JP2017131341A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of enhancing a presentation effect.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine can be controlled in an advantageous state (e.g., a big win game state) advantageous to a player by performing a variable display of decorative symbols and the like. The Pachinko game machine can gradually change a display mode of the decorative symbols by a cooperation of a presentation control CPU with each unit through a display and the like of a meter image M in a decorative symbol display area, and performs a notice during a variation when the display mode of the meter image M becomes a specific mode (a mode where the meter amount becomes maximum). Also, the Pachinko game machine, at a plurality of timings T1 to T4, can change the display mode of the decorative symbols to the specific mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and slot machines.

  Some gaming machines can perform variable display (fluctuation) of identification information (display symbols, etc.) when a predetermined starting condition is satisfied, and can control the game to an advantageous state (for example, a big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player. As this type of gaming machine, Patent Document 1 discloses that a display symbol is provided with a meter, and when the meter amount reaches the maximum, the symbol that reports the non-probability change changes to the symbol that reports the probability change. Has been.

JP 2005-342058 A

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, since the symbol only changes when the meter amount is maximized, there is a possibility that the production becomes monotonous.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the effect.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention provides:
A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like) that can perform variable display of identification information and can be controlled in an advantageous state (for example, a big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player,
Display mode changing means (for example, an effect control CPU 120 that executes the process of step S803) capable of changing the display mode of the identification information (for example, decorative design) step by step;
Prediction effect execution means for executing a predetermined effect when the display mode of the identification information becomes a specific mode (for example, the effect control for executing the processing in step S807 and executing the changing notice when the meter amount becomes maximum) CPU 120), and
The display mode changing means can change the display mode of the identification information to the specific mode at a plurality of timings (for example, T1 to T4 shown in FIG. 11).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the effect.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
The display mode changing means changes a display mode of a stage indicator image (for example, meter image M) displayed in at least a part of a display area of identification information (for example, decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, 5R, etc.). It is possible to change the display mode of the identification information step by step,
The identification information changes from a state in which the stage index image is not displayed to a state in which it is displayed (for example, from the mode shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B to the mode shown in FIG. 11C). Etc.) may be possible.
According to such a configuration, attention can be paid to a change in identification information.

(3) In the above gaming machine (1) or (2),
The display mode changing means can change the display mode of the identification information to the specific mode during the reach performance (for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the meter image at any of T1 to T4 in the reach performance period). The meter amount of M can be maximized).
According to such a structure, the interest during reach production can be improved.

(4) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (3),
The predetermined effect execution means includes
A plurality of types of predetermined effects (for example, notices A to C shown in FIG. 10A) can be executed,
Depending on the timing at which the identification information changes to the specific mode, the ratio of which predetermined effect is executed differs (for example, in the notification timing determination table shown in FIG. The determination ratio may be different).
According to such a configuration, attention can be paid to the timing at which the identification information changes to the specific mode, and the production effect can be improved.

(5) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (4),
Hold storage means for storing variable display that has not yet been started as hold information (for example, a first start winning command buffer or a second start winning command buffer);
Determination means for determining whether or not to be controlled to the advantageous state (for example, the CPU 103 or the like that executes a determination process of a winning random number in step S12),
The display mode changing means can change the display mode of the identification information in a stepwise manner over a plurality of variable displays including the variable display before the variable display subjected to the determination by the determining means is executed. (For example, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), when the pre-reading notice effect is executed, the symbol mode change effect can be executed over a plurality of changes including the change before the target change execution). You may do it.
According to such a configuration, a sense of expectation can be maintained over a long period of time.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in one 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 game control process process. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of various commands. It is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation pattern in one Embodiment. 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 setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a change notice advancement execution process. It is a figure which shows the structural examples, such as a change notice advancement determination table. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a symbol mode change effect, the timing when a meter becomes the maximum, etc. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production process during variable display. It is a figure which shows the modification which performs a symbol mode change effect over multiple changes.

  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 1 is roughly divided into 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 (game medium) is fired and driven from a predetermined ball hitting device.

  At predetermined positions on the game board 2, a first special symbol display device 4A, a second special symbol display device 4B, an image display device 5, an ordinary winning ball device 6A, an ordinary variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7, A normal symbol display 20, a first hold indicator 25A, a second hold indicator 25B, a universal hold indicator 25C, a passing gate 41, and the like are provided. Speakers 8L and 8R capable of 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. At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a hitting operation handle operated by a player or the like to launch a game ball as a game medium toward the game area is provided. The resilience of the game ball is adjusted according to the amount. At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the game area, an upper plate for holding (reserving) game balls and a lower plate for holding (reserving) excess balls from the upper plate are provided. A stick controller 31A is attached to the member forming the lower plate, and a push button 31B is provided to the member forming the upper plate.

  On the screens of the first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 4B, and the image display device 5, a special symbol and a decorative symbol are variably displayed. These variable indications are based on the occurrence of the first start winning due to the game ball passing (entering) the first starting winning opening formed in the normal winning ball device 6A, or on the normal variable winning ball device 6B. Execution is possible based on the occurrence of the second start winning due to the game ball passing (entering) through the formed second starting winning opening. 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). A special symbol (also referred to as a “special symbol”) is displayed in a variable manner (variable display). 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. On the screen of the image display device 5, variable display of a special symbol (also referred to as “first special symbol”) by the first special symbol display device 4 </ b> A in the special symbol game and special symbol (“first” by the second special symbol display device 4 </ b> B). Corresponding to each of the variable displays (also referred to as “2 special drawings”), a decorative symbol as identification information is variably displayed in a decorative symbol display area serving as a plurality of variable display portions such as three. 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 5L, 5C, and 5R are arranged on the screen 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 the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, the variation of decorative symbols (for example, vertical scroll display) is started. After that, when the fixed special symbol is stopped and displayed as the variable display display result in the special graphic game, the fixed decorative symbol (displayed as the variable graphic display result in each decorative symbol display area 5L, 5C, 5R) The final stop symbol) is stopped and displayed. The display result in the variable display of special symbols and decorative designs is also referred to as a variable display result. The variable display result of the special symbol in the special figure game is also referred to as a special figure display result. In this way, on the screen 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. In synchronism with the figure game, variable display of a plurality of types of decorative patterns that can be identified is performed, and a finalized decorative pattern that is a variable display result is derived and displayed (also simply referred to as “derivation”). It should be noted that, for example, to derive and display various display symbols such as special symbols and decorative symbols, the display of identification information such as decorative symbols is stopped and variable display is terminated.

  On the screen of the image display device 5, a first hold display unit 5HL and a second hold display unit 5HR are provided. The first hold display unit 5HL and the second hold display unit 5HR are display units for performing a hold display corresponding to the variable display that has not yet been started in the image display device 5. The 1st reservation display part 5HL displays the 1st special figure reservation memory number so that identification is possible. The second hold display unit 5HR holds the variable display corresponding to the special figure game that displays the second special figure hold storage number in an identifiable manner based on the occurrence of the first start prize or the second start prize. 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, etc., the start condition is still started in response to the established start condition. There is no variable display hold. If the special game using the first special figure cannot be started when the first start winning is generated, the first special figure holding memory number is incremented by 1 and the special figure using the first special figure is added. Game execution is put on hold. If the special game using the second special figure cannot be started when the second start prize is generated, the second special figure holding memory number is incremented by 1 and the special figure using the second special figure is added. Game execution is put on hold. 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). If the first special figure holding storage number reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, “4”) when the first start winning is generated, the special drawing game based on the start winning is invalidated, and the prize is Only the ball may be paid out. In addition, if the second special figure holding storage number reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “4”) when the second starting winning is generated, the special drawing game based on the starting winning is invalidated, Only the ball may be paid out. The decrease in the number of reserved memories (the first special figure reserved memory number or the second special figure reserved memory number) due to the start of the special figure game is also referred to as digestion of the pending.

