JP2017221519A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a Pachinko game machine capable of enhancing fun of a game.SOLUTION: In a Pachinko game machine, winning performance control means of a performance control board updates execution condition determination information based on entry of game balls into a general winning hole, determines that special performance execution conditions are satisfied when the execution condition determination information satisfies predetermined conditions, and executes a special performance when special performance opening conditions are satisfied while the special performance execution conditions are satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

  The present invention relates to pachinko gaming machines.

  The pachinko gaming machine is provided with a launch handle that accepts a player's launch operation, and launches a game ball into the game area with a launch intensity that corresponds to the amount of operation of the launch handle. The predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player by entering the game balls into various prize winning openings. Then, after determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start opening, if the result of the determination is out of order, the decorative pattern consisting of a plurality of columns is displayed in a variably displayed state. While displaying a stop in a predetermined non-winning manner, if the result of the determination of success or failure is a big hit, after variably displaying a decorative pattern consisting of a plurality of columns, the decorative design is stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning manner. Thus, a special game (big hit game) is established in which the variable winning opening which is normally closed is opened.

  In this type of pachinko machine, various game effects such as reach effects and notice effects are displayed in accordance with the decorative display of the decorative pattern that shows the result of the determination of success or failure based on the entrance of the game ball to the start opening. Is executed, and a player has a sense of expectation for jackpot (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-255039 A

  By the way, entering a game ball into the general winning opening is an opportunity for winning a prize ball, but it is not an opportunity for determination of success or failure, and basically has nothing to do with the result of determination of success or failure. Even if an effect of notifying that the ball has entered the general winning opening is performed, it is easy to become monotonous and lacks excitement. Therefore, in order to differentiate from the conventional model, it is required to improve the interest of the game by the effect that is executed when the game ball enters the general winning opening.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a subject, and it aims at providing the pachinko game machine which can aim at the improvement of the interest property of a game.

In order to achieve such an object, a pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention includes a game board in which a game area is formed, a start port provided in the game area, into which a game ball can enter, and in the game area. A general winning opening provided at a position different from the start opening and allowing a game ball to enter, main control means for executing a determination of success / failure based on the entry of the game ball into the start opening, and communication with the main control means An effect control means that is connected in a possible manner and executes effect control according to command information from the main control means, a symbol display device in which a special symbol indicating the result of the success / failure determination is variably displayed and stopped and displayed, An effect display device for displaying a fluctuating effect for variably displaying a decorative design showing the result of the determination, and a prize ball payout for paying out a prize ball based on the game ball entering the start opening or the general winning opening And the production system The means updates the execution condition determination information based on the game ball entering the general winning opening, and determines that the special performance execution condition is satisfied when the execution condition determination information satisfies a predetermined condition. The special effect execution condition is satisfied, and the special effect is executed when a predetermined start condition is satisfied.

  According to the pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

It is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a control block diagram of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram of the main control board and effect control board of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows a special symbol success / failure lottery table. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows a 1st special symbol stop symbol table, (B) is a schematic diagram which shows a 2nd special symbol stop symbol table. (A) is a schematic diagram illustrating a normal variation pattern table, and (B) is a schematic diagram illustrating a shortened variation pattern table. (A) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a hold display area | region, (B) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a hold image. It is a schematic diagram which shows a fluctuation production pattern table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure of a game system. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of an effect of a navigation character effect. It is a time chart for demonstrating the flow of the winning effect in a normal game state. It is a time chart for demonstrating the flow of the winning effect in a special game state. It is a time chart for demonstrating the flow of the winning effect in a probability change game state. It is a schematic diagram which shows the basic screen 1 of the winning effect in a normal gaming state. It is a schematic diagram which shows the basic screen 2 of the winning effect in a normal gaming state. It is a schematic diagram which shows the light emission pattern table of the winning effect in a normal game state. (A) is a schematic diagram of a normal LIVE effect pattern table, and (B) is a schematic diagram of a special LIVE effect pattern table. It is a schematic diagram showing a first effect example of a winning effect in the normal gaming state. It is a mimetic diagram showing the 2nd example of a prize effect in a normal game state. It is a schematic diagram which shows the basic screen of the winning effect in a special game state. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the relationship between the big hit classification and the big hit production content. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of an effect of a round promotion effect. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a production of a probable change promotion effect. It is a schematic diagram which shows the basic screen 1 of the winning effect in a normal gaming state. It is a schematic diagram which shows the basic screen 2 of the winning effect in a normal gaming state. It is a schematic diagram which shows the light emission pattern table of the winning effect in a probability change game state. It is a schematic diagram which shows a music game pattern table. It is a mimetic diagram showing an example of a prize production effect in a probability variation gaming state. It is a flowchart which shows the main process side main process. 31 is a flowchart showing a control process following FIG. 30 of the main process on the main control side. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port monitoring control process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol change start monitoring control process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol change start monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol control process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol control general purpose process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol change start process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol stop symbol display process. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing following FIG. 41 of the special symbol stop symbol display process. It is a flowchart which shows a special electric accessory control process. It is a flowchart which shows the control process following FIG. 43 of a special electric accessory control process. It is a flowchart which shows the control process following FIG. 44 of a special electric accessory control process. It is a flowchart which shows a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows production control side main processing. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows pending information management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the variation production content determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit production content determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a winning effect content determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal meter effect control process. It is a flowchart showing a special effect 1 start condition determination process. It is a flowchart which shows special effect 1 control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a probability change meter effect control process. It is a flowchart which shows a mini game selection effect control process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect button monitoring control process. It is a flowchart which shows special effect 2 control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a winning ball number notification effect control process. It is a flowchart which shows production control command reception interruption processing. It is a flowchart which shows production control side timer interruption processing. It is a flowchart which shows an image control command transmission interruption process. (A) is a schematic diagram of a normal variation effect pattern table, and (B) is a schematic diagram of a special variation effect pattern table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of an effect of the winning effect of a 1st modification. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of an effect of the winning effect of a 2nd modification.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a model in which two functions corresponding to the conventional first type pachinko gaming machine are mixed, and the first game (first special symbol game) and the second game. (Second special symbol game) can be developed.

[First Embodiment]
A front view and a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. First, an overall configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Basic configuration of pachinko machine>
First, the basic structure of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine PM (also simply referred to as “gaming machine PM”) is fitted to the front of the opening of the outer frame 1 that forms a vertically fixed holding frame having a rectangular frame size. The front frame 2 that is configured to have a rectangular frame size and forms an open / close mounting frame is attached to the front right edge by means of an upper and lower hinge mechanism 3 that is disposed on the front left edge. The locking device 4 called the double lock provided is always kept in the closed state engaged and connected to the outer frame 1.

  On the front frame 2, a rectangular glass frame 5 fitted to the upper front area of the front frame 2 is assembled so as to be opened and closed laterally and detachable using the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3, and using the locking device 4 It is always kept in a closed state covering the front surface of the front frame 2. In the front frame 2, the game board 20 is detachably set and held, and the game area PA in front of the game board 20 is faced through the double-layer glass of the glass frame 5 that is always held closed. Yes.

  On the front side of the glass frame 5, there are provided a frame lamp (LED lamp) 10 that emits light according to the game development status, and a speaker 11 that generates sound effects according to the game development status. Upper and lower ball trays (upper ball tray 8 and lower ball tray 9) for storing game balls are provided at the lower portion of the glass frame 5, and an effect that is pressed by the player at the front center of the upper ball tray 8 is provided. A button (effect switch) 15 is provided, and a launch handle 12 for performing a launch operation of the game ball is provided on the front right side of the lower ball tray 9. In the following, for convenience, the operation input means for production will be referred to as “production button 15”, but the production button (production switch) 15 in this example is an on / off operation type button switch, in the direction of operation input. Cross-type switch (cross key, cross-button) that performs the corresponding output, tilt-operated lever-type switch, rotary-operated dial switch, proximity that outputs when the player's hand approaches or touches The concept includes all operation input means such as a switch, a touch sensor, and a touch panel.

  The game board 20 is configured based on a board formed in a rectangular flat plate shape using a synthetic resin material such as an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, or an ABS resin. On the front surface of the game board 20, an outer rail 41 and an inner rail 42 are fixed in an arc shape, and a substantially circular game area PA in which a game ball can roll is defined. The outer rail 41 and the inner rail 42 form a guide passage (not shown) for guiding the game ball to the game area PA, and a position near the exit opening of the game ball in the guide passage (the inner rail 42 of the inner rail 42). A ball return prevention valve 43 for preventing the game ball released from the outlet opening into the game area PA from returning to the guide passage again is provided at the front end portion. The game area PA includes a windmill and a large number of game nails, as well as various types such as a first start port 51, a second start port 52, an operation gate 53, a big winning port 54, and general winning ports 61, 62, 63, 64. In addition to the prize opening, a first special symbol display device 71, a second special symbol display device 72, a first special symbol hold lamp 73, a second special figure hold lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, a general figure hold lamp 76, etc. Various display devices are provided. A center ornament 21 is disposed substantially at the center of the game area PA, and the screen of the effect display device 70 is provided so as to be visible through the center opening of the center ornament 21. In addition, the game area PA is based on the center decoration 21 at the substantially center, the left area PA1 that is the left area of the center decoration 21 (the board area corresponding to the left-handed), and the right area of the center decoration 21 (right-handed). Is divided into a right area PA2 which is a board surface area). A top plate portion 22 that is substantially vertically opposed to the outer rail 41 is integrally formed on the center decoration 21, and is formed between the top plate portion 22 and the outer rail 41 on the extension of the guide passage. An introduction passage 44 through which the game ball can pass to the right area PA2 is formed. At the lower end of the game area PA, there is provided an out port 29 through which the game balls that have tumbled down without entering each winning port are discharged to the back side of the game board 20. Hereinafter, each component provided in the game board 20 is demonstrated in order.

The first start opening 51 is provided as a start winning opening corresponding to the first special symbol game, and includes a first start opening switch 511 for detecting the entry of a game ball. Entering a game ball into the first start opening 51 triggers the first special symbol lottery.

  The second start opening 52 is provided as a start winning opening corresponding to the second special symbol game, and includes a second start opening switch 521 for detecting the entry of a game ball. Entering a game ball into the second start opening 52 triggers the second special symbol lottery. The second start port 52 includes a normal electric accessory 522 and a normal electric accessory solenoid 523 for opening and closing the normal electric accessory 522. The ordinary electric accessory 522 is variable between a closed state where it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second start port 52 and an open state where a game ball is easier to enter than this state. Here, the second starting port 52 has a structure in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter unless the ordinary electric accessory 522 is opened. On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory 522 is opened, the ease of entering the second starting port 52 is enhanced.

  The operation gate 53 is provided as a start winning opening corresponding to a normal symbol game, and includes an operation gate switch 531 for detecting the passage of a game ball. Note that the passage of the game ball to the operation gate 53 triggers a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to expand the normal electric accessory 522 of the second start port 52.

  The big winning opening 54 is formed as a winning opening having a horizontal rectangular shape that is opened when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined to be a big win or a small win. The special prize opening 54 includes a special prize opening switch 541 for detecting the entry of a game ball, and a special electric accessory 542 called a so-called attacker device, and for opening and closing the special electric accessory 542. And a large prize opening solenoid 543. The special electric accessory 542 changes between a normal state in which a game ball cannot enter or difficult to enter the grand prize opening 54 and an open state in which a game ball can enter or can easily enter. In this example, the special winning opening 54 is provided in the right area PA2 in the game area PA. Therefore, in the special game state (big hit game state), when the game ball is launched toward the game area PA, the player hits the right area PA2, that is, hits the right area PA2, thereby entering the big prize opening 54. The sphere is easy.

  The general winning ports 61 to 63 are arranged in the left area PA1 that is a board surface area corresponding to left-handed, and game balls that have flowed down the left area PA1 can enter. The general winning ports 61 to 63 are provided with a left general winning port switch 611 for detecting the entry of a game ball. The left general winning award port switch 611 is configured as a common sensor (single sensor) of the three general winning award ports 61 to 63 from the viewpoint of cost reduction or the like. Entry can also be detected. On the other hand, the general winning opening 64 is disposed in the right area PA2, which is a board surface area corresponding to right-handed, so that a game ball flowing down the right area PA2 can enter. The general winning opening 64 includes a right general winning opening switch 641 for detecting the entry of a game ball. Note that game balls entering each of the general winning holes 61 to 64 do not trigger a special symbol or a normal symbol lottery, but as with other winning holes (except for the operation gate 53) It becomes.

  The first special symbol display device 71 performs variable display and fixed display of the first special symbol when the game ball enters the first start opening 51. The first special symbol display device 71 is composed of, for example, eight LED lamps, and the fluctuation display of the first special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the lamp, and the blinking of the lamp is stopped and switched to the lighting display. The first special symbol is confirmed and displayed.

  The second special symbol display device 72 performs variable display and fixed display of the second special symbol when the game ball enters the second start port 52. The second special symbol display device 72 is composed of, for example, eight LED lamps, and the variation display of the second special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the lamp, and the blinking of the lamp is stopped and switched to the lighting display. The second special symbol is confirmed and displayed.

  The first special figure reservation lamp 73 and the second special figure reservation lamp 74 are each composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is indicated by lighting / flashing display of the lamps. Express (up to 4). The number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol is a number related to the random number value acquired based on the ball entering the first starting port 51 during the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of the special game. Yes, the acquired random number value is held, that is, the number of times the determination of the success / failure is temporarily held until the acceptance / rejection determination permission condition (variation start condition) is satisfied for the acquired random number value. Similarly, the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol is a random value obtained based on the ball entering the second starting port 52 during the fluctuation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of the special game. This number indicates the number that the acquired random number value is suspended, that is, the number of times that the determination is temporarily suspended until the acceptance determination condition (variation start condition) is satisfied for the acquired random value. Yes.

  The normal symbol display device 75 is composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and performs normal symbol variation display and fixed display. For example, the regular figure holding lamp 76 is composed of four lamps, and the number of lighting of the lamp corresponds to the number of normal symbol fluctuations held (the number of normal symbol fluctuations not yet executed). On the left side of the normal symbol display device 75, there is provided a round indicator 77 for displaying the number of round games (unit games) in the special game (the number of rounds: the number of times that the special electric accessory 542 is continuously operated). ing.

  The effect display device 70 mainly displays an effect image including a notice effect that suggests or informs in advance of a decorative symbol that fluctuates and stops in conjunction with the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the expected degree of jackpot. At the same time, a hold display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed. Specifically, on the screen of the effect display device 70, the first special symbol is synchronized with the decorative symbol display unit 700 on which the decorative symbol change display or the notice effect display is executed, and the first special symbol hold lamp 73. There is provided a first special figure hold display section 701 that executes the hold display of the second special figure hold display section 702 that executes the hold display of the second special symbol in synchronization with the second special figure hold lamp 74 It has been. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is employed as the effect display device 70. The decorative symbol display unit 700 is provided with three rows of display areas (a left display area Z1, a middle display area Z2, and a right display area Z3) serving as a decorative display variable display area on a predetermined effective line (not shown). The left symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the left display area Z1, the middle symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the middle display region Z2, and the right symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the right display region Z3 are stopped and displayed. It has become so. In the special figure hold display sections 701 and 702, in a normal display mode, when an operation holding ball of a special symbol is generated, a holding image of a white circle is displayed, whereas when the operation holding ball is digested, it corresponds. The reserved image is lost. The reserved images are displayed in order according to the order in which the special symbols actuated on-hold balls are generated (the order of entering the balls), and a maximum of four can be displayed on each of the on-hold display units 701 and 702.

  The center decoration 21 is installed around the effect display device 70, and has functions such as a flow path of the game ball, protection of the screen of the effect display device 70, and decoration. The center ornament 21 is provided with a movable accessory 24 that performs a production operation according to the game development status. The movable accessory 24 includes a motor M (for example, a stepping motor) as a drive source. In addition, the game board 20 is provided with a board lamp (LED lamp) 80 that emits light according to the game development status. The panel lamp 80 includes a lightning-shaped prize notification lamps 81 to 83 arranged in the vicinity of the general prize openings 61 to 63, a star-shaped prize announcement lamp 84 arranged in the vicinity of the general prize opening 64, and the like. It is. In the following description, for convenience, the frame lamp 10 and the panel lamp 80 (including the winning notification lamps 81 to 84) are collectively referred to as “effect lamp LP”.

Next, the basic structure of the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. On the back side of the front frame 2, there is a back set board 30, which has a window that communicates with the front and rear in the center and is based on a base frame that is formed in a rectangular frame shape somewhat smaller than the front frame 2. Via the hinge mechanism 3, it is connected to the back of the front frame 2 so that it can be opened, closed, and detached. A back set cover 30C having a rectangular box shape with an open front is detachably attached to the back set board 30 and is always disposed to cover the back side of the game board 20 attached to the front frame 2. (Thus, the main control board 100, the effect control board 200, and the image control board 300, which will be described later, are covered with the back set cover 30C).

  Each part of the back set board 30 has a storage tank 31 for storing a large number of game balls, a tank rail 32 extending from the storage tank 31 with a gentle downward slope to the right, and a lower end connected to the right end of the tank rail 32. A ball supply passage 33 extending to the ball, a prize ball payout unit 34 for paying out a game ball guided by the ball supply passage 33, and a prize for guiding the game ball discharged from the prize ball payout unit 34 to the upper ball tray 6. A ball passage portion 35 and the like are provided.

  On the back side of the game board 10, there is a main control board 100 for comprehensively controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine PM, an effect control board 200 for performing overall control of the game, image display according to game development, and control of sound effects. An image control board 300 for performing the above is attached. On the other hand, on the back side of the back set board 30, the payout control board 400 that performs control related to the launch and payout of the game balls, and the power received from the game facility side to supply power to various control boards and electric / electronic components. A power supply board 500 or the like is attached. In order to prevent unauthorized modification, these control boards are respectively placed at predetermined positions on the back of the game board 20 or the back set board 30 in an assembled state housed in a transparent resin board case having a caulking structure and a sealing structure. Arranged. These control boards and the electrical / electronic components of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PM are connected to each other via a harness (connector cable) so that the pachinko gaming machine PM can be operated.

<Control configuration of pachinko machines>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, each control board mounted in the pachinko gaming machine PM according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing a control configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM.

  The main control board 100 includes a main CPU 101 that performs various arithmetic processes related to games, a ROM 102 that stores control programs and various data, a RAM 103 that functions as a work area and buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, a peripheral board, A main control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 110 configured to include an I / O port circuit 104 for inputting / outputting signals to / from the device is mounted, and the main CPU 101 plays a game according to a control program stored in the ROM 102. It is configured to execute main control related to the progress. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the main control board 100 is reset when a clock circuit that divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock and the main CPU 101 malfunctions or runs out of control. It operates as a separate system from the WDT circuit for returning to the normal state, the CTC circuit that enables real-time interrupt generation and time measurement, and the program processing (software random number) by the main CPU 101 to generate a predetermined random number (built-in random number). A random number generation circuit and the like are mounted, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The main CPU 101 executes various processes related to the main control of the game by reading various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performing arithmetic processing based on detection information from each switch. The RAM 103 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means that is backed up by a backup power source generated in the power supply substrate 500. The backup area of the RAM 103 is an area for storing data such as a stack pointer and each register held when the power is turned off when the power is turned off. ), The state of the gaming machine is restored to the state before power-off based on the information in the backup area.

The main control board 100 includes a first start port switch 511, a second start port switch 521,
The operation gate switch 531, the big prize opening switch 541, the left general prize opening switch 611, the right general prize opening switch 641, and the like are electrically connected, and detection signals from various switches are provided via the I / O port circuit 104. Is input to the main CPU 101. The main control board 100 includes a first special symbol display device 71, a second special symbol display device 72, a first special symbol hold lamp 73, a second special figure hold lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, and a general figure hold lamp. 76, and is also electrically connected to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 523 and the special electric accessory solenoid 543, and various control signals from the main CPU 101 are transmitted via the I / O port circuit 104. Transmit to display means and various solenoids.

  The main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line, and communicate only in a single direction from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200. Various effect control commands are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200. Data cannot be transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the main control board 100 cannot be requested to transmit data.

  The effect control board 200 includes a sub-main CPU 201 that performs various arithmetic processes related to game effects based on an effect control command from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 that stores an effect control program and various data, a work area that is a temporary storage area, Equipped with a rendering control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 210 that includes a RAM 203 that functions as a buffer memory and an I / O port circuit 204 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and devices. The sub-main CPU 201 is configured to execute main control related to game effects according to a control program stored in the ROM 202. In addition, although not shown, the production control board 200 is reset when a clock circuit that divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock, or when the sub main CPU 201 malfunctions or runs away. WDT circuit that returns to normal state, TPU circuit that outputs various signals based on the system clock, interrupt controller that activates various interrupts such as timer interrupts based on signals from the TPU circuit, etc. for inputting and outputting serial data A serial communication circuit and the like are mounted, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The effect control board 200 is an effect control process based on the effect control command from the main control board 100, an image control command for instructing the image and sound to the image control board 300, and a lamp control signal for controlling the lamp connection board 91. (Lamp data), a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92, and the like are generated. The effect control board 200 is connected to the image control board 300 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and image control commands related to images and sound are transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300. A response command (ACK command) indicating that the image control command has been successfully received is transmitted from the image control board 300 to the effect control board 200.

  The effect control board 200 is electrically connected to a lamp connection board 91 on which a plurality of LED drivers are mounted, and a lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the lamp connection board 91 is transmitted via a serial communication circuit. Send. In this example, the production control board 200 and the lamp connection board 91 employ clock-synchronized serial communication, and are transmitted by a signal line (clock line) different from the data line for lamp data transmission. In synchronization with the clock signal, the ramp control signal is transmitted bit by bit through the data line. The lamp connection board 91 has a built-in LED driver that functions in response to a lamp control signal for LED driving transmitted from the effect control board 200, and switches on / off the switches in the circuit based on the lamp control signal. Thus, the drive current is supplied to or cut off from the effect lamp LP, and the effect lamp LP is turned on or off.

  Further, the effect control board 200 is electrically connected to a plurality of motor drivers 92, and a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92 is transmitted to the motor driver 92 via the I / O port circuit 204. Send. The motor driver 92 supplies a drive current to the stepping motor of each movable accessory 24 by switching on / off the switch in the circuit based on the drive control signal for the accessory drive transmitted from the effect control board 200. Alternatively, control is performed so that each movable accessory 24 is operated by being shut off. The data transmission to the motor driver 92 employs a parallel communication method.

  The image control board 300 includes a sub-sub CPU 301 that performs various arithmetic processes related to image effects based on an image control command from the effect control board 200, a ROM 302 that stores image control programs and various data, and a work area that is a temporary storage area. And an image control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 310 that includes a RAM 303 that functions as a buffer memory and an I / O port circuit 304 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and devices. The sub-sub CPU 301 is configured to execute main control related to the image effect according to the control program stored in the ROM 302. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the image control board 300 has a VDP that generates image data according to the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the sub-sub CPU 301 and an effect content based on the control signal acquired from the sub-sub CPU 301. It is equipped with a sound source IC that generates acoustic data. The VDP is a so-called image processor, reads image data stored in the image ROM in response to an instruction from the sub-sub CPU 301, and transmits a video signal (image data) generated by image processing to the effect display device. The VDP is connected to a high-speed VRAM used for developing / processing image data read from the image ROM. The sound source IC reads the acoustic data stored in the audio ROM in response to an instruction from the sub-sub CPU 301, and outputs the acoustic data generated by synthesizing the data to the speaker 11 via the amplifier (digital amplifier).

  The payout control board 400 is composed mainly of a payout CPU 401, ROM 402 and RAM 403. The payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The payout payout unit 34 is driven based on a payout control command from the main control board 100 to pay out a prize ball. And the ball feed mechanism 13 and the launch mechanism 14 are driven synchronously based on the operation amount of the launch handle 12 to control the launch of the game ball.

  Although not shown in detail, the power supply board 500 includes a normal power supply circuit for generating a normal power supply used by each control board based on a primary power supply supplied from the power supply facility of the game island, and a backup power supply. Power supply necessary for electronic / electrical components such as control boards and game machines, and a power-off monitoring circuit for monitoring power-off due to a voltage drop. Supply. A power switch for starting a power circuit is connected to the power board 500, and when the power switch is turned on on the assumption that the primary power is supplied from the power supply device of the game island, the power board A predetermined power is supplied from 500 normal power supply circuits to each control board. The power supply board 500 is configured to be able to detect that the power supply from the power supply device on the amusement island has been cut off. , To the effect control board 200 and the payout control board 400. The backup power supply circuit is charged when power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine PM from the power supply device on the game island. Further, a RAM clear switch (not shown) is connected to the power supply board 500 for temporarily erasing the temporarily stored contents of the RAM 103 of the main control board 100 and setting initial values when the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned on. ing. The RAM clear switch may be connected to the main control board 100 instead of the power supply board 500, for example.

<Basic operation of pachinko machines>
The pachinko gaming machine PM configured as described above is used for games with the outer frame 1 fixedly installed on the gaming island of the gaming facility, the front frame 2, the glass frame 5 and the like closed and locked. A game is started by storing the game ball in the tray 8 and rotating the launch handle 12. When the firing handle 12 is rotated, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 8 are launched one by one by a ball feed mechanism 13 (see FIG. 3) disposed on the back side of the glass frame 5. 14 (see FIG. 3), and is launched into the game area PA by the launch mechanism 14. At this time, when the firing handle 12 is operated with less than a predetermined amount, the game ball does not reach the right area PA2 and flows down the left area PA1. In the left area PA1, a left channel for flowing the game ball toward the first start port 51 and the general winning ports 61 to 63 is formed. On the other hand, when the firing handle 12 is operated by a predetermined amount or more, the game ball reaches the right area PA2 and flows down the right area PA2. In the right area PA <b> 2, a right flow path for allowing the game ball to flow down toward the second start opening 52, the operation gate 53, the big winning opening 54, and the general winning opening 64 is formed. In this way, the game balls flowing down the left area PA1 or the right area PA2 are arranged in accordance with the route distributed in the left area PA1 or the right area PA1, the first start port 51, the second start port 52, the operation gate 53. On the other hand, the player can enter any one of the big winning port 54 and the general winning ports 61 to 64. On the other hand, if the player has not entered any of the winning ports, the player goes down to the out port 29.

  When a game ball flowing down the game area PA enters one of the first starting port 51, the second starting port 52, the big winning port 54, and the general winning ports 61 to 64, an award corresponding to the type of the winning port is given. The balls are paid out to the upper ball tray 8 or the lower ball tray 9 by the prize ball payout unit 34. In the present embodiment, the number of winning balls that can be obtained when one game ball enters the game is three for the first starting port 51 and the second starting port 52, five for the general winning ports 61 to 64, and a grand prize. There are 15 mouths 54. When a game ball enters the first start port 51 or the second start port 52, a lottery random number value of a special symbol is acquired, and the random number value is temporarily stored as a reserved ball of a special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number. Then, when a predetermined start condition (a variation start condition described later) is satisfied, whether or not a special symbol is determined, a symbol determination, and a variation pattern determination are performed on the lottery random number value related to the earliest holding ball. In accordance with the above, the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72, and the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the effect display device 70. The variation display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed synchronously after the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern has elapsed.

  When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is confirmed and displayed in a stop mode indicating a big hit, the game shifts to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, and the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 54 starts. Is done. The stop mode of the decorative symbol indicating the big hit is a mode in which, for example, three types of symbols match. In this embodiment, as the special game during the big hit, the 16R special game in which the round game is set to 16 times (16 rounds), the 4R special game in which the round game is set to 4 times (4 rounds), and the round game Is a 2R special game that is set twice (2 rounds).

  In this embodiment, regardless of whether the transition is made to the 16R special game, the 8R special game, or the 2R special game, the probability variation of the special symbol after the special game ends until the number of times the special symbol changes reaches a predetermined end number. The function (also called “probability”) operates uniformly. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment is a gaming machine called a so-called “ST machine”, which is a time-changing probability changing machine with a probability changing entry rate of 100%. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is limited to a period (also referred to as “ST period”) until the probability changing function of the special symbol reaches a predetermined end number (also referred to as “ST number”). When the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated, the special symbol lottery jackpot probability shifts from the normal low probability state to the high probability state, so that a new jackpot (special game) occurs relatively early. Become.

On the other hand, after the special game is over, a special symbol variation time shortening function (hereinafter also referred to as “short time”) may be activated in association with or independently of the special symbol probability variation function. When the special symbol variation time reduction function is activated, the average variation time of special symbols and decorative symbols tends to be shorter than usual, and the number of special symbol lotteries per unit time is improved (per jackpot per unit time). Can increase the ease of acquisition).

  Furthermore, when the special symbol variation time reduction function is activated, the electric chew support function is activated. The electric chew support function increases the easiness of entering the second starting port 52 by operating the probability variation function of the normal symbol, the normal symbol variation time shortening function, and the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 522. This is a state (also referred to as “easy entry state”). Note that when the probability variation function of the normal symbol is activated, the winning probability of the normal symbol becomes higher than the normal state. When the normal symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the normal symbol variation time is reduced. When the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 522 is activated, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 522 becomes longer than the normal state. In this easy-to-enter state, the possibility that the number of fluctuations of the normal symbol per certain time will increase more than usual and the ease of entering the second start port 52 will also increase, so that the second start port 52 will be entered. The possibility that the number of balls entering will increase. Therefore, the operation of the electric chew support function increases the chances of obtaining a prize ball by entering the second start port 52 during that period, and as a result, it is possible to continue the game with almost no decrease in possession balls. Become.

<Main functional configuration of pachinko machines>
Next, various functions of the pachinko gaming machine PM (mainly the main control board 100 / effect control board 200) according to the present embodiment will be described with additional reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main control board 100 includes a ball entry judging means 110, a game lottery random number generating means 120, a holding control means 130, a prior judgment means 135, a special symbol lottery processing means 140, a normal symbol lottery processing means 145, Special game control means 150, symbol display control means 155, electric accessory control means 160, gaming state control means 165, error monitoring control means 170, main information storage means 180, and command transmission / reception means 190 are included. Note that each of the above-described means in the main control board 100 is configured by main CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, hardware such as an electronic circuit provided on the main control board 100, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the like. Is a functional representation of things.

  The entrance determination means 110 is a detection signal from the first start port switch 511, the second start port switch 521, the operation gate switch 531, the big winning port switch 541, the left general winning port switch 611, the left general winning port switch 641, and the like. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not a game ball enters each winning opening. When the first start opening switch 511 detects the entry of a game ball, the entry determining means 110 generates an effect control command (referred to as a “first start opening winning command”) indicating that, 2 When an entry of a game ball is detected by the start port switch 521, an effect control command (referred to as “second start port winning command”) indicating that is generated, and the game gate of the game ball is generated by the operation gate switch 531. When the passage is detected, an effect control command (referred to as an “actuation gate winning command”) indicating that is generated, and when the game ball is detected by the big winning opening switch 541, this is indicated. When an effect control command (referred to as a “big prize opening prize command”) is generated and a game ball entry is detected by the left general prize opening switch 611, an effect control command (“left general prize winning opening” indicating that effect is given. Winning When the right general winning opening switch 641 detects the entry of a game ball, an effect control command (referred to as “right general winning opening winning command”) is generated. This is temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

The game lottery random number generation means 120 takes in the built-in random number generated by the random number generation circuit of the main control microcomputer 110 by software and adds a soft random number per special symbol to be described later to this to be used for the lottery of special symbols. Generate random numbers per special symbol. The game lottery random number generation means 120 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers by the program processing of the main CPU 101. These random number counters serve as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. As this software random number, an initial value for a new update after the completion of one cycle update of the soft random number per special symbol added to the aforementioned built-in random number for generating the random number per hit, and the soft random number per special symbol Soft initial value random number per special symbol for determining the symbol, special symbol stop symbol random number used to determine the symbol (a combination of symbols that will activate the condition device) as a special symbol stop symbol, special symbol stop symbol random number A special symbol stop pattern initial value random number for determining an initial value for a new update after the completion of one cycle update, a special symbol variation pattern random number for use in selecting a variation pattern of the special symbol, Random number per normal symbol to be used in the normal symbol winning / no-draw lottery, initial value for a new update after the completion of one cycle of random number per normal symbol Determining normal symbol per initial value random number for, and the like normal symbol variation pattern random number for use in selecting the change pattern of the normal symbol. These software random numbers are updated once every time timer interrupt processing occurs (increment, decrement, prime addition, etc.), and the timer interrupt processing is not executed for the initial value random number ( Also during the loop processing), update using the remaining time of the interrupt cycle.

  The hold control means 130 includes a special symbol hold control means 131 and a normal symbol hold control means 132.

  The special symbol hold control means 131 is a lottery random number value related to a special symbol game, which is a random number value per special symbol, per special symbol, when the game ball enters the first start port 51 or the second start port 52 The design random number value and the special design variation pattern random value are acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation reserved ball information of the first special design or the second special design. The special symbol holding control means 131 is a main information storage means that combines the action holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number (4) with the entering order of the holding balls. The first special symbol reservation storage area of 180 or the second special symbol reservation storage area is temporarily stored.

  In the first special symbol reserved storage area and the second special symbol reserved storage area, a reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area), a reserved 2 storage area (2 A reserved storage area), a reserved 3 storage area (third reserved storage area), and a reserved 4 storage area (fourth reserved storage area). Each reserved storage area can store a random number per special symbol, a random number per special symbol, and a special symbol variation pattern random number as a set as the operating reserved ball information. The operation hold ball information is stored in the order of the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area, while the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage. Digested in order of area (first-in first-out principle). Further, when the reserved ball information in the hold 1 storage area is digested, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower numbered storage areas, respectively. The contents of the reserved 4 storage area are cleared to zero.

  Further, the special symbol hold control means 131 has a first special symbol hold ball number counter for counting the number of active reserved balls of the first special symbol, and a second special symbol for counting the number of active hold balls of the second special symbol. It has a symbol holding ball number counter. The special symbol hold control means 131 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one special reserved action ball is acquired as an update process of the number of special reserved action balls. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

Further, when the special symbol holding control means 131 updates (adds or subtracts) the number of active reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect control command ("symbol storage" This is temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This one command includes information on both the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the number of the operation reserved balls of the second special symbol. In principle, the action-reserved balls of each special symbol are digested in the order of entry, but in this embodiment, the variable special symbol is displayed with priority over the first special symbol. In order to adopt so-called preferential digestion, while there is an operation reservation ball related to the second special symbol game, regardless of the presence of the operation reservation ball related to the first special symbol game, the operation reservation related to the second special symbol game It is configured to preferentially digest spheres. In addition, under this priority digestion, if there is an operation reservation ball of the second special symbol, even if there is an operation reservation ball of the first special symbol, the operation reservation ball of the first special symbol is digested. Will be put on hold.

