JP2018139771A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of improving a performance effect.SOLUTION: A game machine includes item accumulation means capable of accumulating a plurality of items of a plurality of kinds including a first item and a second item, and performance execution means capable of executing a specific performance that uses the item accumulated by the item accumulation means. The performance execution means is capable of executing the specific performance so that an expectation degree of the specific performance that uses the second item is higher than that of the specific performance that uses the first item. When the first item and the second item are accumulated, a rate of executing the specific performance that uses the first item prior to the specific performance that uses the second item is high.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 33

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to a player.

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Further, a variable display device capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific display result in the variable display device, the game state (game There is a machine configured to give a predetermined game value to a player by changing the state of the machine (specifically, the state where the gaming machine is controlled) (so-called pachinko machine).

  In addition, after setting a predetermined number of bets for one game on a predetermined game medium, the player starts variable display of identification information by the variable display device by operating the start lever, and the player By operating the stop button provided corresponding to the display device, the variable display of the identification information is stopped within the range of the maximum delay time determined in advance from the operation timing, and the variable display of all the variable display devices is displayed. In accordance with the display result derived when the game is stopped, a winning occurs, a predetermined game medium determined in advance according to the winning is paid out, and when a specific winning occurs, a player is given a predetermined gaming value as a gaming state. There is one that is configured to be in a state to be given to (so-called slot machine).

  The game value means that a variable winning ball device provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine is in a state advantageous to a player who easily hits a ball or a right to become advantageous to a player. Or a condition where a condition for paying out a prize ball is easily established.

  In a pachinko machine, a specific display mode determined in advance is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display of special symbols (identification information) that is started in the variable display device based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening. If this happens, a “big hit” will occur. The derived display is to finally stop and display a symbol (final stop symbol). When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times of opening the special winning opening is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round. A game in a round may be referred to as a round game.

  In the variable display device, the symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol in the left, middle, and right symbols) continue for a predetermined period of time and stop and shake in a state that matches the specific display result. It can be a big hit before the final result is displayed because it is moving, scaling, or deforming, or multiple symbols change synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the displayed symbol is switched. An effect performed in a state where the sex is continued (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display. Then, when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display device is not a specific display result, it becomes “out of”, and the variable display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  In such a gaming machine, the cited document 1 describes that a plurality of items can be stored and an effect using the stored items is executed.

JP 2009-160464 A

  However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, since the items are used in the order in which they are stored, that is, since the order in which the items are used is fixedly determined, the production effect is sufficiently improved. I can't.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the gaming machine which can improve a production effect.

(1) A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that can be controlled in an advantageous state (for example, a big hit gaming state) advantageous to a player, and includes a plurality of types of items (for example, a first item and a second item) Item storage means (for example, a storage area formed in a RAM mounted on the production control microcomputer 100. Data capable of specifying an item) capable of storing a plurality of first to third items (see FIG. 32C). And an effect execution means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 executes steps S8105, S8110, etc.) capable of executing a specific effect (for example, item action effect) using the item stored by the item storage means. And the effect execution means uses the first item (for example, the first item (blue)). The specific effect using the second item (for example, the second item (red)) can be executed so that the degree of expectation is higher (see, for example, FIG. 32B), and the first item When the second item is stored, the ratio of executing the specific effect using the first item first is higher than the specific effect using the second item (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 executes step S8110). Part, see FIG. 35).
According to such a configuration, the production effect can be improved.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above, an item is associated with a predetermined color or pattern (for example, blue, red, and fruit pattern), and the effect execution means has a different color or pattern depending on the degree of expectation. The notice effect can be executed (for example, the notice effect can be executed in the first to third special modes. See FIG. 32B), and the specific effect is executed on the notice effect by the specific effect. The notice effect may be executed by changing the color or pattern associated with the item to be used (see, for example, FIGS. 35 to 38).
According to such a configuration, the production effect can be improved.