  In the first hold display section 5HL, a hold display corresponding to the hold storage of the special figure game using the first special figure is performed. In the second hold display section 5HR, a hold display corresponding to the hold storage of the special figure game using the second special figure is performed. For example, when the upper limit value of the number of first special figure hold memory is “4”, the first hold display portion 5HL is provided with four display parts corresponding to the upper limit value, and the hold number “1” in order from the right end. ”,“ 2 ”,“ 3 ”,“ 4 ”. For example, when the upper limit value of the second special figure reservation storage number is “4”, the second hold display portion 5HR is provided with four display parts corresponding to the upper limit value, and the hold number “1” in order from the left end. ”,“ 2 ”,“ 3 ”,“ 4 ”.

  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.

  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. A game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, and the like are mounted on the main board 11 shown in FIG. 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 solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory allows the game ball to change between a state where it is difficult to pass (or a state where it does not pass) and a state where it is likely to pass through the second start winning opening formed in the normally variable winning ball device 6B. . The solenoid 82 for the special electric accessory allows the game ball to change between a state where the game ball does not pass and a state where it easily passes through the large winning opening formed in the special variable winning ball device 7.

  The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, and based on reception of the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, the image display device 5, the speaker 8L, Various circuits for controlling the rendering operation by the electrical components for rendering such as 8R and the game effect lamp 9 and the decoration LED are mounted. The effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 2 includes an effect control CPU 120, ROM 121, RAM 122, display control unit 123, random number circuit 124, I / O 125, and the like. 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. 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. The gate switch 21 detects a game ball (gate passing ball) that has passed through the passing gate 41. Based on the detection of the gate passing ball by the gate switch 21, variable display of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 20 can be executed. The first start port switch 22A detects a game ball that has passed (entered) the first start winning port. The second start port switch 23A detects a game ball that has passed (entered) the second start winning port. The count switch 23 detects a game ball that has passed (entered) a large winning opening formed in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7. When a game ball that has passed through various winning holes such as the first starting winning hole, the second starting winning hole, and the big winning hole is detected, a predetermined number of balls corresponding to each winning hole is determined. As a game ball is paid out.

  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 101 that stores a game control program and fixed data, and a RAM 102 that provides a game control work area. A CPU 103 that executes a game control program to perform a control operation, a random number circuit 104 that updates a numerical data indicating a random number value independently of the CPU 103, and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105 It is prepared for. 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.

  The effect control CPU 120 mounted on the effect control board 12 uses the effect control program read from the ROM 121, fixed data, and the like to execute a process for controlling the effect operation by the effect electric parts. 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 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 on the display screen of the image display device 5.

  In the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11, various random values used for controlling the progress of the game are obtained by, for example, a random number circuit 104 or a game random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102. The numerical data shown is counted (generated) in an updatable manner. The random number used for controlling the progress of the game is also called a game random number. On the effect control board 12, for example, a random counter for effects provided in a predetermined area of the random number circuit 124 or the RAM 122 counts numerical data indicating various random numbers used for controlling the execution of the effect in an updatable manner ( Generated).

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a game using a game ball 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 game ball is played 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. Fired towards the area. When the game ball that has flowed down the game area passes (enters) through various winning holes, the game ball as a prize ball is paid out. If the variable symbol display result for special symbols and decorative symbols is “big hit”, the big prize opening is opened and the game ball easily passes (enters), which is an advantageous state advantageous to the player. It becomes a big hit game state.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the game control process. In the game control process shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 first determines whether or not a start winning has occurred (step S11). When it is determined that the start winning has occurred (step S11; Yes), the winning random number is acquired and determined (step S12). The random number at the time of winning only needs to include a random value MR1 for determining the variable display result, a random value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and a random value MR3 for determining the variation pattern among the game random numbers. . The determination result in step S12 only needs to include “general when lost”, “super reach determination when lost”, and “big hit”. When it is determined that the variable display result is determined to be “big hit”, that is, controlled to the big hit gaming state as an advantageous state, using the random number MR1 for determining big hit, It becomes a judgment result. When it is determined that the variable display result is determined to be “losing” instead of “big hit”, that is, it is determined that it is not controlled to the big hit gaming state as an advantageous state, the random value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is used. Then, it is determined whether or not the super reach variation pattern is determined regardless of the number of stored storage. When it is determined that the super reach variation pattern is determined, the determination result is “Super reach determination at the time of loss”, whereas when it is not determined that the super reach variation pattern is determined. The determination result is “general when lost”. For example, in the determination example of the loss variation pattern as shown in FIGS. 6B1 and 6B2, the same determination value is “295” regardless of the number of first special figure hold memory and the number of second special figure hold memory. ”To“ 300 ”are assigned to the variation patterns PA2-2 and PA2-3. In such a setting, when the random value MR3 is any one of “295” to “300”, the determination result may be “super reach determination at the time of loss”.

  Subsequent to step S12, an effect control command serving as a start winning command is transmitted (step S13). The start winning command only needs to include a start opening winning designation command, a pending storage number notification command, and a winning determination result command. The start opening prize designation command is an effect control command for notifying that the occurrence of a start prize such as a first start prize or a second start prize can be specified. The reserved memory count notification command is an effect control command for notifying that the number of reserved memories such as the first special figure reserved memory count and the second special figure reserved memory count can be specified. The determination result command at the time of winning is an effect control command for identifiable notification of determination results such as “general when lost”, “super reach determination when lost”, and “hit”.

  FIG. 4A shows a start opening winning designation command (first starting opening winning designation command and second starting opening winning designation command), a reserved memory number notification command (first reserved memory number notification command and second reserved memory number notification). Command), a determination example of a winning determination result command. In this embodiment, a command B100H serving as a first start opening winning designation command and a command B200H serving as a second starting opening winning designation command are prepared in advance as start opening winning designation commands. Note that the subscript H indicates a hexadecimal number. In addition, as a reserved memory count notification command, a command C1XXH serving as a first reserved memory count notification command and a command C2XXH serving as a second reserved memory count notification command are prepared in advance. XXH indicates an unspecified hexadecimal number, and may be a value arbitrarily set according to the instruction content by the effect control command. In the reserved memory count notification command, different EXT data (for example, any one of 00H to 04H) is set according to the special figure reserved memory count. Further, a command C4XXH serving as a winning determination result command is prepared in advance.

  FIG. 4B exemplifies the contents of notification by a winning determination result command. Of the winning determination commands, command C400H notifies that the winning determination in step S12 is restricted. The command C401H notifies that the determination result in step S12 is “big hit”. Command C402H notifies that the determination result in step S12 is “Super reach determination at time of loss”. The command C403H notifies that the determination result in step S12 is “general when lost”.