  The normal symbol hold control means 132 is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the operation gate 53, and is a random number value per normal symbol, a random symbol value per normal symbol, a normal symbol fluctuation pattern, which is a lottery random value related to the normal symbol game. A random value is acquired, and the random value is managed as the operation reservation ball information of the normal symbol. The normal symbol holding control unit 132 stores the normal symbol operation holding ball information in the normal symbol holding storage area of the main information storage unit 180 in a form combined with the order of entering the holding balls up to a predetermined upper limit number (four). Memorize temporarily. Further, the normal symbol hold control means 132 has a normal symbol hold ball number counter for counting the number of normal reserved operation balls. The normal symbol hold control means 132 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one normal reserved actuated ball is acquired as the update processing of the number of held normal symbols of the active normal symbol. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

  The pre-determination unit 135 executes a pre-determination for a pre-reading notice when the operation holding ball having a special symbol is acquired at a predetermined pre-determination timing. As an example of the above-mentioned pre-determination timing, (1) Waiting per hit, and when the operation holding ball of the first special symbol is acquired while the electric support function is not operating, (2) Waiting per hit, and When the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired while the electric chew support function is operating, (3) When the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired during the big hit or the small hit, either This is when the condition is satisfied. Specifically, the pre-determining unit 135 reads the random number value corresponding to the currently acquired operation holding ball from the first special symbol holding storage area or the second special symbol holding storage area of the main information storage unit 180, Pre-determination (pre-determined / unpredictable), symbol pre-determination (design pre-determination), and variation pattern pre-determination (variation pattern pre-determination) are sequentially executed. The pre-determination table used in each pre-determination is not shown, but each of the success / failure pre-determination table, the symbol pre-determination table, and the variation pattern pre-determination table is divided into a plurality of areas corresponding to the total number of random numbers. A lottery ID (a number indicating the result of prior determination (also referred to as “preliminary determination number”)) is assigned to each area (determination number). Therefore, the result of this preliminary determination is based on the result of the main lottery by the special symbol lottery processing means 140 described later (the result of the determination, the result of the symbol determination, the result of the variation pattern determination). Note that the success / failure pre-determination table, the symbol pre-determination table, and the like may be the same as the success / failure lottery table and the symbol lottery table used for the lottery when the change is actually started. Here, in the variation pattern prior determination table, there is a possibility that the game situation at the beginning of variation (presence / absence of probability change, presence / absence of time reduction, whether or not during a limited frequency period referring to a special table, the number of held balls, etc.) may change. Therefore, as described above, it is preferable to determine which of the plurality of regions is included. Then, the preliminary determination unit 135 sequentially generates an effect control command (referred to as a “preliminary determination command”) including information on the result of the preliminary determination (preliminary determination number), and generates the command control area of the main information storage unit 180. To store.

The special symbol lottery processing unit 140 includes a special symbol success / failure determination unit 141, a special symbol stop symbol determination unit 412, and a special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143. Special symbol lottery processing means 14
0 is a random value per special symbol stored in the first storage area (holding 1 storage area) of the special symbol holding storage area in the main information storage means 180 when the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, The design random number value and the special symbol variation pattern random number value are read out and stored in the special symbol success / failure determination region, the special symbol design determination region, and the special symbol variation pattern determination region of the main information storage unit 180, respectively. Here, “the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied” is, for example, (1) that there is no big hit or small hit, and (2) both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for fluctuation. (3) When all of the conditions of the operation holding ball exist in at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are satisfied, and as a result, the special symbol can start to fluctuate. It is determined that the situation is not correct.

  The special symbol success / failure determination means 141 reads a random value per special symbol from the special symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage means 180 and executes the determination of the success / failure. Decide what to do. The result of this determination is temporarily stored in a special symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180 (for example, big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, loss data “00H”), and is used in the subsequent processing. After that, it is cleared when the special symbol changes. The special symbol success / failure determination means 141 holds a special symbol success / failure lottery table which is referred to in the determination of success / failure.

  Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the special symbol winning / losing lottery table, where (A) is referred to in the normal state (low probability state), and (B) is referred to in the probability variation state (high probability state). The In this special symbol winning / losing lottery table, random numbers per special symbol and judgment results of big hits, small hits, and off are associated, and the winning probabilities for big hits and small hits are determined according to the associated random number range. Is determined. As can be seen from FIG. 5, in the special symbol game winning / losing lottery, in the normal state (low probability state), only when the random number value falls within the range of “0 to 217”, it is a big hit. On the other hand, in the probability variation state (high probability state), the range of the big hit is expanded, and not only when the random value falls within the range of “0 to 217” but also when the random number falls within the range of “218 to 2170”. Become. That is, when the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated, the jackpot lottery probability varies from the low probability state (about 1/300) to the high probability state (about 1/30). As described above, the range corresponding to the jackpot changes according to the gaming state, but the winning probability of winning the jackpot is equal between the winning lottery of the first special symbol and the winning lottery of the second special symbol. Here, even if the random number value per special symbol does not correspond to the big hit range, if it falls within the predetermined range, it is a small hit. In this example, it is configured so that there is a small hit only for the first special symbol success / failure determination, but for example, a small hit is also provided for the second special symbol success / failure determination. Alternatively, it may be configured such that the first special symbol determination is a small hit with a higher probability.

  The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the result of the first or second lottery determination. As shown in FIG. 6, the special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 has a first special symbol stop symbol table and a second special symbol stop symbol which are referred to when determining the stop symbol of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Has a table. In this embodiment, “special jackpot” is a jackpot that activates the probability variation function of the special symbol after the end of the special game, and “normal jackpot” is that the probability variation function is activated after the end of the special game. A big hit with no time, “short-time big hit” is a big hit that will activate the special symbol variation time reduction function (and electric Chu support function) after the end of the special game, and “short time no big hit” is after the special game It is a big hit that does not activate the special symbol variation time reduction function (and the electric support function). The jackpot type in this example is (1) the number of rounds per jackpot, (2) the presence / absence of a probability variation function (specific jackpot or normal jackpot), and (3) the presence / absence of a variable time shortening function (short-time big hit or no short-time) And a big hit).

FIG. 6A is a diagram schematically showing an example of the first special symbol stop symbol table. In the first special symbol stop symbol table (for big hit symbol), four types of stop symbols (big hit symbols) “A1”, “B1”, “C1”, “D1” are assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. Assigned. In this example, for the convenience of explanation, the contents of the jackpot (the number of operations of the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the special symbol, the operation pattern of the big prize opening 54) are also appended to each jackpot symbol. The numerical value “100” in parentheses means the number of operations of the special symbol probability variation function and variation time reduction function, that is, the ST number. In this table, the stop symbols “A1” to “D1” of the first special symbol are classified according to the type of jackpot. Specifically, the symbol “A1” has a 16R specific short time big hit, the symbol “B1” has a 4R specific short duration big hit, the symbol “C1” has a 2R specific short duration big hit, and the symbol “D1” has a 4R normal short duration. No big hits are associated with each other.

  Symbols A1 and B1 are specific symbols indicating a so-called “probability big hit” in which the gaming state after the end of the special game is shifted to a special symbol probability variation state (high probability state). The special symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function are limited to the period until the end without generating a big hit or until the next big hit within the ST number. Will be granted. For the pattern A1, the specified number of rounds for the special game is 16, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 54 in one round game is about 30 seconds. For the symbol B1, the specified number of rounds in the special game is four, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 54 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  The symbol C1 shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to the probability variation state (high probability state) of the special symbol, although the number of times and the opening time of the special winning opening 54 are different from the above “probability big hit”. This is a specific symbol indicating so-called “suddenly promising big hit”, until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol ends without generating a big hit within the ST number, or until the next big hit occurs within the ST number. For a limited time, a special symbol probability variation function, a variation time shortening function, and an electric-chu support function are provided. The specified number of rounds in the special game is two rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 54 in one round game is about 0.05 seconds.

  The symbol group D1 is a normal symbol indicating a so-called “normal jackpot” in which the game state after the end of the special game is shifted to the normal state (low probability state), and after the special game ends, the probability variation function of the special symbol Neither the variable time shortening function nor the electric chew support function is provided. The specified number of rounds in the special game is 4 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 54 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  On the other hand, in the first special symbol stop symbol table (for the miss symbol), a single stop symbol (miss symbol) “H1” is uniquely assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. Also, in the first special symbol stop symbol table (for small hit symbol), a single stop symbol (small hit symbol) “K1” is uniquely assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. In the case of a small hit, the game state is not triggered when the game state is changed, and the game state is maintained before and after the winning lottery.

FIG. 6B is a diagram schematically showing an example of the second special symbol stop symbol table. In the second special symbol stop symbol table (for jackpot symbol), three types of stop symbols (big hit symbols) “A2”, “B2”, and “D2” are assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. . In this example, for the convenience of explanation, the contents of the jackpot (the number of operations of the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the special symbol, the operation pattern of the big prize opening 54) are also appended to each jackpot symbol. In this table, the stop symbols “A2”, “B2”, and “D2” of the second special symbol are classified according to the type of jackpot. Specifically, the symbol “A2” is associated with 16R specific short-time big hit, the symbol “B2” is associated with 8R specific short-time big hit, and the symbol “D2” is associated with 4R normal short-time big hit.

  Symbols A2 and B2 are specific symbols indicating so-called “probability big hits” in which the game state after the end of the special game is shifted to the special symbol probability change state (high probability state). The special symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function are limited to the period until the end without generating a big hit or until the next big hit within the ST number. Will be granted. For the pattern A2, the specified number of rounds for the special game is 16 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 54 in one round game is about 30 seconds. For the symbol B2, the prescribed number of rounds for the special game is 8, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 54 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  The symbol group D2 is a normal symbol indicating a so-called “normal jackpot” in which the gaming state after the end of the special game is shifted to the normal state (low probability state), and the probability variation function of the special symbol after the special game ends. Neither the variable time shortening function nor the electric chew support function is provided. The specified number of rounds in the special game is 4 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 54 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  In addition, in the second special symbol stop symbol table (for miss symbol), a single stop symbol (miss symbol) “H2” is uniquely assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value.

  Here, in this embodiment, as described above, as the big hit types, 16R big hit (16R specific short short symbol), 4R big hit (4R specific short short symbol, 4R normal short short symbol) and 2R big hit (2R special short short symbol) There are three types. The expected value for winning a prize ball in the special game (expected value for winning a prize ball) is 16R big hit> 4R big hit> 2R big hit. And as can be seen from the above description, when a big win is won in the first special symbol winning lottery, 16R big hit is selected with a probability of 20%, whereas the second special symbol winning lottery is selected. In the case of a big hit, the 16R big hit is selected with a 50% probability, so that winning a prize at the second starting opening 52 wins more balls than winning the first starting opening 51. It is advantageous to the player in that it can be done. In this embodiment, the open time in each big hit game round is a fixed time such as 30 seconds (all rounds are “long open rounds”), but in a predetermined round during the same big hit game, it is open. By providing a “short open round” that shortens the time to 0.05 seconds, even if the number of rounds is the same, you may have a big hit with a reduced number of rounds that can be obtained.

(Variation pattern)
The special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the special symbol variation pattern random number value. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 holds a plurality of types of variation pattern tables that are referred to when selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol. The special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143 selects one variation pattern table from among a plurality of types of variation pattern tables based on the current variation pattern selection state and the result of the lottery determination. The relationship between the variation pattern selection state and the variation pattern table will be described later. Each variation pattern table defines a plurality of types of variation patterns. In each figure, “selection rate” is shown for convenience of explanation, but in actuality, a decision value (range of random values) for determining the fluctuation pattern is set according to the special symbol fluctuation pattern random value. The variation pattern is determined based on which determination value the variation pattern random value belongs to. As for the various variation patterns, the variation time is determined for each variation pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation, and it is assumed that the symbol variation by the decorative symbol composed of multiple symbols is also executed at the variation time. Is defined as In this example, for convenience of explanation, only several types of variation pattern tables and several types of variation patterns will be described as an example, but actually, in addition to the gaming state, a loss variation pattern table corresponding to the number of active pending balls With a variation pattern table (16R big hit table, 4R big hit table, 2R big hit table, etc.) according to the type of winning symbol, specific fluctuation (within several revolutions after big hit, fluctuation at the end of the ST period, etc.) There may be a special variation pattern table (a limited frequency table or the like) that is referred to based on a certain fact, and depending on the type of the variation pattern table, there may be a case where more than 100 types of variation patterns are included.

  Here, in this embodiment, there are two types of “normal variation state α” and “shortened variation state β” as the variation pattern selection state. Here, the normal variation state α is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is selected with reference to the normal variation pattern table (FIG. 7A) selected when the gaming state is the normal state (non-time saving state). It is. The shortened variation state β is a state in which a variation pattern of a special symbol is selected with reference to a shortened variation pattern table (FIG. 7B) selected when the gaming state is a probability variation state (short time state).

  As described above, the special symbol variation pattern determining unit 143 holds the normal variation pattern table and the shortened variation pattern table. Each variation pattern table can be different according to the result of lottery determination (big hit, small hit, and loss). In this example, each variation pattern table is common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol are used. It may be different. Hereinafter, each variation pattern table will be described in detail.

(Normal variation pattern table)
FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a normal variation pattern table. First, in the normal fluctuation pattern table for deviation, the fluctuation pattern PX2 (5 seconds), the fluctuation pattern PX3 (10 seconds), the fluctuation pattern PX4 (20 seconds), the fluctuation pattern PX5 (60 seconds), and the fluctuation pattern PX6 (120 seconds). Any one of the fluctuation patterns PX7 (180 seconds) is selected. On the other hand, in the normal variation pattern table for big hit / small hit, any one of variation pattern PY4 (20 seconds), variation pattern PY5 (60 seconds), variation pattern PY6 (120 seconds), variation pattern PY7 (180 seconds) is selected. Is done. In this way, when the gaming state is the normal state, if the result of the determination is a big hit or a small hit, the non-reach variation pattern is not selected, and the reach variation pattern is always selected. Is done.

(Shortened variation pattern table)
FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a shortening variation pattern table. First, in the shortened fluctuation pattern table for deviation, the fluctuation pattern PX1 (3 seconds), the fluctuation pattern PX2 (5 seconds), the fluctuation pattern PX3 (10 seconds), the fluctuation pattern PX4 (20 seconds), and the fluctuation pattern PX5 (60 seconds). Any one of the fluctuation pattern PX6 (120 seconds) and the fluctuation pattern PX7 (180 seconds) is selected. In the shortened variation pattern table for deviation, the ratio of the variation patterns PX1 (3 seconds) and PX2 (5 seconds) to be selected is set higher than the normal variation pattern table for deviation. The average fluctuation time value is shortened. On the other hand, in the shortened variation pattern table for big hit / small hit, one of variation pattern PY4 (20 seconds), variation pattern PY5 (60 seconds), variation pattern PY6 (120 seconds), variation pattern PY7 (180 seconds) is selected. Is done. In this way, when the game state is a probable change state, if the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit or a small hit, the non-reach variation pattern is not selected, and the reach variation pattern is always selected. Is done.

Here, the variation time “3 seconds” is associated with the ultrashort variation, the variation time “5 seconds” is associated with the short variation, the variation time “10 seconds” is associated with the normal variation, and the variation time “20”. "Second" is associated with N reach (normal reach), variation time "60 seconds" is associated with weak SP reach (weak super reach), and variation time "120 seconds" is associated with medium SP reach (medium super reach) The fluctuation time “180 seconds” is associated with strong SP reach (strong super reach). In the following description, the fluctuation pattern PX1, the fluctuation pattern PX2, and the fluctuation pattern PX3 of the normal fluctuation are collectively referred to as “non-reach type” fluctuation patterns. Note that the big hit expectation degree of each variation pattern is set so as to increase in the order of non-reach type <N reach <weak SP reach <medium SP reach <strong SP reach. In the above description, the variation pattern table for deviation is expressed as a single table in any case. However, when the result of the lottery decision is lost, the number of reserved balls for special symbols ( Different variation pattern tables may be selected according to 0 to 4). That is, by using a variation pattern table according to the number of reserved balls for special symbols, the proportion of relatively short variation times is increased as the number of activated balls is increased, and the number of reserved operations is small. As a result, a relatively long variation time can be selected. Although not shown, in the shortened variation pattern table, in the variation when the number of reserved memories of the second special symbol becomes 0, the variation pattern table for losing the second special symbol (number of retained memories = 0) ( For example, using a variation time = selection rate of 10 seconds of 100%), the probability of entering a game ball into the electric Chu (second starter 52) during the variation is increased, and the variation in the second special symbol is You may make it not interrupt.

  Further, since the special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 selects the variation pattern of the special symbol and then instructs the effect control board 200 to start the variation of the decorative symbol, the communication with the effect control board 200 is normally performed. Effect control command (communication inspection command) for confirming whether or not, effect control command (variation additional information designation command) including variation additional information (information for adding / subtracting variation time), effect including variation pattern information A control command (variation pattern designation command), an effect control command (symbol designation command) including information on the character production number (symbol group and game state), etc. are generated (hereinafter, these commands are collectively referred to as a “variation start command”. This is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

  The normal symbol lottery processing unit 145 includes a normal symbol success / failure determination unit 146, a normal symbol stop symbol determination unit 147, and a normal symbol variation pattern determination unit 148. When the normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol lottery processing means 145 reads the random value per normal symbol and the normal symbol variation pattern random value stored in the first storage area in the normal symbol holding storage area, They are stored in the normal symbol success / failure determination area and the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180, respectively.

  The normal symbol success / failure determination unit 146 reads out a random value per normal symbol from the normal symbol success / failure determination region of the main information storage unit 180 and executes the determination of success / failure. decide. The result of this lottery lottery is temporarily stored in the normal symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180, and after being used in the subsequent processing, it is cleared when the variation of the normal symbol is stopped. The normal symbol success / failure determination means 146 holds a normal symbol success / failure lottery table which is referred to at the time of the success / failure lottery. Referring to the symbol winning / losing lottery table, in the normal symbol probability variation state (high probability state), for example, referring to the normal symbol winning / losing lottery table with a probability of “282/283”, the normal symbol winning / losing lottery is executed. To do.

  The normal symbol stop symbol determination means 147 refers to the symbol lottery table and assigns a predetermined winning symbol when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a win, and allocates a predetermined off symbol when the result is wrong. It has become.

The normal symbol variation pattern determination unit 148 reads the normal symbol variation pattern random number value from the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180, and refers to the normal symbol variation pattern table to display the variation display of the normal symbol in the normal state. In, a relatively long variation time is selected (for example, seven types of “4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, and 10 seconds” are uniformly selected). On the other hand, in a short time state (easy to enter) of a normal symbol, a relatively short variation time (for example, “0.5 seconds”) is selected by the operation of the variation time shortening function. In the normal symbol game control, in order to reduce the processing load of the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100, the normal symbol lottery winning probability is set to “0” or the normal symbol variation time in the non-electric Chu support state. It is also possible to adopt a specification with a single unit.

  When the result of the lottery determination is a big hit, the special game control means 150 determines a demonstration time related to the big hit start demo and the big hit end demo according to the determined big hit symbol. Also, the special game control means 150 instructs the effect control board 200 side to execute an effect control command (referred to as “hit start demo command”) for instructing execution of the jackpot start demonstration effect, and to execute the jackpot end demo effect. An effect control command (referred to as “big hit end demo command”) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. The jackpot start demo command also serves as an opportunity for the content control board 200 to determine the contents of a series of jackpot effects (big hit start demonstration effects, round effects, jackpot end demo effects) developed during the special game. . The special game control means 150 generates an effect control command (referred to as a “round effect designation command”) for instructing the start of a round effect corresponding to each round game in each round game during the special game. This is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This round effect designation command includes information on the current number of rounds and information on opening and closing of the big prize opening 54. Regarding the above demonstration time, not only the big hit symbol, but also the same big hit symbol depending on the gaming state at the time of the big hit (normally or during short time etc.) It may be allowed.

  Further, when the result of the winning / losing lottery is a small hit, the special game control means 150 determines the demo time related to the small hit start demonstration and the small hit end demo displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the small hit game. Further, the special game control means 150 provides an effect control command (“small hit start demo command”) for instructing execution of a small hit start demonstration effect and an effect control command (“small hit effect) for instructing execution of a small hit end demonstration effect. An end demo command ") is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

  The symbol display control means 155 includes a special symbol display control means 156 and a normal symbol display control means 157. The special symbol display control means 156 displays the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 71 according to the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol, and confirms and displays the first special symbol after the variation display. Let Further, the special symbol display control means 156 displays the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 72 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the second special symbol, and displays the second special symbol after the variation display. Confirm display. The special symbol display control means 156 has a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The operating states of the first special symbol display device 71 and the second special symbol display device 72 are monitored based on the special symbol game status in the main information storage means 180. The special symbol display control means 156 requests the effect control board 200 to confirm the decoration symbol when the special symbol fluctuation is stopped (that is, when the value of the special symbol game timer becomes “0”). An effect control command (referred to as “variation stop command”) is generated. The normal symbol display control means 157 variably displays the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 75 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the ordinary symbol, and displays the regular symbol after the variation display. The normal symbol display control means 157 has a normal symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the display of the normal symbol. The operating state of the normal symbol display device 75 is monitored based on the normal symbol game status of the main information storage means 180.

When the result of the special symbol winning / losing lottery is a big win, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 543 as a special game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed. The object 542 is opened according to a predetermined operation pattern. In the special game, one opening / closing operation of the special electric accessory 542 is set as one round game (unit game), and the round game is continuously executed for the specified number of rounds (16R, 4R, 2R in this example). To do. The electric accessory control means 160 holds a big prize opening opening counter for storing the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory 542 (that is, the number of rounds being executed). Here, when the big hit type is a so-called 16R big hit (symbols A1, A2) or 4R big hit (symbols B1, B2, D1, D2), the maximum winning opening 54 is set to about 30 seconds at the maximum in one round game. Open. On the other hand, when the big hit type is a so-called 2R big hit (symbol C1), the big winning opening 54 is opened for about 0.05 seconds at the maximum in one round game. Here, the closing condition of the special winning opening 54 in the special game (unit game ending condition) is the progress of a winning period for a predetermined number of game balls or a predetermined number of seconds.

  In addition, when the result of the special symbol winning lottery is a small hit, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 543 as a small hit game process after the special symbol is determined and displayed. The special electric accessory 542 is opened only for a short period. The small hit game is distinguished from the big hit game constituted by a plurality of round games in that the small hit game is constituted by one round game. Here, when the 2R special game and the small hit game described above are compared, although they are internally different, the point of the same opening / closing time (0.05 seconds) and the number of times of opening / closing are the same (the former is Since one opening and closing per round is twice in two rounds, and the latter is common in two opening and closing per round twice, a game with an approximate opening time / opening pattern is developed.

  In addition, when the winning combination of normal symbols is won, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 523 to open the ordinary electric accessory 522 for a predetermined opening time. Here, the electric accessory control means 160 opens the ordinary electric accessory 522 for an extremely short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, whereas it is normally electric in the easy to enter state (electric chew support state). The accessory 522 is opened for a relatively long time (for example, 4 seconds) compared to the normal state.

The game state control means 165 determines the game state after the end of the special game based on the type of the symbol related to the jackpot when the result of the lottery of the special symbol is a jackpot, and after the special game ends Switch gaming state. In the following, among the functions related to the special symbol and the normal symbol described above, 1) a gaming state in which all of the special symbol probability variation function, the special symbol variation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function are operated is “probability variation state” or 2) A game state in which only the special symbol variation time reduction function and the electric-chu support function are operated is referred to as a “short-time state” or a “short-time game state”, and 3) a special symbol probability variation function. The game state in which only the function is activated is referred to as “latency probability change state” or “latency probability change game state”, and 4) the state in which all functions are not activated is referred to as “normal state” or “normal game state”. It should be noted that the “probability change state”, “time-short state”, and “latency probability change state” are all advantageous game states for the player as compared to the “normal state”. Each game state is a combination of a special symbol game operation state (high probability / low probability) and a normal symbol game operation state (with open extension / no open extension). / Open extension ", (2) Short time state is" Low probability / Open extension ", (3) Latency probability change state is" High probability / Non-open extension ", (4) Normal state is" Low probability / Non-open extension ", It can also be expressed as In addition, as described above, in this embodiment, so-called ST machines with a number of cuts are adopted, so that when a specific big hit (probable big hit) is won, the game state after the end of the special game is a special symbol. The probability variation state continues until the number of fluctuations reaches a predetermined end number, that is, the number of STs from the end of the special game (however, if the next big hit occurs within the number of STs, the fluctuations The probability variation state ends, and the ST count is set again after the big hit ends). When the small hit is made during the ST period, the ST number is not reset (revived) to 0, and the ST number is continuously counted before and after the small hit occurs. In the present embodiment, the ST number is set to 100 times, but it is needless to say that the ST number may be set to another number. In addition, when changing to the probability variation state, the probability variation function of the special symbol, the special symbol variation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function operate simultaneously, and each function will continue as long as the probability variation state continues. Become. In addition, if the result of the special symbol winning lottery is a big hit, regardless of whether the gaming state before the big hit is a normal state or a probable change state, the special game is in a normal state and a specific big win (probable big hit) When the special game is won, after the end of the special game, the probable change state is uniformly limited to the number of STs, and when the normal big hit (non-probable big hit) is won, the special game is ended after the special game ends. On the other hand, if the result of the special symbol winning / losing lottery is a small hit, if the game state before the small hit is the normal state, the game state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also in the normal state. In addition, when the gaming state before the small hit is the special symbol probability changing state, the gaming state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also the special symbol probability changing state.

  In addition, when the special game is executed, the game state control means 165 determines the variation pattern selection state after the special game based on the big hit or the small hit symbol type, and the variation pattern selection state after the special game. Switch. The variation pattern selection state is one of the conditions referred to when selecting the above variation pattern table. The switching timing of the variation pattern selection state is when the special game ends or when the end number of times of the variation pattern selection state has expired. In the present embodiment, as described above, there are two types of variation pattern selection states: “normal variation state α” and “shortened variation state β”. In addition, since each variation pattern selection state has already been described, redundant description is omitted here. In this embodiment, regardless of which jackpot symbol is selected, (1) Immediately after the end of the special game, if the number of fluctuations is within the ST period (100 times), stays in the shortened fluctuation state β, (2) After the end of the ST number, that is, after the 101st execution as the number of executions, the normal fluctuation state α is stayed. Of course, the period until the first hit occurs normally stays in the fluctuation state α. Then, the gaming state control unit 165 generates an effect control command (referred to as “gaming state designation command”) including the current gaming state information and variation pattern selection state information, and stores this command in the main information storage unit 180. Store in the area.

  The error monitoring control unit 170 monitors input information of the I / O port circuit 104 and inspects a magnetic detection signal by a magnetic sensor, a disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, a radio wave detection signal by a radio wave sensor, a door / frame opening signal, and the like. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state. If it is in an error state, an effect control command including the error information (“error effect designation command”) is requested to indicate an error state effect to the effect control board 200. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the door opening switch is a detecting unit for detecting whether or not the glass frame 5 is opened, and the frame opening switch is a detecting unit for detecting whether or not the front frame 2 is opened. The back set release switch is a detecting means for determining whether or not the back set board 30 is open. Further, the magnetic sensor and the radio wave sensor are detection means for detecting a so-called fraudulent gaming act.

  The main information storage means 180 stores random number value information acquired in special symbol games and normal symbol games, operation holding ball information of special symbols and normal symbols, game states related to special symbol games and normal symbol games (probability change state, time reduction state, Information on easy entry), information on variation pattern selection status, result information on winning / failing lottery (big hit, small hit, loss), information on stop and variation patterns on special symbols and regular symbols, information on special games (round) Number, release time, release mode (number of releases per round game), etc.), status information indicating the operating state of the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, status information indicating the operating state of the special electric accessory 542, production control command It is configured to temporarily store data information and the like, and has a predetermined storage area for storing each information.

  The command transmission / reception means 190 is configured to transmit various effect control command data stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 to the effect control board 200 by a parallel transmission method when a command transmission request is made. Has been. Each effect control command has a 2-byte structure including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data. Bit 7 of the MODE data is “1” in order to distinguish MODE and EVENT. Bit 7 of the EVENT data is “0”. When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid, strobe signals are output at the transmission timings of MODE and EVENT. In principle, the effect control command generated in each process is transmitted for each interrupt period in accordance with the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the effect control board 200 includes an effect lottery random number generation means 210, an effect control means 220, a lamp control means 230, an accessory control means 240, an error effect control means 250, a sub main information storage means 260, a command. Transmitting / receiving means 270. Note that each of the above-described units in the effect control board 200 is configured by sub-main CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, hardware such as an electronic circuit arranged on the effect control board 200, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 202. Is a functional representation of things.

  The effect lottery random number generation unit 210 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers (effect lottery random numbers) by the program processing of the sub main CPU 201. These random number counters serve as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. This software random number includes pre-read lottery random numbers used for lottery of pre-read effects, decorative design random numbers used for lottery of decorative symbols, variable effect pattern random numbers used for lottery of decorative design variation effects, For example, a preliminary lottery random number used for the lottery, a big hit effect pattern random number used for the lottery of the big hit effect pattern, a stage lottery random number used for the transition lottery of the effect stage, and the like are included. The update time of these random numbers is updated using the remaining time when command analysis is not performed in the effect control side main process described later (when no effect control command is received from the main control board 100). To do.

  The effect supervising means 220 includes an effect mode control means 221, a hold information display control means 222, a prefetch notice control means 223, a fluctuating effect control means 224, a decorative symbol control means 225, a notice effect control means 226, a jackpot effect control means 227, and a prize. Production control processing 228 is included.

The effect mode control means 221 is based on the game state designation command from the main control board 100, and in the form of taking the consistency with the game state and the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side, The transition control is also executed. In this embodiment, a normal effect mode and a probability change effect mode are set as two types of game effect modes, and even if the variation pattern of the special symbol instructed from the main control board 100 is the same, each effect mode is different. The variation effect pattern (detailed later) for specifying the specific contents of the symbol variation effect is set to be different. On the effect display device 70, an effect mode notification image (in this example, a background image to be displayed on the back of the decorative symbol) corresponding to the effect mode in which the user is currently staying is displayed, and the background images are different for each effect mode. Since it is set, the player can recognize which effect mode he is currently staying in from the type of background image. The normal effect mode is set when the normal variation state is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and “normal background” is displayed as the background image. The probability variation effect mode is set when the shortened variation state β is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and “probability variation background” is displayed as the background image. As will be described in detail later, in addition to the background image, the specific effect display area 705 set on the screen is displayed in any of the game effect modes (the normal effect mode and the probability change effect mode). A meter image is displayed (see FIG. 15, FIG. 25, etc.), and a meter effect for updating the level of the meter image is executed based on the game balls entering the general winning openings 61-64.

  The holding information display control means 222 includes a first reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated reserved balls of the first special symbol, and a second reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated reserved balls of the second special symbol. Have. When the holding information display control means 222 receives the symbol storage number command from the main control board 100, the holding information display control means 222 updates (adds) the value of the corresponding counter based on the information on the number of the operation holding balls included in this command. On the other hand, the hold information display control means 222 updates (subtracts) the value of the corresponding counter when receiving the change start command from the main control board 100, that is, when the operation hold ball is consumed. In addition, the hold information display control unit 222 applies the action hold ball of the first special symbol to the hold display portions 701 and 702 of the effect display device 70 based on the values of the first hold ball number counter and the second hold ball number counter. Control is performed to display the number of reserved images corresponding to the number and the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of active reserved balls of the second special symbol. In this example, when a special design actuating ball is generated, a normal image of the reserved image is displayed, and when a prefetching notice effect (holding change prefetching effect) described later is executed, this prefetching is performed. The hold image that is the target of the change from the normal display mode to the special display mode. Details of the hold image will be described later (specifically, refer to FIG. 8).

  The prefetching notice control means 223 performs a prefetching determination (referred to as “prefetching lottery”) with respect to the operation holding ball that is the target of the prefetching notice effect. The pre-reading notice effect is a so-called continuous notice effect that predicts the possibility of a big win or a high expectation effect (for example, a reach effect) over one or a plurality of fluctuation displays before the action-holding ball to be pre-read is consumed. It is generated as one aspect. At this time, the pre-read lottery is executed based on information on a prior determination result included in the prior determination command from the main control board 100. Here, when the pre-reading notice control means 223 receives the pre-determination command from the main control board 100, the pre-determination command information of the first special symbol and the pre-determination result information of the second special symbol are distinguished from each other, respectively. Up to a predetermined upper limit number (4), it is temporarily stored in the pre-read information storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 in combination with the order of entering the operation-holding balls. This prefetch information storage area has the same configuration as the reserved storage area of the main control board 100, and in the order of entering the start ports 51 and 52, the reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area), A hold 2 storage area (second hold storage area), a hold 3 storage area (third hold storage area), and a hold 4 storage area (fourth hold storage area) are provided. Each reserved storage area can store information on the result of prior determination, information on the design prior determination result, and information on the variation pattern prior determination result as a set. The information of the prior determination result is stored in the order of the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area, while the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 Digested in order of storage area (first-in first-out principle). In addition, when the information on the predetermination result of the hold 1 storage area is digested, the information on the predetermination result stored in the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is stored in the lower number storage areas. While shifting, the contents of the reserved 4 storage area are cleared to zero.

Here, the reserved image in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the reserved image in the present embodiment. As described above, in the predetermined area in the screen of the effect display device 70, the first hold display unit 701 for displaying the hold image corresponding to the operation hold ball of the first special symbol, and the second special symbol A second hold display unit 702 is provided for displaying a hold image corresponding to the number of active hold balls. In a normal display mode, when a special symbol of an operation holding ball is generated, a holding image with a circle “◯” is displayed, and when the operation holding ball is digested, the corresponding holding image is lost. The reserved images are displayed in order according to the order in which the special symbols actuated on-hold balls are generated (the order of entering the balls), and a maximum of four can be displayed on each of the on-hold display units 701 and 702. Therefore, the first hold display unit 701 has four hold display areas X11, X12, X13, and X14 that can display the hold images of the first special symbol,
The second hold display unit 702 includes four hold display areas X21, X22, X23, and X24 that can display hold images of the second special symbol, respectively. The hold display areas X11 and X21 correspond to the hold image of hold 1, the hold display areas X12 and X22 correspond to the hold image of hold 2, the hold display areas X13 and X23 correspond to the hold image of hold 3, and the hold display Regions X14 and X24 correspond to the hold image of hold 4. In addition, a hold digest display area 703 is provided between the hold display portions 701 and 702, and when the earliest hold 1 is digested, the hold image of the hold 1 is transferred to the hold digest display area 703. It moves and is displayed as a hold image corresponding to the change (displayed until the change is stopped). That is, the reserved digest display area 703 is an area for displaying the reserved image digested this time (the reserved image of the hold 0).

  In the first hold display section 701, every time the action holding ball of the first special symbol is generated, one hold image in order from the hold display area X11 (the hold image of hold 1, hold 2, hold 3, hold 4). Is displayed, and every time the operation holding ball of the first special symbol is digested, the holding image (holding image of holding 0) displayed in the holding digest display area X10 disappears and the holding display area X11 -The hold images displayed on X14 (hold images 1 to 4) are shifted one by one to the right. Similarly, in the second hold display unit 702, each time a second action special action ball is generated, a hold image is additionally displayed one by one in order from the hold display area X21. Each time the reserved ball is digested, the reserved image displayed in the reserved digest display area X20 (the reserved image of the hold 0) disappears, and the reserved images displayed in the reserved display areas X22 to X24 (hold 1 to hold) 4 on-hold images) are shifted one by one to the left.

  In the hold change pre-reading effect, display of the hold image (hold image corresponding to the trigger hold) targeted for the pre-read lottery among the hold images displayed on the hold display units 701 and 702 based on the result of the above-described prior determination. An effect of changing the mode from the normal mode (white display) to the special mode (special color display) is performed. In this example, six types of “white”, “blue”, “green”, “red”, “gold”, and “rainbow” are prepared as display modes (display colors) of the reserved image. Hereinafter, the white display (default) hold image that is a normal display mode is also referred to as a “normal hold image”, and the special display modes blue, green display, red display, gold display, and rainbow display hold image Is also referred to as “special reserved image”. In the drawing, six display modes of “white”, “blue”, “green”, “red”, “gold”, and “rainbow” are displayed in white circles “◯” indicating the reserved images. It is expressed by appending the name of the color to the above. The above six types of display modes used in this pending change prefetching effect are related to the reliability that the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit (referred to as “big hit reliability”), and “white”, “blue”, “ The jackpot reliability is set to be higher step by step in the order of “green”, “red”, “gold”, and “rainbow”. Note that the “rainbow-colored” reserved image means a reserved image in which the big win is confirmed. Therefore, when a “rainbow-colored” reserved image appears or when the reserved image changes to “rainbow-colored”, it is ensured that the big win is won in the symbol variation display related to the reserved image (operating reserved ball). The In this example, in addition to the six types of hold images (normal hold image and special hold image), a special hold image (a hold image having a special display mode) for notifying the development destination of SP reach is prepared. . This special reserved image is, for example, a reserved image in which the characters “special” are displayed in a white circle, and it is predicted that it will develop into a special SP reach effect in variable display. This special reserved image will be described in detail in the first modification of the present embodiment. In the hold change prefetching effect, the change in the display mode of the hold image may be expressed by a shape, a pattern, or the like instead of the display color.

