gaming machine characterized by that.