  When it is determined in step S11 that a start winning has not occurred (step S11; No), after the command transmission in step S13 is performed, the value of the game process flag is determined (step S21). The game process flag is provided, for example, in a predetermined area (such as a game control flag setting unit) of the RAM 102, and one of values “0” to “3” is variably set according to the progress of the game control.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the value of the game process flag is “0” (step S21; “0”), it is determined whether variable display can be started (step S101). If it is determined that the variable display can be started (step S101; Yes), the variable display result is determined (step S102). In step S102, the random display value for determining the variable display result and the variable display result determination table are used to determine whether the variable display result is “lost” or “big hit” at a predetermined ratio. When the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a probable change state, the determined value in the variable display result determination table is such that the variable display result is determined as “big hit” at a higher rate than in the normal state or the short time state. It only has to be set. Subsequently, an internal flag such as a big hit flag is set (step S103). Next, after the value of the game process flag is updated to “1” (step S104), the game control process process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the value of the game process flag is “1” (step S21; “1”), a variation pattern or the like is determined (step S111). In step S111, the rate at which the variable display result becomes “big hit” corresponding to each variation pattern by varying the decision rate of each fluctuation pattern depending on whether or not the variable display result is decided to be “big hit” (Big hit expectation) can be varied.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the variation pattern in this embodiment. In this embodiment, among the cases where the variable display result (special drawing display result) is “losing”, the variable display state of the decorative symbol is “non-reach” that does not become the reach state, and the “reach” that becomes the reach state. ], And a plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance, corresponding to the case where the variable display result (special drawing display result) is “big hit”.

  Here, the reach state means a decorative symbol that has not been stopped and displayed (“reach variation symbol”) when the decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 forms a part of the jackpot combination. 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. When reaching reach during variable display, reach effect may be executed. The reach effect is a moving image different from the decorative design, such as reducing the variation speed of the decorative design, displaying a character image different from the decorative design on the screen of the image display device 5, changing the display mode of the background image, etc. This is an effect of performing an effect operation different from that before reaching the reach mode by reproducing and displaying the image or changing the variation mode of the decorative pattern. 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.

  In addition, during the variable display of decorative symbols, unlike the reach effect, the variable display of decorative symbols can indicate the possibility that the variable display status of decorative symbols will reach the reach state and the variable display result may be a “hit”. There may be a case where a variable display effect for notifying the player is executed depending on the mode or the like. As an example, it is only necessary that the “pseudo-continuous” variable display effect can be executed during decorative display of the decorative design. In the “pseudo-ream” variable display effect, in response to the start condition of the special figure game being satisfied once, a fixed decorative pattern that is a variable display result is derived and displayed after variable display of the decorative pattern is started. By the time, the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped and displayed in all the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, and then all the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are displayed. The effect display for changing the decorative design again (pseudo-continuous change) can be performed a predetermined number of times (for example, up to three times). The number of quasi-continuous fluctuations is displayed for the left, middle, and right decorative symbols, excluding the first variation after all decorative symbols are temporarily suspended after the decorative symbol variable display starts. This is the number of times that the decorative symbols re-variate in all of the areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. As an example, in the variable display effect of “pseudo-continuous”, a plurality of predetermined pseudo-continuous chances of special combinations in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. A decorative symbol (temporary stop symbol) that is one of the various types of lose combinations is temporarily stopped. In the temporary stop display, while the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed, the decorative symbol is displayed to the player by, for example, performing a fluctuation display or changing the decorative symbol again immediately after stopping for a short time. What is necessary is just to alert | report that the decoration design which is not decided.

  Among the variation patterns shown in FIG. 5, the variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display content is “non-reach” is referred to as a non-reach variation pattern (also referred to as a non-reach loss variation pattern). A variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display content is “reach” is referred to as a reach variation pattern (also referred to as a reach loss variation pattern). The non-reach variation pattern and the reach variation pattern are included in the loss variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is “lost”. A variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is “big hit” is referred to as a big hit variation pattern. The big hit variation pattern and the reach variation pattern include a normal reach variation pattern in which a reach effect in normal reach is executed and a super reach variation pattern in which a reach effect in super reach is executed. In correspondence with a plurality of variation patterns as shown in FIG. Therefore, when variable display using the variation pattern determined in step S111 is executed, after the variable display of special symbols or the like is performed in the variable display period corresponding to the special diagram variation time, the special diagram display result or the like The variable display result is derived and displayed. In addition, as a fluctuation pattern (pseudo continuous fluctuation pattern) accompanied by pseudo continuous fluctuation, not only a non-reach loss fluctuation pattern (PA1-4 shown in FIG. 5) but also a reach loss fluctuation pattern and a big hit fluctuation pattern (normal and super reach fluctuation patterns) (not shown). (Including fluctuation patterns).

  FIG. 6A shows an example of determining the big hit variation pattern. When it is determined that the variable display result is “big hit” and the game state is controlled to the big hit gaming state, for example, the variation pattern at the time of big hit is determined based on the setting of the determined value as shown in FIG. At this time, the random number MR3 for determining the variation pattern is compared with a predetermined value set in advance in the jackpot variation pattern determination table. Then, a variation pattern to be a usage pattern is determined according to a determination result as to which range includes the random value MR3 in the range of the determination values illustrated in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, any one of the variation patterns PA3-1 to PA3-3 is determined as the variation pattern at the time of the big hit.

  FIG. 6B1 and FIG. 6B2 show examples of determining the loss variation pattern. In the normal time when the time reduction control is not performed, for example, the fluctuation pattern at the time of the loss is determined based on the setting of the determination value as shown in FIG. 6 (B1). On the other hand, during the time reduction in which the time reduction control is performed, the variation pattern at the time of loss is determined based on the setting of the determination value as shown in FIG. 6 (B2), for example. At this time, the random value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is compared with a predetermined value set in advance in the loss variation pattern determination table. In a normal state, a variation pattern to be a usage pattern is determined according to a determination result as to which range includes the random value MR3 in the range of determination values shown in FIG. 6 (B1). During the time reduction, a variation pattern to be a usage pattern is determined according to a determination result as to which range includes the random value MR3 in the range of the determination values shown in FIG. 6B2. During the time reduction, the ratio of the fluctuation pattern having a shorter special figure fluctuation time than the normal time is higher. As a result, in the time-short state in which the time reduction control is performed, the ratio determined as the second display time that is shorter than the first time as the variable display time for variable display is higher than in the normal state in which the time-short control is not performed. Although not shown in FIG. 6, each of the pseudo-continuous variation patterns prepared as described above also includes the random value MR3 in the jackpot variation pattern determination table or the loss variation pattern determination table (normal time and short time). What is necessary is just to determine by presetting the determination value compared.