Based on the information (variation pattern information, variation additional information, etc.) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100, the variation effect control means 224 is a variation process (effect process) from the variation start to the stop in the decorative symbol variation display. ) Is determined by lottery. The variation effect control means 224 holds a plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation effect pattern, and a variation pattern (variation time of a special symbol) is selected from the plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables. ) Is selected. Here, a main variation pattern (for example, “strong SP reach” or the like) of a special symbol is determined on the main control board 100 side, whereas an effect display process scenario is created on the side of the effect control board 200 based on the main variation pattern. The sub-variation pattern (for example, “strong SP reach A, B...”, Etc.) of the decorative design defined in detail is determined.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a variation effect pattern table. In the figure, for convenience of explanation, “selection rate” is shown, but in actuality, a determination value (range of random values) for determining a variation effect pattern is set according to a random effect pattern random value. The variation pattern is determined based on which determination value the variation effect pattern random value belongs to. In the illustrated variation effect pattern table, one or more variation effect patterns are associated with each variation pattern of the special symbol. A random number value (number of determination values) is assigned to the variation pattern of outliers and the big hit variation pattern so that one of a plurality of types of variation effect patterns can be selected. Specifically, regarding the variation pattern of deviation, the variation effect pattern PEX11 for the variation pattern PX1, the variation effect pattern PEX21 for the variation pattern PX2, the variation effect pattern PEX31 for the variation pattern PX3, and the variation pattern PX4. Fluctuation effect patterns PEX41-42 are associated with variation effect patterns PEX41-42, variation effect patterns PEX51-53 are associated with variation pattern PX6, variation effect patterns PEX61-63 are associated with variation pattern PX6, and variation effect patterns PEX71-73 are associated with variation pattern PX7. Yes. On the other hand, regarding the big hit variation pattern, the variation effect patterns PEY41 to 42 for the variation pattern PY4, the variation effect patterns PEY51 to 53 for the variation pattern PY5, the variation effect patterns PEY61 to 63 for the variation pattern PY6, and the variation pattern. Fluctuation effect patterns PEY71-73 are associated with PY7.

  Here, each variation effect pattern specifies the content of the variation effect including the reach effect and the pseudo continuous variation effect. In the present embodiment, non-reach production (shortening fluctuation production, normal fluctuation production), N reach production, L reach production, SP reach production, pseudo continuous fluctuation production, etc. are set as the design fluctuation production. N reach production is the remaining one row (typically the middle) in the state where the same decorative design is stopped in two rows (typically the left column and the right column) of the three rows of decorative symbols (so-called reach state). If the decorative design in the column) stops, it will be a big hit. The L reach effect is an effect in which the variation time after the reach state is formed is longer than the N reach effect. The SP effect is a reach effect that has a higher expectation degree of jackpot than the above-mentioned N reach or L reach. . Pseudo continuous variation effect (also referred to as “pseudo ream” for short) is that a pattern is temporarily stopped during a single variation display of a decorative pattern, so that a plurality of variations are displayed in a pseudo manner. It is a fluctuating production to show. This quasi-continuous variation effect is configured to execute a re-variation display that starts variation again once or more after all three rows of decorative symbols have been temporarily stopped temporarily. In the variable display including the reach effect, the pseudo-ream is executed and displayed at a stage before the reach state is formed. As the number of the pseudo-ream increases, it is possible to expect a reach effect with a high degree of expectation of big hit. Yes. In the figure, “pseudo 1” means that the re-variable display is performed once, “pseudo 2” means that the re-variable display is performed twice, and “pseudo 3” means that the re-variable display is three times. Means to be done. In this way, the variation display pattern of the decorative design defines a variation display mode of the decorative design, that is, a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the start of variation of the decorative design to the end of the variation. The timing for generating the notice effect at the stage is also defined as a time schedule. In addition, even if the variation pattern of the special symbol is the same (even when the variation start command of the same information is received), the decoration design variation effect pattern is mutually produced if the effect mode during the stay is different. Variation production patterns having different contents can be selected. That is, the variation effect pattern table is prepared for each effect mode during the stay (in the example shown, only a common variation effect pattern table that does not depend on the effect mode is prepared for convenience).

  The decoration symbol control means 225 is based on the information (stop symbol information, game state information) included in the change start command from the main control board 100 and the above-described variation effect pattern determined by the variation effect control means 224. The final combination of symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) is determined by lottery. Although details will be described later, in this example, three symbol sequences including a plurality of types of decorative symbols are configured, and these decorative symbols are formed by identification elements made up of numbers or the like, for example. The decorative symbol control means 225 holds a plurality of types of stop symbol pattern tables that are referred to when a combination of stop symbols of decorative symbols (also referred to as “stop symbol pattern”) is determined by lottery. As the plural types of tables, there are a stop symbol pattern table for big hits, a stop symbol pattern table for small hits, a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach, a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach. The decorative symbol stop symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols: “stop symbol indicating big hit (big hit symbol)”, “stop symbol indicating small hit (small hit symbol)” and “stop symbol indicating loss (Exclusion symbol) ". The big hit symbol indicating the specific big hit (probable big hit) is a combination of stop modes (for example, “7 · 7 · 7”) in which three symbols having the same odd number are arranged. The big hit symbol indicating the normal big hit (non-probable big hit) is a combination of stop modes (for example, “2.2-2.2”) in which three symbols with the same even number are arranged. The off symbol is a combination of stop modes (for example, “1 · 3 · 8”) in which at least one of the three symbols is a symbol having a number different from the other numbers. Here, of the out-of-order symbols, the out-of-reach symbol is a combination of stop modes in which only the middle symbol is shifted back and forth by several frames in a state where the left symbol and the right symbol are coincident (for example, “3 · 1 · 3”). Become. In the case of a small hit symbol, a big hit symbol or a 2R big hit symbol, there may be a combination of predetermined stop modes such as “3, 5, 7”. In addition, when the lottery result is out of reach, a specific outcome called a so-called “chance” may be selected. Furthermore, in the case of performing an effect of displaying a temporary stop before final display of the final stop symbol, such as a pseudo continuous effect (so-called pseudo ream), the temporary stop symbol is selected. When displaying a chance or temporary stop symbol, a special decorative symbol displaying characters such as “CHANCE” and “NEXT (pseudo continuous variation suggestion symbol)” is displayed on at least one of the three symbols. In some cases, the stop symbols are replaced and displayed. The stop order for stopping the decorative symbols is predetermined for each variation effect pattern described below. In this embodiment, in principle, the decorative symbols are stopped in the order of left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol. However, if it is a variation effect pattern of a shortened variation with the variation time set to be extremely short, the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol are stopped almost simultaneously, and if it is a special variation effect pattern, the right symbol → It can also be stopped in the order of middle symbol → left symbol, and in this case, the big hit expectation tends to be relatively high.

The notice effect control means 226 draws a notice effect pattern that defines the contents of the notice effect that is executed at each stage of the decorative symbol change process according to the change effect pattern scenario determined by the change effect control means 224. Determined by The notice effect pattern includes an effect pattern that displays an image or animation of a specific character temporarily or stepwise, an effect pattern that outputs a specific sound, an effect pattern that operates a movable accessory, and the like. The notice effect is executed in parallel with the variation display of the decorative symbol and suggests in advance that the jackpot reliability that the symbol variation stops in the jackpot mode is high. The notice effect includes a notice effect that is executed before the reach state occurs (including when the reach occurs) in the process of changing the decorative symbol, and a notice effect that is executed after the reach state occurs. Each of the notice effects has different jackpot reliability, and basically, the notice effect that is displayed after the occurrence of reach is relatively higher than the notice effect that is displayed before the reach occurs. It is high. The notice effect control means 226 holds the notice lottery table that is referred to when selecting the notice effect pattern for each kind of notice effect, and the notice corresponding to the type of the notice effect generated according to the scenario of the variable effect pattern. A lottery table is selected. As specific types of notice effects, for example, comment notice effects, background notice effects, SU (step-up) notice effects, logo notice effects, mini-character notice effects, group notice effects, and accessory notice effects are prepared. ing. This notice effect is basically a variable display of decorative symbols on the effect display device 70,
This is done by synthesizing the display of one or more notice effects. For this reason, even in the case of decorative display variation display using the same variation production pattern, various production modes can be generated by combining with one or a plurality of notice productions.

  The big hit effect control means 227 determines the contents of the big hit effect (hit hit effect pattern) for notifying that the special game is being played. The big hit effect includes a start demonstration effect for notifying the start of a special game, a round effect for notifying that a round game is in progress, and an end demonstration effect for notifying the end of a special game. When the jackpot effect determining means 227 receives the jackpot start demo command from the main control board 100, the jackpot effect pattern (start demo effect pattern, round effect, etc.) based on the jackpot type information stored in the sub main information storage means 260, etc. Pattern, end demo production pattern). In this jackpot production pattern, a jackpot start demonstration production time, a round production time (production time according to the opening pattern of the big prize opening 54) and a jackpot end demonstration production time are set according to the type of jackpot. A series of production contents are set along the time axis. In addition, the jackpot effect determining means 227 executes the start demonstration effect in response to receiving the jackpot start demo command from the main control board 100 according to the jackpot effect pattern, and receives each round effect designation command as an opportunity. An effect is executed, and an end demo effect is executed when a jackpot end demo command is received. In the big hit start demonstration effect, for example, the word “big hit start” is displayed on the screen to announce the start of the special game. Further, in the round effect, for example, the number of rounds currently being executed and the number of winning prize balls are displayed on the screen, and various images (such as animation images) that excite the special game are displayed. In the big hit end demonstration effect, for example, the word “end big hit” is displayed on the screen to notify the end of the special game.

  The winning effect control means 228 determines the contents of the winning effect that is executed when a game ball has entered various winning holes. In the present embodiment, a winning effect in the normal state, a winning effect in the probability variation state, and a winning effect in the special game state are set as the winning effects. The specific contents of the winning effect will be described later.

  As described above, the production control unit 220 generates the image control command related to the image and the sound based on the determined production content (prefetching production pattern, variation production pattern, notice production pattern, stop design pattern, jackpot production pattern, etc.) This is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

  The lamp control means 230 controls lighting of the effect lamp, emission color, and the like according to the effect contents set by the effect control means 220. The lamp control means 230 holds a plurality of types of lamp data (lamp pattern data) for controlling lighting of the effect lamp LP (frame lamp 10, panel lamp 80), and lamp data corresponding to the determined effect pattern. , And this lamp control signal (lamp data) is transmitted to the lamp connection board 91.

  The accessory control means 240 controls the driving of each movable accessory 24 in accordance with the effect contents set by the effect control means 220. The accessory control means 240 holds a plurality of types of drive data for driving and controlling the movable accessory 24, and transmits a drive control signal (drive data) corresponding to the determined effect pattern to the motor driver 92. .

  The error effect control means 250 is configured to determine an error effect pattern when an error effect designation command is received from the main control board 100 and to notify the gaming machine that an error state has occurred according to the error effect pattern. Yes.

The sub-main information storage means 260 is configured to temporarily store decoration symbol information, variation effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, control command information, and the like, and a predetermined number for storing each information. A storage area is provided. For example, in the command storage area, an effect control command buffer for storing an effect control command from the main control board 100, an image control command buffer for storing an image control command to the image control board 300, and an image control board 300 ACK command buffer for storing ACK commands from Each command buffer is composed of a ring buffer and can store a predetermined number of effect control commands, image control commands, and ACK commands.

  The command transmission / reception means 270 is configured to receive the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100 and store the effect control command in the effect control command buffer of the sub-main information storage means 260. The command transmission / reception means 270 generates an interruption based on the input of the strobe signal from the main control board 100 and executes the reception interrupt process (details will be described later) of the effect control command. To get. When the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the strobe signal, the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the effect control command reception interrupt process preferentially over other interrupt processes (interrupt processes with a priority level less than 7 described later). ing.

  Further, the command transmission / reception means 270 stores in the sub-main information storage means 260 in order to instruct execution of the effect contents (variation effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, decorative symbol information, etc.) set by the effect control means 220. The image control command thus transmitted is transmitted to the image control board 300 by a serial communication method. In principle, the image control command is transmitted every predetermined period (500 μs in this example) in accordance with the order set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260. Thereby, the image control board 300 analyzes various image control commands transmitted from the effect control board 200, and causes the effect display device 70 to variably display the effect image including the decorative design according to the scenario of the change effect pattern. The notice effect is displayed in the form of being superimposed on the design variation effect at each stage of the variation display process. Further, the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the ACK command transmitted from the image control board 300 and stores this ACK command in the ACK command buffer of the sub-main information storage means 260.

[Game system]
Next, a gaming system S provided with the gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) PM having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gaming system S. As shown in FIG.

  The gaming system S includes one or more gaming machines (pachinko gaming machines) PM installed in a gaming store, an information terminal JT possessed by a player, a communication network (public communication line) TN represented by the Internet, etc. And a server SV. A player can use a service (referred to as a “game information providing service”) provided by the gaming system S by operating his / her information terminal JT to register as a member in the server SV.

  The gaming machine PM is configured to be capable of storing information on the history of games executed at the gaming machine PM (game history), and can generate and display a two-dimensional code including this gaming history information. It has become. Here, the game history means various histories related to the game, such as the number of times the special symbol is changed and displayed, the number of jackpots, the number of consecutive games, and the points given by the mini game. Note that the game information providing service in the gaming machine PM is mainly executed on the effect control board 200.

The information terminal JT is an electronic device that can use a Web browser, such as a mobile phone, a smart device, and a notebook personal computer, and can establish communication with the server SV via the communication network TN. The information terminal JT is assumed to have a camera function capable of reading a two-dimensional code. The information terminal JT can acquire game history information from the gaming machine PM based on the two-dimensional code displayed on the gaming machine PM.

  The communication network TN includes a mobile phone network, the Internet, a LAN, a dedicated line (CATV line), and the like, and communicatively connects the information terminal JT and the server SV via a communication base station.

  The server SV has a function as a Web server for constructing a Web site, and establishes communication with the information terminal JT via the communication network, so that various information in response to a request from the information terminal JT is established. Various services such as exchange (for example, accumulation of information acquired by the information terminal JT) is provided.

  When a player starts a game with the gaming machine PM, the player accesses the server SV through the information terminal JT. When the server SV receives an access from the information terminal JT, the server SV acquires unique information (manufacturing number and user ID) of the information terminal JT, and acquires game history information associated with the unique information. The server SV issues a password and transmits this password to the information terminal JT. The player logs in by entering the password acquired from the server SV from the menu screen of the gaming machine PM. The gaming machine PM authenticates the password, and when this authentication is successful, the customization of the effect becomes possible, and from now on, the accumulation and update of the game history for the game to be performed by the player is permitted. For example, in order to customize the effect, “customize setting menu” is selected on the menu screen. When the “navi character setting” item is selected from the customize setting menu, a plurality of navi characters (details will be described later) having different features such as face and physique are displayed, and a favorite navi character can be selected from among them. In this way, the player can change the effect elements such as the background, character (navigator character), BGM, music, etc. to his / her favorite by customizing the effect. Further, in the customization of the effect, the type of effect element corresponding to the point that it holds can be changed. Therefore, the number of items that can be customized increases as the accumulated points increase. Note that even for a player who is not registered as a member in the game information providing service, the time counted by the RTC (real-time clock) provided in the gaming machine PM is set to a predetermined time (periodically) for this non-member player. Or, the customization of the production is to be released when it is time (set irregularly) (Customization of the production can be performed by selecting the above "Customize setting menu") Becomes). In addition, for non-member players, it is configured so that the customization of the production is released when the actual performance value of the game such as the total number of firings and the total number of jackpots reaches a specified value instead of the RTC timekeeping time. Also good. When this specified value is set to a value that can be achieved in one day of game, the actual value data may be deleted by turning the power ON / OFF, or set to a value that can be achieved in several days. In such a case, it may not be possible to erase it by turning off the power or clearing the RAM. As will be described in detail later, points that can be used in this gaming system can be earned in a mini game or the like in the gaming machine PM.

  On the other hand, when ending the game on the gaming machine PM, the player logs out by performing a predetermined ending operation on the menu screen of the gaming machine PM. When the gaming machine PM receives a predetermined operation by the player, the gaming machine PM generates a two-dimensional code including unique information, accumulated game history information, and a URL for accessing the server SV. This is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 70. The player reads this two-dimensional code with the information terminal JT and accesses the server SV. The server SV authenticates the unique information of the player (information terminal JT). When the authentication is successful, the server SV stores the unique information and the game history information in association with each other. Thereby, the information on the game history from the start to the end of the current game (the current play result) is reflected in the information on the game history up to the previous time.

By using the game information providing service, the player can accumulate game history information in the server SV, and can obtain various benefits based on the game history information. In other words, points are included in the game history information, and the player accumulates the points so that various benefits (privileges that can be used on the information terminal JT, bonuses that can be used on the gaming machine PM). Can be obtained. A privilege is a profit that is not directly related to a gaming profit such as winning a prize ball. For example, capture information of the gaming machine PM, undisclosed information, customization of effects in the gaming machine PM, and the like. In addition, a point is a value provided according to a player's game performance.

[Various productions]
In the pachinko gaming machine PM having such a configuration, as described above, various game effects are controlled and executed by the effect control board 200 in accordance with the progress of the game. Below, among the various game effects, the navigation character effect and the winning effect controlled by the effect control unit 220 will be described in detail.

[Navigator character production]
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the effect of the navigation character effect. In the navigation character production, a navigation character image (referred to as “navigation character”) displayed in the character display area 704 at the lower left of the screen explains the progress of the game, and notifies various information related to the game and production. It is an effect to navigate the player. The navigation character is always displayed as a common effect that is basically unrelated to the game state and the effect mode, and for example, a message, a motion, an effect and the like are generated in a timely manner, thereby exhibiting the navigation function. In this embodiment, a plurality of types of navigation characters A, B, and C are set, and at a predetermined timing (when the customization of the effect is set, every predetermined number of fluctuations, every execution of a special effect described later, and when the effect mode is changed) Etc.), the player operates the effect button 15 or the like to select one of the navigation characters A, B, and C displayed on the screen. By selecting, the selected navigation character is displayed in the character display area 704. In the illustrated example, the navigation character A is selected from a plurality of types of navigation characters A, B, and C. If none of the navigation characters A, B, and C are selected by the player, the navigation character A is automatically set as a default. In addition, a specific example of the navigation character effect will be described again in the later-described winning effect.

[Winning production]
The winning effect is an effect that is executed in association with a game ball entering into various winning openings. Therefore, the winning effect is executed when a game ball has entered a variety of winning holes, or when a predetermined execution condition based on the entering of a game ball into the winning port is satisfied. In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a winning effect that is executed in association with a game ball entering the general winning ports 61 to 64 or the big winning port 54 among various winning ports.

12 to 14 are time charts for explaining the flow of winning effects in the present embodiment. This winning effect is set for each of the various game states, and is configured such that the effect mode can vary depending on the game state during the stay. Here, the gaming state is roughly divided into a non-special gaming state and a special gaming state. The non-special game state is a non-hit state where a special game is not being executed, and the special game state is a state where a special game is being executed. In addition, the non-special game state in this example is classified into a normal state (normal game state) and a probability change state (probability change game state). When the gaming state is the normal state, basically, the left-handed game ball is launched into the left area PA1 to aim at the first starting port 51. As a result, only the first starting port 51 is used. There is also a chance to enter the general winning entries 61-63. In addition, when the gaming state is a probabilistic state, basically, since the game ball is launched to the right area PA2 by hitting the right side and aims at entering the second starting port 52, not only the second starting port 52 but also Entering the general winning opening 64 is also expected. On the other hand, when the gaming state is the special gaming state (when a big hit is made in the normal state or the probability variation state), basically, the game ball is launched to the right area PA2 by hitting right and entering the big prize opening 54. Therefore, not only the grand prize opening 54 but also the general prize opening 64 is expected. In adopting the board surface configuration shown in FIG. 1 as described above, regardless of the game state, a game ball is expected to enter the general winning openings 61 to 64, and the ball is entered. Accordingly, various winning effects are generated. Now, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, (1) a winning effect in the normal state, (2) a winning effect in the special game state, and (3) a winning effect in the probability variation state will be described in order.

<A. Winning effect in normal condition>
First, the winning effect in the normal state will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, when the game state is the normal state, (A1) the game ball is the general winning opening 61 as a winning effect executed in association with the game ball entering the general winning openings 61 to 63. -Achievement status that informs the achievement status until a predetermined execution condition is established based on the general winning notification effect for notifying that the player has entered the ball to 63, and (A2) entering the game ball to the general winning ports 61 to 63 A notification effect and (A3) a special effect that is executed based on the establishment of a predetermined execution condition are set. The winning effect in the normal state is to enter a game ball into the general winning ports 61 to 63 arranged in the left area PA1 among the plurality of general winning ports 61 to 64 in order to correspond to the left-handed game described above. Based on winning prize based. In this embodiment, “the game ball enters the general winning openings 61 to 63” means (a) that the game ball wins the general winning openings 61 to 63, and (b) the left general winning opening switch. It means any one or a combination of the following: detecting a game ball entry at 611; and (c) receiving a general prize opening prize command from the main control board 100. Here, FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a basic screen 1 of a winning effect in a normal state, and FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a basic screen 2 of a winning effect in a normal state.

<< A1. General prize announcement production≫
The general winning notification effect is an effect of notifying that the game ball has entered the general winning openings 61-63. The general winning notification effect is executed when the left general winning opening switch 611 detects that a game ball has entered and receives a left general winning opening winning command from the main control board 100. As the general winning notification effect, a lamp effect that lights up the winning notification lamps 81 to 83 arranged in the vicinity of the general winning openings 61 to 63, or an effect image is displayed around the navigation character on the screen of the effect display device 70. Includes effect production. In addition, as long as this general winning notification effect is configured by any one or a combination of image display, lamp lighting, sound effect, and the like, other effect modes may be used. For example, in addition to the lamp effect and the effect effect, a navigation character action effect in which the navigation character performs a predetermined operation may be added.

  The lamp effect is an effect in which a game ball entering the general winning opening 61 is associated with lighting of the winning notification lamps 81 to 83. The winning notification lamps 81 to 83 are arranged in the vicinity of the general winning openings 61 to 63, and the general winning openings 61 to 63 and the winning notification lamps 81 to 83 are used for executing the general winning notification effect (lamp effect). Have a one-to-one correspondence. Specifically, the winning notification lamp 81 is disposed between the general winning opening 61 and the character display area 704 at the lower left of the screen, and lights up when a game ball enters the general winning opening 61. The winning notification lamp 82 is disposed between the general winning opening 62 and the character display area 704 at the lower left of the screen, and lights up when a game ball enters the general winning opening 62. The winning notification lamp 83 is disposed between the general winning opening 63 and the character display area 704 at the lower left of the screen, and lights up when a game ball enters the general winning opening 63. FIG. 15 shows a state where the winning notification lamp 81 is lit.

Each of the winning notification lamps 81 to 83 is lit according to a predetermined light emission pattern determined in accordance with the progress status of the game or effect (achievement status of the special effect 1 execution condition described later). The light emission pattern is a pattern for specifying the light emission mode (light emission color, light emission luminance, light emission time, number of times of light emission, flashing pattern, etc.) of the winning notification lamps 81 to 83, and depends on the achievement status of the special effect 1 execution condition. Thus, one of a plurality of types of light emission patterns is selected. As will be described in detail later, the special effect 1 execution condition is a condition for executing the special effect 1 (the LIVE effect in this example), and that a specified number of game balls have entered the general winning openings 61-63. Established as an opportunity. Here, FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a light emission pattern table of the winning notification lamps 81-83. In this example, “blue”, “green”, “red”, and “rainbow” are set as the light emission patterns (light emission colors) of the winning notification lamps 81 to 83, and “blue” <“green” < In the order of “red” <“rainbow”, the expected degree of establishment of the special effect 1 execution condition is notified. Specifically, when the achievement state of the special effect 1 execution condition is the early stage (meter counter: 1 to 6), the “blue” light emission pattern, and the achievement state of the special effect 1 execution condition is the middle stage (meter counter: 7 When the achievement status of the special effect 1 execution condition is the final stage (meter counter: 14 to 19), the “red” light emission pattern and the special effect 1 execution condition Is achieved (meter counter: 20), the “rainbow” light emission pattern is selected. By utilizing such a visual effect on the change in the light emission color (light emission pattern), it is possible to suggest to the player the progress of the special performance 1 execution condition (meter image). Here, the light emission effect by the winning notification lamps 81 to 83 is such that lightning occurs between the winning ports 61 to 63 and the character display area 704 (navigator character) based on the balls entering the general winning ports 61 to 63. The light emission mode is performed. For example, the plurality of LEDs constituting the winning notification lamps 81 to 83 are sequentially lit (variably displayed) in the order in which they are arranged from the lower side (general winning port) to the upper side (screen), thereby navigating from the general winning ports 61 to 63. Emits lightning as if lightning runs towards the character.

  The effect effect is an effect of displaying an effect image for enhancing the visual effect on the screen when the game ball enters the general winning openings 61 to 63. In the effect presentation in this example, the effect image is displayed in a predetermined display manner around the navigation character on the screen. This effect presentation is executed in synchronization with the above-described lamp presentation (for example, an effect is generated immediately after the winning notification lamps 81 to 83 are lit). In other words, by linking the lamp effect and the effect effect, the navigation character on the screen was hit by lightning (lightning of the lightning-shaped lamp) generated based on the game ball entering the general winning openings 61-63. Such a feeling can be given to the player, and the player can be strongly impressed by entering the general winning openings 61-63. Note that the lamp effect and the effect effect can be further associated by setting the display color of the effect image to be the same as the emission color of the winning notification lamps 81 to 83.

  When the game state is the normal state (when the game should be left-handed), if the game ball enters the general winning opening 64 in the right area PA2, the player must make a right-hand hit. An effect (attention notification effect) for calling attention so as not to occur is executed. In the caution notification effect, for example, a message instructing the left turn by the navigation character is displayed on the screen, or the winning notification lamp 84 arranged in the vicinity of the general winning opening 64 is turned on in a special light emission mode (for example, high luminance) The player is informed that the game ball should be launched toward the left area PA1 (left-handed). Note that, as the caution notification effect, for example, a voice “please left-handed” (left-handed instruction voice) may be output from the speaker 11.

<< A2. Achievement notification effect≫
The achievement status notification effect is an effect for notifying the achievement status of the special effect 1 execution condition. In other words, the achievement status notifying effect is an effect of updating the execution condition determination information based on the game balls entering the general winning ports 61 to 63. Here, the execution condition determination information is updated by a predetermined number in response to one game ball entering the general winning openings 61 to 63 in order to determine whether or not the special performance 1 execution condition is satisfied. Information (incoming ball number correspondence information). Here, the predetermined number means that a fixed value “1” is set for one incoming game ball (that is, a 1: 1 correspondence), but a plurality of values of “2” or more are set. It may be set (that is, 1: correspondence relationship of a plurality of values), or may be a variable value that changes according to a lottery or a game situation. The achievement status notification effect in this example includes, as a component, a meter effect that notifies the achievement status of the special effect 1 execution condition according to the display mode of a predetermined effect image. The meter effect is an effect of changing the level of a meter image (an image imitating a meter) displayed on the screen when a game ball has entered the general winning openings 61 to 63.

  In the present embodiment, in order to manage the number of meters in the meter image, a meter counter C1 for counting the number of game balls entering the general winning ports 61 to 63 is provided. The count value of the meter counter C1 is updated every time the ball enters the .about.63. Therefore, the number of meters in the meter image is updated based on the count value of the meter counter C1. That is, the number of meters in the meter image corresponds to the count value of the meter counter C1. The meter counter C1 counts the number of balls received from the general winning ports 61 to 63, and does not count the number of balls received from the general winning port 64. That is, the number of meters in the meter image is updated based on the number of balls received from the general winning ports 61 to 63, but the number of balls received from the general winning port 64 is not related. The meter counter C1 is cleared to zero when the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied (when the variable display is in progress, at the end of the variable display). Then, the meter counter C1 starts (restarts) counting from the start of the next variable display (at the start of the special effect).

  The meter image is displayed in a specific effect display area 705 provided under the screen of the effect display device 70, and the achievement status of the special effect 1 execution condition (the meter image of the meter image) is displayed by the navigation character displayed in the character display area 704 in the vicinity thereof. Update status) is explained in a timely manner. The meter image is formed in a horizontally long belt shape, and a scale (a predetermined number of scales set in advance: 20 scales) is attached to the inside of the meter image. In this meter production, the number of meters increases by one scale each time one game ball enters one of the general winning ports 61 to 63, and the number of game balls that enter the general winning ports 61 to 63 is specified. By reaching the number (20 in this example), the number of meters increases to the specified number of scales (when 20 winnings are generated in the general winning opening and the display mode of the meter image reaches the final stage) Therefore, the special performance execution condition 1 is established. An example of the meter effect will be described later (specifically, refer to FIG. 19).

  In the present embodiment, when the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied, the special effect 1 is not started from the time when the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied. When the start condition (special effect 1 start condition) is satisfied, the special effect 1 is started. The special effect 1 start condition is established when a predetermined executable timing has arrived. The feasible timing in this example is when a variation start command is first received from the main control board 100 (when the next variation display is started) on the basis of when the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied. For this reason, the special effect 1 is not started in the variable display at the time when the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied (in the middle of the variable display), and the special effect 1 is started at the timing when the next variable display is started. In addition, when the variation display when the special performance 1 execution condition is achieved is the variation display of the big hit occurrence, the variation display immediately after the end of the special game (the first variation display after the end of the special game) Special production starts at the start. However, if the game state after the end of a special game becomes a probable change state, not the change display immediately after the end of the special game, but the change display immediately after the end of the probabilistic state (immediately after the transition from the probabilistic state to the normal state) The special effect 1 is started at the start of the fluctuation display). The reason is that the special effect 1 is a special effect that is executed when the game state is the normal state, and another special effect (special effect 2) is prepared when the game state is the probable state. Because.

<< A3. Special production 1 >>
As shown in FIG. 16, the special effect 1 is an effect (also referred to as a “Live effect”) for reproducing and displaying a PV video of a music performance on the screen of the effect display device 70. In this special effect 1, a PV image of a song (in this example, one song) corresponding to the type of navigation character displayed on the screen is displayed. Therefore, the special effect in this example is set to an effect scale of about 3 to 5 minutes corresponding to one music piece. The special effect mode 1 is set for a certain period of time when a predetermined execution condition (special effect 1 execution condition) is satisfied, separately from the game effect mode (normal effect mode, probability change effect mode) described above. It is the production as. Therefore, in the following, the effect mode in which the special effect 1 is performed is also referred to as “special effect mode”. Note that, unlike the game effect mode, the special effect mode is a mode that is not related to effect lotteries such as variable effects. Therefore, even when the special effect mode is set, the game effect mode is set internally, and the effect lottery corresponding to the game effect mode is executed. When the special effect mode is set, the effect image of the special effect 1 is positioned in a higher layer than the background image of the normal effect mode as the layer structure of the image, and the sound channel of the variable effect is used for the sound. And the audio channel corresponding to the special effect, the background image display and the audio output corresponding to the LIVE effect are executed while staying in the special effect mode. Yes.

  As described above, the special effect 1 is not limited to the normal LIVE effect that is executed when the execution condition of the special effect 1 is satisfied and the predetermined executable timing has arrived. A special LIVE effect that is executed when the execution condition of the special effect 1 is established again during execution is included. In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of LIVE effect patterns (normal LIVE effect patterns and special LIVE effect patterns) for specifying PV images to be reproduced and displayed as special effects 1 are prepared.

  FIG. 18A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a normal LIVE effect pattern table. In the normal LIVE effect pattern table, a plurality of normal LIVE effect patterns (that is, a plurality of types of PV images for one navigation character) are set for each type of navigation character, and the navigation character displayed on the screen is displayed. Any one of a plurality of normal LIVE performance patterns is selected according to the type. In the present embodiment, any one of the normal LIVE effect patterns is selected from a plurality of types of normal LIVE effect patterns according to a predetermined order. For example, when the navigation character A is displayed on the screen, the corresponding normal LIVE effect patterns PA1 to PA9 are selected, and the normal LIVE effect pattern PA1 → normal LIVE effect pattern PA2 → ... → normal LIVE effect pattern The effect patterns are selected in the order of PA8 → normal LIVE effect pattern PA9 → normal LIVE effect pattern PA1. Here, the normal LIVE effect pattern may be selected by another method, for example, may be selected by random lottery (random selection) or player button operation. An example of the effect of the normal LIVE effect will be described later (specifically, refer to FIG. 19).

As described above, the special effect 1 is started from the next variable display when the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied. Therefore, the special effect 1 can be executed in parallel with the variable display of the decorative symbol. At this time, the special effect 1 is preferentially displayed over the variation display (variation effect) of the decorative symbol, and the special effect 1 is displayed largely at the approximate center of the screen while the variation of the decorative symbol is displayed. The display is reduced and displayed toward the edge of the screen (specifically, see FIG. 16 and the like). In connection with this, while the special effect 1 is being executed, the effect lottery for the effects (reach effect, pseudo-continuous effect, notice effect, etc.) associated with the change display of the decorative symbols is executed as usual (each Although the effect pattern is determined), the accompanying effect itself is basically not displayed on the screen or is simply displayed. In other words, in this example, the decorative symbol variation display is reduced and displayed on the screen edge, but the accompanying effect is not displayed in the original effect mode, but instead is simply displayed on the screen. is there. For example, if a pseudo-run occurs during the variation display of the decorative symbol, information for notifying the number of the pseudo-run in advance (“× 2” for pseudo-2, “× 3” for pseudo-3, If it is pseudo 4, “× 4”) is displayed. In addition, when an intense heat reach effect (in this example, a strong SP reach effect) occurs, information that informs the occurrence of the reach effect in advance ("Intense heat reach occurs !? 00 seconds later") Is displayed. At this time, if the player wants to see the above high expectation effect (reach effect), the player changes the current screen display (screen on which the PV video is flowing) to the normal screen display (reach effect is displayed) by a predetermined button operation. By switching to the screen that appears), that is, by ending the special performance mode, the high expectation effect can be displayed in the center of the screen, and you can fully enjoy the expectation of the big hit occurrence. ing. As a modification, during the execution of the special effect 1, the decorative symbol variation display (including the accompanying effect) may be displayed as usual on the wipe screen (small window reduced screen).

  Even during execution of the special effect 1, internally, the meter counter C1 counts the number of game balls that have entered the general winning ports 61 to 63, and the success or failure of the special effect 1 execution condition is determined. However, during the execution of the special effect 1, the meter effect (achievement status notification effect) is not executed, and the meter image is not displayed on the screen. When the special effect 1 is executed in this way, even if the meter image itself is not displayed on the screen, the special effect 1 is executed by entering a predetermined number of game balls into the general winning ports 61 to 63. The condition can be satisfied. Here, when the meter effect is not displayed, the execution of the general winning notification effect (lamp effect, effect effect) is canceled or the execution frequency is reduced, or the inconspicuous effect mode (reducing the lamp brightness, reducing the effect) Display). The reason for this is to prevent the effect of the special effect 1 from being deteriorated by interrupting a foreign effect during the execution of the special effect 1.