(3) In the gaming machine of the above (1) or (2), an item is associated with a predetermined character (for example, an item display 200c constituted by a character image, see FIG. 39 (2)), and an effect execution means Can execute the notice effect in a plurality of modes, and can execute the notice effect according to the mode in which the character associated with the item used in the specific effect acts by executing the specific effect on the notice effect. (For example, see FIG. 39 (4)).
According to such a configuration, the production effect can be improved.

(4) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (3), the effect execution means provides a plurality of types of notice effects (for example, an active display change effect, a cut-in effect, a step-up effect, a button effect, etc.). By executing a specific effect on the notice effect, it is possible to execute a notice effect with a higher degree of expectation than the notice effect (for example, the notice effect is started in a normal mode with a lower degree of expectation). When the item acts, the first special mode, the second special mode, and the third special mode, which have high expectations, are changed (see FIGS. 35 to 38). The specific effect can be executed such that the degree of expectation varies depending on which of the types of the notification effects is executed (see, for example, FIGS. 32A and 32B. The same effect) Aspect Even if there is, the expectation degree for the big hit differs depending on the notice effect, so even if it is an item action effect that causes the same item to act (for example, when changing to the same third special mode), it acts on any notice effect The degree of expectation may be different depending on whether or not to do so.
According to such a configuration, the production effect can be improved.

(5) In any one of the above gaming machines (1) to (4), the effect execution means has a notice effect in a plurality of modes (for example, a normal mode and any one of the first to third special modes). By executing a specific effect on the notice effect, the notice effect can be executed in a manner having a higher degree of expectation than the notice effect (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs steps S8105 and S8110). The notice effect is started in a normal mode with a low degree of expectation, but changes to the first special mode, the second special mode, and the third special mode with a high level of expectation when the item acts. (See FIGS. 35 to 38).
According to such a configuration, the production effect can be improved.

(6) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (5), the effect execution means is a first notice effect that can use the item (for example, an active display change effect, a cut-in effect, a step-up effect). , Button effects, etc.) and a second notice effect (for example, a decorative lamp effect, etc.) in which the item cannot be used can be executed, and the item is stored by the item storage means. Sometimes, the ratio of executing the first notice effect may be higher than when it is not stored (for example, the portion where the effect control microcomputer 100 executes steps S6505 to S6506, etc.).
According to such a configuration, the production effect can be improved.

(7) In any one of the above gaming machines (1) to (6), a change effect execution means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100) capable of executing a change effect that changes the item stored by the item storage means. Is executed when the item grant pattern of “first item (blue) → third item (fruit pattern)” is determined (see FIG. 32C). May be.
According to such a configuration, the production effect can be improved.

(8) In the gaming machine of any one of the above (1) to (7), a first suggestion display whose display size is the first size (for example, FIG. 40 (a) and a second suggestion display whose display size is the second size (for example, a reach title effect shown in FIG. 40 (d)). Display means (for example, realized by the effect control microcomputer 100 and the effect display device 9), and the display means includes a plurality of different modes. Includes elements of various types (element E1 (banana), element E2 (melon), element E3 (apple), element E4 (watermelon), element E5 (strawberry), etc.) shown in FIGS. 40 (a) and (d)) When a specific image (such as the fruit pattern shown in FIGS. 40 (a) and 40 (d)) is displayed, and either the first suggestion display or the second suggestion display is displayed in a pattern including the specific image In addition, a plurality of types of elements are displayed so as to be included in both the first suggestion display and the second suggestion display (in either the shutter image 94 or the reach title image 95 shown in FIGS. 40A and 40D). May be displayed so as to include the elements E1 to E5).
According to such a configuration, the specific image can be suitably displayed regardless of the display size of the suggestion display. Thereby, it is possible to accurately tell that the specific image is displayed.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 4 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows a big hit determination table, a small hit determination table, and a big hit type determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a pending | holding storage buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result designation | designated command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol display control process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the execution timing of each notification effect. It is a flowchart which shows a notification effect setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a notice effect execution decision table, a notice effect mode decision table, an item provision pattern decision table, and an additional notice effect decision table. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a notice effect (active display change effect) and an item effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a notice effect (cut-in effect) and an item effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a notice effect (step-up effect) and item effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a notice effect (button effect) and item effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the item effect using the notice effect (button effect) and the item matched with the character. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a shutter effect and reach title effect.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the front.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be opened and closed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) that can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate (not shown) to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts (games to be described later) attached to them. A structure including the board 6).