  Returning to FIG. 3, following step S111, an effect control command that is a variable display start command is transmitted (step S112). The variable display start command only needs to include a change start command, a variable display result notification command, and a change pattern designation command. After the command transmission in step S112, the game process flag is updated to “2” (step S113), and the game control process process is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S21 that the value of the game process flag is “2” (step S21; “2”), it is determined whether or not the variable display time has elapsed (step S121). If it is determined that the variable display time has not elapsed (step S121; No), control for variable display of special symbols and the like is performed (step S122), and the game control process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S121 that the variable display time has elapsed (step S121; Yes), control for stopping and displaying special symbols and the like is performed (step S123). Subsequently, a variable display end command is transmitted (step S124), and a gaming state at the end of variable display is set (step S124A). In step S124A, the time saving state in which the time saving control is performed is terminated when a predetermined time saving end condition is satisfied, for example, when the number of executions of variable display reaches a predetermined time saving end determination value. Is set to control to the normal state. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the variable display result is “big hit” (step S125). If it is “big hit” (step S125; Yes), the value of the game process flag is updated to “3”. (Step S126) If it is “losing” instead of “big hit” (Step S125; No), the value of the game process flag is updated (initialized) to “0” (Step S127), and then the game control is performed. End process processing.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the value of the game process flag is “3” (step S21; “3”), it is determined whether or not the big hit game state is over (step S131). ). When it is determined that the big hit is not finished (step S131; No), the big hit control controlled to the big hit gaming state is performed (step S132), and the game control process is finished. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S131 that the big hit has ended (step S131; Yes), the gaming state after the big hit ends is set (step S133). In step S133, for example, in accordance with the big hit type, settings for starting the time reduction state in which the time reduction control is performed, settings for starting the probability variation state in which the probability variation control is performed, and the like are performed. Subsequent to step S133, the value of the game process flag is updated (initialized) to “0” (step S134), and the game control process process is terminated.

  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. In the effect control main process, the effect control is initially set by executing an initialization process or the like. After that, whenever a predetermined control interrupt time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses and a control control timer interrupt occurs, command analysis processing, effect control process processing, effect random number update processing, etc. are executed. Is done. When an interrupt for command reception occurs separately from the timer interrupt for effect control, a control signal serving as an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 is fetched, for example, in a predetermined area (effect control buffer setting unit) of the RAM 122. The effect control command is stored in a provided effect control command reception buffer or the like. For example, in the command analysis process, when it is determined that the start winning command is received, the received command is stored in the start winning command buffer. When a first start opening winning designation command or a first special figure reserved memory number designation command is received as a start winning command, a start winning command (first starting opening prize designation command, first special figure reserved memory number designation command) , Symbol determination result designation command, variation pattern judgment result designation command) are stored in a first start winning command buffer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. When a second start port winning designation command or a second special figure reserved memory number designation command is received as a start winning command, a start winning command (second start opening prize designation command, second special figure reserved memory number designation command) , Symbol determination result designation command, variation pattern judgment result designation command) is stored in a second start winning command buffer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control process. In the effect control process shown in FIG. 7, according to the value of the effect process flag stored in a predetermined area (such as the effect control flag setting unit) of the RAM 122, a plurality of processes described in advance in the effect control computer program are used. Perform the selected process. The processing executed in accordance with the value of the effect process flag includes variable display start waiting processing (step S170), variable display start setting processing (step S171), variable display effect processing (step S172), and wait processing per special figure. (Step S173), an attacker opening effect process (Step S174), and an ending effect process (Step S175) are included.

  The variable display start waiting process of step S170 shown in FIG. 7 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “0”, and includes a process of determining whether or not to start variable display of decorative symbols. . The variable display start setting process of step S171 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “1”, and includes a process for setting and determining variable display of decorative symbols and other various effect operations. It is. The effect processing during variable display in step S172 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “2”, and includes processing for performing various effects control during variable display of decorative symbols. The special symbol waiting process in step S173 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “3”, and when the definite decorative symbol (final stop symbol) that is the variable display result of the decorative symbol is derived and displayed, the big hit game The process etc. which determine whether it is controlled by a state are included. The effect process at the time of opening the attacker in step S174 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “4”, and includes a process for enabling an effect to be executed in a predetermined period in which the big winning opening such as a big hit game state is in an open state. It is. The ending effect process in step S175 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “5”, and includes a process for enabling the effect at the end of the big hit gaming state.

  FIG. 8 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. 8, the effect control CPU 120 first, for example, based on a display result designation command (command stored in the display result designation command storage area) transmitted from the main board 11 or the like. Then, it is determined whether or not the special figure display result is “losing” (step S552). When it is determined that the special figure display result is “losing” (step S552; Yes), the effect control CPU 120, for example, the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11 (stored in the variation pattern designation command storage area). Whether or not the variation pattern designated by the command) is a non-reach variation pattern (PA1-1, PA1-2, etc.) corresponding to the case of “non-reach” in which the decorative display variable display mode is not the reach mode. Is determined (step S553).

  When it is determined in step S553 that the pattern is a non-reach variation pattern (step S553; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 determines a combination of the confirmed decorative symbols that will be the final stop symbol constituting the non-reach combination (step S554). . The effect control CPU 120 extracts, for example, numerical data indicating a random value for determining a decorative design of a non-reach combination that is updated by an effect random counter or the like provided in a predetermined area of the random number circuit 124 or the RAM 122 and stores it in the ROM 121. The determined decorative pattern (decorative decorative pattern of non-reach combination) is determined by referring to a decorative design determining table of non-reach combination prepared and stored in advance.

  When it is determined in step S553 that the pattern is not a non-reach variation pattern (step S553; No), the effect control CPU 120 determines a combination of a confirmed decorative symbol that is a final stop symbol constituting the reach combination (step S555). ). The effect control CPU 120 extracts, for example, numerical data indicating a random value for determining the decorative symbol of the reach combination updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter, and the reach combination prepared in advance in the ROM 121 is prepared. The determined decorative design (decorative decorative design) is determined by referring to the decorative design determination table.

  When it is determined in the process of step S552 that the special figure display result is not “losing” (step S552; No), the effect control CPU 120 determines the combination of the confirmed decorative symbols that will be the final stop symbol constituting the jackpot combination. (Step S557). The effect control CPU 120 extracts, for example, 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 determination symbol determination table prepared and stored in advance in the ROM 121 according to the jackpot type specified by the display result designation command transmitted from the main board 11, the image display device 5 The decorative symbols having the same symbol number that is stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R in the display area are determined.

  Further, in each process of steps S554, S555, and S557, when the variation pattern is a pseudo-continuous variation pattern, the effect control CPU 120 also determines a combination of decorative symbols (temporary stop symbols) displayed temporarily. The effect control CPU 120 extracts, for example, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining a temporary stop symbol that is updated by the random number circuit 124 or a random counter for the effect, and determines the temporary stop symbol determination stored in advance in the ROM 121. By referring to the table or the like, a temporary stop symbol (decorative combination symbol) is determined.

  After executing one of the processes of steps S554, S555, and S557, the effect control CPU 120 performs a changing notice execution setting process for determining whether or not to execute a changing notice (changing notice effect). Step S558). The changing notice is an effect of notifying the possibility of a big hit as an example of an advantageous state.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the changing notice execution setting process executed in step S558 of FIG. In the changing notice execution setting process shown in FIG. 9, the effect control CPU 120 first refers to the changing notice execution determination table shown in FIG. Step S581). FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a changing notice execution determination table. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, in addition to “no execution” indicating that no change notice is executed, types of change notices such as “notice A”, “notice B”, and “notice C” are set. Yes.