  At this time, if the special performance 1 execution condition is satisfied again during the execution of the special performance 1, the next time in the form of continuous connection with the special performance 1 currently being executed irrespective of the arrival of the executable timing described above. Special effect 1 (special LIVE effect) is started (when the special effect 1 currently being executed is finished, the next special effect is started). That is, the special effect 1 currently being executed and the next special effect 1 (special LIVE effect) to be newly executed are configured as a series of effects that are seamlessly connected without interruption. When the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied during execution of the special effect 1, the special LIVE effect described above is executed. Unlike the normal LIVE effect, the special LIVE effect includes an encore effect in addition to the PV video of the special music (premium music). That is, when the special LIVE effect is introduced, an encore effect that is not displayed when the normal LIVE effect is introduced is executed. The encore effect is, for example, an effect of notifying that an encore performance (the next special effect 1) will occur by displaying images in which the audience at the LIVE venue calls “encore” continuously (specifically, FIG. 20). See).

  FIG. 18B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a special LIVE effect pattern table. In the special LIVE production pattern table, a plurality of types of special LIVE production patterns (that is, a plurality of types of encore images and PV images for one navigation character) are set for each type of navigation character and displayed on the screen. Depending on the type of navigation character, one of a plurality of special LIVE performance patterns is selected. In the present embodiment, any one of the special LIVE effect patterns is selected from a plurality of types of special LIVE effect patterns according to a predetermined order. For example, when the navigation character A is displayed on the screen, the special LIVE effect patterns PA11 to PA13 corresponding thereto are selected, and the special LIVE effect pattern PA11 → the special LIVE effect pattern PA12 → the special LIVE effect pattern PA13 → The effect patterns are selected in the order of special LIVE effect patterns PA11. Here, the special LIVE effect pattern may be selected by another method, for example, may be selected by random number lottery (random selection) or player's button operation. An example of the special LIVE effect will be described later (specifically, refer to FIG. 20).

(Relationship with jackpot occurrence)
If a big hit occurs during execution of the special effect 1, the big hit effect (round effect) in the special game is replaced with a LIVE effect dedicated to the big hit, and appears when the game state is the normal state (or the probable change state) A live performance dedicated to big hits that is never done is executed. In the LIVE production dedicated to the big hit, for example, PV images such as unreleased music and music before release are reproduced. As a modification, if a big hit occurs during execution of the special effect 1, the special effect 1 (the LIVE effect) is generated before and after the big hit without interrupting the special effect 1 in the middle (at the time of the big hit). May be configured to continue. At this time, a display that prompts the player to change the launch direction based on the transition to the big hit game due to the occurrence of the big hit or the transition to the probability change gaming state after the big hit (“right-handed” for prompting the player to enter the big prize opening 54 or the electric chew Display) and a display that prompts the player to collect the media that stores the game value owned by the player ("Please remember to take the prepaid card") at a predetermined timing (same timing as during non-special effects) An image is displayed on the effect display device 70.

(Relation with error notification)
If a predetermined error occurs in the gaming machine PM during execution of the special effect 1, the error notification effect is displayed with priority over the special effect 1. For example, by setting the layer number (priority order) of the error notification effect higher than that of the special effect 1 in the image display layer structure (layered structure of layers), the special effect 1 and the error notification effect are executed in an overlapping manner. In such a case, the error notification effect image is preferentially executed over the LIVE effect by superimposing the error notification effect image on the LIVE effect image (that is, the error notification effect (the effect belonging to the higher priority layer). ) Is displayed in a conspicuous form to the player, and only a minimum display or no display is provided for the LIVE effect (the effect belonging to the lower priority layer). Here, when the error that has occurred in the gaming machine PM is canceled, an image that allows the player to select whether or not to replay the live effect is displayed on the screen by a button operation by the player, and whether or not the live effect is re-executed from the beginning. You may comprise so that selection is possible. Note that the lamp lighting and output sound also preferably conform to the image display layer structure. Here, errors occurring in the gaming machine PM include errors in paying out a prize ball and other errors. As an error in paying out a prize ball, a communication line abnormality is defined. The communication line abnormality state is a case where an abnormality is detected through communication with the payout control board 400. The communication line abnormality is canceled when the communication with the payout control board 400 can be normally performed. During the prize ball payout error, the launch of the game ball and the payout of a new prize ball are prohibited, and the variation of special symbols is prohibited. On the other hand, other errors include door / frame opening, magnetic sensor abnormality, radio wave sensor abnormality, and disconnection / short circuit power supply abnormality. When the glass frame 5, the front frame 2, or the back set panel 30 is open with respect to the outer frame 1, the door / frame opening detects a door opening switch that detects the opening of the glass frame 5, and detects the opening of the front frame 2. An error occurs when the frame opening switch or the back set opening switch for detecting the opening of the back set panel 30 is disconnected or malfunctioned. This door / frame opening is released when the gaming machine is confirmed to be normal and the glass frame 5, the front frame 2 and the back set board 30 are closed. The magnetic sensor abnormality and the radio wave sensor abnormality occur when the magnetic sensor detects magnetism, when the radio wave sensor detects radio waves, and when a breakage, short circuit, or failure of the magnetic sensor or radio wave sensor occurs. The magnetic sensor abnormality and radio wave sensor abnormality are canceled when the gaming machine is checked for abnormality and the power is turned on again. The disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality occurs when disconnection, short circuit, or failure of various switches provided on the radio wave sensor and the game board surface occurs. The disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality is canceled when the gaming machine is checked for abnormality and the power is turned on again. At this time, in the case of door / frame opening, magnetic sensor abnormality, and radio wave sensor abnormality, variation of special symbols is prohibited as processing during the error. In addition, in the case of a disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality, as a process during the error, the launching of the game ball is prohibited and the variation of the special symbol is prohibited.

  Next, an example of a winning effect in the normal state will be described. 19 and 20 are schematic diagrams showing examples of effects of winning effects in the normal state.

First, a first effect example (in the case of no encore effect) will be described with reference to FIG. As shown to (A) in a figure, when a game state is a normal state, a meter image is displayed on the screen (meter display area 705) of the effect display device 70. This meter image is displayed in a horizontally long strip shape, and a scale is added to the inside thereof. The meter image is set to 20 scales, which corresponds to the number of game balls entering the general winning openings 61 to 63, and a predetermined number (20) of the general winning openings 61 to 63 is set. When there is a ball entry, the number of meters in the meter image becomes full, and the special performance 1 execution condition is satisfied. At the start of the game, the number of meters is “0”.

  As shown in (B) in the figure, when a game ball enters the general winning ports 61 to 63, the number of meters in the meter image increases by one. When a game ball enters the general winning openings 61 to 63, the winning notification lamps 81 to 83 arranged in the vicinity of the winning general winning openings 61 to 63 are turned on as a general winning notification effect (see FIG. 15), the effect is displayed around the navigation character on the screen. (C) in the figure shows a state in which the number of meters in the meter image is “10” due to the number of balls entering the general winning openings 61 to 63 being ten.

  As shown in (D) in the figure, when the number of game balls entering the general winning openings 61 to 63 reaches the specified number (20), the special effect is obtained when the number of meters in the meter image becomes full. One execution condition is satisfied. At this time, from the navigation character on the screen, a balloon image “Achievement of condition!” Is displayed to notify that the execution condition for special effect 1 has been established. Even if the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied, the special effect 1 is not executed from the current variation display (the variation display), and until the next variation display is started (until the special effect 1 start condition is satisfied). The execution of the special effect 1 enters a standby state.

  As shown in (E) in the figure, the fluctuation display is terminated and the symbol is stopped and displayed. At this time, the count value of the meter counter C1 is cleared (zero reset), and the display of the meter image is erased from the screen. The remaining time until the special effect 1 is started (until the next variable display is started) may be displayed in a countdown manner.

  As shown in (F) in the figure, when the variation start command is received from the main control board 100 and the special effect 1 start condition is satisfied, and the next variation display starts, the special effect 1 (normal LIVE effect) Is displayed. In the special effect 1 this time, the PV video based on the normal LIVE effect pattern PA1 (music A1) is reproduced in accordance with a predetermined order. The music A1 is music related to the navigation character A (for example, a theme song or a personal song of the navigation character). Here, the variation display of the decorative symbol is reduced and displayed toward the end of the screen, and a conflict with the special effect 1 (the LIVE effect) is avoided. Note that when the PV image of the special effect 1 is displayed on the screen, the meter image is not displayed, but the meter counter C1 is valid, and the game ball is awarded a general prize even during the execution of the special effect 1. Every time a ball enters the mouths 61 to 63, the count value of the meter counter C1 is updated. However, as described above, even if a game ball enters the general winning openings 61 to 63 during execution of the special effect 1, the general winning notification effect (lamp effect, effect effect) is not executed or the execution frequency is reduced ( For example, it can be executed only once with 5 winnings). During the execution of the special effect 1 (the LIVE effect), the display mode of the reserved image may be changed to a specific display mode (for example, a microphone image or a note image as an object image related to the LIVE effect). . Further, during the execution of the special effect 1 (the LIVE effect), the display mode of the reserved image may be simplified (changed to an image with less decoration).

  As shown in (G) in the figure, a display “10 seconds before the occurrence of intense heat reach” appears in order to notify the occurrence of reach in the change display. At this time, the player can select screen switching (whether or not to continue the special effect 1). That is, whether to continue the special effect 1 (normal LIVE effect) display screen as the main screen, or to interrupt the special effect 1 and return to the display of the fluctuating display of decorative symbols (extreme heat reach). Selected by the user's button operation. In the example shown in the figure, the case where the continuation of the special effect 1 is selected is shown.

  As shown in (H) in the figure, when the special effect 1 is completed, the display is returned to the original display screen, and the decorative symbol variation display is displayed at the center of the screen, and the meter image is displayed in the specific effect display area 705 of the screen. Is done. The meter value increases each time the game ball enters the general winning openings 61 to 63, and every time the special effect 1 execution condition and the special effect 1 start condition are satisfied, a new special effect 1 (LIVE effect). Is executed.

  Next, a second effect example (when there is an encore effect) will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, this 2nd production example is described as a continuation of above-mentioned FIG. 19 (A)-(F).

  First, as shown in (A) in the figure, through a process similar to that shown in FIGS. 19 (A) to (F), a normal LIVE effect (PV image of music A1) is displayed as a special effect 1 on the screen. Has been. As shown in (B) in the figure, when a game ball enters a general winning opening 61-63, an effect is displayed on the screen. As described above, the meter image is not displayed during execution of the special effect 1. However, the meter counter C1 counts the number of game balls that enter the general winning ports 61 to 63, and the special effect 1 execution condition can be established by entering a predetermined number of game balls. Since the achievement status of the special performance 1 execution condition may be unclear by hiding the meter image, for example, a navigation character may explain the achievement status. For example, a message such as “Achievement XX%” or “An encore performance will be given if there are more!” Is suitable. However, in this example, since the winning notification lamps 81 to 83 are lit in the emission color (light emission pattern) according to the achievement status of the special performance 1 execution condition, the player confirms the emission colors of the winning notification lamps 81 to 83. Thus, it is possible to visually recognize the achievement status of the special performance 1 execution condition.

  As shown in (C) in the figure, when the reproduction of the PV video is completed, the special effect 1 of this time is finished. In this example, during the execution of the special effect 1 (the LIVE effect) this time, the number of game balls entering the general winning openings 61 to 63 reaches the specified number “20”, and the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied again. Suppose you are. If the special performance 1 execution condition is satisfied during execution of the special performance 1, a display is made to notify the occurrence of a new special performance 1 (encore performance) (for example, “00 seconds until the next performance”). May be.

  As shown in (D) in the figure, when the special effect 1 of this time is finished, the next special effect 1 is started as it is without waiting for the arrival of the executable timing based on the fact that the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied. . As a result, the first special effect 1 and the second special effect 1 (multiple special effects) are seamlessly connected to form a series of effects (Live effects). In the new special performance 1, first, the spectator calls the word “encore” continuously, and an encore performance requesting the implementation of the encore performance is started. Thereby, the expectation that a rare high-quality PV video (encore performance) is generated is enhanced.

  As shown in (E) in the figure, when the encore effect is completed, a PV video of a premium music that can only be seen in the encore performance is played.

  As shown in (F) in the figure, a display of “× 2” appears in order to notify the occurrence of the pseudo continuous (pseudo 2) in the variable display. Thereby, the player is informed that the quasi-ream (pseudo 2) is being executed. In the illustrated example, “1 · 2 · 1” is temporarily displayed as a decorative symbol.

As shown in (G) in the figure, a display of “× 3” appears in order to notify the occurrence of the pseudo-continuous (pseudo 3) in the variation display. As a result, the player is informed that the pseudo-ream (pseudo-3) is being executed. In the illustrated example, “5, 5, 6” is temporarily displayed as a decorative symbol.

  As shown in (H) in the figure, when the new special effect 1 (the second special effect) is completed, the display returns to the original display screen, the decorative symbol variation display is displayed in the center of the screen, and the screen is specified. A meter image is displayed in the effect display area 705. The meter value increases each time the game ball enters the general winning openings 61 to 63, and every time the special effect 1 execution condition and the special effect 1 start condition are satisfied, a new special effect 1 (LIVE effect). Is executed.

<B. Winning production in special gaming state>
Next, the winning effect in the special game state will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, when the gaming state is the special gaming state, (B1) the gaming ball is large as a winning effect that is executed when the gaming ball has entered the big winning port 54 or the general winning port 64. A winning notification effect for notifying that the player has entered the winning opening 54 or the general winning port 64, and (B2) an acquired winning ball number notification effect for notifying the number of winning balls (out) that the player has acquired in the special game; (B3) A promotion effect for notifying that the profit state has been promoted in the special game is set. The winning effect in the special gaming state includes a winning effect based on a game ball entering the big winning opening 54 and a right area among the plurality of general winning openings 61 to 64 in order to correspond to the special game and the left-handed game. A prize production based on the entry of a game ball to the general prize opening 64 arranged in PA2 is targeted. In the present embodiment, “a game ball enters the big prize opening 54” means (a) a game ball wins the big prize opening 54, and (b) a game ball by the big prize opening switch 541. Or (a) a combination of receiving a grand prize winning command from the main control board 100 or a combination thereof. Here, FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a basic screen for winning effects in the special gaming state.

<< B1. Award notification production >>
The winning notification effect includes a large winning notification effect for notifying that the game ball has entered the big winning port 54 and a general winning notification effect for notifying that the game ball has entered the general winning port 64. The big prize notification effect is when a game ball enters the big prize slot 54 (when a big ball entrance switch 541 detects the entry of a game ball and receives a big prize slot prize command from the main control board 100). It is an effect that is executed. Also, the general winning notification effect is that when a game ball enters the general winning opening 64 (the right general winning opening switch 641 detects that the game ball has been entered, and the main control board 100 issues a right general winning opening winning command. This is an effect that is executed at the time of reception.

The big prize notification effect is composed of an effect effect that displays an effect image for enhancing the effect around the navigation character in the first display mode. As the first display mode of the effect image, for example, a display color of “red” is set. On the other hand, the general winning notification effect is composed of an effect effect in which an effect image for enhancing the effect is displayed around the navigation character in the second display mode. As the second display mode of the effect image, for example, a “blue” display color is set. In this way, by changing the display mode (display color) of the effect image for each winning notification effect, the game ball moves to the big winning opening 54 according to the display mode (red or blue) when the effect image is displayed. It is possible to determine whether the player has entered the ball or the general winning port 64. Note that the shape and size of the effect may be different. Here, the winning effect in the special gaming state (large winning notification effect, general winning notification effect) does not include the lamp effect. The reason for this is that during the execution of a special game (round game), a special jackpot effect that informs that the jackpot is being hit (the effect of causing the LEDs of almost all the lamps 10 and 80 to emit light) is executed. This is to give priority to the jackpot-specific lamp effect over the prize-notifying lamp effect (even if the prize-notifying lamp effect is executed redundantly, it is consistent with the flashy lamp effect dedicated to the jackpot. This is because the effect as a winning notification effect cannot be demonstrated). Although not shown in the drawing, a winning notification lamp (LED) for notifying that a game ball has entered the large winning port 54 is disposed inside the special winning port 54 (special electric accessory 542). Yes. This winning notification lamp is lit when the door member of the special electric accessory 542 is opened (by lighting in a manner that the player can visually recognize), thereby indicating to the player the target position of the game ball. Is preferred.

  Here, when the gaming state is the special gaming state, a right-handed notification image that prompts the player to launch the game ball toward the right area PA2 (right-handed) is displayed. On the other hand, when the game ball flows down the left area PA1 and enters the general winning holes 61 to 63, that is, when the game ball is launched toward the left area PA1, the player strikes left. An effect (attention notification effect) for calling attention is executed so as not to occur. In the caution notification effect, for example, a message instructing the right turn by the navigation character is displayed on the screen, or winning notification lamps 81 to 83 arranged in the vicinity of the general winning openings 61 to 63 and other effect lamps LP are provided. By lighting in a special light emission mode (for example, high brightness and flashing instantaneously or instantaneously), the player is notified that the game ball should be launched toward the right area PA2 (right-handed). Note that, as the caution notification effect, for example, a voice “right-handed” (right-handed instruction voice) may be output from the speaker 11.

<< B2. Awarded ball number announcement production≫
The award winning ball number notification effect provides the player with the number of award balls (the number of winning award balls) paid out based on the game ball entering into the big winning port 54 or the general winning port 64 during execution of the special game. This is an effect to notify the user. In the present embodiment, the number of main winning prize balls and the number of secondary winning prize balls are to be notified as the number of winning prize balls acquired by the player.

  The number of main winning prize balls is the number of prize balls that have been won so far based on the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening 54 in one special game that is currently being executed (the number of prize balls that have actually been won). ). It should be noted that the number of main winning prize balls includes the number of prize balls that are paid out based on the number of game balls entered within a specified count (10 in this example) in each round of the special game. The number of prize balls that are paid out based on the number of game balls that exceed (excess prizes) is not included. In this example, the number of main winning winning balls is additionally displayed on the screen together with the number of main winning winning balls. The main acquirable winning ball number means the number of winning balls that a player can acquire based on the entering of the game ball into the big winning opening 54 in one special game currently being executed. In other words, the number of main awardable winning balls is the number of winning balls obtained when all of the specified number of gaming balls can be entered in each round of one special game. At this time, the number of winning balls that can be acquired varies depending on the type of special game (in this example, 16R special game, 4R special game, 2R special game). In this example, as described above, “15” prize balls are paid out for “1 ball” entry to the big prize opening 54. Therefore, for example, when the specified number of rounds for special games is 16, the number of main winning winning balls is 16 rounds (specified number of rounds) × 10 counts (specified number of counts) × 15 (number of unit winning balls) = 2400. In this way, by displaying the number of main winning prize balls and the number of main winning prize balls together, it is possible to determine how many prize balls are currently available for the MAX value of the number of winning balls that can be acquired in this special game. You can tell clearly whether you have acquired.

The number of secondary winning prize balls is the number of prize balls that a player has won to date based on the number of game balls that have entered the general prize opening 64 in one special game that is currently being executed (the prize that has actually been won). Number of balls). Therefore, even if a game ball enters the general winning ports 61 to 63 and award balls are paid out during execution of the special game, the number of prize balls is not added to the number of sub-acquired prize balls. In addition, even if the number of winning balls is based on the number of game balls that enter the big winning opening 54, if the number of winning balls that are paid out based on the number of balls (excess winning) exceeding the specified count number in each round, It is not added to the number of main winning prize balls, but is added to the number of secondary winning prize balls. Here, excess winning (commonly called “over winning”) means that a game ball that exceeds a predetermined count number (10 balls) in each round in a special game enters the big winning opening 54. A phenomenon. Excess prizes (over prizes) may occur by accident, for example,
The ball may also be generated by an intentional operation by the player, such as putting the tenth ball and the eleventh ball into the big winning opening 54 almost simultaneously.

  In the winning prize ball number notification effect, as shown in FIG. 21, during the execution of each round game, the number of main winning prize balls, the number of main winning prize balls, and the number of secondary winning prize balls are displayed on the screen. For example, when a special game is being executed and the number of main winning prize balls up to now is 2000 and the number of main winning award balls is 2400, the acquisition information “GET2000pt / 2400pt” is displayed on the screen. The When the number of sub-acquired prize balls is 10, the acquisition information “bonus GET10pt” is displayed on the screen.

  In the present embodiment, in order to manage the number of winning prize balls during a big hit, a main winning prize ball counter CS for counting the number of main winning prize balls, and a secondary winning prize ball for counting the number of secondary winning prize balls And a number counter CH. When a game ball enters the big prize opening 54 or the general prize opening 64 during the execution of the special game, the main acquisition is made each time a big prize opening prize command or a right general prize opening prize command is received from the main control board 100. The winning ball number counter or the sub-acquisition winning ball catch counter is updated, and the acquisition information (the main winning award ball number or the sub-acquisition winning ball number) displayed on the screen is updated. In this example, since “15” prize balls are paid out for one entry into the big prize opening 54, the number of main winning prize balls is updated in units of “15”. On the other hand, since “5” prize balls are paid out for one entry into the general winning opening 64, the number of secondary winning prize balls is updated in units of “5”. However, if there are more than a prescribed count number (excess winning) in the big winning opening 54, the number of secondary winning balls is updated in units of "15". The main acquired prize ball number counter and the sub-acquired prize ball number counter start counting at the start of the special game, and are reset to zero at the end of the special game. In addition, the winning prize ball number notification effect does not directly notify the winning prize ball number itself, but the number of object images corresponding to the winning prize ball number (for example, one for every 100 winning prize balls). By displaying the (object image), the number of winning prize balls may be indirectly notified.

<< B3. Promotional director >>
Promotion effect means that when a big hit occurs, before or at the start of the special game, suggest or inform the profit mode (referred to as “provisional profit mode” for convenience) of the jackpot, and then execute the special game This is an effect of suggesting or notifying whether the actual profit mode related to the jackpot has a higher profit level than the provisional profit mode. In other words, it suggests or informs whether the profit mode of the jackpot that was suggested or notified before or at the start of the special game is true (the mode of profit as it is) or false (a high mode of profit). It is an effect that shows whether or not the jackpot profit mode is promoted (changed) through the process.

  The promotion effect in this example includes a meter effect in which the level of the meter image changes based on the game ball entering the big prize opening 54 or the general prize opening 64. As for this promotion effect (meter effect), a meter image is displayed in the specific effect display area 705 at the bottom of the screen in the same manner as the achievement status notification effect (meter effect) in the normal state.

  In the present embodiment, in order to manage the number of meters in the meter image, the meter counter C3 for managing the number of game balls entering the big winning opening 54 and the number of game balls entering the general winning opening 64 are set. A meter counter C4 for management, and the count value of the meter counter C3 or the meter counter C4 is updated each time a game ball enters the big winning opening 54 or the general winning opening 64. An example of the promotion effect (meter effect) will be described later (specifically, refer to FIGS. 23 and 24).

In the present embodiment, as a plurality of types of promotion effects, a first promotion effect (round promotion effect) and a second promotion effect (probability promotion effect) are provided. Here, FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the jackpot type and the promotion effect. In this example, the type of promotion effect and the possibility of execution are determined according to the jackpot type and jackpot symbol (decoration symbol of decoration symbol).

  The jackpot symbol (stop symbol) of the decorative symbol in this example is basically “1 · 1 · 1”, “3 · 3 · 3”, “5 · 5 · 5”, “7 · 7 · 7”. , “9,9,9”, a probability variation definite symbol (odd symbol) indicating a probability variation big hit, “2, 2, 2,” “4, 4, 4”, “6, 6, 6”, “8.8”・ A distinction is made between uncertain symbols (even symbols) that indicate a probable big hit or regular big hit such as “8”. In the following, for convenience of explanation, among the odd symbols, “3, 3, 3” and “7, 7, 7” are also referred to as first odd symbols, and “1 · 1 · 1”, “5 · 5” “5” and “9, 9, 9” are also referred to as second odd numbers. In FIG. 22, for convenience of explanation, the description of the 2R probability variable big hit (2R specific short-time big hit C1) that is basically unrelated to the promotion effect is omitted from various jackpot types.

  First, when the first special symbol is a big hit, the round finalizing effect or the round promotion effect can be executed during the execution of the special game. The round finalizing effect is an effect of definitely informing the specified number of rounds of jackpot before or at the start of the special game. In this example, a 16-round finalizing effect for notifying that the specified number of jackpots is 16 rounds and a 4-round finalizing effect for notifying that the specified number of jackpots is 4 are prepared. . Round promotion effect is an effect (also called “round-up effect”) that suggests the possibility of continuing a round game after the specified number of rounds in a round game before the specified number of rounds during the execution of a special game. is there.

  Specifically, when the first special symbol is 16R probability variable big hit (16R specific short-time big hit A1), when the first odd symbol is selected as the big win symbol, the 16 round final effect is executed, and the big hit symbol When the second odd symbol is selected, a round promotion effect (promotion success effect) is executed. When the 4R probability variation big hit (4R specific short time big hit B1) is won in the first special symbol, the second odd number symbol is selected as the big hit symbol, and the probability variation promotion effect (promotion failure production) is executed. On the other hand, when the 4R non-probable big hit (4R normal time short no big hit D1) is won in the first special symbol, the even number symbol is selected as the big hit symbol, and the 4-round confirmed effect is executed. In addition, by providing multiple short open rounds in a jackpot game with a specified number of rounds of 16 rounds, it is also possible to design to further provide multiple types of jackpot games with a specified number of rounds of 8, 10, 12, etc. In this case, even if 16 rounds are informed on the round indicator 77, it is possible to pay attention to how many balls can be actually obtained by such round promotion. Can be specified.

  Subsequently, when the second special symbol is a big hit, the probability variation confirmed effect or the probability variation promotion effect can be performed during the execution of the special game. The probability variation finalizing effect is an effect of definitely informing that the gaming state after the end of the special game is in a certain probability changing state (the probability variation function is activated) before or at the start of the special game. The probability variation promotion effect is an effect suggesting the possibility that the game state after the end of the special game becomes a probability variation state during execution of the special game.

  Specifically, when the 16R probability variation big hit (16R specific short time big hit A2) is won in the second special symbol, the first odd number symbol is selected as the big win symbol, and the probability variation confirmed effect is executed. In addition, when the 4R probability variation big hit (B2 specified short time big hit B2) is won in the second special symbol, when the second odd number symbol is selected as the big hit symbol, the probability variation finalizing effect is executed, and the even number symbol is given as the big hit symbol. When selected, a probable promotion effect (promotion success effect) is executed. On the other hand, when the 4R non-probable big hit (4R normal time short no big hit D2) is won in the second special symbol, the even number symbol is selected as the big win symbol, and the probable change promotion effect (failure effect) is executed.

  Next, a description will be given of examples of winning effects in the special gaming state. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating an effect example of a round promotion effect, and FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating an effect example of a probability change promotion effect.

  In the present embodiment, in order to define the contents of the big hit effect, a plurality of types of big hit bonus modes are set according to the type of the big hit. Specifically, when the 16R probability variable big hit (16R specific short time big hit) is won, the “Musou Bonus Mode” is set as the big hit bonus mode. In addition, when the 4R probability variable big hit (4R specific time short hit big hit) is won, the “phantom bonus mode” is set as the big hit bonus mode. When a 4R normal big hit (4R normal time short no big hit) is won, the “fighting bonus mode” is set as the big hit bonus mode. During special games, the name of the jackpot bonus mode that was won this time is displayed on the screen (see FIG. 21), and the player can determine which jackpot bonus mode (presence / absence of probability change and number of specified rounds) has been won. To clearly notify. However, when the promotion effect is executed during the special game, the name of the false jackpot bonus mode is displayed without displaying the name of the true jackpot bonus mode until the result of the promotion effect is notified. Thus, the true jackpot bonus mode may be kept secret from the player (details will be described in the following example of production).

(Round promotion production)
First, an example of a round promotion effect will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in (A) in the figure, the big hit symbol “5, 5, 5” is stopped and displayed in the variation display of the decorative symbol, and a big hit occurs. In this example, since the second odd symbol is stopped and displayed, it is confirmed that the winning change has been won, but it is not possible to determine whether it is the 4R certain variation big hit or the 16R certain variation big hit only from the big hit symbol (specified) Round number is indistinguishable). At this time, the number of meters has increased to “14”, but the current number of meters is not reset with the transition to the special game, and is taken over to the next normal state by the meter counter C1 (next In the normal state, the number of meters starts from “14”).

  As shown in (B) in the figure, the first round of special games is started. At this time, “Phantom Bonus Mode” is displayed on the screen as a big hit bonus mode, and it is highly possible that the 4R probability variable big win is won (the possibility that the prescribed number of rounds is four rounds). Is suggested. At the same time, a meter image for promotion effect is displayed on the screen, and the round promotion effect is started. This meter image is displayed in a horizontally long strip shape, and a scale is added to the inside thereof. This scale corresponds to the expected level of round promotion, and the expected level of successful promotion increases as the number of meters increases.

  As shown in (C) in the figure, when a game ball enters the big prize opening 54, the number of main winning prize balls displayed on the screen is updated. In addition, the level of the meter image increases as the game ball enters the big prize opening 54.

  As shown in (D) in the figure, when a game ball enters the general winning opening 64, the number of supplementary winning balls displayed on the screen is updated. Moreover, the level of the meter image increases when the game ball enters the general winning opening 64. In this example, the meter image level is set to increase when the game ball enters the general winning opening 654 than when the game ball enters the large winning opening 54.

As shown in (E) in the figure, when there is a game ball that exceeds the specified count number (10 balls) in the big winning opening 54, the number of sub-acquired winning balls displayed on the screen is updated. In other words, when a game ball enters the big winning opening 54, if this is a winning within the specified count, the number of winning balls is added to the number of main winning balls, and an excess winning exceeding the specified count (over winning) ), The number of prize balls is added to the number of secondary winning prize balls. In addition, when an excessive winning occurs, you may comprise so that the excessive winning alerting | reporting effect which alert | reports that it has won excessively may be performed. As the over-winning notification effect, for example, it is preferable to output a special sound effect or display a special image.

  As shown in (F) in the figure, the fourth round of special games starts. The fourth round is set as a promotion notification round for notifying whether or not the round promotion is successful. On the screen, the results of the number of balls entered from the first round to the third round are reflected in the level (display mode) of the meter image, and the final display mode of this meter image suggests the expected degree of round promotion. The In the example shown in the figure, the level of the meter image has reached “80%”, and the expectation for the round promotion (the latter half of 12 rounds) is increased. At this time, a balloon image “Press the button to see the result!” Is displayed on the screen.

  As shown in (G) in the figure, when the player operates the effect button in accordance with the instructions on the screen, as a result of the promotion effect, a character “successful round-up” is displayed in the center of the screen, and the bonus game mode The display changes from “Phantom Fight Bonus” to “Musou Bonus”, and it is notified that the round promotion (round-up) is successful. That is, it is determined that the special game will not end in the fourth round and will continue after the fifth round.

  As shown in (H) in the figure, the special game continues as it is, and the next fifth round is started. At this time, the number of main winning award balls changes from “600”, which is the number of winning balls that can be acquired in all four rounds, to “2400”, which is the number of winning balls that can be acquired in all 16 rounds. The number of possible winning balls (the number of winning balls for 16 rounds) is taught.

  Although not shown in the figure, when the round promotion fails (when the 4R probability variable big hit is won), in the fourth round (timing (G) in the figure), “Round promotion failure” is displayed at the center of the screen. Is displayed, and “Phantom Bonus Bonus” is continuously displayed to notify that the acquisition of the latter half 12 rounds has failed. In that case, after the end of the fourth round, the fifth round is not started, and the big hit is completed through a big hit end demonstration.

  However, in actuality, since the type of jackpot (the number of special games specified rounds, that is, whether or not the remaining 12 rounds are continued) has been determined in advance at the time of the lottery, the performance development (production results) according to the type It becomes. That is, it is determined in advance that the round promotion will be successful if the 16R probability variable big win is won, and if the 4R probability variable big win is won, the round promotion failure will be determined in advance. In a more suitable example of the round promotion effect, as a big hit game of 16R big hit, multiple types of big hit games (substantially 8 rounds, real 12 rounds, substantially 16 rounds). According to this, it is possible to prevent the round display effect 77 from leading the result of the round promotion effect, or it is possible to execute a plurality of round promotion effects.

(Probability promotion production)
Next, with reference to FIG. 24, an example of the probable promotion effect will be described.

As shown in (A) in the figure, in the variation display of the decorative symbols, the big hit symbol “6, 6, 6” is stopped and displayed, and a big hit occurs. In this example, even-numbered symbols are displayed in a stopped state, so that it is impossible to determine whether or not the probability variation big hit or the normal big hit only from the big hit symbol. At this time, the number of meters has increased to “14”, but the current number of meters is not reset with the transition to the special game, and is taken over to the next normal state by the meter counter C1 (next In the normal state, the number of meters starts from “14”).

  As shown in (B) in the figure, the first round of special games is started. At this time, the “fierce fight bonus mode” is displayed on the screen as the big hit bonus mode, which suggests that there is a high possibility of winning the 4R normal big hit (possibility of non-probable big hit). . At the same time, a meter image for promotion effect is displayed on the screen, and the probable promotion effect is started. This meter image is displayed in a horizontally long strip shape, and a scale is added to the inside thereof. This scale corresponds to the expected degree of probability change promotion, and as the number of meters increases, the degree of expectation of successful promotion improves.

  As shown in (C) in the figure, when a game ball enters the big prize opening 54, the number of main winning prize balls displayed on the screen is updated. In addition, the level of the meter image increases as the game ball enters the big prize opening 54.

  As shown in (D) in the figure, when a game ball enters the general winning opening 64, the number of supplementary winning balls displayed on the screen is updated. Moreover, the level of the meter image increases when the game ball enters the general winning opening 64. In this example, the meter image level is set to increase when the game ball enters the general winning opening 64 rather than the large winning opening 5.

  As shown in (E) in the figure, when a game ball enters the general winning openings 61 to 63, an effect (attention notification effect) is displayed on the screen to alert the player not to strike left. Is done. Note that the number of winning balls paid out based on the game balls entering the general winning ports 61 to 63 is not counted by the counter winning prize ball number counter C2, and the number of secondary winning prize balls on the screen is not updated.

  As shown in (F) in the figure, the fourth round of special games starts. The fourth round is set as a promotion notification round for notifying whether or not the probability change promotion is successful. On the screen, the results of the number of balls entered from the first round to the third round are reflected in the level (display mode) of the meter image, and the final display mode of this meter image suggests the expected degree of round promotion. The In the example shown in the figure, the level of the meter image reaches “80%”, and the sense of expectation for the probability change promotion is increased. At this time, a balloon image “Press the button to see the result!” Is displayed on the screen.

  As shown in (G) in the figure, when the player operates the effect button 15 in accordance with the instructions on the screen, as a result of the promotion effect, the characters “Successful acquisition of probability change” are displayed in the center of the screen, and the jackpot bonus mode Changes from “Fighting Bonus” to “Phantom Fighting Bonus”, and it is notified that the probable promotion has been successful. That is, it is determined that the gaming state shifts to the probable change state after the end of the current special game.

  As shown in (H) in the figure, the big hit end demo is started, and the characters “probable change effect mode entry” are displayed on the screen, so that the game effect mode after the end of this special game is changed to the probability change effect mode. The transition is taught.