  On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3, and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. In addition, a game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6 in which a game ball that has been struck can flow down.

  The member that forms the extra ball tray (lower tray) 4 is configured in a stick shape (bar shape), for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower tray main body (for example, the central portion of the lower tray). Is attached to the stick controller 122 that can be tilted in a plurality of directions (front and rear, left and right). It should be noted that the stick controller 122 has a predetermined operation, for example, by performing a push-pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, an index finger) while the player holds the operation rod of the stick controller 122 with an operation hand (for example, the left hand). A trigger button 121 (see FIG. 3) capable of performing an instruction operation is provided, and a trigger sensor 125 (see FIG. 3) for detecting a predetermined instruction operation by a push-pull operation or the like on the trigger button 121 is provided inside the operation rod of the stick controller 122. 3) is built-in. In addition, a tilt direction sensor unit 123 (see FIG. 3) that detects a tilting operation with respect to the operating rod is provided in the lower plate main body and the like below the stick controller 122. The stick controller 122 includes a vibrator motor 126 (see FIG. 3) for causing the stick controller 122 to vibrate.

  The member that forms the hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3 is subjected to a predetermined instruction operation, for example, by a player pressing a predetermined position on the upper surface of the upper plate body (for example, above the stick controller 122). A possible push button 120 is provided. The push button 120 only needs to be configured to be able to detect a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from a player mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A push sensor 124 (see FIG. 3) for detecting an operation action of the player performed on the push button 120 may be provided inside the main body of the upper plate at the position where the push button 120 is installed. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the mounting positions of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 are in a vertical positional relationship in the central portion of the upper plate and the lower plate. On the other hand, it is good also considering the attachment position of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 as the position approached to either right or left in the upper plate and the lower plate, maintaining the vertical relationship. Alternatively, the mounting position of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 is not in the vertical relationship, but may be in the horizontal relationship, for example.

  The push button 120 is provided with a push button LED 29. The push button LED 29 can emit light in a plurality of modes, and emit light in a predetermined mode when the auto button function is set to be effective, as will be described later.

  In this embodiment, the push button 120 is provided integrally with the stick controller 122. Therefore, when the stick controller 122 is vibrated, the push button 120 is also vibrated. In addition, it is not restricted to such a structure, You may make it provide the stick controller 122 and the push button 120 separately, respectively.

  An effect display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is provided near the center of the game area 7. The display screen of the effect display device 9 includes an effect symbol display area for performing variable display of the effect symbol in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Therefore, the effect display device 9 corresponds to a variable display device that performs variable display of effect symbols. The effect symbol display area includes a symbol display area for variably displaying, for example, three decorative (effect) effect symbols of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. The symbol display area includes “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas, but the position of the symbol display area does not have to be fixed on the display screen of the effect display device 9. Three areas of the display area may be separated. The effect display device 9 is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. When the first special symbol display 8a is executing variable display of the first special symbol, the effect control microcomputer causes the effect display device 9 to execute the effect display along with the variable display, and the second special symbol display 8a executes the second special display. When the variable display of the second special symbol is executed on the symbol display 8b, the effect display is executed by the effect display device 9 along with the variable display, so that the progress of the game can be easily grasped. .