  The notices A to C are defined as different kinds of notices. In this embodiment, for example, “notice A” is a cut-in notice in which a character image or the like is displayed on the image display device 5, and “notice B” is a group in which a group-like character image or the like is displayed on the image display device 5. As a notice, “notice C” is determined as a lamp emission notice that causes the game effect lamp 9 and the like to emit light in a predetermined manner. It should be noted that the notice mode during change is not limited to these, and each notice form is arbitrary, and may be a message display mode, a mode in which an accessory is operated, or the like. Further, only one type of change notice may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, in the changing notice execution determination table in this embodiment, the possibility of a super reach or a big hit is higher when the changing notice is executed than when it is not executed. Is set to In addition, when a change notice is executed, the notice B is more likely to be a big hit than the notice A, and the notice C is more likely to be a big hit (high hit reliability) than the notice B. ing. As described above, the configuration may not be such that the presence / absence and type of the changing notice are determined at a time, and the configuration may be such that the presence / absence of the changing notice and the type of the changing notice are determined separately. In addition, when a variation pattern at the time of a specific jackpot is determined, there may be a during-change notice that is determined to be a big hit by configuring the particular change notice to be executed without fail.

  After executing the process of step S581, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not execution of the changing notice is determined in step S581 (step S582). When the execution of the change notice is determined (step S582; Yes), the effect control CPU 120, for example, by a change pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11 (a command stored in the change pattern designation command storage area). It is determined whether or not the designated variation pattern is a variation pattern (PA2-2, PA3-3, etc.) accompanied by a super reach effect (step S583). When the variation pattern is accompanied by a super reach effect (step S583; Yes), the execution timing of the determined in-variation notice is determined with reference to the notice timing determination table shown in FIG. Either one is determined (step S584).

  FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a notice timing determination table. As shown in the drawing, in this embodiment, four timings T1 to T4 are prepared as the execution timing of the changing notice. T1 to T4 are set as arbitrary timings in the reach production period (see FIG. 11) from the reach establishment to the stoppage of the decorative symbol change. T1 is defined as an arbitrary timing in a period from the establishment of reach to the development of super reach (during normal reach production). T2 to T4 are set as arbitrary timings in the period from the development of super reach to the stoppage of decoration symbol change (during super reach production), T2 in the beginning of the period, T3 in the middle, and in the end T4 is defined.

  In this embodiment, when the changing notice is executed, a design mode change effect is executed to change the display mode of the decorative design step by step. As shown in FIG. 11, in the design mode change effect, the meter image M is displayed in a part of each decorative design display area 5L, 5C, 5R (only 5L is attached in the figure). The meter image M is displayed in such a manner that the current amount (hereinafter referred to as meter amount) can be notified by an index that gradually increases or decreases within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, as shown in the drawing, the meter image M is displayed in a bar graph form in which the meter amount is notified by increasing / decreasing the indicators that are lit and displayed across the sections arranged in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, when all of the five sections arranged in the vertical direction in the meter image M are in the non-lighting state (see FIG. 11C), the meter amount is minimized, and all the five sections are in the lighting state. In the case of (see FIG. 11E), the meter amount becomes maximum. Note that the lighting state and the non-lighting state in the meter image M only have to be a mode in which a change from one state to the other state can be recognized. Different display modes may be used. If the meter amount is “0” when the meter amount is minimum and “5” when the meter amount is maximum, the meter amount can be increased or decreased in six stages of 0 to 5. When the execution of the change notice is determined, the symbol mode change effect is executed, and the meter image M is displayed in a part of each of the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. Then, at the timing when the meter amount in the meter image M becomes maximum, the determined in-change notice is executed. As described above, in this embodiment, when the change notice is executed, the design change effect is always executed, and the meter amount is always maximized. That is, the execution timing of the changing notice determined with reference to the table shown in FIG. 10B is the timing at which the meter amount becomes maximum. The symbol aspect change effect will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, the notices A to C are executed through a symbol form change effect in which the meter image M is displayed. However, even in the same type of notice as the notices A to C, the notice form change effect is passed. You may prepare what is executed without. Moreover, you may make it the jackpot expectation degree of the said notification differ by the case where a specific during-change notice is performed through a design aspect change effect, and the case where it is executed without performing a design aspect change effect. In addition, the decorative design can indicate a plurality of numbers (1 to 7 etc.), which number of designs the meter image M is displayed on, and which number of designs the meter amount is maximized Depending on the expected amount of metering, the rate of determination of the type of changing notice executed when the amount of metering is maximized, and the degree of expectation (such as jackpot expectation) reported by the changing notice May change (for example, when the meter image M is displayed when the decorative symbol indicates “1” and when the meter image is displayed when the decorative symbol indicates “2”) The rate and the degree of expectation of the type of medium notice are different).

  Returning to FIG. 10 (B), in the notice timing determination table in this embodiment, execution at a later timing is more likely to be determined as a changing notice that is more likely to be determined at the time of a big hit, so that the possibility of a big hit is high. It is set so that the execution of the advance notice during the change at a later timing is easily determined. Therefore, the player's attention can be gathered not only about which change notice is performed but also about the execution timing (and the timing at which the meter amount becomes maximum). If it is determined in step S583 that the variation pattern is not accompanied by the super reach effect (step S583; No), the change notice in progress is determined to correspond to the case where execution of the change notice is determined in the normal reach effect. The execution timing is determined as T1 (step S585). In this embodiment, the example in which the notice timing is determined in the processes of steps S584 and S585 has been described. However, the type of notice of change and the notice timing are preset in a one-to-one correspondence to determine the notice type. The notice timing may be automatically determined.

  Subsequent to step S584 or S585, the production control CPU 120 refers to the meter amount increasing manner pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10C, and determines the meter amount increasing manner up to the execution timing of the determined change notice. One of a plurality of modes is determined (step S586).

  FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a meter amount increase mode pattern determination table. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, two modes of “ME1” and “ME2” are prepared as the meter amount increase pattern. As shown in FIG. 10D, “ME1” is set as a mode in which the meter amount is maximized through a simple increase, and “ME2” is set to a maximum after the meter amount is increased or decreased (the increase or decrease may be repeated). Is set as a mode. The speed of increase / decrease of the meter amount is set in advance corresponding to each of the timings T1 to T4, for example, for each type of the meter amount increase pattern, or at the timing T1 for each type of variation pattern other than non-reach loss variation. It may be set in advance corresponding to a combination of ~ T4 and the type of meter amount increase pattern. Also, the rate of increase / decrease in the meter amount does not have to be constant. By setting the meter amount to be lit and displayed at each timing within the period from the start of fluctuation to the maximum meter amount, it is possible to It may be determined how much the meter amount increases or decreases. For example, when the execution of the change notice is determined in the pseudo continuous change pattern, the meter amount may be increased / decreased (changed) at the temporary stop display timing of the chance. The same applies to the execution of the pre-reading notice effect described later.