  Although not shown in the figure, when the probability change promotion fails (when the 4R regular big hit is actually won), in the fourth round (timing (G) in the figure), “probability change promotion failure” is displayed at the center of the screen. Is displayed, and the “Fierce Fight Bonus” is continuously displayed to notify that acquisition of probability change has failed. In that case, after the end of the current special game, the gaming state shifts to the normal state.

However, in actuality, since the type of jackpot (presence / absence of certainty change) is determined in advance at the time of the winning or failing lottery, the effect development (effect result) according to the type is obtained. That is, it is determined in advance that the probability change promotion will be successful if the 4R probability variable big win is won, and if the 4R normal big win is won, the probability change promotion failure is determined in advance.

  In addition to the meter effect described above, other game effects such as a roulette effect may be applied as the promotion effect in the special game state. The roulette effect in this example is, for example, displaying on the screen “The roulette will rotate if you win 0 in the general prize opening!”, And every time a predetermined number of game balls enter the general prize opening 64. The roulette (image imitating roulette) is rotated, and an effect is provided in which one of a plurality of options is notified as an effect (promotion success / promotion failure) according to the stop position of the roulette. This roulette effect may be repeatedly executed as long as a predetermined number of game balls enter the general winning opening 64 if it is during a special game (during a big hit). However, it is also possible to develop an effect that will ultimately be a successful promotion.

  In addition to the above-mentioned promotion effects (round promotion effect, probability change promotion effect), the reserved game in the reserved game that suggests or informs that the reserved game in the reserved game is applied. May be. Reservation-in-residence is one or more subsequent operation-retained balls that exist by the end of the special game when a certain previous operation-retained ball is digested (result of a determination of success or failure) It means that there is an operation holding ball (hit holding) that is expected to be a big hit. In this example, it is assumed that the preceding operation holding ball will be a big hit, and in addition to the case where the specific operation is included in the subsequent operation holding ball, even if all the subsequent operation holding balls are out of hold, It is preferable to execute a renso production (an effect suggesting the possibility of a reserved villa). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which when the on-hold consecutive villa production occurs, the on-hold consecutive villa is deterministic.

<C. Winning effect in a promising state (short-time, easy-to-enter period)>
Next, the winning effect in the probability variation state will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, as a winning effect executed when a gaming ball enters the general winning opening 64 when the gaming state is in a probable state, (C1) the gaming ball enters the general winning opening 64. (C3) an achievement status notification effect for notifying the achievement status until a predetermined execution condition is satisfied based on the game ball entering the general prize opening 64; A special effect to be executed based on the establishment of a predetermined execution condition is set. The winning effect in this probability-changing state is a winning based on the game ball entering the general winning port 64 arranged in the right area PA2 among the plurality of general winning ports 61 to 64 in order to correspond to the right-handed game described above. For production. In the present embodiment, “a game ball enters the general winning opening 64” means (a) a game ball wins the general winning opening 64, and (b) a game with the right general winning opening switch 641. It means any one or a combination of the following: (c) receiving a general winning opening winning command from the main control board 100. Here, FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing a basic screen 1 of a winning effect in a normal state, and FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing a basic screen 2 of a winning effect in a normal state.

<< C1. General prize announcement production≫
The general winning notification effect is an effect of notifying that the game ball has entered the general winning opening 64. The general winning notification effect is executed when the right general winning opening switch 641 detects the entry of a game ball and receives the right general winning opening winning command from the main control board 100. Examples of the general winning notification effect include a lamp effect that lights the winning notification lamp 84 arranged in the vicinity of the general winning opening 64, and an effect effect that displays an effect image around the navigation character on the screen of the effect display device 70. included. In addition, as long as this general winning notification effect is configured by any one or a combination of image display, lamp lighting, sound effect, and the like, other effect modes may be used.

  The lamp effect is an effect in which a game ball entering the general winning opening 64 is associated with lighting of the winning notification lamp 84. Specifically, the winning notification lamp 84 is disposed between the general winning opening 64 and the screen, and lights up when a game ball enters the general winning opening 64. The winning notification lamp 84 is lit according to a predetermined light emission pattern determined in accordance with the progress status of the game or effect (achievement status of the special effect 2 execution condition described later). The light emission pattern is a pattern for specifying the light emission mode (light emission color, light emission luminance, light emission time, number of times of light emission, flashing pattern, etc.) of the winning notification lamp 84, and according to the achievement status of the special effect 2 execution condition, One of a plurality of types of light emission patterns is selected. As will be described in detail later, the special effect 2 execution condition is a condition for executing the special effect 2 (in this example, a music game), and triggered by the specified number of game balls entering the general winning opening 64. To establish. Here, FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a light emission pattern table of the winning notification lamp 84. In this example, “blue”, “green”, “red”, and “rainbow” are set as the light emission pattern (light emission color) of the winning notification lamp 84, and “blue” <“green” <“red”. ”<“ Rainbow ”, the expected degree of establishment of the special performance 2 execution condition is notified. Specifically, when the achievement state of the special effect 2 execution condition is the early stage (meter counter C2: 1 to 6), the “blue” light emission pattern, and the achievement state of the special effect 2 execution condition is the middle stage (meter counter C2 : 7 to 13), when the achievement status of the execution condition of the special effect 2 is the final stage (meter counter C2: 14 to 19), the "red" light emission pattern and the special effect 2. When the execution condition is achieved (meter counter C2: 20), the “rainbow” light emission pattern is selected. By utilizing such a visual effect on the change in the light emission color (light emission pattern), it is possible to suggest to the player the progress of the special performance 2 execution condition (meter image).

  The effect effect is an effect of displaying an effect image for enhancing the visual effect on the screen when the game ball enters the general winning opening 64. In the effect presentation in this example, the effect image is displayed in a predetermined display manner around the navigation character on the screen. This effect effect is executed in synchronization with the above-described lamp effect (for example, an effect occurs immediately after the winning notification lamp 84 is lit). Note that, by setting the display color of the effect image to be the same as the emission color of the winning notification lamp 84, the lamp effect and the effect effect can be further associated with each other.

  When the game state is a probable change state (when it is originally a situation where a right hand should be made), if the game ball enters the general winning ports 61 to 63 in the left area PA1, the player left strikes. An effect (attention notification effect) to call attention is executed so as not to be performed. In the caution notification effect, for example, the navigation character displays a message for instructing right-handed on the screen, or the winning notification lamps 81 to 83 arranged in the vicinity of the general winning openings 61 to 63 are lit in a special light emission mode. The player is notified that the game ball should be launched toward the right area PA2 (right-handed) by, for example, high-intensity, high-speed or flashing instantaneously. Note that, as the caution notification effect, for example, a voice “right-handed” (right-handed instruction voice) may be output from the speaker 11.

<< C2. Achievement notification effect≫
The achievement status notification effect is an effect for notifying the achievement status of the special effect 2 execution condition. In other words, the achievement status notification effect is an effect of updating the execution condition determination information based on the game ball entering the general winning opening 64. Here, the execution condition determination information is updated by a predetermined number corresponding to one game ball entering the general winning opening 64 in order to determine whether or not the special effect 2 execution condition is satisfied. Information (information on the number of incoming balls). Here, the predetermined number means that a fixed value “1” is set for one incoming game ball (that is, a 1: 1 correspondence), but a plurality of values of “2” or more are set. It may be set (that is, 1: correspondence relationship of a plurality of values), or may be a variable value that changes according to a lottery or a game situation. The achievement status notification effect in this example includes, as a component, a meter effect that notifies the achievement status of the special effect 2 execution condition according to the display mode of a predetermined effect image. The meter effect is an effect of changing the level of the meter image (image imitating the meter) displayed on the screen when the game ball enters the general winning opening 64. Note that the achievement status notification effect in the probability variation state may not be configured as a meter effect in the same way as the achievement status notification effect in the normal state, but may be configured from other game effects such as a mission effect, for example. The mission effect is an effect that presents to the player a command with the content that the effect should exhibit a specific aspect as a condition for establishing the special effect 2 execution condition. In the mission effect in this example, as a command, a predetermined number of game balls are placed in the general winning opening 64 during a predetermined number of fluctuation display periods (for example, the first 10 rotations or 1 minute during the ST period) after the transition to the probability change state. If it is possible to enter the mission, the mission is successful (condition is established), and if a predetermined number of game balls are not allowed to enter the general winning opening 64, the mission is failed (condition is not established).

  In the present embodiment, in order to manage the number of meters in the meter image, a meter counter C2 for counting the number of game balls entering the general winning opening 64 is provided, and the game balls enter the general winning opening 64. Every time the ball is played, the count value of the meter counter C2 is updated. Therefore, the number of meters in the meter image is updated based on the count value of the meter counter C2. That is, the number of meters in the meter image corresponds to the count value of the meter counter C2. Note that the meter counter C2 counts the number of balls received from the general winning port 64, and does not count the number of balls received from the general winning ports 61 to 63. That is, the number of meters in the meter image is updated based on the number of balls entered in the general winning opening 64, but the number of balls entered in the general winning openings 61 to 63 is not related. The meter counter C2 is cleared to zero when the special effect 2 execution condition is satisfied (when the variable display is in progress, at the end of the variable display). Unlike the meter counter C1, the meter counter C2 counts up to a specified number, and even if a game ball enters the general winning opening 64 until the next probability change state occurs, Do not count numbers. The reason for this is that the special effect 2 is an effect content (mini game) as will be described later and a game characteristic in which the present embodiment adopts an ST machine, and therefore 1 during a certain probability change state (during the ST period). It is preferable that it is executed only once. When the count value of the meter counter 2 reaches the specified number and the special effect 2 execution condition is satisfied, it is meaningless to count the number of balls entered thereafter. However, if a big hit or the like occurs in the middle of the count up and shifts to the next probability change state, the meter counter C2 continues to enter the game ball into the general winning opening 64 from the count value before the big hit. The number is counted, and the special effect 2 is controlled so that it can be executed up to once during the probability changing state (during the ST period). The meter counter C2 may be reset on the basis of the big hit, but by preventing the resetting when the probable big hit is obtained, even if the big hit is continued early during the ST period, the special effect 2 It becomes possible to make it easy to receive execution.

  The meter image is displayed in a specific effect display area 705 provided below the screen of the effect display device 70, and the achievement status of the special effect 2 execution condition (the meter image of the meter image) is displayed by the navigation character displayed in the character display area 704 in the vicinity thereof. Update status) is explained in a timely manner. The meter image is formed in a horizontally long belt shape, and a scale (a predetermined number of scales set in advance: 20 scales) is attached to the inside of the meter image. In this meter production, the number of meters increases by one scale every time one game ball enters the general winning opening 64, and the number of game balls that enter the general winning opening 64 is the specified number (20 in this example). ), The number of meters increases to the specified number of graduations (when 20 winnings are generated in the general winning opening 64 and the display mode of the meter image reaches the final stage), the special effect 2 execution condition Is established. An example of the meter effect will be described later (specifically, refer to FIG. 29).

When the special effect 2 execution condition is satisfied, the music game selection effect for causing the player to select the effect pattern (music game pattern) of the special effect 2 is executed. In the music game selection effect, the player operates the effect button 15 or the like to select one of the music game music (music game patterns) displayed on the screen (music game pattern). By selecting (Pattern), it is an effect that determines the music (music game pattern) of the music game (specifically, see FIG. 29E). This music game selection effect is executed on the condition that all the action-holding balls of the special symbol that exist when the special effect 2 execution condition is satisfied are “non-reach type” action-holding balls. The reason for this is that if there is a reach-type action holding ball when the special effect 2 execution condition is established, the change display when the reach-type action hold ball is consumed is related to the reach effect. Since there is a possibility that another button effect (effect using the effect button) may be executed, if the music game selection effect is displayed at that timing, these button effects may compete on the screen. Because. The special effect 2 start condition is established when a music game music (music game pattern) that is the effect pattern of the special effect 2 is selected. As a result, in the special effect 2 described below, a music game corresponding to the selection result by the player is started.

<< C3. Special production≫
The special effect 2 is a mini game in which the effect button is operated at a timing designated by the image display of the effect display device 70 or the sound of the speaker 11. The special effect in this example is configured as a mini game (music game) in which a score is obtained by operating the effect button with good timing in accordance with the rhythm of the music output from the speaker 11.

  As shown in FIG. 26, in the music game, object images (musical note images) are moved and displayed on the screen so as to flow sequentially from the right side to the left side, and the player moves the object object in accordance with the rhythm of the music output from the speaker 11. It is a mini game that can acquire a predetermined point by operating the effect button 15 with good timing when the image passes on the reference line. Points acquired in this music game (points acquired in this game) are added to the points acquired up to the previous game, and a privilege corresponding to the points can be obtained. The benefits include benefits that are not related to direct gaming profits such as playing balls, as well as game machine PM capture information, undisclosed information, bonus video and music distribution, and customization of effects on the gaming machine PM. Is granted. A production example of the music game will be described later (specifically, refer to FIG. 29).

  FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a music game pattern table. In the music game pattern table, a plurality of types of music game patterns for specifying music game contents (contents of the music game) are set as special effect 2 effect patterns. In this example, multiple types of game effect patterns PG1 to 7 corresponding to multiple types of music pieces X1 to X7 are set. Music games have different difficulty levels (game difficulty levels) depending on the type of music (game production pattern), and the more difficult the music (game production pattern) is selected, the smoother the game becomes If you can proceed, you can get relatively high points. As described above, which music game pattern is selected as the effect pattern of the special effect 2 is determined by a button operation by the player in the music game selection effect when the special effect 2 execution condition is satisfied.

  As a modification, the number of music game patterns (music game songs) that can be selected by the player is increased according to the number of consecutive resorts, and the range of selection of the music game pattern increases with each successive resort. You may comprise as follows. “Renso” means that when a predetermined big win is won in a specific gaming state, the specific gaming state continues again as the gaming state after the end of the special game. Here, the specific game state is a state in which the transition probability to the special game is higher than the normal state, and at least of the special symbol probability variation function, the special symbol variation time reduction function, and the electric chew support function This is a state in which one function is activated.

(Relationship with decorative pattern change display)
The special effect 2 (music game) is different from the above-mentioned special effect 1 (the LIVE effect) that is displayed largely in the center of the screen using the decorative symbol display unit 700, and has a limited screen area (specific effect display area 705). ) To display. Therefore, the variation display of the decorative symbol is displayed largely on the decorative symbol display unit 700 in the center of the screen as usual, and at the same time, the special effect 2 (music game) is displayed in the specific effect display area 705. Since the decorative symbol display unit 700 and the specific effect display area 705 are in an independent positional relationship, the visibility of the decorative symbol does not deteriorate. However, in order to be able to clearly notify the result of the determination of the success / failure by the change display and stop display of the decorative design, as the layer structure of the image, the display image of the change effect including the display change of the special design is higher than the display image of the special effect. By placing it on the layer, priority is given to the visibility of decorative symbols. Here, during the execution of the special effect 2, the effect variation of the decorative pattern and the accompanying effect (reach effect, notice effect, etc.) are effected in the control process as usual, and the effect lottery is performed on the screen. Is displayed in a normal display mode. That is, in accordance with the time schedule defined in the variation effect pattern (sub variation pattern), the decorative symbol variation display, the reach effect, the notice effect, and the like are executed independently of the special effect 2 (music game). However, during the execution period of the special effect 2, the lottery table is switched or the selected effect is replaced so that the effect using the effect button 15 is not executed when the reach effect and the notice effect are determined (during the lottery). It is desirable to control.

(Conditions are met again)
The special effect 2 is executed only once during the period of staying in the probability variation state (during the ST period in this example). That is, the special effect 2 can be executed only once for each certain variation period (ST period). Therefore, when the special effect 2 is executed during one probability change period, even if the special effect 2 execution condition is satisfied again during the probability change period, the special effect 2 is not executed again. However, since the special effect 2 can be executed every probability change period, even when the special effect 2 is executed during a certain probability change period, the special game is subsequently executed due to the occurrence of a big hit, and when the transition to the probability change state occurs again. Based on the establishment of the special effect 2 execution condition, the special effect 2 can be executed during the probability change period.

  Next, a description will be given of examples of winning effects in the probability variation state. FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a winning effect in the probability variation state.

  As shown to (A) in a figure, when a game state is a probability change state, a meter image is displayed on the screen (meter display area) of the effect display device 70. This meter image is displayed in a horizontally long strip shape, and a scale is added to the inside thereof. The meter image is set to 20 scales, which corresponds to the number of game balls entering the general winning opening 64, and there is a prescribed number (20) of entering the general winning opening 64. In this case, the number of meters in the meter image is full, and the special performance 2 execution condition is satisfied. At the start of the game, the number of meters is “0”.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, when a game ball enters the general winning opening 64, the number of meters in the meter image increases by one. Further, when a game ball enters the general winning opening 64, as a general winning notification effect, a winning notification lamp 84 arranged in the vicinity of the pitched general winning opening 64 is turned on (see FIG. 25), and a screen is displayed. Effects are displayed around the upper navigation character. (C) in the figure shows a state where the number of meters in the meter image is “10” because the number of balls entered into the general winning opening 64 is 10.

  As shown in (D) in the figure, when the number of game balls entering the general winning opening 64 reaches a specified number (20), the special image 2 is executed when the number of meters in the meter image becomes full. The condition is met. At this time, a balloon image “Achieved conditions!” Is displayed from the navigation character on the screen. Even if the special effect 2 execution condition is satisfied, the execution of the special effect 2 is in a standby state until the special effect 2 start condition described below is satisfied.

As shown in (E) in the figure, four reserved images (undigested reserved images) are displayed on the screen as the operation reserved balls of the second special symbol. These four operation hold balls are all belonging to the non-reach type as a result of the pre-determination (result of the pre-reading determination). Therefore, special production 2
When the execution condition is satisfied, a music game selection effect for selecting the music of the music game is displayed in response to the presence of only the non-reach type operation holding ball. On the screen, the music pieces of a plurality of music pieces X1 to X7 are displayed, and the player can select a favorite music piece from among the plurality of music pieces X1 to X7 by operating the effect button 15. Note that as an option for the music game selection effect, not selecting a music piece (not executing a music game) may be included. Then, in such a music game selection effect, the special effect 2 start condition is satisfied when the music game music (the effect pattern of the special effect 2) is determined.

  As shown in (F) in the figure, special effect 2 is started when the special effect 2 start condition is satisfied. When the special effect 2 is started, the music of the music game is output from the speaker 11, and the object image (note image) is moved and displayed on the screen so as to sequentially flow from the right side to the left side in accordance with the rhythm of the music. The Note that the special effect 2 in the probability variation state is different from the special effect 1 in the normal state, and the variation display of the decorative symbols is normally displayed at the approximate center of the screen.

  As shown in (G) in the figure, when the object image passes on the reference line in accordance with the rhythm of the music output from the speaker 11, the player operates the effect button in a timely manner. Earn points. The operation input timing of the effect button 15 is determined based on a time difference (deviation) from the timing at which the center of the object image passes on the reference line, and each time the object image passes on the reference line, the determination result is displayed on the screen. Displayed above. As a result of the determination, “GREAT” is displayed if the operation input timing is in the optimum range, “GOOD” is displayed in the allowable range, and “BAD” is displayed in the non-allowable range. Then, points according to the determination result are awarded to the player. For example, when the determination result is “GREAT”, it is 2 points, when it is “GOOD”, it is 1 point, and when it is “BAD”, it is 0 point.

  If a big hit occurs during the execution of the special effect 2, the special effect 2 is ended even in the middle of the special effect 2, and the game is shifted to the big hit game (special game). In this case, full points (points when 2 points are obtained for all object images) are awarded as rewards (special prizes) for generating big hits. Therefore, there is no dissatisfaction with a player who has been proceeding smoothly with a music game (a player who was expecting a predetermined privilege by acquiring high points). In addition, the special performance 2 has a different music game difficulty level depending on the selected music (the higher the difficulty, the more points can be acquired), so depending on the type of the selected music, during the execution of the special performance 2 The number of points that can be earned due to the occurrence of jackpots increases the number of points that can be won during the special performance period, even for players who are not good at music games or who are not interested in music games but want to earn points. It is possible to have a sense of expectation in terms of whether or not.

  As shown in (H) in the figure, all object images are moved and displayed, and when the music game ends, the accumulated points that can be acquired this time are displayed. The accumulated points are added to the points held by the player, and the player can obtain a privilege according to the points. Thus, the player can obtain various benefits in exchange for the points, and can carry over to the next game without using the points. The points earned by the player are assumed to be transferred to the information terminal JT owned by the player and used for the game information providing service, but the player who is not using the game information providing service (non-member) If the game information provision service is not executed, the points from the menu screen that can be displayed during the game standby demonstration are based on the accumulated points acquired from the timing of power-on. You may make it possible to perform the production customization according to.

In the present embodiment, a music game is illustrated as a mini game, but other mini games such as a quiz game, a shooting game, and an action game may be employed.

(Return processing when the power is turned off)
Next, an outline of a return process when a power interruption occurs during a winning effect when the gaming state is a non-specific gaming state (normal state or probability variation state) will be outlined. When the power interruption occurs during execution of the special effect 1 or the special effect 2 (for example, when the power supply to the gaming machine PM is interrupted due to a power failure or the like), the progress state of the special effects 1 and 2 on the effect control board 200 (The progress of special effects 1 and 2 is managed on the image control board 300 side simply by instructing the image control board 300 to start execution of the special effects 1 and 2) In the effect control board 200, the information related to the special effects 1 and 2 is not backed up. When the power supply is restored, the sub-main CPU 201 of the effect control board 200 and the sub-sub CPU 301 of the image control board 300 are reset, and an effect control command for power-off restoration (including data at the time of power-off) from the main control board 100 is reset. Based on the command), the normal effect 1 or the special effect 2 is resumed without returning to the normal variation effect (the variation display of the decorative symbol is immediately resumed). In the effect control board 200, when the special effect mode is managed as the game effect mode related to the effect lottery, it is possible to return to the special effect mode after the power is restored.

  On the other hand, when the power supply is cut off during the non-execution of the special production 1 and the special production 2, that is, when the power supply is cut off during execution of the condition achievement notification production (meter production) (for example, power supply to the gaming machine PM due to a power failure or the like In the production control board 200, the number of game balls entering the general winning ports 61 to 64 is managed by the meter counters C1 and C2. Information (count values) of the counters C1 and C2 is backed up in the RAM, and the count value is taken over when the power is turned off, so that the meter effect can be resumed after returning to the state before the power is turned off. In addition, in order to save the trouble of resetting based on the end of business in a game store, even if the power supply is interrupted, the information (count values) of the meter counters C1 and C2 may be completely erased without being backed up. Good. In that case, when the meter effect is executed after the power-off is restored, “0” may be set as the initial value of the meter counters C1 and C2, or in the numerical range of “0 to 19”. A random value may be set. If the count values of the meter counters C1 and C2 are not set to “0” after returning from power interruption, a special effect can be acquired at an early stage, so that the player's willingness to play can be increased.

<Processing on the main control board>
Next, the procedure of the operation process in the main control board 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing on the main control board 100 side includes main control side main processing and main control side timer interrupt processing.

<Main control side main processing>
30 to 31 are flowcharts showing the main process on the main control side of the main control board 100. In the main process on the main control side, after the security check of the main CPU 101 is performed by reset at power-on, the program starts and the processes after S1 are started.

  First, as an initial setting required when the power is turned on, a head address is set as an initial value of the stack area in the stack pointer (S1), and access to the RAM 103 is permitted (S2). Subsequently, a vector table storing the start address of a program to be processed when a timer interrupt occurs is set (S3), and an initial value is set in a built-in register of the main CPU 101 (S4).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch is turned on (S5). If the RAM clear switch is on (S5: YES), the entire area of the RAM 103 is cleared to zero in S9 described later. On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is not turned on (S5: NO), the value of the power-off information flag is read to determine whether or not the information on normal power-off is stored (S6).

  Here, when the information indicating that the power is off normally is stored (S6: YES), a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area of the RAM 103 (S7). Then, it is determined whether or not this checksum is 0, that is, whether or not the checksum is normal (S8). Note that the checksum at power-on calculated here includes the complement of the checksum calculated in the power-off process described later, so if it has been backed up normally, Sam becomes “0”. In this way, it is determined when the power is turned on whether the information stored in the RAM 103 before the power is turned off is correctly backed up. At this time, if the checksum is normal (S8: YES), the process proceeds to S12, which will be described later, in order to return to the state before the power interruption. On the other hand, if the checksum is abnormal (S8: NO), the entire area of the RAM 103 is cleared to zero (S9). Next, initialization data at power-on is set in the RAM 103 (S10). Subsequently, in order to initialize the effect display device 70 and the effect lamp LP, an effect control command (“effect initial command”) is requested to the effect control board 200 (S11).

  Next, in the power-off recovery setting process, power-on normal information setting, various error initial settings, and communication initial setting with the payout control board 400 are sequentially performed in the RAM 103 (S12). Here, as the setting of the power-on normal information, in order to save that the power was correctly turned on, the power-on normal data is stored in the power-off information flag and the information on the occurrence of power-off is initialized. Turn off the power-off confirmation flag. Next, a data transfer source address, a data transfer destination address, and a transfer byte number are set, and data corresponding to the transfer byte number is transferred (S13). Then, a special symbol game status value at the time of power-off is read, and a power-off recovery process related to the special symbol game is performed (S14).

  Subsequently, a transmission request for an effect control command (“power failure return command”) at the time of power failure recovery between the main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 is made (S15). The power-off recovery command includes information related to the inspection of the communication line, the special symbol operating state, the probability variation count, the time reduction count, the easy-to-enter state count, the variation pattern selection status, and the error status. It should be noted that the command requests for untransmitted before the power is turned off are cleared. Next, in the symbol memory number command request process, the information on the number of suspended balls in the first special symbol and the second special symbol at the time of power-off is read, and an effect control command including the information on the number of suspended balls is requested ( S16).

  Subsequently, a return setting is made to return the ordinary electric accessory 522 to a state before the power is cut off (for example, the second start port 52 is opened) (S17). Further, a return setting is made to return the special electric accessory 542 to a state before the power is cut off (for example, the special winning opening 54 is opened) (S18). Subsequently, the value of the special symbol mode flag is read, and the operation state of the probability variation function of the special symbol when the power is turned off is set (S19). The special symbol mode flag is a flag for setting the operation probability (high probability or low probability) of the special symbol game. Next, in order to start a timer interrupt, a predetermined count value is set as an initial setting of the CTC circuit of the main control microcomputer 110, and a timer interrupt is generated every 4 ms (S20). Subsequently, interrupt prohibition is set to prohibit generation of timer interrupt processing (S21). Then, as a preparation for restarting the watchdog timer, clear word 1 (“55H”) is set (S22).

Next, in order to determine the occurrence of a power interruption, the value of the power interruption confirmation flag is read to determine whether or not a power interruption has occurred (S23). If no power interruption has occurred, an initial value random number update process is executed (S24). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value.

  Next, interrupt permission is set so as to allow the generation of the timer interrupt process (S25), the process returns to the above-described process for prohibiting the interrupt (S21), and the loop process of S21 to S25 is repeatedly executed. Here, the timer interrupt process is periodically executed at predetermined intervals, but using the remaining time from the completion of the previous interrupt process until the next interrupt process occurs, S21 to S25. Repeat the process up to. If there is an interrupt request in the interrupt disabled state, timer interrupt processing is started when interrupt is enabled in S25. On the other hand, if the power-off confirmation flag is turned on in S23, that is, if a power-off has occurred, the process proceeds to S26 to execute the power-off process described below.

  Next, as power-off processing (S26 to S32), first, clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set to restart the watchdog timer (S26). Next, it is determined whether or not the content of the power-off information flag is power-on normal data (S27). If it is power-on normal information (S27: Yes), power-off normal data is set in the power-off information flag (S28). On the other hand, if the power-on normal information is not found (S27: No), the power-off abnormality data is set in the power-off information flag (S29), and the process proceeds to S32.

  Next, a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area (excluding the checksum area) of the RAM 103 (S30). Then, a complement for the checksum data is calculated, and the result value of this complement is set in the checksum area of the RAM 103 (S31). Subsequently, the access prohibition setting of the RAM 103 is set (S32), and the process is looped until the power is turned off.

《Main control timer interrupt processing》
Next, the main control side timer interrupt processing of the main control board 100 will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing of the main control board 100. This timer interrupt process is started by a clock pulse every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms) from the CTC circuit of the game control microcomputer 110, and is executed by interrupting the main process on the main control side. In addition, as the terms used below, the terms “condition device” and “actual accessory continuous actuating device” mean a conceptual control device, and “condition device” means a big hit in a special symbol game. The “actual accessory continuous actuating device” is capable of operating the special electric accessory 542 continuously a plurality of times.

  First, when this timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the register in the main CPU 101 are saved in the stack area of the RAM 103, and then an interrupt operation condition is set (S51).

  Next, a clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set to restart the watchdog timer (S52). At this time, the clear word 1 and the clear word 2 are sequentially written in the WDT clear register of the CPU 101 within a preset time-out period, whereby the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted. That is, when the main CPU 101 is executing the program normally, the clear words 1 and 2 are periodically set, so that the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted before time-out. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

Next, input processing is executed (S53). In this input process, information of switches other than the RAM clear switch is read as various switches connected to the main control board 100. That is, input information such as the first start port switch 611, the second start port switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, the big prize port switch 641, the door opening switch, the frame opening switch, the back set opening switch, the magnetic sensor, the radio wave sensor, etc. Is read, and after the state is determined, the detection information is stored.

  Next, various random number update processes are executed (S54). In these various random number update processes, the normal symbol variation pattern random number and the special symbol variation pattern random number are updated. As for the normal symbol variation pattern random number, 1 is added to the numerical value of the random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value “0”. On the other hand, for the special symbol variation pattern random number, a predetermined value (for example, 3511) is subtracted from the previous random number. When the subtraction result is less than 0, a predetermined value (for example, 50000) is added to the subtraction result.

  Next, initial value update type random number update processing is executed (S55). In this initial value update type random number update process, the random numbers per ordinary symbol, the soft random numbers per special symbol, and the symbol random numbers per special symbol are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value. Further, when the counter value makes one round, the corresponding initial value random number is set as the initial value.

  Next, initial value random number update processing is executed (S56). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value.

  Next, timer subtraction processing is executed (S57). In this timer subtraction process, the values of various timers used for game operation control of the pachinko gaming machine PM are subtracted and updated. For example, the values of various timers are subtracted by an interrupt cycle (4 ms in this example). The various timers include special symbol game timers for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the special symbol display devices 71 and 72.

  Next, a second start port effective period setting process is executed (S58). In the second start port effective period setting process, the win effective period and the win invalid period of the second start port 51 are determined, and the effective period data or the invalid period data of the second start port 51 is set as the determination result.

  Next, a winning monitoring process is executed (S59). In this winning monitoring process, the first starting port switch 511, the second starting port switch 521, the operation gate switch 531, the big winning port switch 541, the left general winning port switch 611, the right general winning port in the input process (S53). Based on the detection information of the switch 641, a game ball passing test is performed. As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed each switch, information indicating that the game ball has passed each switch is stored in the main information storage means. While temporarily storing it in the 180 winning information storage area, a transmission request for an effect control command including information indicating that the game ball has passed each switch is made. Details of the winning monitoring process (S59) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, a prize ball control process is executed (S60). In this prize ball control process, a payout control command is transmitted to the payout control board 400 to instruct the number of prize balls corresponding to the type of prize, based on the detection result in the above-mentioned prize monitoring process, and the payout control board 400 The communication data with the payout control board 400 is inspected by monitoring the received data.

  Next, normal symbol operation gate monitoring processing is executed (S61). In this normal symbol operation gate monitoring process, the passage of the game ball to the operation gate 53 is monitored. In addition to updating the number of suspended balls for a maximum of 4 balls, random numbers related to normal symbol lottery are stored.

  Next, normal symbol control processing is executed (S62). In this normal symbol control process, since a series of processes related to the normal symbol display device 75 or the ordinary electric accessory 522 is performed, the normal symbol changing process, the normal symbol stop symbol display process, and the like according to the value of the normal symbol game status The processing during normal electric accessory operation, the processing during normal electric accessory operation end demonstration, etc. are executed. In the normal symbol changing process, the display pattern number data of the normal symbol is created (updated) so that the normal symbol is variably displayed or fixedly displayed.

  Next, normal symbol variation start monitoring processing is executed (S63). In this normal symbol variation start monitoring process, when the normal symbol operating state is monitored and it is determined that the normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol operation holding number of balls is digested by one, and the normal symbol variation is monitored. Determination of success / failure, determination of design, determination of variation pattern, setting of variation time, and the like are sequentially performed.

  Next, the start port monitoring control process is executed (S64). In this start port monitoring control process, the winnings of the game balls to the first start port 51 and the second start port 52 are monitored. Random number storage, prefetching notice effect determination, command memory number command request, etc. are performed in order.

  Next, a special symbol control process is executed (S65). In this special symbol control process, as a series of processes related to the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, depending on the value of the special symbol game status, a special symbol variation start process (S420) and a special symbol variation process (S430) which will be described later in detail. ), Special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440), and the like.

  Next, a special electric accessory control process is executed (S66). In this process, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” or “small hit”, the operation start and end of operation of the special electric accessory 542 is set as the operation process related to the special electric accessory 542. The opening of the winning opening 54 and the number of times of opening are updated, the operation start setting of the probability variation function, the operation start setting of the variation time shortening function, the setting of the variation pattern selection state, etc. are sequentially executed.

  Next, a special winning opening valid period setting process is executed (S67). In this big winning opening effective period setting process, the winning effective period and the winning invalid period of the big winning opening 54 are determined, and the effective period data or invalid period data of the large winning opening 54 is set as the determination result.

  Next, a special symbol variation start monitoring control process is executed (S68). In this special symbol variation start monitoring control process, when there is an operation holding ball of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the number of the holding balls is digested, and a command request for the number of stored symbols, whether the special symbol is successful or not is determined. The determination of the special symbol, the determination of the probability variation function, the determination of the time shortening function, the setting of the operation pattern of the special electric accessory, the setting of the demonstration performance time, etc. are performed in order.

  Next, an abnormality detection process is executed (S69). In this abnormality detection process, based on the input information in the input process (S53), the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, the radio wave detection signal by the radio sensor, the door / frame opening signal, etc. are inspected in order. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state. If it is in an error state, an effect control command (“error effect designation command”) including the error information is generated to request the effect control board 200 to display an error.

Next, an entrance passage time abnormality detection process is executed (S70). In this incoming ball passing time abnormality detection process, when the ON signal of the winning detection switch is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more, the incoming ball passing time abnormality is set, and an effect control command (“error” A request for a production designation command ") and a request for outputting a security signal for output to an external terminal are made.

  Next, a game state display process is executed (S71). In this gaming state display process, display data such as the number of times that the special electric accessory 542 is continuously operated (the number of specified rounds), the number of reserved balls for normal symbols and special symbols, and the like are created. In addition, display data for displaying the information on the error state detected in the abnormality detection process on the state indicator lamp of the main control board 100 is created.

  Next, an LED output process is executed (S72). In this LED output process, the special symbol control process (S65), in order to display special symbols and normal symbols, display the number of reserved balls, the number of times that the special electric accessory is operated continuously, display an error, etc. The display data created in the abnormality detection process (S69), the game state display process (S71), etc. are used as the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, the normal symbol display device 75, the special symbol hold lamps 73 and 74, and the general figure hold. In addition to outputting to the lamp 76, the status indicator lamp of the main control board 100, etc., the display in these various display devices is initialized.