  Further, in the effect display device 9, symbols other than the symbol that will be the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) have continued for a predetermined time, and the jackpot symbol (for example, the left middle right symbol is aligned with the same symbol) Stops, swings, scales, or deforms in a state that matches the symbol combination), or multiple symbols fluctuate synchronously in the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol is switched Thus, an effect performed in a state where the possibility of occurrence of a big hit (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) before the final result is displayed is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display. And when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the effect display device 9 is not a big hit symbol, it becomes “out” and the variation display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  Note that, in this embodiment, a case is shown in which the effect symbol display is performed as a liquid crystal display effect in the effect display device 9, but the effect performed in the effect display device 9 is the one shown in this embodiment. For example, an effect having a predetermined story characteristic may be executed, and an effect may be executed in which the result of the story is displayed based on the determination result of the jackpot determination or the variation pattern. For example, perform a battle effect where professional wrestling and soccer matches and enemy characters fight, perform an effect to win the game and battle if it is a big hit, and perform an effect to defeat the game and battle if it is off Also good. Further, for example, instead of displaying the result such as winning or losing, an effect may be executed in which a predetermined story such as a story is developed in order.

  In the upper right part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there are provided fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d for displaying a fourth symbol after the effect symbol, a special symbol described later, and a normal symbol. In this embodiment, a fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol in which the variation display of the fourth symbol for the first special symbol is performed in synchronization with the variation display of the first special symbol described later, There is provided a fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol in which the variation display of the fourth symbol for the second special symbol is performed in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol.

  In this embodiment, the variation display of the effect symbol is executed in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol (however, to be precise, the variation display of the effect symbol is varied on the effect control microcomputer 100 side). This is done by measuring the variation time recognized based on the pattern command.) When performing an effect using the effect display device 9, for example, the effect content including the change display of the effect symbol disappears from the screen for a moment. There are diversifying effects such as effects being performed and effects such that the movable object shields all or part of the screen. For this reason, even if the display screen on the effect display device 9 is viewed, it may be difficult to recognize whether or not the current variation display is in progress. Therefore, in this embodiment, whether or not the state of the present variation is being displayed by confirming the state of the fourth symbol by further displaying the variation of the fourth symbol on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9. It is possible to reliably recognize whether or not. Note that the 4th symbol is always variably displayed with a constant operation, and is not disappeared from the screen or shielded by a shielding object, so that it can always be visually recognized.

  The 4th symbol for the first special symbol and the 4th symbol for the 2nd special symbol may be collectively referred to as the 4th symbol, and the 4th symbol display area 9c for the 1st special symbol and the 2nd special symbol The 4th symbol display area 9d for symbols may be collectively referred to as a 4th symbol display area.

  The variation (variable display) of the fourth symbol is realized by continuing the state where the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are repeatedly turned on and off at a predetermined time interval in a predetermined display color (for example, blue). . The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 8a is synchronized with the variable display of the fourth symbol for the first special symbol in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol. The variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is synchronized with the variable display of the fourth symbol for the second special symbol in the fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol. Synchronous means that the variable display start time and end time are the same, and the variable display period is the same.

  When the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the display color reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol (a display color different from the loss. Sometimes it is displayed in blue, but it is displayed in red when it is a big hit, and the display color may be different depending on the type of big hit (whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit). The display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening (for example, a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit). If it is controllable, the display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game, and the number of rounds per jackpot is the same as in this embodiment. Even if there is, for example, the opening time of the big prize opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), and the big winnings per round and the big winning prize opening per round cannot be expected substantially. If the opening time is long (for example, 30 seconds) and there is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball in the big winning opening, whether or not the game ball can be expected to win in the big winning opening. The display color may be different depending on the number of times, and for example, the number of opening of the big winning opening per round is different, so that it is possible to expect the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening. Even when there is a big hit that cannot be made, the display color may be made different depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to substantially win the big winning opening.

  Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the display color reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol (display color different from the loss. Sometimes it is displayed in blue, but it is displayed in red when it is a big hit, and the display color may be different depending on the type of big hit (whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit). The display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening (for example, a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit). If it is controllable, the display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game, and the number of rounds per jackpot is the same as in this embodiment. Even if there is, for example, the opening time of the big prize opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), and the big winnings per round and the big winning prize opening per round cannot be expected substantially. If the opening time is long (for example, 30 seconds) and there is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball in the big winning opening, whether or not the game ball can be expected to win in the big winning opening. The display color may be different depending on the number of times, and for example, the number of opening of the big winning opening per round is different, so that it is possible to expect the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening. Even when there is a big hit that cannot be made, the display color may be made different depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to substantially win the big winning opening.

  The display colors when the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are turned off are different from the background image (for example, black) in order to prevent the display colors from being assimilated with the background image when the lights are turned off. It is desirable to be.

  In this embodiment, the case where the 4th symbol display area is provided on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is shown, but a light emitter such as a lamp or LED is used separately from the effect display device 9. Thus, the fourth symbol display area may be realized. In this case, for example, the variation (variable display) of the fourth symbol may be realized by continuing the state in which the two LEDs are alternately lit, and any of the two LEDs is stopped. Whether or not the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed may be indicated depending on whether or not it is displayed.

  Further, in this embodiment, a case is shown in which separate fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are provided corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, respectively, but the first special symbol and the second special symbol are provided. A fourth symbol display area common to the symbols may be provided in a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9. Moreover, you may make it implement | achieve the 4th symbol display area common with respect to a 1st special symbol and a 2nd special symbol using light-emitting bodies, such as a lamp | ramp and LED. In this case, when executing the variation display of the fourth symbol in synchronization with the variation display of the first special symbol, and when executing the variation display of the fourth symbol in synchronization with the variation display of the second special symbol, For example, the display of different display colors at certain time intervals may be performed by distinguishing and executing the variation display of the fourth symbol by performing display that repeatedly turns on and off. In addition, when the variation display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variation display of the first special symbol, and when the variation display of the fourth symbol is performed in synchronization with the variation display of the second special symbol, for example, The display of the fourth symbol may be distinguished and executed by performing a display that repeatedly turns on and off at different time intervals. In addition, for example, when the stop symbol is derived and displayed corresponding to the variation display of the first special symbol, and when the stop symbol is derived and displayed corresponding to the variation display of the second special symbol, the same big hit symbol is obtained. However, you may make it stop-display the stop symbol of a different aspect.

  On the right side of the effect display device 9, a first special symbol display (first variable display unit) 8a for variably displaying the first special symbol as identification information is provided. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 8a is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. In other words, the first special symbol display 8a is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. Further, on the right side of the effect display device 9 (next to the right of the first special symbol display 8a), a second special symbol display (second variable display unit) 8b for variably displaying the second special symbol as identification information. Is also provided. The second special symbol display 8b is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the second special symbol display 8b is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9.

  The small display is formed in a square shape, for example. In this embodiment, the type of the first special symbol and the type of the second special symbol are the same (for example, both 0 to 9), but the types may be different. Further, the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b may be configured to variably display numbers (or two-digit symbols) of, for example, 00 to 99, for example.

  Hereinafter, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol, and the first special symbol indicator 8a and the second special symbol indicator 8b are collectively referred to as a special symbol indicator (variable display unit). There are things to do.

  Although this embodiment shows a case where two special symbol indicators 8a and 8b are provided, the gaming machine may be provided with only one special symbol indicator.

  For the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first start condition or the second start condition, which is the variable display execution condition, is satisfied (for example, the game ball has the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening) 14 after passing (including winning)), the variable display start condition (for example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0 and the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed) The state is started and the big hit game is not executed), and when the variable display time (fluctuation time) elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that the passing of a game ball means that the game ball has passed through a predetermined area such as a prize opening or a gate, and that includes a game ball entering (winning) a prize opening. It is. Deriving and displaying the display result is to finally stop and display a symbol (an example of identification information).