  Further, in the meter amount increase mode pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10C, the mode of “ME2” is set more easily as the execution timing of the changing notice is later. Thereby, the player's expectation can be raised as the execution timing of the determined notice of change is later (that is, the longer the period until the meter amount becomes maximum). It should be noted that the configuration is such that the “ME2” mode is more likely to be determined for a changing notice with a higher jackpot reliability, or the meter amount increase pattern is determined according to the combination of the determined changing notice type and its execution timing. It may be configured. Even in this way, the player's expectation can be raised. As a meter amount increasing mode, a pattern in which the meter amount is increased in accordance with an operation by the player (for example, continuous hitting (continuous pressing) of the push button 31B) may be provided. When such a pattern is provided, for example, a lottery is performed each time the push button 31B is pressed by the player, and the index of the meter image M is increased by 1 each time the player wins (for example, the index is set to 1 with a probability of 1/10). Configuration). In this configuration, for example, (i) after a predetermined amount (for example, four) of indicators are accumulated in the meter image M, the meter amount does not become maximum until the execution timing of the determined change notice is reached. (Ii) When the meter amount becomes maximum in accordance with the operation and the lottery result, a changing notice is executed (in this case, as long as the period until the change is stopped, the execution timing of the changing notice is Variable). In either case (i) or (ii), if there is no operation by the player or if the index in the meter image M is not stored up to a predetermined amount even if there is an operation, at a predetermined notice timing The metering amount may be maximized and the changing notice may be executed, or the metering amount may not be maximized and the changing notice may not be executed.

  In this embodiment, the example in which the meter amount increase mode pattern is determined after determining the execution timing of the changing notice is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after determining whether or not to execute a design aspect change effect, the timing at which the meter amount is maximized when the design mode change effect is to be executed is determined, and a changing notice is given according to the determined timing. The type may be determined. Moreover, in this embodiment, when the symbol mode change effect is executed, an example in which the meter amount is always maximized and the changing notice is executed is shown. It is good also as a structure which determines the presence or absence of execution separately. In this case, as the meter amount increase pattern, a gas pattern may be prepared in which the change amount is not maximized even when the meter amount is increased or decreased and the change notice is not executed. Moreover, you may prepare the notice in a change performed without going through a pattern mode change production. In this way, the gaming interest may be further improved.

  After executing the process of step S586 or when it is determined in step S582 that there is no execution of the changing notice (step S582; No), the effect control CPU 120 ends the changing notice execution setting process.

  Returning to FIG. 8, after executing the changing notice execution setting process in step S <b> 558, the effect control CPU 120 determines the effect control pattern as one of a plurality of patterns prepared in advance (step S <b> 560). For example, the effect control CPU 120 selects and uses one of a plurality of prepared effect control patterns (special-fluctuation effect control patterns) corresponding to the change pattern indicated by the change pattern determination result designation command. Set as a pattern. At the same time, the pattern for changing notice determined in step S558 (including the meter quantity increase mode) is also set.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S560, the CPU 120 for effect control, for example, an effect provided in a predetermined area (such as an effect control timer setting unit) of the RAM 122 corresponding to the change pattern specified by the change pattern determination result specifying command. An initial value of the control process timer is set (step S561). Then, the setting for starting the variation of the decorative design or the like on the display screen of the image display device 5 is performed (step S562). At this time, the CPU 120 for effect control, for example, displays the display control command designated by the display control data included in the effect control pattern (the effect control pattern at the time of special figure fluctuation) determined in the process of step S560. , Etc., to start the variation of the decorative symbols in the “left”, “middle” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C and 5R provided in the display area of the image display device 5. Just do it.

  After executing the process of step S562, the effect control CPU 120 updates the value of the effect process flag to “2”, which is a value corresponding to the effect process during variable display (step S563), and then starts the variable display start setting process. Exit.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display effect processing executed in step S172 of FIG. When the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 12 is started, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern has passed based on the timer value of the effect control process timer or the like. (Step S801). The effect control CPU 120 updates (for example, subtracts 1) the timer value of the effect control process timer, and when an end code is read from the effect control pattern corresponding to the updated effect control process timer value, for example. In addition, it may be determined that the variable display time has elapsed.

  When it is determined in step S801 that the variable display time has not elapsed (step S801; No), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not it is the symbol mode change effect period (step S802). When it is determined in step S558 in FIG. 8 that the changing notice is to be performed, the symbol form changing effect period may be determined in advance in the effect control pattern determined according to the changing notice. . Note that the start of the symbol mode change effect period is determined immediately after the start of execution of variable display (for example, several seconds later).

  When it determines with it being a symbol mode change production period (step S802; Yes), CPU120 for production control performs design mode change production control (step S803), and in some decorative design display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. While displaying the meter image M, control is performed to increase or decrease the meter amount in the meter amount increasing manner determined in step S586 of FIG. The meter image M may be displayed only on a decorative symbol (for example, the final stop symbol in the previous variation) that is visible at the start of variation, or may be displayed on each of the decorative symbols. May be displayed only on the decorative symbols (for example, odd symbols). In addition, the meter amount may increase at any timing during the period from when the meter image M is displayed until the meter amount becomes maximum. As described above, it is desirable to provide various patterns for increasing the meter amount. Further, as an initial display mode of the meter image M, a mode in which a predetermined amount of meter is stored from the beginning, or a plurality of modes in which the meter image M and the color of the index are different from each other may be provided. Then, in accordance with the initial display mode of the displayed meter image M, the expectation level at which the meter amount is maximized, the ratio of the type determination of the changing notice executed when the meter amount is maximized, The degree of expectation (such as the big hit expectation degree) reported by the notice may change.

  After execution of the process of step S803 or when it is determined in step S802 that it is not the symbol mode change effect period (step S802; No), the effect control CPU 120 is a reach effect period for executing the reach effect. Is determined (step S804). The reach production period may be determined in advance, for example, in the production control pattern determined according to the variation pattern. When it is determined that it is the reach production period (step S804; Yes), the production control CPU 120 performs control for executing the reach production (step S805).

  After executing the process of step S805, the CPU 120 for effect control determines whether or not it is the effect period of the changing notice (step S806). The start period of the production period is the execution timing of the fluctuating notice determined in the process of step S584 or S585 in FIG. 9, and the length of the presentation period is the fluctuating notice of the fluctuation determined in the process of step S581. What is necessary is just to be predetermined in the production | presentation control pattern determined according to the classification. If it is determined that it is the changing notice period (step S806; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 executes the changing notice effect control (step S807). As a result, any one of the notices A to C is executed. It should be noted that the start timing of the change notice and the timing at which the meter amount becomes maximum need not be the same, and each timing may be shifted by a predetermined period.

  When it is determined after the process of step S807 that it is not the effect period of the change notice (step S806; No), or when it is determined that it is not the reach effect period (step S804; No), the effect control CPU 120 displays the change pattern. In addition, based on the setting in the effect control pattern determined corresponding to the above, control for executing effects during variable display including variable display operation of decorative symbols is performed (step S808).

  If it is determined in step S801 that the variable display time has elapsed (step S801; Yes), it is determined whether or not a symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received (step S809). At this time, if there is no reception of the symbol confirmation command (step S809; No), the variable display effect processing is terminated and awaits.