  Next, a firing control signal output process is executed (S73). In this launch control signal output process, when no communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or an abnormality in the short circuit power supply is detected, a fire permission signal is output to the payout control board 400, and the game ball is allowed to be launched. To do. On the other hand, if an abnormality in communication with the payout control board 400 or an abnormality in the short circuit power supply is detected, a firing prohibition signal is output to the payout control board 400 to prohibit the launch of the game ball.

  Next, a solenoid output process is executed (S74). In this solenoid output process, acquired in the normal symbol control process (S62) and the special electric accessory control process (S66) in order to operate each electric accessory 542. Based on the control data, an excitation signal is output to each of the electric accessory solenoids 623 and 643.

  Next, an effect control command transmission process is executed (S75). In the effect control command transmission process, the effect control command designated by the pointer is read out from the effect control commands stored in the command storage area (ring buffer) of the main information storage means 180 in the process described above. The control command is transmitted to the effect control board 200.

  Next, external information output processing is executed (S76). In the external information output process, the operating state information of the gaming machine is output as external information to an external device such as a hall computer via the external terminal board.

  Next, the contents of the saved register are restored, and the main CPU 101 is set in an interrupt enabled state (S77). As a result, the main control side timer interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the main control side main process, and the main control side main process is executed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

If the main control board 100 detects a power-off (a decrease in supply voltage based on a predetermined threshold) during the main control-side main process or interrupt process, a non-maskable interrupt is generated and the power-off confirmation flag is turned on. To do. Then, after returning to the original process, the above-described power-off process (S
26 to S32).

≪Winning monitoring process≫
Next, the winning monitoring process (S59) will be described. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing details of the winning monitoring process (S59).

First, a first start port switch input process is executed (S101). In the first start port switch input process, it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the first start port switch 511 is input. First
When a detection signal from the start port switch 511 is input, first start port winning data indicating that a game ball has entered the first start port 51 is temporarily stored in the winning information storage area of the main information storage unit 180. At the same time, a first start opening prize command is generated and temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. On the other hand, if there is no input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 511, the process proceeds to the next step as it is.

  Subsequently, a second start port switch input process is executed (S102). In the second start port switch input process, it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the second start port switch 521 is input. When the detection signal from the second start port switch 521 is input, the second start port winning data indicating that the game ball has entered the second start port 52 is temporarily stored in the winning information storage area of the main information storage unit 180. In addition to the storage, a second start port winning command is generated and temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. On the other hand, if no detection signal is input from the second start port switch 521, the process proceeds to the next step.

  Next, an operation gate switch input process is executed (S103). In the operation gate switch input process, it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the operation gate switch 531 is input. When the detection signal from the operation gate switch 531 is input, the operation gate winning data indicating that the game ball has passed the operation gate 53 is temporarily stored in the winning information storage area of the main information storage means 180 and the operation gate winning is obtained. A command is generated and temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. On the other hand, if no detection signal is input from the operation gate switch 531, the process proceeds to the next step as it is.

  Subsequently, a special winning opening switch input process is executed (S104). In the big prize opening switch input process, it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the big prize opening switch 541 is inputted. When the detection signal from the big prize opening switch 541 is inputted, the big prize opening prize data indicating that the game ball has entered the big prize opening 54 is temporarily stored in the prize information storage area of the main information storage means 180. Then, a special winning opening winning command is generated and temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. On the other hand, if there is no input of a detection signal from the big prize opening switch 541, the process proceeds to the next step as it is.

  Next, a left general winning opening switch process is executed (S105). In the left general prize opening switch input process, it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the left general prize opening switch 611 is input. When the detection signal from the left general winning opening switch 611 is input, the left general winning opening winning data indicating that the game ball has entered the general winning openings 61 to 63 is stored in the winning information storage area of the main information storage unit 180. While temporarily storing, a left general winning opening winning command is generated and temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. On the other hand, if there is no input of a detection signal from the left general prize opening switch 611, the process proceeds to the next step as it is.

  Subsequently, the right general winning opening switch process is executed (S106). In the right general winning opening switch input process, it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the right general winning opening switch 641 is input. When the detection signal from the right general winning opening switch 641 is input, the right general winning opening winning data indicating that the game ball has entered the general winning opening 64 is temporarily stored in the winning data storage area of the main information storage unit 180. At the same time, a right general winning opening winning command is generated and temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. On the other hand, if there is no input of a detection signal from the right general winning opening switch 641, the current winning monitoring process is terminated.

≪Special design game processing≫
Next, a series of processes related to the special symbol game in the main control timer interrupt process will be described. The process related to the special symbol game includes the above-described start port monitoring control process (S64), special symbol control process (S65), special electric accessory control process (S66), special symbol variation start monitoring control process (S68), etc. Is applicable.

(Start-up port monitoring control process)
First, the start port monitoring control process (S64) will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing details of the start port monitoring control process (S64).

  First, it is determined whether or not a game winning at the first start opening 51 is detected (S201). When a winning to the first start opening 51 is detected (S201: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number 4 (S202).

  When the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol is less than 4 (S202: YES), as a lottery random value for the first special symbol game, a random value per special symbol, a random symbol value per special symbol, a special symbol Fluctuation pattern random values are acquired, and each random value is stored in the first special symbol reservation storage area (hold n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the order of entry (S203). Then, as the update of the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol, 1 is added to the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter (S204), and the winning check of the first starting port 51 is finished.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a game winning in the second starting port 52 has been detected (S205). When a winning at the second starting port 52 is detected (S205: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls of the second special symbol is less than the upper limit of 4 (S206). When the number of reserved balls in the second special symbol is less than 4 (S206: YES), a random number per special symbol, a random symbol value per special symbol, a special symbol, as a lottery random value related to the second special symbol game Fluctuation pattern random values are acquired, and each random value is stored in the second special symbol reservation storage area (hold n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the order of entry (S207). Then, as the update of the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol, 1 is added to the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter (S208), and the winning check at the second starting port 52 is finished.

  Subsequently, whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been updated, that is, whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been added in S204 or S208. Is determined (S209). When there is an update of the number of balls with an operating reserve (S209: YES), a symbol memory number command including information on the number of balls with an operating reserve of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is generated, and this is stored as main information storage means. The command is stored in the command storage area 180 (S210).

  Next, the state of the gaming machine is confirmed, and it is determined whether it is a prior determination timing (S211). If it is a prior determination timing (S211: YES), a random number value per special symbol is read from the random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and a prior determination is made (S212). Then, a validity pre-judgment command including information on the pre-judgment result (pre-judgment pre-judgment number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S213).

  Further, the symbol random number value per special symbol is read from the symbol random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and symbol preliminary determination is performed (S214). Then, a symbol pre-determination command including this pre-determination result information (symbol pre-determination number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (S215). Further, the special symbol variation pattern random number value is read from the variation pattern random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and the variation pattern prior determination is performed (S216). Then, a variation pattern advance determination command including information on the prior determination result (variation pattern advance determination number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S217).

(Special symbol variation start monitoring control process)
Next, the special symbol variation start monitoring control process (S68) will be described. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control process (S68).

  In this special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control process (S68), a special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process to be described later is applied to the special symbol side satisfying the fluctuation start condition among the first special symbol and the second special symbol. (S310) is executed. When both the first special symbol and the second special symbol satisfy the variation start condition, the process on the second special symbol side is preferentially executed as described above.

  First, it is determined whether a big hit or a small hit is being made (S301). Subsequently, whether both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for change, that is, whether the first special symbol game status and the second special symbol game status are both “00H (waiting for change)”. It is determined whether or not (S302).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the number of retained balls in the second special symbol is “0” (S303). If the number of retained balls is not “0” (S303: NO), the second special symbol is determined. It is assumed that the symbol variation start condition is satisfied, and after setting the address of the second special symbol variation start monitoring table (addresses of various tables used in the subsequent processing and the address of the RAM storage area) (S304) Then, the process proceeds to the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process (S310) on the second special symbol side. That is, in the present embodiment, when there is an operation holding ball of the second special symbol, the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is given priority regardless of the presence or absence of the operation holding ball of the first special symbol. Digested. Details of this special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, when the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol is “0” (S303: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol is “0” (S305). . If the number of reserved balls is not “0” (S305: NO), it is assumed that the first special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, and the address of the first special symbol variation start monitoring table (hereinafter referred to as “the first special symbol variation start monitoring table”). After setting the addresses of the various tables used in the processing and the addresses of the RAM storage area (S306), the process proceeds to the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) on the first special symbol side.

  Note that if the variation start conditions of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not satisfied (S301: YES, S302: NO, S305: YES), the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) is skipped. .

(Special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process)
Next, the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) will be described. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310).

  In the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process (S310), the first special symbol fluctuation start monitoring table or the second special symbol fluctuation start monitoring table set in S304 or S306 described above is referred to The special symbol side process will be executed, but the processing method is the same on the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, so the first special symbol side process is the exception unless otherwise specified. Whether or not there is a process on the second special symbol side will be described as a group without distinction.

First, 1 is subtracted from the number of reserved balls on the special symbol side that is the subject of the current fluctuation start (S311). Then, a symbol memory number command including information on the number of suspended balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after the subtraction is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (S312). Subsequently, the special symbol holding storage area on the side of the special symbol subject to the start of the current change is accessed, and the random number value per special symbol and the special symbol stored in the first reserved storage area (holding 1 storage area) In order to sequentially read the design random number value and the special design variation pattern random value, and use these random number values for the special symbol success / failure determination process (S320), the symbol determination process (S330), and the variation pattern selection process (S423) described later, Transfer to the special symbol success / failure determination area, special symbol determination area, and special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180 (S313). Further, as the update of the hold storage area, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area to the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower hold storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is cleared to zero (S314).

  Subsequently, a special symbol success / failure determination process is executed (S320). In the special symbol success / failure determination process (S320), first, a special symbol success / failure lottery table is acquired. At this time, if the gaming state is a special symbol probability changing state, a high-probability lottery table is obtained, and if the gaming state is a normal state, a low-probability lottery table is obtained. Next, a random value per special symbol is read from the special symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage unit 180. Then, referring to the special symbol success / failure lottery table, the special symbol success / failure determination is executed based on the random number value per special symbol. Further, values corresponding to the determination result (big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, and loss data “00H”) are stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

  Subsequently, a symbol determination process is executed (S330). In the symbol determination process (S330), a special symbol stop symbol and character effect number (variable added symbol information) are determined according to the result of the determination. Then, the stop symbol and the character effect number of the special symbol determined this time are stored in the symbol storage area of the main information storage unit 180. Note that the character effect number includes the determined stop symbol type (eight patterns of big hit / small hit symbols A1 to D1, A2 to B2, D2, and K1), and the operation state of the probability changing function of the special symbols and the normal symbols ( Based on a combination of 4 patterns of special symbol probability variation ON / special symbol probability variation OFF / normal symbol probability variation ON / normal symbol probability variation OFF), one of 32 patterns in total is determined. If the result of the determination is wrong, the character effect number “0” is determined.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the result of the determination is a small hit (S341), and whether or not the result of the determination is a big win (S342). If the result of the determination is a small hit (S341: YES), the process proceeds to S347, and if the result of the determination is out of order (S341: NO, S342: NO), the process proceeds to S349.

  On the other hand, if the determination result is a big hit (S341: NO, S342: YES), the probability of the special symbol as the gaming state after the special game based on the symbol type (big bonus type) determined in S330 It is determined whether or not to activate the variable function (S343). That is, when the symbol type (big hit type) indicates a specific symbol, it is determined to provide a probability variation function, and when the symbol type indicates a normal symbol, the probability variation function is determined. Decide not to grant. This determination result is stored in the probability variation determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

  Further, based on the symbol type (big hit type) determined in S330, the number of times of operation of the variable time reduction function is determined as the gaming state after the special game (S344), and the number of times of operation of the electric chew support function is determined. (S345). This determination result (the operation time information of the variation time shortening function, the operation frequency information of the electric chew support function) is stored in the time information storage area and the easy-to-enter number storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

Subsequently, the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 542 is set based on the symbol type (big hit type) determined in S330 (S346). Specifically, as the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 542, the specified number of round games (in this example, 16 rounds, 4 rounds, 2 rounds), the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 54 (in this example, 30 rounds) Seconds, 0.05 seconds).

  Next, based on the symbol type determined in S330 and the current game state, the variation pattern selection state after the special game or after the small hit game is set (S347). Subsequently, based on the symbol type determined in S330, a demonstration performance time (a hit start demo time and a hit end demo time) of the special game or the small hit game is set (S348). Next, the special symbol success / failure determination region and the special symbol / symbol determination region of the main information storage unit 180 used in the above-described special symbol success / failure determination processing (S320) and symbol determination processing (S330) are cleared (S349). Then, the special symbol game status on the special symbol side to be changed this time is changed from “00H (standby)” to “01H (change start)” (S350).

(Special symbol control processing)
Next, the special symbol control process (S65) will be described. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control process (S65).

  First, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 542 is inactive, that is, whether or not the special electric accessory game status is “00H (waiting for winning)” (S401). Subsequently, when the special electric accessory 542 is not operated (S401: YES), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol game status is not “00H (standby)” (S402).

  When the second special symbol game status is not “00H (standby)” (S402: YES), the second special symbol control table (used in the subsequent processing) is executed to execute the processing related to the second special symbol. The addresses of the various tables and the addresses of the RAM storage areas are set (S403), and the process proceeds to the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410). On the other hand, when the second special symbol game status is “00H (standby)” (S402: NO), the first special symbol control table (in the subsequent processing) is executed to execute the process related to the first special symbol. The addresses of various tables to be used and the addresses of the RAM storage areas are set (S404), and the process proceeds to the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410).

  In the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410) described below, the first special symbol control table or the second special symbol control table set in S403 or S404 described above is used, and the special subject to change this time is used. The process on the symbol side will be executed, but the processing method is the same on the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, so is it the process on the first special symbol side unless otherwise specified? A description will be given collectively without distinguishing whether the processing is on the second special symbol side. Details of this special symbol control general-purpose process (S410) will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Special design control general-purpose processing)
Subsequently, special symbol control general-purpose processing is executed (S410). FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410).

In this special symbol control general-purpose processing (S410), branch processing (S411 to S414) is executed to shift to processing according to the special symbol game status values ("01H", "02H", "03H"). First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status on the special symbol side subject to the current variation is not 0 (S411). If the special symbol game status is not “00H” (S411: YES), it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is “01H (change start)” (S412). If the special symbol game status is “01H” (S412: YES), the process proceeds to a special symbol variation start process (S420). Details of this special symbol variation start process (S420) will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S412, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is “02H (changed)” (S413). When the special symbol game status is “02H” (S413: YES), the process proceeds to the special symbol changing process (S430). Details of the special symbol variation processing (S430) will be described later with reference to FIG. If NO in S413, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "03H (stopped symbol display)" (S414). If the special symbol game status is “03H” (S414: YES), the process proceeds to a special symbol stop symbol display process (S440). Details of the special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440) will be described later with reference to FIGS.

(Special symbol variation start processing)
Next, the special symbol variation start process (S420) will be described. FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start process (S420).

  First, a special symbol variation pattern table is acquired based on the result of the lottery determination and the variation pattern selection state (S421). Subsequently, a special symbol variation pattern random value is read from the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 (S422). Then, with reference to the special symbol variation pattern table, one of a plurality of types of variation patterns is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random value (S423).

  Next, a variation time corresponding to the variation pattern selected this time is set (S424). Then, as a special symbol variation start setting, the variation time is stored in the special symbol game timer of the symbol display control means 165 (S425), and a variation start command to the effect control board 200 is generated (S426). As the variation start command, in order to start the symbol variation effect in the effect display device 70, a communication inspection command, a variation additional symbol information designation command, a variation pattern designation command, and a symbol designation command are generated in order, and this is generated as main information storage means. It is stored in the command storage area of 180.

  Subsequently, the contents of the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 used for determining the variation pattern are cleared (S427). Then, the special symbol game status is changed from “01H (change start)” to “02H (change)” (S428).

(Special symbol change processing)
Next, the special symbol variation processing (S430) will be described. FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol changing process (S430).

  First, a special symbol display pattern number switching process is executed in order to perform a special symbol variable display (S431). In this display pattern number switching process (S431), special pattern display pattern number data is generated for each predetermined switching time. The display pattern number data is output to the first special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72 in the LED output process (S73) in order to display the variable special symbols in a variable manner or in a definite manner.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has reached "0 (timeout)", that is, whether or not the special symbol variation time has ended (S432). When the variation time of the special symbol is completed (S432: YES), a special symbol stop symbol to be fixedly displayed on the first special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72 is set (S433). Subsequently, a change stop command for instructing the effect control board 200 to confirm and display the decoration symbol is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S434).

Next, “500 (ms)” is stored in the special symbol game timer as a fixed display time (S435). Note that the “determined display time” is a time for definitely stopping and displaying the stopped symbol when the special symbol is suspended. Then, the special symbol game status is changed from “02H (fluctuating)” to “03H (stopping symbol display)” (S436).

(Special symbol stop symbol display processing)
Next, the special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440) will be described. 41 to 42 are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440).

  First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has become “0 (timeout)”, that is, whether or not the fixed display time of the special symbol (stop symbol) has ended (S441). When the special symbol fixed display time is over (S441: YES), the special symbol game status is changed from "03H (stopped symbol display)" to "00H (standby)" (S442).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the winning / failing determination data stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180 is the big hit data “55H” (S443). When the hit / decision determination data is jackpot data (S443: YES), the special symbol probability variation function is deactivated (S444), the special symbol variation time reduction function is deactivated (S445), and the electric support function is activated. Stop (S446) is performed in order. Specifically, “00H (not actuated)” is set in the special symbol mode flag, and “00H” is set in the time reduction number counter and the easy-to-enter number counter to clear to zero.

  Next, as a special game start demo setting process, a start demo display time is set, and an effect control command (big hit start demo command) for instructing start of the start demo effect is generated (S447). Subsequently, the number of executions of the variation pattern selection state (variation pattern selection state number counter) is cleared to zero (S448). Also, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “00H (waiting for winning)” to “01H (special game)” (S449). Then, “00H” is set to clear the contents of the success / failure determination flag (S450).

  On the other hand, if the determination data is not big hit data (S443: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol probability variation function is in operation (S451). When the special symbol probability variation function is in operation (S451: YES), 1 is subtracted from the probability variation counter of the main information storage means 180 as the digest of the current special symbol variation (step S452). . Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the probability variation counter is zero (step S453). When the probability variation counter is zero (S453: YES), the operation of the special symbol probability variation function is stopped (S454). If the probability variation counter after subtraction is not zero (S453: NO), S454 is skipped and the process proceeds to S455.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time reduction function is in operation (S455). If the special symbol variation time reduction function is in operation (S455: YES), the time-count counter of the main information storage means 180 is decremented by 1 as the digest of the current special symbol variation (step S456). . Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the time reduction counter is zero (step S457). If the hourly number counter is zero (S457: YES), the special symbol variable time reduction function is deactivated, assuming that the number of times of termination of the special symbol time-short state has been reached (S458). If the time-count counter after subtraction is not zero (S457: NO), S458 is skipped and the process proceeds to S459.

Next, it is determined whether or not the electric chew support function is in operation (S459). When the electric chew support function is in operation (S459: YES), 1 is subtracted from the easy-to-enter state counter of the main information storage unit 180 as the digest of the number of changes in the special symbol this time (step S460). . Next, it is determined whether or not the easy-to-enter state counter is zero (step S461). When the easy entry state number counter is zero (S461: YE
In S), the operation of the electric chew support function is stopped, assuming that the number of times the easy entry state has been reached (S462). If the easy-to-enter state counter after subtraction is not zero (S461: NO), S462 is skipped and the process proceeds to S463.

  Next, 1 is subtracted from the variation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage means 180 (S463). Then, the variation pattern selection state is updated (S464). Specifically, referring to the variation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage unit 180, it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the current variation pattern selection state has reached a preset end number. If it has been reached, the state is switched to the next specified variation pattern selection state. On the other hand, if the end count has not been reached, the current variation pattern selection state is maintained.

  Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the current gaming state information and the variation pattern selection state information updated in the above-described S451 to S464 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. (S465). On the side of the production control board 200, the production mode is set and updated based on the information of the game state designation command.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the small hit data “33H” is stored in the special symbol determination flag (S466). When the small hit data is stored (S466: YES), as the start demo setting process of the small hit game, the start demonstration display time is set, and an effect control command (small hit) that instructs the start of the start demonstration effect Start demo command) is generated (S467). Subsequently, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “00H (waiting for winning)” to “02H (small winning game)” (S468). Then, “00H” is set to clear the contents of the success / failure determination flag (S469).

  On the other hand, if the small symbol data “33H” is not stored in the special symbol determination flag (S466: NO), that is, if the shift data “00H” is stored in the special symbol determination flag, S467 to S469 are executed. skip. Note that when the special symbol determination flag is outlier data, the process of clearing the contents of the flag was not performed because “00H” was originally stored as outlier data.

(Special electric accessory control processing)
Next, the special electric accessory control process (S66) will be described. 43 to 45 are flowcharts showing details of the electric accessory control process (S66).

  First, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory game status is “01H (special game)” (S501). When the special electric accessory game status is “01H” (S501: YES), the special game process is executed in the subsequent processes. In this special game process, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 542 is operating (S502). If the special electric accessory 542 is not operating (S502: NO), it is determined whether or not it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 542 (S503). The operation start time of the special electric accessory 542 is a timing at which the operation of the special electric accessory 542 is started in each round game.

  If it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 542 (S503: YES), an effect control command (round effect designation command) is generated to start the round effect, and this is stored in the command of the main information storage unit 180. Store in the area (S504). On the side of the effect control board 200, a round effect corresponding to each round game in the special game is executed based on the information of the round effect designation command (information such as the current number of rounds). Then, the operation of the special electric accessory 542 is started (S505), and the processing of S506 to S510 is executed as the processing during the operation of the special electric accessory 542.

  As a process during the operation of the special electric accessory 542, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won a predetermined count number (maximum winning number) in the big prize opening 54 (S506), and the operation time of the special electric accessory 542 is determined. It is determined whether (open time) has elapsed (S507). At this time, if the game ball has won a predetermined count number (maximum number of winnings) in the big winning opening 54 (S506: YES) or if the operating time of the special electric accessory 542 has passed (S507: YES), a special The operation of the electric accessory 542 is stopped (S508). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 542 has reached a predetermined number of rounds (S509). When the number of continuous operations has not reached the specified number of rounds (S509: NO), the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 542 is incremented by 1 (S510).

  On the other hand, when the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 542 has reached the specified number of rounds (S509: YES), the process proceeds to S511, and an end demonstration display time is set as a special game hit end demonstration setting process. At the same time, an effect control command (big hit end demo command) for instructing start of the end demo effect is generated (S511).

  Subsequently, the variable time reduction number information set in S344 is stored in the time reduction number counter (S512). Further, the easy entry state number information set in S345 is stored in the easy entry state number counter (S513).

  Subsequently, referring to the content of the probability variation determination flag set in S343, it is determined whether or not the operation of the condition device is an operation based on a specific symbol (so-called probability variation symbol) (S514). When the operation of the condition device is based on the specific symbol (S514: YES), the operation time data “64H” is stored in the probability variation counter of the main information storage means 180, and the operation of the special symbol probability variation function is started. (S515). On the other hand, when the condition device is not operated by the specific symbol (S514: NO), the non-operating data “00H” is stored in the probability variation counter, and S515 is skipped.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the variation time shortening number information stored in the time reduction number counter is variation time shortening function operation data (data other than “00H”) (S516). If it is the variation time shortening function operation data (S516: YES), the operation of the special symbol variation time shortening function is started (S517). On the other hand, when it is not the fluctuation time shortening function operation data (S516: NO), S517 is skipped.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the easy entry state number information stored in the easy entry state number counter is electric Chu support function operation data (data other than “00H”) (S518). If it is the electric Chu support function operation data (S518: YES), the operation of the electric Chu support function is started (S519 to S521). That is, the operation start of the normal symbol probability variation function (S519), the operation start of the normal symbol variation time reduction function (S520), and the operation start of the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 522 (S521) are executed in order. On the other hand, if it is not the electric Chu support function operation data, S519 to S521 are skipped.

  Next, the variation pattern selection state determined in S347 is switched to (S522). Subsequently, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the game state information after the special game and the variation pattern selection state information set in S512 to S522 described above is generated and stored in the main information storage unit 180. Store in the command storage area (S523). On the effect control board 200 side, the effect mode after the special game is set based on the information of the game state designation command. Then, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “01H (special game)” to “00H (waiting for winning)” (S524).

  On the other hand, when the special electric accessory game status is not “01H (special game)” (S501: NO), the process proceeds to S530 and whether the special electric accessory game status is “02H (small hit game)”. It is determined whether or not (S530). When the special electric accessory game status is “02H” (S530: YES), the small hit game processing is executed in the subsequent processing.

  In the small hit game processing, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 542 is operating (S531). When the special electric accessory 542 is not operating (S531: NO), the operation of the special electric accessory 542 is started (S532). On the other hand, when the special electric accessory 542 is operating (S531: YES), S532 is skipped.

  Subsequently, as a process during the operation of the special electric accessory 542, it is determined whether or not the maximum number of game balls has been won in the big prize opening 54 (S533), and the operation time of the special electric accessory 542 (open) It is determined whether or not (time) has elapsed (S534). At this time, if the game ball has won a predetermined count number (maximum number of winnings) in the big winning opening 54 (S533: YES) or if the operating time of the special electric accessory 542 has passed (S534: YES), a special The operation of the electric accessory 542 is stopped (S535).

  Subsequently, as the end demo setting process for the small hit game, the end demo display time is set, and an effect control command (small hit end demo command) for instructing the start of the end demo effect is generated (S536). Next, the variation pattern selection state determined in S347 is switched to (S537). Subsequently, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the variation pattern selection state information after the special game set in S537 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 ( S538). This gaming state designation command is used on the side of the production control board 200 for determining the production mode transition trigger, specifying the migration destination production mode, and the like. Then, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “01H (special game)” to “00H (waiting for winning)” (S539).

<Processing on the production control board>
Next, the procedure of the operation process in the effect control board 200 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The process on the side of the effect control board 200 includes a reset start process (including an effect control side main process) that is executed when the sub-main CPU 201 is reset, such as after power-on, and an effect control side timer interrupt that is activated at regular intervals. Ramp activated when triggered by the arrival of a predetermined generation time specified in the time schedule of the process, the reception control process of the effect control command activated due to the strobe signal from the main control board 100, and the time schedule of the variable effect pattern It includes a production interruption process and a transmission interruption process of an image control command activated at regular intervals.

  In each interrupt process (exception process), a priority level indicating a priority when a plurality of interrupt processes occurs is set. In this example, “Reset start processing by power reset: top priority”, “Reset start processing by various abnormalities: top priority” → “Reception interrupt processing of rendering control command: level 7” → “WDT (during runaway detection)” The priority levels are ranked in the order of “reset start process: level 3” → “image control command transmission interrupt process: level 2” → “production control side timer interrupt process: level 1”. Note that the “reset start processing at the time of various abnormalities” is, for example, when the sub-main CPU 201 executes an illegal command, or when the sub-main CPU 201 tries to access in an illegal area or an illegal method. Access) Starts when an error occurs during transfer. In the present embodiment, the above-described plural types of interrupt processing are illustrated, but actually other interrupt processing also exists.

In the effect control side main process, the process is basically performed after setting all interrupts to be prohibited or interrupts other than the effect control command reception interrupt being set. Moreover,
When the production control side main process is in an interrupt-permitted state, each interrupt process is activated in such a manner that the main process is interrupted. In each interrupt process, when there is a request for another interrupt process during execution of the interrupt process (a multiple interrupt occurs), if the interrupt process has a higher priority level than the interrupt process being executed, in principle While the interrupt request is permitted, the interrupt request is prohibited when the interrupt process has a lower priority level or the same priority level as the interrupt process being executed. That is, each interrupt process is advanced in a state where other interrupts having the same priority level or a lower priority level are prohibited. Then, each interrupt process returns to the production control side main process with all interrupts permitted. Note that the priority order (priority level) of such interrupt factors is defined by register settings of the effect control microcomputer 210 (interrupt controller).

<Reset start processing>
First, reset start processing of the effect control board 200 will be described. FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing reset start processing of the effect control board 200. In this reset start processing, after the power is turned on, reset caused by various abnormal times, or reset caused by WDT (during runaway detection), the security check of the sub main CPU 201 is performed. The program starts and the processing after S601 is started.

  First, as an initial setting required when power is turned on, a head address is set as an initial value of the stack area in the stack pointer (S601). Then, all interrupt processing is prohibited until various initial settings are completed (S602).

  Subsequently, as basic settings related to hardware, an initial value is set in a built-in register provided in the sub-main CPU 201 and the I / O port circuit 204 is initialized (S603). Further, the memory area in the RAM 203 of the effect control microcomputer 210 is initialized (S604). Here, an initial value is set for a variable with an initial value, and initialization by zero clear is performed for a variable without an initial value. Further, the sub main CPU 201 appropriately develops the control program stored in the ROM 202 in the RAM 203.

  Subsequently, interrupts other than the production control command reception interrupt process are prohibited (S605). Next, among various errors set in advance for each model, a process for setting the type of error to be valid for the model is performed (S606). Further, a turn-off request is made to turn off the effect lamp LP (the frame lamp 10, the panel lamp 80) (S607). Then, a watchdog timer is started to monitor the runaway of the sub-main CPU 201 (S608).

  Subsequently, an effect control side main process is executed as the main process of the game effect (S609). Details of the effect control side main process (S609) will be described later with reference to FIG. Note that when the process shifts to the production control side main process in S609, it is not normally possible to return from the main process to the reset start process, but in the unlikely event that the process returns to this process due to a program bug or the like. The mode is shifted to a low power consumption mode (sleep mode) in which power consumption is lower than that during normal operation.

《Direction control side main processing》
Next, the production control side main process (S609) of the production control board 200 will be described. FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the effect control side main process (S609).

First, an address (start address where the program is expanded) for starting a check as to whether or not the control program is correctly expanded in the RAM 203 in the production control side main process is acquired (S611). Subsequently, all interrupts are permitted (activation of various interrupt processes is permitted) (S612).

  Next, a device initialization operation is executed (S613). This initialization operation is an operation mode that is executed only once when the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned on (at the start of resetting). In order to control the operation of the movable accessory 24 by a device such as a motor or a solenoid. It is executed for the purpose of confirming the position information necessary for. At the end of the initialization operation, the movable accessory 24 returns to a preset initial position (reference position).

  Subsequently, the watchdog timer is cleared to restart the watchdog timer (S614). At this time, when the sub main CPU 201 is executing the program normally, a predetermined clear word is written to the WDT clear register of the sub main CPU 201 within a preset time-out period, so that the watchdog timer Cleared and restarted. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Subsequently, input port check processing is executed (S615). In this input port check processing, reading of the I / O port circuit 204 (input port) in the port input / output processing S912 in timer interrupt processing, which will be described later, is monitored each time an interrupt occurs, and is monitored a plurality of times (for example, four times). When the input port states are all “1”, the signal level is “1 (H level)”, when all the input ports are “0”, the signal level is “0 (L level)”, otherwise the signal level is set. Do not change (this determines the input signal).

  Subsequently, an error effect management process is executed (S616). In this error effect management process, error effects by various devices are started based on the error effect pattern set in the subsequent command analysis process (S622). Further, in the error presentation management process, an initial value (error presentation time) is set in the error management timer to manage the progress of the error presentation. This error management timer is subtracted and updated at an interval of 16 ms in the error management timer update process (S920) of the production control side timer interrupt process. When the error management timer times out, the error presentation is ended.

  Next, a mini game selection control process is executed (S617). In the mini game selection control process, a mini game effect pattern (music game pattern) to be executed as the special effect 2 in the probability variation state is selected. Details of the mini game selection control process (S617) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the effect button monitoring control process is executed (S618). In this effect button monitoring control process, when a button notice effect is incorporated during symbol variation, the input state of the effect button 15 within the operation effective time is monitored, and information regarding the input state of the effect button 15 is retained. The effect button monitoring control processing in this example includes, for example, a music game selection effect (see FIG. 29), a navigation character selection effect (see FIG. 11), a promotion effect during a big hit (see FIGS. 23 and 24), etc. It is executed in various game effect processes. Details of the effect button monitoring control process (S618) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the special effect 1 control process is executed (S619). In the special effect 1 control process, when the special effect execution condition 1 and the special effect start condition 1 are satisfied, the effect content (LIVE effect pattern) of the special effect 1 is determined, and the execution start of the special effect 1 is image controlled. An image control command is requested to instruct the substrate 300. Details of the special effect 1 control process (S619) will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the special effect 2 control process is executed (S620). In this special effect 2 control process,
When the special effect execution condition 2 and the special effect start condition 2 are satisfied, the contents of the effect (music game pattern) of the special effect 2 are determined, and image control is performed to instruct the image control board 300 to start executing the special effect 2. Request a command. Details of the special effect 2 control process (S620) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, device management processing is executed (S621). In this device management process, when there is an operation request (lamp request, accessory request) of various devices in a command analysis process (S622) described later, a plurality of types of pattern data (lamp pattern, drive pattern) stored in the ROM 203 ), The pattern data corresponding to the production number (lamp production number, accessory announcement production number) is specified, and control of the target device is started. In the lamp pattern data of the effect lamp LP, lamp data associated with every frame time (time required to update an image frame once: 16 ms) is stored as schedule data. In this example, one frame time corresponds to the time required for drawing processing of one frame when drawing is performed at about 60 frames per second (= about 60 fps) in the effect display device 70. Similarly, in the driving pattern data of the movable accessory 24, driving data associated with each interrupt cycle (1 ms) is stored as schedule data. As a result, control data (lamp data, drive data, etc.) is output to the target device at regular intervals in an effect control side timer interrupt process described later, and the operation of the target device is started. On the other hand, when the output of a series of control data (lamp data, drive data) is completed in the production control side timer interruption process described later, the production lamp LP is turned off or the operation of the movable accessory 24 is stopped. Then, the control of the target device is finished.

  Subsequently, command analysis processing (S622) is executed. In this command analysis process, it is monitored whether or not an effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. If an effect control command is stored, this command is read out, and the effect control command that has been read out is read out. The effect control process corresponding to the type is executed. Details of the command analysis processing (S622) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, it is determined whether command analysis (effect control command analysis) has been executed during the current loop processing (S623). If it is immediately after command analysis (S623: YES), the process returns to S614 and proceeds to the next loop process. On the other hand, when the command analysis is not executed (S623: NO), the effect lottery random number update process is executed (S624). In the effect lottery random number update process, various effect lottery random numbers such as a prefetch notice lottery random number, a decorative design random number, a variable effect pattern random number, and a notice effect pattern random number are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value.

(Command analysis processing)
Next, the command analysis process (S622) will be described. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing details of the command analysis processing (S622). In this command analysis processing, it is monitored whether or not an effect control command from the main control board 100 is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and an effect corresponding to the type of the stored effect control command. Execute control processing.