  A winning device having a first start winning port 13 is provided below the effect display device 9. The game ball won in the first start winning opening 13 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the first start opening switch 13a.

  A variable winning ball device 15 having a second starting winning port 14 through which a game ball can be won is provided below a winning device having a first starting winning port (first starting port) 13. The game ball that has won the second start winning opening (second start opening) 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start opening switch 14a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, the game ball can be awarded to the second starting winning port 14 (it is easier to start winning), which is advantageous for the player. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state, it is easier for the game ball to win the second start winning opening 14 than the first starting winning opening 13. In addition, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, the game ball does not win the second start winning opening 14. Therefore, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, it is easier for the game ball to win the first starting winning port 13 than the second starting winning port 14. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the closed state, it may be configured that the winning is possible (that is, it is difficult for the gaming ball to win) although it is difficult to win a prize.

  Hereinafter, the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14 may be collectively referred to as a start winning opening or a starting opening.

  When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to be in the open state, the game ball heading for the variable winning ball device 15 is very likely to win the second start winning port 14. The first start winning opening 13 is provided directly under the effect display device 9, but the interval between the lower end of the effect display device 9 and the first start winning opening 13 is further reduced, or the first start winning opening is set. Nail is densely arranged around 13 or the nail arrangement around the first start winning opening 13 is difficult to guide the game ball to the first starting winning opening 13 so that the winning rate of the second starting winning opening 14 is increased. It is also possible to make the direction higher than the winning rate of the first start winning opening 13.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 that opens and closes only the second start winning opening 14 is provided. Any of the start winning ports 14 may be provided with a variable winning ball device that performs an opening / closing operation.

  Above the second special symbol display 8b, there is a second special symbol hold memory display 18b comprising four displays for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the second start winning opening 14, that is, the second reserved memory number. Is provided. The second special symbol storage memory display 18b increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 every time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the second special symbol display 8b is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  Further, above the second special symbol hold memory display 18b, the number of effective winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13, that is, the first hold memory number (the hold memory is also referred to as start memory or start prize memory). ) Is displayed, a first special symbol reservation storage display 18a is provided. The first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 each time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  In addition, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there is provided a total pending storage display unit 18c for displaying the total number (total number of pending pending storage) that is the sum of the first reserved memory count and the second reserved memory count. ing. In this embodiment, since the total pending storage display unit 18c that displays the total number is provided as described above, it is easy to grasp the total number of execution conditions that have not met the variable display start condition. be able to. In addition, you may make it provide the 1st reservation memory display part which displays the 1st reservation memory number, and the 2nd reservation memory display part which displays the 2nd reservation memory number.

  In addition, an active display unit 18d that displays an active display corresponding to the variable display being executed is provided at the bottom of the display screen of the effect display device 9. In this embodiment, in the summed hold memory display unit 18c, a hold display corresponding to a hold memory that has not yet started a change display is performed, and a change display is started based on the hold storage until the end. Meanwhile, the hold display corresponding to the hold storage is displayed as an active display on the active display unit 18d different from the combined hold storage display unit 18c. In this embodiment, the active display is displayed in the same manner as the hold display. However, the active display does not necessarily have to be the same as the hold display. It may be.

  The effect display device 9 is for decoration (for effects) during the variable display time of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 8a and during the variable display time of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 8b. A variable display of the effect symbol as the symbol is performed. The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display device 9 reminds the jackpot The combination of is stopped and displayed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a special variable winning ball apparatus 20 that forms a big winning opening is provided below the variable winning ball apparatus 15. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 includes an opening / closing plate, and when the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, and the specific display result (big hit symbol) on the second special symbol display 8b. When the open / close plate is controlled to be open by the solenoid 21 in the specific game state (big hit game state) that occurs when the symbol is derived and displayed, the big winning opening serving as the winning area is opened. The game ball that has won the big winning opening is detected by the count switch 23.