  When the symbol confirmation command is received in step S809 (step S809; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 transmits 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 (determined decorative symbol) that is the display result in variable symbol display (step S810). Subsequently, a predetermined time is set as a jackpot start designation command reception waiting time (step S811). Next, the effect control CPU 120 updates the value of the effect process flag to “3”, which is a value corresponding to the waiting process per special figure (step S812), and ends the effect process during variable display.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 11, a description will be given of an example of the effect operation when the changing notice is executed. Here, a case will be described in which execution of the changing notice is determined in the process of step S558. In FIG. 11, the decorative pattern that is changing is also expressed as a static state, but is easy to see. When the variable display (fluctuation) of the decorative symbols is started in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, 5R (FIGS. 11A and 11B), a symbol mode change effect is executed (corresponding to step S803). When the design aspect change effect is executed, an effect before the change that predicts a change in the display mode of the decorative pattern (for example, an effect that the decorative pattern rotates (for example, horizontally rotates) in a direction different from the changing direction (for example, the vertical scroll direction) 11 (b))) and the like, a meter image M is displayed in the decorative pattern after a predetermined period (for example, several seconds) has elapsed from the start of the fluctuation (FIG. 11 (c)). When the meter image M is displayed, the meter amount increases (including increase / decrease) in accordance with the meter amount increase mode pattern determined in step S586 (FIG. 11 (d)). Then, the meter amount becomes the maximum at any timing of T1 to T4 determined in the process of step S584 (FIG. 11 (e)), and any change notice of any of the notices A to C determined in the process of step S581. Is executed (corresponding to step S807). After execution of the change notice, the variable display result is derived and displayed.

  Note that the pre-change effect is not limited to the horizontal rotation of the decorative pattern, and may be a fade-in effect in which the meter image M is gradually displayed. Further, the meter image M may be displayed suddenly without going through the pre-change effect. Further, the pre-change effect and the display timing of the meter image M are arbitrary as long as the change notice is not executed, and may be after the reach is established in consideration of the visibility of the meter image M and the like. Further, there may be a timing at which the meter amount becomes maximum before the reach is established. Further, the pre-change effect and the display timing of the meter image M may be determined from any of a plurality of timings prepared in advance. In the above description, the meter image M is displayed in each of the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. However, the meter image M may be displayed in any one or more decorative symbols. Further, when the decorative pattern (the decorative pattern in the normal mode) that is not displayed on the meter image M is changed to a decorative pattern including the meter image M, the size of the decorative pattern may not be changed. That is, the meter image M may be displayed in the display pattern display area of the normal mode, and the display area of the normal pattern display pattern is increased by, for example, the meter image M as the meter image M is displayed. Also good.

  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.

  In the above embodiment, only the fluctuation pattern in the case where the number of times of the pseudo continuous fluctuation is 1 is illustrated in FIG. 5, but the fluctuation pattern (including the big hit and the loss fluctuation pattern) having the number of times of the pseudo continuous fluctuation of 2 times or more is illustrated. You may prepare. Then, regardless of the number of pseudo continuous fluctuations, the symbol mode change effect may be performed over a plurality of pseudo continuous fluctuations.

  FIG. 13A illustrates an example in which the symbol mode change effect is executed over the first pseudo variation (initial variation) to the third pseudo variation in the case where the pseudo continuous variation is twice (modified example 1). Is shown. In this case, the meter amount becomes maximum after the reach in the third pseudo-change is established, and the change notice is executed. It should be noted that the symbol mode change effect may be executed over the pseudo continuous second variation and the pseudo continuous third variation.

  Further, as another modified example (modified example 2), a prefetch notice effect may be executed. The pre-reading notice effect is, for example, over the variable display of decorative symbols that are executed a plurality of times based on the reserved memory of the special figure game due to the occurrence of the start prize before the variable display (target fluctuation) to be noticed is started. By continuously displaying the look-ahead chances (for example, a combination pattern that is different from the quasi-continuous chances, such as a decorative pattern of a lost combination), the variable display result of the variable display subject to the notice is “big hit” This is an effect that warns of the possibility of becoming. For example, the pre-reading notice effect provides a notice in advance over the variable display of decorative symbols executed a plurality of times in response to a plurality of special drawing games. When the pre-reading notice effect is executed, in the winning random number determination process in step S12, the game ball is detected at the start winning timing when it is detected at the starting winning port (the first starting winning port or the second starting winning port). (Determining whether or not the variable display result of the variable display to be executed of the random number extracted at the timing is a “big hit”), determining which variation pattern of the variable display of the decorative pattern is ( So-called “look ahead”). Further, in the above-described command analysis process, whether or not to perform the pre-reading notice effect is determined based on the start-winning command stored in the start-winning reception command buffer, and the pre-reading notice effect mode pattern in the case of execution is determined. The At this time, if the command at the time of starting winning is missed or inconsistent, the pre-reading notice effect setting is not performed until the variable information of the hold information corresponding to those commands is executed (digested). Limited to In this case, for example, a prefetch notice restriction flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 is set. Then, for example, when the CPU 120 for effect control executes the hold display setting process before the execution of steps S170 to S175 in FIG. 7 and receives the start winning prize command in the hold display setting process, (i) the pre-reading notice effect Is not being executed, (ii) the prefetching notice effect is not limited, and (iii) the number of reserved memories is, for example, “3” or “4”, and the variation pattern determination result designation corresponding to the previous reserved memory is specified. If the command specifies a variation pattern corresponding to non-reach loss, determine whether or not to perform the pre-reading notice effect and the prefetch chance pattern to be stopped and displayed in multiple variable displays until the target variation is performed. That's fine. For example, according to the variable display result and the variation pattern, it may be determined with reference to a table for determining the pre-reading notice effect stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 101 or determining a pre-reading chance item. Then, for example, after executing any one of steps S554, S555, and S557 in the variable display start setting process, the effect control CPU 120 may execute an execution setting for executing the pre-reading notice effect. For example, the prefetch chance eye to be stopped in the current variable display may be specified based on the prefetch notice execution counter value and the prefetch chance eye pattern.

  FIG. 13B shows an example in which the symbol form change effect is executed over the first change, the second change, and the target change when the prefetch notice effect is executed as the second modification. In this case, the meter amount becomes the maximum after the reach in the target fluctuation is established, and a notice during fluctuation is executed. In addition, the symbol aspect change effect may be executed over the second change and the target change at the time of executing the pre-reading notice effect.

  It should be noted that, in both cases of execution of pseudo-continuous variation and execution of pre-reading notice effect, it is only necessary that the symbol form change effect can be executed across at least one chance stop (including temporary stop). . Further, the entire period of the symbol mode change effect (from the pre-change effect (FIG. 11 (b)) to the maximum meter amount (FIG. 11 (e)) does not have to span a plurality of fluctuations. It is only necessary that the production from when the image M is displayed until the meter amount reaches the maximum spans a plurality of fluctuations.

  In the above description, it is described that the change notice or the pre-read notice is a “big hit” as an example of the advantageous state. However, the advantageous state to be notified is not limited to this. For example, the advantageous state may be any state advantageous to the player such as a probability changing state in which the probability changing control is performed and a time shortening state in which the time shortening control is performed.