  First, it is determined whether or not a gaming state designation command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S631). When the game state designation command is stored (step S631: YES), the process proceeds to the effect state transition process (S632). In the effect state transition process (S632), a process of changing the effect mode is executed based on the variation pattern selection state information included in the game state designation command.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a hold-related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S633). Here, the hold related commands include a symbol memory number command and a prior determination command. When the hold related command is stored (S633: YES), the process proceeds to the hold information management process (S634). In the hold information management process (S634), the symbol storage number command or the advance determination command is read from the sub-main information storage means 260, the prefetch determination is executed based on the information of the advance determination result, and the hold display of the effect display device 70 is performed. Processing for updating the display number and display mode (display color, etc.) of the reserved images displayed in the sections 701 and 702 is performed. Details of the hold information management process (S633) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a symbol variation related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S635). Here, the symbol variation related commands include a variation start command and a variation stop command. When the symbol variation related command is stored (step S635: YES), the process proceeds to a variation effect content determination process (S636) and a special effect start 1 condition determination process (S637). In this variation effect content determination process (S636), if the received symbol variation related command is a variation start command, processing for starting the symbol variation effect is executed, and the received symbol variation related command is a variation stop command. In some cases, a process for ending the symbol variation effect being executed is executed. Details of the variation effect content determination process (S636) will be described later with reference to FIG. In the special effect 1 start condition determination process (S637), when the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied, the received symbol variation related command is a variation start command (command for instructing the start of the next variation display). If there is, it is determined that the special effect 1 start condition is satisfied (determined that the execution timing of special effect 1 has arrived). Details of the special effect 1 start condition determination process (S637) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a big hit effect related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S638). Here, the jackpot effect-related commands include a jackpot start demonstration effect command, a round effect designation command, and a jackpot end demonstration effect command. When the big hit effect related command is stored (step S638: YES), the process proceeds to the big hit effect content determination process (S639). In this jackpot effect content determination process (S639), a process for executing a start demonstration effect, a round effect, and an end demonstration effect is performed. Details of the big hit effect content determination process (S639) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a small hit effect related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S640). Here, the small hit effect-related commands include a small hit start demonstration effect command and a small hit end demonstration effect command. When the small hit effect related command is stored (step S640: YES), the process proceeds to the small hit effect content determination process (S641). In the small hit effect content determination process (S641), processing for executing the small hit start demonstration effect and the small hit end demonstration effect is performed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a winning mouth winning-related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S642). Here, the winning opening prize-related commands include the first starting opening prize command, the second starting opening prize command, the operation gate winning command, the big winning prize winning command, the left general winning prize winning command, and the right general winning prize winning command. Is included. When this winning opening prize-related command is stored (S642: YES), the process proceeds to a winning effect content determination process (S643). Details of the winning effect content determination process (S643) will be described later with reference to FIG.

Subsequently, it is determined whether an error effect designation command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S644). If this error effect designation command is stored (S644: YES), the process proceeds to error effect content determination processing (S645). In this error effect content determination process (S645), an error effect designation command is read from the sub-main information storage means 260, and an error for notifying the error state by the image display of the effect display device 70, the light emission mode of the effect lamp LP, or the like. Determine the production pattern.

  When the effect control command is not stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S631: NO, S633: NO, S635: NO, S638: NO, S640: NO, S642: NO, S644: NO ) Terminates the command analysis processing without doing anything.

(Pending information management process)
Next, the hold information management process (S634) will be described. FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing details of the hold information management process (S634).

  First, it is determined whether or not a symbol storage number command is stored in the sub-main information storage means 260 (S671). When the symbol memory number command is stored (S671: YES), the contents of the symbol memory number command are analyzed, and the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol included in the content of the command Information is acquired (S672). Subsequently, the first reserved ball number counter or the second reserved ball number counter is updated based on the operation reserved ball number information acquired in S612 (S673). Thereby, the operation reservation ball number information of the special symbol managed on the production control board 200 side coincides with the operation reservation ball number information of the special symbol managed on the main control board 100 side. Next, based on the values of the first reserved ball number counter and the second reserved ball number counter updated in S673, an image control command for instructing the image control board 300 side of the number of reserved images determined in the process. It is generated and stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S674).

  On the other hand, if the symbol storage number command is not stored (S671: NO), it is determined whether or not a prior determination command is stored in the sub-main information storage means 260 (S675). If the advance determination command is stored (S675: YES), the contents of the advance determination command are analyzed, and the advance determination result information included in the contents of the command is acquired (S676). Subsequently, the pre-determined result information is combined with the order of entering the operation holding balls, and the pre-read information storage area (hold 1 storage area, hold 2 storage area, hold 3 storage area, hold 4 of the sub main information storage means 260 is stored. (S677).

  Subsequently, a pre-reading effect determination process at the time of winning is executed (S680). In the winning prefetch effect determination process (S680), prefetch lotteries are individually executed for various prefetch effects (for example, pending change prefetch effects, etc.), and the prefetch effect pattern is determined along with whether or not the prefetch effects can be executed. To do. Next, an image control command for instructing the image control board 300 to the various prefetch effect pattern numbers determined in S680 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S674). ).

(Variation production content determination process)
Next, the variation effect content determination process (S636) will be described. FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing details of the variation effect content determination process (S636).

First, it is determined whether or not a change start command is stored in the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S701). When the variation start command is stored (S701: YES), the contents of this variation start command (variation pattern designation command, variation additional information designation command, symbol designation command) are analyzed and included in the contents of this command. Information indicating a variation pattern (variation time), a special symbol (stop symbol), a variation addition time, a gaming state, etc. is acquired (S702). This acquired information is stored in the variation effect content determination area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

  Subsequently, a variation effect pattern lottery process is executed (S703). In this variation effect pattern lottery process, a variation effect pattern table is acquired based on the information (mainly variation pattern information) acquired in S702, and a lottery random number value is acquired from the effect lottery random number generating means 210 to obtain a plurality of types. From among the fluctuation effect patterns, one of the fluctuation effect patterns is determined by lottery. The variation effect pattern constitutes a scenario of the effect display process in which the variation pattern of the decorative design, the type / occurrence time of the reach effect, the type / occurrence time of the notice effect, etc. are defined. The variable effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the variable effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260. Further, a lamp effect number corresponding to the variation effect pattern is requested, and the requested lamp effect number is set in the lamp request storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260.

  Next, a stop symbol lottery process is executed (S704). In the stop symbol lottery process, the decorative symbol stop pattern table is acquired based on the information (mainly special symbol information) acquired in S702 and the variable effect pattern selected in S703, and the effect lottery random number generating means A lottery random number value is acquired from 210, and a stop symbol pattern specifying a combination of stop symbols of a decorative symbol (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) is determined by lottery. The stop symbol pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the decorative symbol storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

  Subsequently, a preliminary lottery process is executed (S705). In this advance notice lottery process, the advance notice lottery table corresponding to each advance notice effect defined along the scenario (the process of changing the decorative symbol display) is acquired based on the scenario of the change effect pattern selected in S703. The lottery random value is acquired from the production lottery random number generation means 210, and the notice production pattern is determined by lottery. The notice effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the notice effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. At this time, if an accessory announcement effect pattern is selected as the announcement effect pattern, an accessory request is generated, and the drive pattern of the movable accessory 24 is specified in the above-described device management process (S621). .

  Then, by such an effect scenario lottery (S703 to S705), a series of effect display process scenarios from the start of change of decorative symbols to the stop of change are determined, and notice effects that occur at each stage in the display process. And the specific contents of reach production are determined.

  Next, as the update processing of the pre-read information storage area set in the sub-main information storage means 260, the prior determination information stored in the hold 2 storage area to the hold 4 storage area (the hold ball information used for the pre-read lottery) is stored in the lower order. While shifting to the storage area (the first storage area to the third storage area), the reserved 4 storage area is cleared to zero (S706).

  Subsequently, digestion prefetch effect determination processing is executed (S707). In the pre-reading effect determination process at the time of digestion, pre-reading lottery is executed individually for various pre-reading effects (for example, hold change pre-reading effects), and the pre-reading effect pattern is determined along with whether or not the pre-reading effects can be executed.

  Then, based on the various kinds of effect information acquired in S703 to S707, an image control command (variable effect start command) required to start the decoration symbol change is generated, and this image control command is stored in the command of the sub-main information storage unit 260. The area is set (S710).

On the other hand, if the change start command is not stored (S701: NO), it is determined whether or not the change stop command is stored in the sub-main information storage means 260 (S708).
. When the variable stop command is stored (S708: YES), the contents of the variable stop command are analyzed, and the symbol stop information included in the contents of this command is acquired (S709).

  Then, an image control command (variation effect stop command) required to stop the decoration symbol variation is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S710). On the other hand, if the change stop command is not stored (S708: NO), the process is terminated as it is.

  Here, in terms of the order of the effect control process (command analysis process: FIG. 48), the special effect start condition determination process (S637) should be described after the above-described variation effect content determination process (S636). For convenience of explanation, the special effect start condition determination process (S637) will be described later.

(Big hit production content determination process)
Next, the big hit effect content determination process (S639) will be described. FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing details of the big hit effect content determination process (S639).

  First, it is determined whether or not a start demo command is stored in the sub-main information storage means 260 (S721). When the start demo command is stored (S721: YES), the contents of the start demo command are analyzed, and information indicating the jackpot type included in the contents of this command is acquired (S722). This acquired information is stored in the big hit effect content determination area of the sub-main information storage means 260. Subsequently, the consecutive resort count counter for counting the consecutive resort count is updated (S723). Specifically, when the big hit this time is a big hit in the normal state (referred to as “first hit”), the count value of the consecutive resort count counter is set to “1”, and when it is a consecutive resort, the number of consecutive resorts Add "1" to the count value of the counter.

  Next, a jackpot effect pattern selection process for determining the contents of the jackpot effect pattern (start demo effect pattern, round effect pattern, end demo effect pattern) is executed (S724). In this jackpot effect pattern selection process, a jackpot effect pattern table (not shown) is acquired, and a jackpot effect pattern random number value is acquired from the effect lottery random number generating means 210, and any one of a plurality of types of jackpot effect patterns is selected. The big hit production pattern is determined by lottery. In the jackpot effect pattern, in addition to the effect display such as the type of the jackpot bonus mode, the number of rounds during the jackpot effect display, the right-handed instruction display, the in-hold renso notification, etc., execution of promotion effects (round promotion effect, probability change promotion effect) The presence / absence of the promotion, the contents of the promotion effect, etc. are defined. The jackpot effect pattern number (start demo pattern number, round effect pattern number, end demo pattern number) determined here is temporarily stored in the jackpot effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

  Then, the start demonstration effect pattern number temporarily stored in the big hit effect pattern storage area of the sub main information storage means 260 in the above S724 is transferred to the start demonstration effect storage area of the sub main information storage means 260, and the big hit start demonstration effect is started. Is set (S725).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a round effect designation command is stored in the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S726). When the round effect designation command is stored (S726: YES), the content of the round effect designation command is analyzed, and information indicating the number of rounds included in the content of this command is acquired (S727). This acquired information is stored in the big hit effect content determination area of the sub-main information storage means 260. Subsequently, the round number counter of the sub-main information storage unit 260 is updated based on the information acquired in S727 (S728).

  Then, the round effect pattern number temporarily stored in the jackpot effect pattern storage area of the sub main information storage means 260 in S724 is transferred to the round effect storage area of the sub main information storage means 260 together with the value of the round number counter. The start of each round effect is set (S729).

  Next, it is determined whether or not an end demo command is stored in the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S730). When the end demo command is stored (S730: YES), the content of the end demo command is analyzed and information included in the content of this command is acquired (S731). This acquired information is stored in the big hit effect content determination area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

  Subsequently, with the end of the special game (round game), the round number counter of the sub main information storage means 260 is cleared (S732). In addition, in order to display the final result of the winning prize ball number notification effect in the big hit end demonstration, the values of the main winning prize ball number counter and the secondary winning prize ball number counter of the sub main information storage means 260 are stored as image control commands. After that, the values of the main acquisition prize ball number counter and the secondary acquisition prize ball number counter are cleared.

  Next, the end demonstration effect pattern number temporarily stored in the jackpot effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 in S724 is transferred to the end demonstration effect storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 to start the end demonstration effect. It sets (S735). Then, based on the effect information acquired in S723, S725, S728, S729, S732, S733, S734, S735, etc., an image control command required for the big hit effect is generated, and this image control command is stored in the sub main information storage means 260. The command storage area is set (S736).

(Winning effect content determination process)
Next, the winning effect content determination process (S643) will be described. FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing details of the winning effect content determination process (S643).

  First, a general winning notification effect control process is executed (S751). In this general winning notification effect control process (S751), it is determined whether or not the general winning slot winning command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and the general winning slot winning command is stored. For example, a general winning notification effect for notifying that a game ball has entered the general winning openings 61 to 64 is executed. Specifically, when the gaming state is the normal state, if the left general winning opening winning command is received, a general winning notification effect such as lighting the winning notification lamps 81 to 83 is executed, and the gaming state is If the player is in the certain change state (or special game state) and receives the right general winning opening winning command, a general winning notification effect such as turning on the winning notification lamp 84 is executed. When the game state is the normal state, if the right general winning award winning command is received, a caution notification effect instructing the player to make a left turn is executed, and the game state is changed to the promising state (or the special game state). ), If the left general winning opening winning command is received, a caution notification effect for instructing the player to make a right turn is executed.

  Subsequently, a big prize notification effect control process is executed (S752). In this big prize notification effect control process, it is determined whether or not a big prize opening prize command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. A big prize notification effect for notifying that the ball has entered the big prize opening 54 is executed.

Next, normal meter effect control processing is executed (S753). In this normal meter effect control process (S753), it is determined whether or not the left general winning opening winning command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and the left general winning opening winning command is stored. Then, the count value of the meter counter C1 is updated. And meter counter C
If the count value of 1 has reached the specified value (“20” in this example), it is determined that the special performance 1 execution condition is satisfied. Details of the normal meter effect control process (S753) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the probability variation meter effect control process is executed (S753). In this probability variation meter effect control process (S754), it is determined whether or not the right general winning award winning command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and the right general winning award winning command is stored. Then, the count value of the meter counter C2 is updated. If the count value of the meter counter C2 reaches a specified value (“20” in this example), it is determined that the special effect 2 execution condition is satisfied. Details of this probability variation meter effect control process (S754) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the winning prize number notification effect control process is executed (S755). In this winning prize ball number notification effect control process (S755), it is determined whether or not a big winning prize winning command or a right general winning prize winning command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. If a winning mouth winning command or a right general winning mouth winning command is stored, the main winning winning ball counter CS or the secondary winning is obtained in order to notify the number of winning balls (out) that the player has acquired in this special game. The award ball counter CH is updated. Details of the winning prize number notification effect control process (S755) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, a promotion meter effect control process is executed (S756). In this promotion meter effect control process (S756), it is determined whether or not a big prize winning command or a right general winning prize winning command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and a big winning prize winning command is determined. If the command or the right general winning opening winning command is stored, the count values of the promotion effect meter counters C3 and C4 are updated.

(Normal meter production control process)
Next, the normal meter effect control process (S753) will be described. FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing details of the normal meter effect control process (S753).

  First, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a normal state (S761). If the gaming state is the normal state (S761: YES), whether or not the game ball has entered the general winning opening 61-63, that is, whether the left general winning opening winning command from the main control board 100 has been received. It is determined whether or not (S762). When the left general winning opening winning command is received (S762: YES), it is determined whether or not the condition achievement flag A is ON (S763). The condition achievement flag A is a flag that is set when the special performance 1 execution condition is satisfied. If the condition achievement flag A is OFF (S763: NO), that is, if the special effect 1 execution condition is not satisfied, the count value of the meter counter C1 is incremented by 1 (S764).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the special effect 1 is being executed (S765). When the special effect 1 is not being executed (S765: NO), an image control command for instructing the count value of the meter counter C1 is generated to update the meter image (number of meters) on the screen, The information is stored in the command storage area of the information storage means 260 (S766). On the other hand, when the special effect 1 is being executed (S765: YES), S766 is skipped. That is, as described above, while the special effect 1 (the LIVE effect) is being executed, the count value of the meter counter C1 is updated, but the meter image is not displayed, so the count value of the meter counter C1 is set to the image control board 300 side. This is because there is no need to instruct.

Next, it is determined whether or not the count value of the meter counter C1 has reached a preset specified number (S767). If the count value of the meter counter C1 has reached the specified number (S767: YES), it is determined that the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied, and the condition achievement flag A is turned on (S768). Then, the meter counter C1 is cleared to zero and the process is terminated (S769).

  It should be noted that when the gaming state is a certain change state or a special gaming state (S761: NO), when the right general winning opening winning command is received (S762: NO), when the condition achievement flag A is on, that is, the special effect 1 If the execution condition is satisfied but the special effect 1 start condition is not satisfied (S763: YES), the process is terminated without doing anything. Here, as a modification, in the sub main CPU 201, when the execution condition flag A for the special effect 1 is on (S763: YES), the meter counter C1 may be cleared to zero to prepare the next count (S767). In this case, the meter display whose image is controlled by the sub-sub CPU 301 is controlled so that the meter image is held in the execution condition achievement state until a special effect 1 start instruction is issued based on establishment of the special effect 1 start condition. . By doing in this way, it becomes possible to control so as not to waste the ball entering the general winning ports 61 to 63 in a state where the number of meters is accumulated.

(Special production start condition judgment process)
Next, the special effect 1 start condition determination process (S637) will be described. FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing details of the special effect 1 start condition determination process (S637).

  First, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a normal state (S771). When the gaming state is the normal state (S771: YES), it is determined whether or not the condition achievement flag A is on, that is, whether or not the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied (S772). If the condition achievement flag A is ON (S772: YES), it is determined whether or not a change start command from the main control board 100 has been received (S773). When the change start command is received (S773: YES), it is determined that the special effect 1 start condition is satisfied, and the start condition flag A is turned on (S774). The start condition flag A is a flag that is set when the special effect 1 start condition is satisfied. That is, in this example, the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied (S772: YES), and the special effect 1 is triggered by receiving the change start command from the main control board 100 (S773: YES). It is determined that the start condition is satisfied. Then, the execution condition flag A is turned off and the process is terminated (S775).

(Special production 1 control process)
Next, the special effect 1 control process (S619) will be described. FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing details of the special effect 1 control process (S619).

First, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a normal state (S781). When the gaming state is the normal state (S781: YES), it is determined whether or not the start condition flag A is on, that is, whether or not the special effect 1 start condition is satisfied (S782). When the start condition flag A is on (S782: YES), it is determined whether or not the special effect 1 is being executed (S783). When the special effect 1 is not being executed (S783: NO), one of the normal LIVE effect patterns is determined from the plurality of types of normal LIVE effect patterns as the effect pattern of the special effect 1 this time (S784). On the other hand, when the special effect 1 is being executed (S783: YES), one of the special LIVE effect patterns is determined from the plural types of special LIVE effect patterns as the effect pattern of the special effect 1 this time ( S785). The LIVE effect pattern number determined in S784 or S785 is temporarily stored in the LIVE effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260. Subsequently, the start condition flag A is turned off (S786). Then, in order to start execution of the special effect 1, an image control command for instructing the effect pattern (the LIVE effect pattern) of the special effect 1 is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260. (S787). At the time of determining the special LIVE effect pattern, even when the normal LIVE effect is being performed as the special effect 1, a command for executing the special effect 1 is transmitted from the sub main CPU 201 to the sub sub CPU 301. . The command to be transmitted includes an immediate inter-sub command in which image display control is immediately performed by the sub-sub CPU 301 when a command is received, and a normal inter-sub command in which image display is controlled after waiting for a predetermined effect execution timing. The performance itself to be executed is normally transmitted as a sub-sub command, and is started after the end timing of the normal LIVE performance. When the execution of the special LIVE effect is confirmed, the above-described normal inter-sub command is transmitted, and the immediate inter-sub command for executing the image output indicating that the execution of the special LIVE effect is confirmed is combined. You may control to transmit.

(Probability meter production control process)
Next, the probability variation meter effect control process (S754) will be described. FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing details of the probability variation meter effect control process (S754).

  First, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a probable change state (S801). If the gaming state is in the probabilistic state (S801: YES), whether or not the game ball has entered the general winning slot 64, that is, whether or not the right general winning slot winning command from the main control board 100 has been received. Is determined (S802). When the right general winning award winning command is received (S802: YES), it is determined whether or not the special effect 2 has already been executed during the current probability change period (ST period) (S803). The reason is that, as described above, the special effect 2 is executed only once during the probability change period (during the ST period) (therefore, the meter effect is not executed). If the special effect 2 is not executed during the current probability change period (S803: NO), whether or not the execution condition flag B is on, that is, whether or not the special effect 2 execution condition is satisfied. Is determined (S804). The condition achievement flag B is a flag that is set when the special performance 2 execution condition is satisfied. If the execution condition flag B is off (S804: NO), that is, if the special effect 2 execution condition is not satisfied, the count value of the meter counter C2 is incremented by 1 (S805).

  Subsequently, in order to update the meter image (number of meters) on the screen, an image control command for instructing the count value of the meter counter C2 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S806). ). Next, it is determined whether or not the count value of the meter counter C2 has reached a preset specified number (S807). When the count value of the meter counter C2 has reached the specified number (S807: YES), it is determined that the special effect 2 execution condition is satisfied, and the condition achievement flag B is turned on (S808). Then, the meter counter C2 is cleared to zero and the process is terminated (S809).

  When the game state is the normal state or the special game state (S801: NO), when the left general winning opening winning command is received (S802: NO), when the special effect 2 has been executed during the current probability change period. (S803: YES), when the condition achievement flag B is on, that is, when the special effect 2 execution condition is satisfied but the special effect 2 start condition is not satisfied (S804: YES) The process is terminated as it is.

(Mini game selection control process)
Next, the mini game selection control process (S617) will be described. FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing details of the mini game selection control process (S617).

First, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a probable change state (S811). When the gaming state is a probability change state (S811: YES), it is determined whether or not the execution condition flag B is on, that is, whether or not the special effect 2 execution condition is satisfied (S812). When the execution condition flag B is ON (S812: YES), it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of special symbols with active holding balls (S813). When there are a plurality of specially reserved action balls (S813: YES), it is determined whether or not all existing action hold balls are of the non-reach type (S814). When all the operation holding balls are of the non-reach type (S814: YES), the game selection effect for selecting the effect pattern (music game pattern) of the special effect 2 is started (in the operation of the effect button 15 by the player). Accordingly, a predetermined value is set in the operation effective period timer for measuring the operation effective period of the effect button 15 (in order to make the music game pattern selectable) (S815). The operation valid period is a period during which the operation input of the effect button 15 is valid. Subsequently, the effect button valid flag is turned on (S816). The effect button valid flag is a flag that is set when the operation input of the effect button 15 is valid. Subsequently, an image control command for instructing the start of the game selection effect is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S817). Then, the execution condition flag B is turned off and the process is terminated (S818).

(Direction button monitoring control processing)
Next, the effect button monitoring control process (S618) will be described. FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing details of the effect button monitoring control process (S618).

  First, it is determined whether or not the effect button valid flag is on (S821). If the effect button valid flag is on (S821: YES), whether or not the operation input period of the effect button 15 is valid, that is, whether or not the operation valid period timer is not “0”. Is determined (S822). Note that, as described above, the operation effective period timer is a predetermined value (for example, “10 seconds”) when the special performance 2 execution condition is satisfied and the plurality of existing operation holding balls are all non-reach types. ) Is set, and every time a timer interrupt process (button control counter update process: S915) described later occurs, 1 ms (1 ms corresponding to the interrupt cycle) is subtracted. Here, during the operation valid period, a game selection effect screen (see FIG. 29E) is displayed, and one of a plurality of types of music game patterns can be selected based on the operation input of the effect button 15. Become. If it is during the operation effective period of the effect button 15 (S822: YES), it is determined whether or not there is an operation input of the effect button 15 (S823). When there is an operation input of the effect button 15 (S823: YES), the operation input information of the effect button 15 is stored in the operation input information storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S824). This operation input information includes information for specifying one music game pattern selected by the player. Subsequently, an image control command for instructing the operation input information of the effect button 15 to the image control board 300 side is generated and stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S825).

  Next, it is determined that the special effect 2 start condition is established as the music game pattern selection operation is completed as the special effect 2 effect pattern, and the start condition flag B is turned on (S826). The start condition flag B is a flag that is set when the special effect 2 start condition is satisfied. Then, when there is an operation input of the effect button 15 in this way, even before the operation effective period has elapsed, the operation effective flag is turned off in order to confirm the operation input and set the end of the operation effective period. (S827). On the other hand, when the operation valid period is not in effect (S822: NO), that is, even when there is no operation input of the effect button 15 and the operation valid period timer becomes “0”, the effect button valid flag is turned off (S827). . Note that if the effect button valid flag is off (S821: NO), or if there is no operation input of the effect button 15 (S823: NO), the process ends.

(Special production 2 control process)
Next, the special effect 2 control process (S620) will be described. FIG. 59 is a flowchart showing details of the special effect 2 control process (S620).

  First, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a probable change state (S831). When the gaming state is a certain probability change state (S831: YES), it is determined whether or not the start condition flag B is on, that is, whether or not the special effect 2 start condition is satisfied (S832). When the start condition flag B is ON (S832: YES), a music game pattern corresponding to the operation input information stored in the sub-main information storage unit 260 in S824 is used as the effect pattern of the special effect 2 this time. The setting is made (S833). Note that the music game pattern number determined in S833 is temporarily stored in the music game pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. Subsequently, the start condition flag B is turned off (S834). Next, as a special effect 2, in order to start a player-participation-type music game (in order to enable the music game to proceed according to the operation of the effect button 15 by the player), the operation valid period of the effect button 15 is set. A predetermined value is set in the operation valid period timer for timing (S835). As described above, the operation valid period is a period during which the operation input of the effect button 15 is valid. As the predetermined value in this example, a time corresponding to the set time (music time) of the music game is set. Subsequently, the effect button valid flag is turned on (S836). As described above, the effect button valid flag is a flag that is set when the operation input of the effect button 15 is valid. Subsequently, in order to start execution of the special effect 2, an image control command for instructing the effect pattern (music game pattern) of the special effect 2 is generated, and this image control command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260. Set (S837).

(Acquired prize ball number notification effect control process)
Next, the winning prize number notification effect control process (S755) will be described. FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing details of the acquired winning ball number notification effect control process (S755).

  First, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a special gaming state (S851). When the gaming state is the special gaming state (S851: YES), it is determined whether or not a special winning opening winning command has been received, that is, whether or not a gaming ball has entered the big winning opening 54 (S852). . If a winning game winning command has been received (S852: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls entering the winning game 54 is within a specified count in the currently running round. (S853). When the number of game balls entering the big prize opening 54 is within the specified count number (S853: YES), the count value of the main winning prize ball number counter CS is updated (S854). On the other hand, when the number of game balls entering the big winning opening 54 exceeds the prescribed count number (S853: NO), that is, when an excessive winning (over winning) occurs, S854 to S855 are skipped, The count value of the winning prize ball number counter CH is updated (S856).

  Further, when the grand prize winning command is not received (S852: NO), it is determined whether or not the general winning prize winning command is received, that is, whether or not the game ball has entered the general winning prize 64. (S855). When the general winning opening winning command has been received (S855: YES), the count value of the sub-acquired winning ball number counter CH is updated (S856).

  Next, in order to update the display of the number of winning prize balls on the screen, an image control command that indicates the count values of the main winning prize ball number counter CS and the sub-winning prize ball number counter CH is generated. The command is stored in the command storage area of the information storage unit 260 (S857).

《Reception interrupt processing of production control command》
Next, the reception control process of the effect control command will be described. FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing an effect control command reception interrupt process. In this effect control command reception interrupt process, as described above, an interrupt is generated based on the input of the strobe signal from the main control board 100, and various effect control commands are acquired in this interrupt process. It is like that. The effect control command includes 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data, and is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200 in the order of MODE data and EVENT data. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, MODE data is also referred to as “first command”, and EVENT data is also referred to as “second command”.

  First, when an interrupt based on the strobe signal from the main control board 100 is generated, it is determined whether or not the input value of the effect control command is confirmed (S901). Specifically, the command data is read up to five times, and the input value is determined when the same value is read twice. This is because the reading of the effect control command may fail due to noise or the like, and the input value is not finalized until the same value is read twice.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the command received this time is the first command (MODE), in other words, whether the command is the first command (MODE) or the second command (EVENT) (S902). If the command received this time is the first command (S902: YES), the first command is temporarily stored in the temporary area (S903). Then, the effect lottery random number is acquired from the effect lottery random number generation means 210, and this random number information is temporarily stored in the effect lottery random number storage area of the sub main information storage means 260 (S904). Note that the production lottery random number is acquired when the production control command is received. The production control command is transmitted at a physically irregular timing, such as when a game ball starts winning or when a special symbol changes. Therefore, it is to prevent periodicity from being obtained at the acquisition time by using it as an opportunity. In this way, by making the production lottery random number acquisition time irregular, it is difficult to cause inconveniences such as the same production being unnaturally repeated in various production lotteries.

  On the other hand, when the command received this time is the second command (S902: NO), it is determined whether or not the first command has already been received (S905). That is, it is determined whether or not the effect control command is received in the order of the first command (MODE) → the second command (EVENT), and it is confirmed whether there is no contradiction in the combination of the effect control commands. If there is no contradiction in the combination of effect control commands (S905: YES), the address indicated by the light pointer (writing pointer) is acquired (S906). Subsequently, the first command and the second command are stored in the effect control command buffer (ring buffer) of the sub-main information storage unit 260 according to the address indicated by the light pointer (S907). The saved command data is read out in the command analysis process (S620) in the main process, and the effect control process corresponding to the type of effect control command is executed. Next, the address indicated by the write pointer is updated (S908). Further, the command data (first command) temporarily stored in S903 is cleared (S909). Then, the effect control command reception interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the original process before the interrupt.

《Timer interrupt processing for production control side》
Next, the production control side timer interruption process will be described. FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing the effect control side timer interrupt process. This timer interrupt process is started by a clock pulse at regular time intervals, and is executed by interrupting the above-described production control side main process.

  When a timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the register in the sub main CPU 201 are saved in the stack area of the RAM 203, and then the processing from S911 onward is executed sequentially. In this timer interrupt process, interrupts with priority level 2 or higher, such as an effect control command reception interrupt from the main control board 100 and a watchdog timer interrupt, are permitted (S911).

Subsequently, port input / output processing is executed (S912). In this port input / output processing, port data input processing and output processing in the I / O port circuit 204 are performed. In the input processing, various signals input to the I / O port circuit 204 (input port) are read and stored as input information. In the output process, various control signals (motor control signals) temporarily stored in the sub-main information storage unit 260 are read and output from the I / O port circuit 204 (output port).

  Subsequently, device control data output processing is executed (S913). In this device control data output process, drive data for a predetermined time is read from the drive pattern data specified in the device management process (S619) and set in the drive data storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. The drive data set in this process is data indicating control for 1 ms corresponding to the interrupt cycle. When drive data is set in this process, the drive data is output from the I / O port circuit 204 (output port) to the motor driver 92 in the next timer interrupt process. Therefore, in this device control data output process, the drive data is switched every interrupt cycle (1 ms) according to the drive pattern data.

  Next, an effect timer update process is executed (S914). In this effect timer update process, the values of various effect timers used for effect operation control are subtracted and updated every interrupt cycle (1 ms in this embodiment). The effect timer includes a timer for managing the variation time of the decorative symbol, a timer for managing the timing of occurrence of the notice effect, and the like. By this effect timer, the time schedule in the variable effect pattern is managed, and time management such as the drive timing of the movable accessory 24 and the lighting timing of the effect lamp LP is managed on the time axis. The effect timer is also used in the device control data output process (S913) and the lamp data update process (S917) in the effect control timer interrupt process.

  Subsequently, a button control timer update process is executed (S915). The value of the effective time management timer for managing the operation effective time of the effect button 15 is subtracted and updated every interruption cycle (1 ms in this embodiment). The operation valid time is a time for which the operation input of the effect button 15 is valid.

  Subsequently, task control counter update processing is executed (S916). In this task control counter update process, the value of the task counter (“0” to “15”) is updated for each timer interrupt. Specifically, if the value of the task counter is “0” to “14”, it is incremented by 1. If the value of the task counter is “15”, it is returned to “0”. That is, this task counter can take a circulation period of 16 ms. Various tasks (task processing) are assigned corresponding to the task counter value updated this time, and the ramp control task (lamp data update processing in S917) and runaway monitoring are performed according to the value of the task counter. Each process such as a task (image CPU runaway monitoring process in S9189) and an error management task (error management timer update process in S919) is executed. In this example, one of the task counter values (“0” to “15”) is assigned to the lamp control task, and the other two values (values with an interval of 8 ms between each other) are used for runaway monitoring. It is assigned to the task, and another value is assigned to the error management task (the description of the other tasks is omitted). As described above, the reason why the circulation cycle of the task counter is set to 16 ms is to make it coincide with the minimum unit (16 ms) of the effect lamp LP switching control. The minimum unit (16 ms) of the effect lamp LP switching control corresponds to one frame time of the image frame, and realizes synchronization between the image effect and the lamp effect.

Subsequently, lamp data update processing is executed (S917). In this lamp data update process, lamp data for a predetermined time is read and set from the lamp pattern data specified in the device management process (S621) or the like. The lamp data set in this processing is data indicating lighting control for 16 ms, which is the minimum unit of the effect lamp LP switching control. When the lamp data is set, the lamp data is automatically output from the output port (serial port) to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer. The ramp data output process is configured as a serial communication interrupt process, and is realized by sequentially writing the ramp data to the transmission buffer of the serial communication circuit. The serial communication circuit serially converts the ramp data of the transmission buffer in units of 1 byte, and outputs the converted data to the lamp connection board 91 in units of one bit in synchronization with the serial clock. This process is repeated until the transmission buffer becomes empty, whereby all the ramp data (all bytes) stored in the transmission buffer are output. Therefore, in the lamp data update process, the lamp data is switched every frame time (16 ms) according to the lamp pattern, and the lamp data is output to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer.

  Subsequently, an image CPU runaway monitoring process is executed (S918). In this image CPU runaway monitoring process, a toggle signal input from the image control board 300 is monitored, and when the toggle signal does not continuously change for 1600 ms (about 50 to 100 frames), the image control board 300 is monitored. The sub-sub CPU 301 is determined to be out of control, and a reset signal is transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300. Thereby, the image control board 300 side executes a predetermined reset process when the reset state of the sub sub CPU 301 occurs. The toggle signal is a signal having a waveform in which H level / L level is alternately repeated every frame time.

  Next, error management timer processing is executed (S919). In this error management timer process, the error effect timer value for managing the error effect time set in the error effect management process (S616) is subtracted and updated. Then, all interrupts are permitted and the saved register contents are restored. Then, the effect control side timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the original process before the occurrence of the interrupt.

《Image control command transmission interrupt processing》
Next, transmission interruption processing of an image control command will be described. FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing the transmission interrupt process of the image control command. This image control command transmission interruption process occurs at predetermined intervals (500 μs).

  In this image control command transmission interrupt process, first, the image control command buffer of the sub-main information storage means 260 is checked (S931). Subsequently, a read pointer is acquired in the image control command buffer (S932). Next, it is determined whether an image control command is stored in the image control command buffer (S933). Whether or not the image control command is stored can be confirmed by, for example, the read pointer and the write pointer. If the read pointer and the write pointer match, the image control command is not stored. When the image control command is stored (S933: YES), the image control command is read from the area indicated by the read pointer (S934). The read image control command is set in the output buffer of the serial communication circuit designated as the output destination (S935). As a result, the image control command is serially transmitted from the serial port to the image control board 300. Next, the command data (the command data transmitted in S935) is cleared (S936). Subsequently, the read pointer is incremented by 1 and updated (S937). Then, the transmission interrupt process for the image control command is terminated, and the process returns to the original process before the interrupt.

<Effects of game machines>
The main effects achieved in the present embodiment are summarized as follows.

(1) Entering a predetermined number of game balls into a general winning opening that has nothing to do with the determination of whether or not a game ball is entered (a general winning opening that is not an opportunity for determining whether or not a game ball has entered the game is an opportunity for paying out a prize ball). By executing a special performance as a condition, even if there is no change in the variation production and the path to the big hit occurrence is long, the content of the production can be changed and the monotony of the game can be eliminated, It is possible to create a variety of gaming characteristics, and as a result, it is possible to improve the fun of gaming.