  On the left side of the effect display device 9, a normal symbol display 10 for variably displaying normal symbols is provided. In this embodiment, the normal symbol display 10 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the normal symbol display 10 is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. Moreover, the small display is formed in, for example, a square shape. Note that the normal symbol display 10 may be configured to variably display a number (or a two-digit symbol) of, for example, 00 to 99. In addition, the normal symbol display 10 is not limited to a 7-segment LED or the like, for example, a display capable of lighting a predetermined symbol display (for example, a decoration lamp capable of alternately lighting and displaying “O” and “X”). It may be comprised.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. When the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (a winning symbol, for example, a symbol “7”), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one. In addition, a probability variation state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit compared to the normal state is high (a state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit as a result of fluctuation display of special symbols is increased compared to the normal state). Then, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. Even in the short state (the game state in which the variable display time of the special symbol is shortened) when the symbol variation time is shortened although it is not the probability variation state, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased.

  At the lower part of the game board 6, there is an out-port 26 through which a hit ball that has not won is taken. In addition, four speakers 27 that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the upper left and right and lower left and right outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a frame LED 28 is provided on the front frame. The frame LED 28 can emit light in a plurality of modes. In this embodiment, the frame LED 28 can emit light in white, blue, green, and red.

  In the gaming machine, a ball striking device (not shown) that drives a driving motor in response to a player operating the batting operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the driving motor to launch a gaming ball to the gaming area 7. ) Is provided. A game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through a ball striking rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and then descends the game area 7. When the game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a, if the variable display of the first special symbol can be started (for example, the variable display of the special symbol ends, 1), the variable display (variation) of the first special symbol is started on the first special symbol display 8a, and the variable display of the effect symbol is started on the effect display device 9. That is, the variable display of the first special symbol and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the first start winning opening 13. If the variable display of the first special symbol cannot be started, the first reserved memory number is increased by 1 on the condition that the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  When the game ball enters the second start winning opening 14 and is detected by the second start opening switch 14a, if the variable display of the second special symbol can be started (for example, the special symbol variable display ends, 2), the second special symbol display 8b starts variable display (variation) of the second special symbol, and the effect display device 9 starts variable display of the effect symbol. That is, the variable display of the second special symbol and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the second start winning opening 14. If the variable display of the second special symbol cannot be started, the second reserved memory number is increased by 1 on condition that the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  In this embodiment, when the probability variation is a big hit, the game state is shifted to a high probability state (probability variation state), and the game ball is likely to start and win (that is, special symbol indicators 8a and 8b and effects). The display device 9 shifts to a high base state that is a gaming state controlled so that a variable display execution condition on the display device 9 is easily established (in this embodiment, shifts to a time-short state). In addition, when the gaming state is shifted to the short time state, the state is shifted to the high base state. In the high base state, for example, the frequency at which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is increased or the time in which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is extended compared to the case in which the high base state is not in the high base state. It becomes easier to win a start.

  Instead of extending the time during which the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state (also referred to as the open extended state), the normal symbol display unit 10 shifts to a normal symbol probability changing state in which the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display unit 10 will be a hit symbol is increased. Depending on the situation, the high base state may be entered. When the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In this case, by performing the transition control to the normal symbol probability changing state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the frequency at which the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened is increased. Therefore, if the normal symbol probability changing state is entered, the opening time and the number of opening times of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased, and a state where it is easy to start a winning (high base state) is achieved. That is, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol or the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probabilistic symbol, which is disadvantageous for the player. It changes from a state to an advantageous state (a state where it is easy to start a prize). It should be noted that increasing the number of times of opening is a concept including changing from a closed state to an open state.