  In the above description, in order to notify the effect control board 12 side 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 the example to perform was shown, you may make it notify a variation pattern to the production | presentation control board 12 side by two or more commands. Specifically, in the case of notifying by two commands, the game control microcomputer 100 is in the first command before reaching reach, such as the presence or absence of a pseudo-ream (if not reaching, before the so-called second stop) A command indicating the fluctuation time and fluctuation mode is sent, and in the second command, the type of reach, presence / absence of re-lottery effect, etc. have been reached (if it does not reach, after the so-called second stop) You may make it transmit the command which shows fluctuation | variation time and a fluctuation | variation aspect. In this case, the effect control board 12 may perform the effect control in the change display based on the change time derived from the combination of the two commands. In the game control microcomputer 100, the change time is notified by each of the two commands, and the specific change mode executed at each timing is selected on the side of the effect control board 12. Good. When sending two commands, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt. After sending the first command, a certain period of time has passed (for example, the next timer interrupt). The second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be changed as appropriate.

  Further, the variable display result displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B and the special symbol variably displayed are numbers indicating "0" to "9" and symbols indicating "-". It is not limited to what consists of etc. For example, a lighting pattern during variable display of a special symbol may include a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off, and a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off and one pattern in which at least some LEDs are lit (for example, a lost symbol) Are also included in the special symbol variable display (in this case, the one pattern (eg, the lost symbol) appears to blink). Further, the special symbol displayed during variable display may be different from the special symbol displayed as the variable display result. As a special symbol variable display, for example, “−” is blinked, and as a variable display result, other special symbols (“7” for “big hit”, “1” for “losing”, etc. ) Is also included in the special symbol variable display. In addition, the variable display of the decorative design includes a blinking display or scroll display of one type of decorative design.

  In the above-described embodiment, the ratio (including the determination ratio and the like; the same applies to the probability) may include 0%. That is, the ratio may be between 0 and 100%. For example, to make one ratio different from the other ratio means that one ratio is, for example, 30%, the other ratio is 70%, and the other ratio is, for example, 0%, and the other ratio is 100%. Including. Further, the sum of one ratio and the other ratio may not be 100% (there may be a part that is not included in either one or the other and may have a predetermined ratio). In addition, when the ratio of the other is higher than the ratio of one, the ratio of one is set to 0% and the ratio of the other is set to 100%. These may be defined by the contents of a table that defines the ratio.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not limited to the one that performs probability change control in which the big hit type is “probable change” when a big hit symbol indicating a predetermined number is derived and displayed as a variable symbol display result of the special symbol. A probability variation determination device type pachinko gaming machine in which probability variation control is performed based on the fact that a game ball has passed through a specific area in an attacker provided in the game machine may be used.

  Further, in the above description, an example has been described in which a prefetch determination is performed on the main side and a command corresponding to the determination result is transmitted to the sub side, but a command indicating a random number value is transmitted from the main side and a prefetch determination is performed on the sub side. You may make it do.

  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 an enclosure that encloses gaming media and gives points based on the occurrence of winnings It can also be applied to a type game machine.

  The program and data for realizing the present invention are limited to a form distributed and provided by a detachable recording medium to a computer device included in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine 1 or a slot machine. It may be distributed by preinstalling in a storage device such as a computer device in advance. Further, the program and data may be distributed by downloading from another device on a network connected via a communication line or the like.

  The game execution mode is not only executed by attaching a removable recording medium, but can also be executed by temporarily storing a 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. Further, the game may be executed by exchanging data with other computer devices or the like via a network.

(1) The pachinko gaming machine 1 described above is realized by the display control CPU 120 cooperating with each unit, and the display mode changing means capable of changing the display mode of decorative symbols in stages. And a predetermined effect executing means for executing a predetermined effect (notice during change) when the display pattern of the decorative pattern becomes a specific mode (the meter amount of the meter image M is maximum). And a display mode change means can change the display mode of a decoration symbol into a specific mode in several timings T1-T4. Thereby, it can be made to pay attention to the timing when a decoration design becomes a specific mode, and a production effect can be improved. Note that there are two or more timings at which the decorative pattern display mode becomes the specific mode. Further, the specific mode is not limited to the case where the meter amount is the maximum, and may be a mode when the meter amount indicates an arbitrary amount smaller than the maximum. Further, the meter image M may be in any form as long as the user can recognize the index that increases or decreases. Furthermore, as long as it is possible to notify stepwise changes in decorative designs, stepwise changes and specific modes may be expressed not by the meter image M but by display of numerical values, characters, colors, and the like.

(2) The display mode changing means may change the display mode of the stage index image (meter image M) displayed in a part of the decorative symbol display area (decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, 5R). The decorative design can be changed from a state where the meter image M is not displayed to a state where the meter image M is displayed. Thereby, attention can be paid to the change of the decorative design. In the above, the example in which the meter image M is displayed in a part of the decorative symbol display area has been described. However, for example, the meter image M is displayed in a semi-transparent display mode, and the entire decorative symbol display area is displayed. It may be displayed across. Moreover, the meter image M may always be displayed in the decorative pattern.

(3) In addition, the display mode changing means can change the display mode of the decorative symbol to a specific mode (for example, a mode in which the meter amount is maximum) during the reach effect, so that the interest during the reach effect is improved. Can be made. Note that the decorative pattern does not have to be in a reach effect. For example, a decorative pattern may be in a specific mode at the time of a chance eye stop (including a temporary stop) at the time of pseudo-continuous change or pre-reading notice effect, and if the visibility of the decorative pattern in the specific mode can be ensured The period during which the aspect can be changed is arbitrary.

(4) Moreover, the predetermined effect (prediction during change) execution means can execute a plurality of types of change notices A to C, and which change notice is executed at the timing when the decorative symbol changes to a specific mode. The ratio of is different. Since it did in this way, it can be made to pay attention to the timing which a decoration design changes to a specific mode, and a production effect can be improved. It should be noted that the ratio of which change notice is executed may not be different depending on the timing at which the decorative design changes to the specific mode. Moreover, the changeable notice that can be executed may be one or more.

(5) Further, the gaming machine according to the modified example 2 is advantageous in that it has a holding storage means (such as a first start winning command buffer or a second starting winning command buffer) that stores variable display that has not yet been started as hold information. Determination means for determining whether or not the state is controlled (for example, the CPU 103 that executes a determination process of a winning random number in step S12). As shown in FIG. 13B, when the pre-reading notice effect is executed, the symbol mode change effect can be executed over a plurality of changes including the change before the target change is executed. As described above, since the display mode of the decorative pattern can be changed stepwise not only during one change but over a plurality of changes, the feeling of expectation can be maintained over a long period of time.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine, 5 ... Image display apparatus, 5L, 5C, 5R ... Decoration symbol display area, 11 ... Main board, 12 ... Production control board, 100 ... Microcomputer for game control, 103 ... CPU, 120 ... Production control CPU, 123 ... display control unit

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that performs variable display of identification information and can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player,
Display mode changing means capable of changing the display mode of the identification information in stages;
A predetermined effect executing means for executing a predetermined effect when the display mode of the identification information becomes a specific mode;
The display mode changing means can change the display mode of identification information to the specific mode at a plurality of timings.
A gaming machine characterized by that.

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