  (2) Preventing players from becoming the sole concern of whether or not to win a big hit with the aim of the starting point, and allowing the player to enjoy the fun of aiming for the general winning opening, so that the player is active In addition, it is possible to expect an increase in opportunities for the game ball to enter the general winning opening, and it is possible to increase the gambling feeling of the player and make the game more interesting.

  (3) Unlike RTC effects (simultaneous effects that are automatically performed when the specified date and time are reached) based on the date and time measured by the RTC, the game ball can be used as a general prize opening. As the execution condition of special effects is to enter a predetermined number of players, it is possible to incorporate the technical intervention elements of the player, and only the player who is actually playing can receive the privilege of executing the special effect Therefore, as a result, it becomes possible to improve the fun of the game.

  (4) During the execution of the special effect, the execution frequency of the prize notification effect is reduced or the aspect of the prize notification effect is changed to be inconspicuous to avoid the situation where the special effect and the prize notification effect compete with each other, It is possible to prevent the production effects of both productions from being diluted with each other, and as a result, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

  (5) When special performance execution conditions are re-established during execution of special effects, they are generated separately with a time interval after waiting for the establishment of new start conditions after the end of the previous special effects. By constructing two special effects as a series of consecutive effects, it is possible to increase the effects of special effects by increasing the variations of special effects, and as a result, to improve the fun of the game It becomes possible.

  (6) A special effect start condition is established when a specific effect control command (effect control command related to change start) is received from the main control board 100, and the special effect is executed from the start of the next change display. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the occurrence of a halfway variation effect (if a special effect is started in the middle of a variable display, the change effect may be interrupted due to the occurrence of this special effect. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly advance the game production, and as a result, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

  As mentioned above, although the effect achieved in this embodiment was demonstrated, even if this embodiment performs the following modifications, there exists the same effect as the above.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, a special effect is changed as a conventional RTC effect (a simultaneous effect in which a plurality of gaming machines start the same effect all at once when the RTC time reaches a predetermined time). Although it is configured as an effect unrelated to (a variation effect suggesting a result of success / failure), it is not limited to this configuration. For example, a special effect mode is set as one of the above game effect modes, By combining the effect itself with the change effect, the special effect and change effect contents during the special effect mode period (during the period until the variable display is executed multiple times) using the special change effect pattern table (Production pattern) may be determined by lottery. As a result, during the period of the special effect mode, a special variation effect (special effect) that does not appear in other game effect modes (normal effect mode, probability change effect mode) is displayed. Therefore, in that case, when the special effect execution condition is satisfied, the transition control from the normal effect mode (probability change effect mode) to the special effect mode is performed, and the special effect mode ends when the period of the special effect mode ends. Transition control from the mode to the normal performance mode (probability variation mode) is performed. In addition, when managing the special effect mode as the game effect mode related to the effect lottery in this way, when a power interruption occurs during execution of the special effect 1 or the special effect 2 (for example, due to a power failure or the like to the gaming machine PM) When the power supply is cut off), since the progress of the special effects 1 and 2 is managed in the effect control board 200, the power returns to the special effect mode (the state before the power is turned off) after the power is restored. It is possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the special effect 1 start condition is established when the effect control board 200 receives the change start command as a specific effect control command from the main control board 100. It is also possible to adopt such a modified example. As a modification, (1) the special production 1 start condition is established when a change start command designating a change pattern (change time) of a predetermined time or longer is received, and (2) specific operation-reserved ball number information ( (3) The special effect 1 start condition is established when a symbol memory number command including a plurality of hold information) is received and a variation start command instructing the start of the next variation display is received. The special effect 1 start condition is established when a pre-determination command including specific pre-determination information (all hold is non-reach type) is received and a change start command is received to instruct the start of the next change display. To do. Here, after the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied, the special effect 1 start condition is satisfied when a variation start command for instructing a variation pattern (variation time) longer than a predetermined time is received as a specific effect control command. In this case, in the fluctuation display for the predetermined time or more, as an introduction effect of the special effect 1, whether or not the special effect 1 is executed by a button operation by the player or a special effect 1 effect pattern (LIVE) The effect pattern) is selected. And the special effect 1 (LIVE effect) is started at the time of the start of the next change display of the change display (change display more than predetermined time). That is, the reason for the condition of the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) of the predetermined time is to ensure a sufficient time for the player to select an effect as the introduction effect of the special effect 1. The predetermined time or longer may be, for example, 10 seconds or longer (normal variation or longer). Here, in a situation where the special performance 1 execution condition is not satisfied, if a variation pattern instructing a variation pattern (variation time) of a predetermined time or longer is received, the player is asked whether or not to change the navigation character. Display the question to ask (for example, whether or not to change Navi character A to Navi character B), and change the stage (production lottery mode) with the change of the navigation character. May be. Further, when the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied, a telop is displayed on the screen, and the player can arbitrarily select the start timing of the special effect 1 (that is, receiving the effect control command from the main control board 100). The player may freely determine the timing at which the special production 1 start condition is satisfied without being triggered.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the meter effect for notifying the achievement status at the level of the meter image is adopted as the achievement status notification effect for notifying the achievement status until the special effect execution condition is satisfied. For example, the achievement status notification effect may be constituted by a so-called six sex game (Sugoroku game). Although not shown in the figure, the Sugoroku game in this example is a game on a plurality of squares (preferably one route) displayed in the specific effect display area 705 each time a game ball enters the general winning openings 61-63. When the player's pieces are sequentially moved and there is an instruction to execute the special effect on the square where the player's piece has stopped, the special effect is started. For example, Sugoroku's cell is endless, and the more the player's piece advances, the more the next cell will be displayed on the screen. By making it difficult to understand when a player's piece stops at a specific square), it is possible to increase the expectation of the occurrence of special effects. For example, the execution of the regular LIVE effect may be determined every 200 cells, or the execution of the non-periodic LIVE effect may be determined for every irregular number of cells. Further, a predetermined condition may be generated on a specific grid in association with the contents of the variation effect. Specifically, when a shift occurs in a specific SP reach, the display mode of a specific cell is changed when the variable display is stopped (for example, the cell of the white display is changed to a cell in which a flag is displayed) When stopping at the specific grid, the guerrilla LIVE effect may be executed. Further, the hold image and the six sex images may be displayed in parallel (for example, in a vertical positional relationship), and the hold change effect and the six sex games may be linked on the effect. Specifically, the reserved image suddenly changes to an object image imitating a music CD (compact disc) at the timing when the reserved image displayed in the reserved digest display area 703 is erased along with the reserved digest. A special effect may be executed when the player's piece stops on the specific cell by the image flying over the cell and being arranged on the specific cell. It should be noted that the player's piece may move by a fixed number that is always determined each time one game ball enters the general winning ports 61 to 63, or may move by a number determined by the result of the lottery. Alternatively, each time one game ball enters the general winning openings 61 to 63, the dice image rolls on the screen, and the player's piece may move by the number corresponding to the outcome. . Here, the special variation effect pattern table described above is used in the sub-main CPU 201, and secures the variation effect (special effect) in the special effect mode for all the change patterns determined by the main CPU 101. Is difficult, it is conceivable that the start condition is to shift to a limited period (limited frequency period) in which the number of variation patterns selected by the main CPU 101 is limited. As an example of shifting to a period in which the number of variation patterns is limited in the main CPU 101, a case where a small jackpot or a specific jackpot execution in which the game state does not change can be exemplified.

  Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, only one meter image corresponding to the plurality of general prize winning openings 61 to 63 is displayed as the meter effect. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A plurality of meter images corresponding to 63 may be displayed. Specifically, the number of meters in the first meter image is updated when the game ball enters the general winning opening 61, and the number of meters in the second meter image is updated when the game ball enters the general winning opening 62. A configuration in which the number of meters in the third meter image is updated when a game ball enters the general winning opening 63 is preferable.

  Further, in this embodiment, a number-of-times probability variation machine with a probability variation entry rate set to 80%, a game machine called a “ST machine” is adopted, but the special effect 2 start condition is that the probability variation state is It is preferable to establish it only in a situation where a predetermined rotation (for example, 50 rotations) or more remains in the set ST period of 100 rotations. The reason for this is that, if the special effect 2 start condition is satisfied at the end of the ST period (for example, the remaining number of rotations), the execution time of the special effect 2 may not be sufficiently secured within the remaining time during the ST period. Because there is. In applying this configuration, for example, when the number of times of variable display is 1 to 50 times (the first half of the ST period) as the variation pattern selection state during the ST period, a relatively short fluctuation pattern (non-reach) is present. When the number of times of variable display is 51 to 100 (second half of the ST period), it is preferable that a relatively long time fluctuation pattern (N reach, SP reach) is easily selected. Accordingly, if the special effect 2 start condition is satisfied in the first half of the ST period, a relatively long variation time (that is, the execution time of the special effect 2) can be secured at least in the second half of the ST period. It is possible to avoid the special effect from being executed before and after the end of the ST period (between the probability variation state and the normal state).

[First Modification]
Next, a gaming machine according to a first modification of the present embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to the first modification basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configuration. The description will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described. In this modification, the winning effect in the normal state is applied, but it may be applied to the winning effect in the probability variation state.

  The special effect 1 in this modification is configured as a special reach effect that is executed in the variable display of decorative symbols. This special effect 1 is a time value of reach effect (reach effect) as a time value as execution condition determination information (incoming ball number correspondence information) accumulated corresponding to the entry of game balls into the general winning openings 61 to 63. This is an effect that is executed after being converted into a production scale). In this modification, the special performance 1 execution condition is established when the accumulation time as the execution condition determination information (incoming ball number correspondence information) reaches a specified time. Now, the achievement status notification effect and the special effect 1 in this modification will be described in order.

  The achievement status notification effect in the modification is an effect for notifying the achievement status of the special effect 1 execution condition, as in the above-described embodiment. The achievement status notification effect in the present modification includes an effect (time stock effect) for notifying the achievement status of the special effect 1 execution condition as numerical information. This time stock effect is accumulated by causing the game balls to enter the general winning openings 61 to 63 and accumulating the effect time, and the accumulation time when the effect time is accumulated reaches a predetermined time set in advance. A high expectation degree production (special reach production) with time as a production scale is generated. Therefore, “90 seconds” corresponding to the production scale of the special reach effect is set as the specified time. In the present embodiment, as the achievement status of the special effect 1 execution condition, the accumulated time accumulated based on the game balls entering the general winning ports 61 to 63 is displayed in the specific effect display area 705 as numerical information such as seconds. Is displayed (specifically, refer to FIG. 65).

  In the present embodiment, a timer counter for counting the accumulation time is provided, and a predetermined time value (3 seconds) is accumulated each time a game ball enters the general winning award 61-63, and the accumulation is performed. Time is displayed as numerical information. Then, when the number of game balls entering the general winning ports 61 to 63 reaches a specified number and the accumulation time reaches a specified time, the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied. That is, the special performance 1 execution condition in the present modification is established when “90 seconds” is accumulated as the specified time based on the game balls entering the general winning ports 61 to 63.

  In the present modification, when the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied, the special effect 1 is not started when the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied, and the special effect 1 is executed. After the condition is satisfied, the special effect 1 is started when a predetermined start condition (special effect 1 start condition) is satisfied. This special effect 1 start condition is established when a variation pattern longer than a predetermined variation time is selected. As the predetermined variation time, for example, “120 seconds” is set as a variation time that can include a reach effect of 90 seconds. That is, if the variation time is 120 seconds or more, the 90-second special SP reach effect accumulated in the time stock effect can be constructed. Here, as shown in FIG. 7 (variation pattern table) described above, the variation patterns longer than the predetermined variation time are (1) variation patterns PX6 and PY6 of 120 seconds and (2) variation pattern PX7 of 180 seconds. , PY7. Therefore, when any of these variation patterns PX6 to PX7, PY6 to PY7 is selected (specifically, when a variation start command designating the variation pattern is received), the special effect 1 start condition is set. Is established.

  When the special effect 1 start condition is satisfied, that is, when a change start command specifying a specific change pattern is received from the main control board 100, a change corresponding to the specific change pattern is referred to with reference to a change effect pattern table described later. An effect pattern (a special variation effect pattern described later) is determined.

  FIG. 64 is a variation effect pattern table in the present modification. The variation effect pattern table in the present modification includes a normal variation effect pattern table and a special variation effect pattern table. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the variation effect pattern defined in the normal variation effect pattern table is also referred to as “normal variation effect pattern”, and the variation effect pattern defined in the special variation effect pattern table is also referred to as “special variation effect pattern”. .

The normal variation effect pattern table is set when the special effect 1 execution condition and the special effect 1 start condition are not satisfied. That is, the normal variation effect pattern table is set until the accumulation time reaches the specified time, or until the variation pattern of the predetermined time or more is selected even when the accumulation time reaches the specified time. The non-reach effect, the N reach effect, the weak SP reach effect, the medium SP reach effect, and the strong SP reach effect are set in the effect contents of the normal variation effect pattern. Since the normal variation effect pattern table has the same contents as the variation effect pattern table shown in FIG. 9, the description of the contents of the normal variation effect pattern table is omitted.

  The special variation effect pattern table is set only when the special effect 1 execution condition and the special effect 1 start condition are satisfied. That is, the special variation effect pattern table is set when the accumulation time reaches the specified time and a variation pattern longer than a predetermined time is selected. Therefore, when a variation start command for designating the variation patterns PX6, PX7, PY6, and PY7 is sent in a state where the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied, the variation pattern PX6 is referred to by referring to the special variation effect pattern table. , PX7, PY6, PY7, one variation effect pattern is selected. Specifically, regarding the variation pattern of deviation, the variation effect pattern PEX60 is associated with the variation pattern PX6, and the variation effect pattern PEX70 is associated with the variation pattern PX7. On the other hand, regarding the big hit variation pattern, the variation effect pattern PEY60 is associated with the variation pattern PY6, and the variation effect pattern PEY70 is associated with the variation pattern PY7.

  The special effect 1 in this modification is comprised by the special SP reach effect prescribed | regulated to the special fluctuation effect patterns PEX60-70 and PEY60-70. That is, the special effect 1 is configured as a 90-second special SP reach effect that appears after SP reach development in the decorative symbol variation display. Here, the fluctuating effect of the decorative pattern accompanied by the SP reach effect is basically composed of the pre-reach effect and the post-reach effect, and the reach from the start of the decorative symbol variable display until it stops. Each effect is executed in the order of the previous effect and the post-reach effect. At this time, in the post-reach production, the development proceeds directly to the SP reach production after going through the N reach production or without going through the N reach production. In this embodiment, “90 seconds” corresponding to the specified time is set as an effect scale after SP reach development. That is, of 120 seconds or 180 seconds set as the decorative display variation display time, 90 seconds as the accumulation time (specified time) is assigned to the production scale of the special reach production (special production 1). In any special variation effect pattern, the same time value of 90 seconds is set as the effect scale after SP reach development, and the same special SP reach effect is also set for the effect content. In addition, you may set the different effect content for 90 seconds for every special fluctuation effect pattern.

  Subsequently, an effect example of a winning effect in the first modification will be described. FIG. 65 is a schematic diagram showing an example of winning effect in the first modification.

  As shown to (A) in the figure, the specific counter display area 705 displays a timer counter for measuring the accumulation time. As shown in (B) in the figure, the accumulation time increases by “3 seconds” each time a game ball enters the general winning prize ports 61 to 63. As shown in (C) in the figure, when the number of game balls entering reaches a predetermined number and the accumulation time reaches a specified time (90 seconds), the special performance 1 execution condition is satisfied. Even if the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied, the special effect 1 is not executed from the current fluctuation display (the fluctuation display) until a specific fluctuation pattern (a fluctuation pattern of 90 seconds or more) is selected. Execution of special effect 1 enters a standby state.

As shown in (D) in the figure, there is a new game ball that enters the first starting port 51, and an operation holding ball (fourth) of the first special symbol is generated. As a result of the prior determination, the operation hold ball is pre-determined to be a fluctuation pattern of a predetermined time or more (90 seconds or more), and as a result, a special hold image is obtained as the fourth hold image. (See FIG. 8) is displayed. As described above, the special reserved image is a reserved image (a reserved image in which a character “special” is displayed in a white circle) for notifying that a special reach production will appear as a development destination of SP reach. A notice is given to develop the special SP reach production in the variable display where the reserved image is digested. The special reserved image receives a specific advance determination command (information specifying that the change pattern is a predetermined time or more as a result of the advance determination) from the main control board 100 in a state where the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied. If it happens.

  As shown in (E) in the figure, the special reserved image is shifted to the reserved digest display area 703, and the variable display (referred to as the variable display) related to the reserved image is started.

  As shown in (F) in the figure, at the timing of SP reach development in the change display, the characters “accumulation time release!” Are displayed, and the special SP reach effect is developed.

  As shown in (G) in the figure, when the special SP reach effect is started, the accumulated time displayed on the screen is subtracted in accordance with the elapsed time from the start of the reach effect. Thus, it is possible to give a feeling that the accumulated time accumulated by the player is digested as the special SP reach production time.

  As shown in (H) in the figure, when the accumulation time is subtracted to “0 seconds”, the special SP reach effect for 90 seconds is finished, and the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed.

  As described above, according to the first modified example, the special effect that is not related to the result of the success / failure is executed as the special reach effect (high expectation effect), thereby allowing the game ball to enter the general winning opening. Because it can bring about changes in the contents of the fluctuating effects (fluctuating effects suggesting the result of success / failure), it is possible to realize a novel game effect that has never existed before, and as a result, it is possible to improve the fun of the game. Become.

  Here, in this 1st modification, although it is the structure which accumulate | stores the production time of special reach production based on the entrance of the game ball to the general winning openings 61-63, it is not limited to this structure. For example, the structure which accumulate | stores the frequency | count of operation of the production button 15 based on the entrance of the game ball to the general winning ports 61-63 may be sufficient. The number of operations that can be performed on the effect button 15 accumulated here is used in a main-acquisition winning ball number notification effect that is executed when the jackpot effect is introduced (a jackpot start demonstration). Specifically, the main acquirable prize ball number notification effect means that, at the start of a big hit, the number of prize balls that can be obtained in this special game (the number of main acquirable prize balls) is simulated according to the number of operations of the effect button 15. It is an effect that makes it appear to increase. In other words, at the start of the big hit, “0” is displayed as the initial value of the number of main winning award balls in advance, and the effect button 15 is operated as many times as the accumulated number of possible operations. The number of balls increases in multiple stages ("0"-> "200"-> "400"-> "800"-> ...) to notify the true number of main winning award balls is there. However, in actuality, the number of main awardable winning balls that can be acquired by the player at the time of winning / losing lottery (at the time of winning the big hit) is determined in advance, so that an effect development (effect result) according to the type is obtained.

Similarly, in the first modified example described above, the special reach production time is accumulated based on the game balls entering the general winning openings 61 to 63. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Instead, for example, a configuration may be used in which a predetermined effect is stocked based on a game ball entering the general winning ports 61 to 64. For example, when different types of character effects (character effects A to C) are assigned to the general prize openings 61 to 63 and a predetermined number of game balls are entered into the same general prize openings 61 to 63, the general prize opening Character effects A to C associated with 61 to 63 are stocked. And when it develops to reach production in the variation display of a decoration design, the character productions A-C stocked so far are made to appear in order (the order of stock) in the display process of the reach production. The order in which the character effects A to C appear may not be the order in which they are stocked, but may be the order of the big hit expectation degree (executed in order from the low big hit expectation degree). At this time, if the character effects A to C do not appear in a predetermined order, a specification that increases the so-called chance (the jackpot expectation is improved) is suitable. In addition, the number of characters to be stocked is, for example, up to five, and when the sixth and subsequent characters are stocked, the first (first character) is removed from the storage area, and the remaining four characters are stored.
As in the first-in-first-out principle of becoming a person and a new character, it can be changed so that the change in the production can be enjoyed even after the condition is established. Furthermore, as other effects to be stocked, an effect button image that prompts the player to operate the effect button 15 is stocked instead of the character, and the number of operations of the effect button 15 in a specific variation pattern is suggested. You may do. At this time, the operation timing of the effect button 15 is not limited to the reach effect, and it is possible to control the effect so that the button operation is performed in the pre-reach notice. An example of the effect control is such that the revival effect is confirmed when the temporary stop display is performed.

[Second Modification]
Next, a gaming machine according to a second modification of the present embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to the second modification basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to parts having the same configuration. The description will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described. In this modification, the winning effect in the normal state is applied, but it may be applied to the winning effect in the probability variation state.

  The second modified example is a modified example of the game effect within the waiting period until the special effect 1 is started after the special effect 1 execution condition is established. In the present modification, the effect pattern of the special effect 1 can be selected using one or a plurality of reserved images displayed on the screen within the standby period. Note that the process until the special performance 1 execution condition is satisfied and the process after the execution of the special performance 1 is started are the same as in the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted in this modification. .

  Specifically, in this modification, one or a plurality of reserved images existing when the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied are changed to special object images, and the special effect 1 effect pattern (the LIVE effect) is set for each special object image. By assigning (pattern), it is possible to select the effect pattern of the special effect 1 corresponding to the reserved image in association with the variable display related to the reserved image. In this modification, the special effect 1 start condition is established when the first variation start command is received after the effect pattern of the special effect 1 is determined.

  Now, an example of a winning effect in the second modification will be described. FIG. 66 is a schematic diagram illustrating an effect example of a winning effect in the second modification.

  As shown to (A) in the figure, when the number of meters reaches the specified number, the special effect 1 execution condition is established. When this special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied, there are four reserved images (operation reserved balls) H1 to H4.

As shown in FIG. 5B, when the special effect 1 execution condition is satisfied, the reserved images H1 to H4 are changed to object images simulating a music CD (compact disc). The reserved images (object images) H1 to H4 are given titles of LIVE-produced music (not shown for the sake of space). The player selects the LIVE effect pattern of the music pieces A1 to A4 corresponding to the reserved images H1 to H4 by operating the effect button 15 while each of the reserved images H1 to H4 is in the reserved digest display area 703. be able to. That is, while the variable display for each of the hold images H1 to H4 is being executed (from when the hold image is shifted to the hold digest display area 703 until it is deleted), the LIVE effect pattern of the music corresponding to the hold image Can be selected. In this modification, the music A1 is assigned to the reserved image H1, the music A2 is assigned to the reserved image H2, the music A3 is assigned to the reserved image H3, and the music A4 is assigned to the reserved image H4. In this example, in order to secure more music options, the reserved image changes to an object image of a music CD on condition that there are three or more reserved images. Therefore, when the number of reserved images is two or less, the process waits until the number of reserved images becomes three or more. When the number of reserved images becomes three or more, the reserved image changes to an object image of a music CD.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, the hold image H1 is shifted to the hold digest display area 703. While the reserved image H1 is in the reserved digest display area 703, sample reproduction of the music A1 is performed along with the normal variation effect, and the player operates the effect button 15 so that the music A1 corresponding to the reserved image H1. Can be selected. However, since the player has not operated the effect button 15 while the reserved image H1 is in the reserved digest display area 703, the music A1 corresponding to the reserved image H1 is passed through.

  As shown in (D) in the figure, the variable display related to the hold image H <b> 1 ends, and the next hold image H <b> 2 is shifted to the hold digest display area 703. While the reserved image H2 is in the reserved digest display area 703, sample reproduction of the music A2 is performed along with the normal variation effect, and the player operates the effect button 15 so that the music A2 corresponding to the reserved image H2 is operated. Can be selected.

  As shown in (E) in the figure, when the player operates the effect button 15 and selects the music piece A2, the effect pattern of the special effect 1 this time is determined, whereby the special effect 1 start condition is established. . If the player does not select any music, (a) special effect 1 is not executed, (b) music A4 corresponding to the last reserved image H4 is forcibly selected (c) ) A preset default music is selected. The special effect 1 start condition may be satisfied when all the reserved images H1 to H4 are digested (when deleted from the screen).

  As shown in (F) in the figure, as the special effect 1, the LIVE effect of the music A2 selected by the player is started. When the special effect 1 (the LIVE effect) is started, the reserved image returns to the original display mode.

  As shown in (G) in the figure, when the special effect 1 (the LIVE effect) is finished, the display returns to the original display screen, and the decorative symbol variation display is displayed at the center of the screen, and the specific effect display area 705 on the screen. A meter image is displayed in. The meter value increases each time the game ball enters the general winning openings 61 to 63, and a new special effect 1 is executed each time the special effect 1 execution condition and the special effect 1 start condition are satisfied. . As described above, in the present modification, it is possible to increase the variation of effects such as the number of conditions (options) that can be selected according to the number of reservations.

[Third Modification]
Next, a gaming machine according to a third modification of the present embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to the third modification basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the present embodiment described above, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configuration. The description will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

In the above-described embodiment, the game board 20 is configured as a left-right asymmetric board surface. However, in the third modification, the game board 20 is configured as a left-right symmetrical board surface. Although not shown in the figure, on this symmetrical board, for example, the first starting port 51, the second starting port 52, and the big winning port 54 are sequentially arranged below the screen, and the player can make either left-handed or right-handed Even if it is hit, it is possible to advance the special symbol game by making the game balls enter the various winning holes in the same way. In this case, the number of the general winning holes arranged in the left area PA1 and the number of the general winning holes arranged in the right area PA2 are the same, but the player is left-handed and right-handed. Depending on which hitting method is used, the general winning opening for game balls changes. When adopting such a symmetrical board surface, a left-handed meter image and a right-handed meter image are displayed on the screen as an achievement status notification effect for notifying the achievement status until the special performance execution condition is satisfied. It is preferable to display both of them. That is, when a game ball enters the general winning opening in the left area PA1, the left-handed meter image is updated. When a game ball enters the general winning opening in the right area PA2, the right-handed meter image is updated. Is updated. In this way, the player can select which meter effect to proceed by striking the game balls left and right. In this modification, it is preferable to display a navigation character corresponding to left-handed use and a navigation character corresponding to right-handed use on the screen. The display positions of the navigation characters may be at both corners of the lower area of the screen, or may be diagonal positions at the four corners of the screen. In that case, the left-handed navigation character explains the progress status of the left-handed meter production (achievement status of the special performance execution conditions), and the progress status of the right-handed meter performance (achievement status of the special performance execution conditions) ) Is preferably explained by a right-handed navigation character. At this time, when the special performance execution condition is established by setting the level of the left-handed meter image to the full tank state, and the special effect execution condition by setting the level of the right-handed meter image to the full tank state. By changing the type of special effects that will be executed afterwards, you can increase the variations of the special effects and enhance the effects of the effects, and also enjoy the game balls divided right and left Can be improved.

  In connection with this modification, in the above-described embodiment, the meter image for the normal gaming state and the meter image for the probability variation gaming state are shared (although the same meter image was used). However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a display area for a meter image for a normal gaming state is provided on the left side of the screen, and a display area for a meter image for a probable gaming state is provided on the right side of the screen. You may comprise so that display / non-display of each meter image may be selectively switched according to a state. Specifically, when the gaming state is a normal state, a left-handed game is mainly executed, so a meter image is displayed on the left side of the screen, and when the gaming state is a probable state, a right-handed game is mainly executed. Therefore, it is preferable to display a meter image on the right side of the screen.

[Fourth Modification]
Next, a gaming machine according to a fourth modification of the present embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to the fourth modification basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the present embodiment described above, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configuration. The description will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

In the above-described embodiment, the game board 20 is configured as a left-right asymmetric board surface. However, in the fourth modification, the game board 20 is configured as a left-right asymmetric board surface having a different form from the present embodiment. Although not shown, on the left-right asymmetric board surface in this modification, at least one of the plurality of general winning ports 61 to 63 arranged in the left area PA1 has an operation gate function (game ball entry is an opportunity for normal symbol lottery) Function). The other board surface configurations are basically the same as in the above-described embodiment. At this time, when a normal symbol lottery is executed and a winning is made when a game ball has entered the general winning ports 61 to 63 having the operation gate function (the general winning ports 61 to 63 in the left area PA1), the screen is displayed. A specification in which a player is instructed to make a right turn with the navigation character displayed above and a game ball is inserted into the second starting port 52 (so-called electric Chu) arranged in the right area PA2 is suitable. This right-handed instruction by the Navi character indicates that the game ball that is launched before the normal symbol is stopped and displayed at least before the normal symbol is stopped is displayed in the second start port 52 before the normal symbol is stopped in the winning mode. While the display is started before the time until it reaches the normal electric accessory 522 as the second starting port 52 (at least when the normal electric accessory 522 is closed) The display is ended at a time before the game ball launched before 522 closes reaches the ordinary electric accessory 522 before closing). Thereby, the player can advance the game by making full use of the entire period during which the game ball can substantially enter the second start port 52. Here, in the above-described embodiment, when the normal state is won when the game state is the normal state, the normal electric accessory 522 (second start port 52) is placed in a very short time (for example, 0. 0). In contrast, in this modification, when the game state is the normal state, when the normal symbol winning determination is won, the normal electric accessory 522 (second start port 52) is relatively It is preferable to adopt a specification that opens only for a long time (for example, 5 seconds). At this time, the opening pattern of the ordinary electric accessory 522 in the normal state may be configured such that only the long opening pattern (for example, 5 seconds) is always selected, or the long opening pattern (for example, 5 seconds) and the short opening pattern (for example, 5 seconds). For example, 0.2 seconds), and only in specific cases (for example, when a plurality of normal symbols stop symbols (winning symbols) are prepared and selected with a specific stop symbol) The long open pattern may be selected. Moreover, in the normal state, you may perform the effect which alert | reports whether it is due to become a long open pattern. As an example, a character or an image such as “Open Chu-chu Long! Fire right!” Appears on the screen. Furthermore, in the normal state, a suggestion effect for causing the user to expect whether or not a long open pattern is planned may be executed. Therefore, in the fourth modified example, it goes without saying that the game state is a probable change state (easy entry state), and even when the game state is a normal state (non-entrance easy state), The game to enter the second starting port 52 can be executed with high frequency. Note that (1) the operation gate 53 may be disposed in the left area PA1, and (2) the operation gate 53 is disposed in both the left area PA1 and the right area PA2, as the left-right asymmetric board surface in this modification. Also good. Furthermore, any of the general winning ports 61 to 63 is set as an out port (a hole into which a so-called out ball enters), and a pass sensor for effect control is provided in the out port, and the game ball is detected by the pass sensor. As a trigger, it may be controlled to execute a special effect similar to that of the present embodiment (a special effect execution condition is satisfied) without paying out a prize ball.

[Fifth Modification]
Next, a gaming machine according to a fifth modification of the present embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to the fifth modification basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the present embodiment described above, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configuration. The description will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described. In this modification, the winning effect in the normal state is applied, but it may be applied to the winning effect in the probability variation state.

  In the above-described embodiment, as the condition achievement notification effect (meter effect), the number of meters in the meter image is increased by “1” every time one game ball enters the general winning openings 61 to 63. However, in the fifth modified example, an increase in the number of meters (including no increase) when one game ball enters the general winning ports 61 to 63 is variably set. In the present modification, an effect distribution member capable of distributing game balls is disposed on the downstream side of the left general winning port switch 611 that detects that a game ball has entered the general winning ports 61 to 63.

Although illustration is omitted, the effect distribution member is controlled by the accessory control means 240 of the effect control board 200, and the game ball that has passed through the left general winning award port switch 611 is transferred to the first flow path (meter acquisition). Channel) and a second channel (non-meter acquisition channel). That is, the effect distribution member includes a first position for guiding the game ball flowing down from the left general prize opening switch 611 toward the first flow path (meter number acquisition flow path) and the second flow path (non-flow). It is possible to operate between the second position leading to the meter number acquisition flow path). The performance distribution member operates to the first position or the second position in accordance with, for example, an operation pattern determined by the progress of the game, random lottery, or the like. Here, when the game ball is sent out to the meter number acquisition flow path, a predetermined meter number (for example, one scale) can be acquired and the level of the meter image can be increased. On the other hand, when the game ball is sent to the non-meter number acquisition flow path, a predetermined meter number cannot be acquired, and the level of the meter image is not updated. Specifically, depending on the operating position (first position, second position) of the effect distribution member when the game ball is detected by the left general prize opening switch 611, the flow path of the game ball It is determined whether it has flowed down. In addition, at least the distribution member for performance can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine, so that the player can determine which of the meter acquisition flow path and the non-meter acquisition flow path the game ball is sent to. You may comprise. Here, according to the progress of the game, the distribution of the game balls to the meter number acquisition channel or the non-meter number acquisition channel may be changed. For example, when a low expectation effect (non-reach effect, etc.) is displayed, or when the number of times that the result of the success / failure determination is “out” is a predetermined number of times or more, that is, no big hit occurs In a situation where the player is bored with the game, the special frequency execution condition may be easily established by increasing the frequency of distribution to the meter number acquisition channel. On the other hand, when a high expectation level effect (such as intense heat reach) is displayed, or when the number of consecutive resorts continues for a predetermined number of times, that is, when the player's expectation for a big hit is sustained Then, the distribution frequency to the non-meter number acquisition flow path may be increased to make it difficult to establish the special performance execution condition. If the distribution frequency to the meter number acquisition channel has improved, text information such as “Now is a chance!” Or “Preparing to increase the meter!” Is displayed on the screen. You may alert | report that it is easy to acquire the number of meters. Further, the distribution of the number of meters by the effect distribution member may be performed for “one scale” and “multiple scales” instead of “0 scale” and “1 scale”.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment and modification, If it is a range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can improve suitably. In addition, the components described in the embodiment and the modified examples are appropriately combined, or a plurality of components described in the embodiment and the modified examples are provided at the same time, and the game is performed based on the game situation, lottery, and the like. Those that determine the configuration, or those in which some of the components described in the above-described embodiments and modifications are deleted or converted by known or commonly used techniques are also included in the scope of the present invention.

PM Pachinko machine PA Game area 1 Outer frame 2 Front frame 5 Glass frame 20 Game board 34 Prize ball dispensing unit (prize ball dispensing device)
51 First Start Port 52 Second Start Port 53 Actuation Gate 54 Large Prize Winner Port 61 General Winner Port 62 General Winner Port 63 General Winner Port 64 General Winner Port 70 Production Display Device 71 First Special Symbol Display Device 72 Second Special Symbol Display device 100 Main control board (main control means)
140 Special symbol lottery processing means 141 Special symbol success / failure determination means 142 Special symbol stop symbol determination means 143 Special symbol variation pattern determination means 200 Effect control board 220 Effect control means 224 Change effect control means 225 Decoration symbol control means 226 Predictive effect control means 228 Winning effect control means (effect control means)
300 image control board 400 payout control board (prize ball payout device)
511 First start port switch 521 Second start port switch 531 Actuation gate switch 541 Large winning port switch 611 Left general winning port switch 641 Right general winning port switch

Claims (1)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
A start opening provided in the game area and into which a game ball can enter;
A general winning opening that is provided at a position different from the start opening in the gaming area and into which a game ball can enter;
Main control means for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start opening based on the determination;
An effect control means that is communicably connected to the main control means and executes effect control according to command information from the main control means,
A symbol display device on which a special symbol indicating the result of the success / failure determination is variably displayed and stopped;
An effect display device for displaying a fluctuating effect for fluctuating and displaying a decorative symbol that shows the result of the determination as to whether or not the effect is present,
A prize ball payout device for paying out a prize ball based on a game ball entering the start opening or the general prize opening;
The production control means includes
Update the execution condition determination information based on the game ball entering the general winning opening,
When the execution condition determination information satisfies a predetermined condition, it is determined that the special performance execution condition is satisfied,
A pachinko gaming machine that is in a state in which the special effect execution condition is satisfied and the special effect is executed when a predetermined start condition is satisfied.