  Moreover, you may transfer to a high base state by shifting to the normal symbol time short state where the fluctuation time (variable display period) of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is shortened. In the normal symbol short-time state, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, so that the frequency of starting the variation of the normal symbol increases, and as a result, the frequency of hitting the normal symbol increases. Therefore, when the frequency that the normal symbol is hit increases, the frequency that the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened is increased, and the start winning state is easily set (high base state).

  In addition, the change time of special symbols and production symbols will be shortened by shifting to the short time state when the variation time (variable display period) of special symbols and production symbols is shortened. The frequency of being played (in other words, the digestion of the reserved memory becomes faster), and the situation where an invalid start prize is generated can be reduced. Therefore, an effective start winning is likely to occur, and as a result, the possibility of a big hit game being increased.

  Furthermore, by making transitions to all the states shown above (open extended state, normal symbol probability change state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state), it will be easier to win a start (shift to a high base state). May be. In addition, it is easier to win a start (high base) by shifting to any one of the above states (open extended state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state). Transition to a state). In addition, it is easier to win a start by shifting to any one of the above states (open extended state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state). You may make it move to a base state.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 2 also shows a payout control board 37, an effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the CPU 56 and the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached. The game control microcomputer 560 further includes a random number circuit 503 that generates hardware random numbers (random numbers generated by the hardware circuit).

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power supply created on the power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). In particular, at least data (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, etc.) corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means, and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54, so that the game control microcomputer 560 (or CPU 56) executes (or performs processing) hereinafter. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  The random number circuit 503 is a hardware circuit that is used to generate a random number for determination to determine whether or not to win a jackpot based on a display result of variable symbol special display. The random number circuit 503 updates numerical data in accordance with a set update rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set, and starts at a random timing Based on the fact that the winning time is the reading (extraction) of the numerical data, it has a random number generation function in which the numerical data to be read becomes a random value.

  The random number circuit 503 includes a numeric data update range selection setting function (initial value selection setting function and upper limit value selection setting function), numeric data update rule selection setting function, and numeric data update rule selection. It has various functions such as a switching function. With such a function, the randomness of the generated random numbers can be improved.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 has a function of setting an initial value of numerical data updated by the random number circuit 503. For example, a predetermined calculation is performed using an ID number of the game control microcomputer 560 (an ID number assigned to each product of the game control microcomputer 560) stored in a predetermined storage area such as the ROM 54. The numerical data obtained in this way is set as the initial value of the numerical data that the random number circuit 503 updates. By performing such processing, the randomness of the random number generated by the random number circuit 503 can be further improved.

  Further, an input driver circuit 58 that provides detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, and the count switch 23 to the game control microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. The main board also includes an output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a big winning opening in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560. 31.

  In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 includes a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b that variably displays special symbols, a normal symbol display 10 that variably displays normal symbols, and a first special symbol hold memory. Display control of the display 18a, the second special symbol storage memory display 18b, and the normal symbol storage memory display 41 is performed.

  An information output circuit 64 that outputs information output signals such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer via the terminal board 160 is also mounted on the main board 31.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 instructs the effect contents from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. An effect control command is received, and display control of the effect display device 9 for variably displaying effect symbols is performed.

  Further, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 controls the display of the frame LED 28 and the like provided on the frame side via the lamp driver board 35 and the speaker 27 via the audio output board 70. Controls sound output from.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer. Further, without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control.

  The effect control board 80 includes an effect control CPU 101 and an effect control microcomputer 100 including a RAM for storing information related to effects such as effect symbol process flags. The RAM may be externally attached. In this embodiment, the RAM in the production control microcomputer 100 is not backed up. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture signal from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77 ( In response to the (effect control INT signal), an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103. Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the effect display device 9 based on the effect control command.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the effect display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 100 is mounted on the effect control board 80. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the production control microcomputer 100, and maps a VRAM therein. VRAM is a buffer memory for developing image data. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the effect display device 9 via the frame memory.

  The effect control CPU 101 outputs to the VDP 109 a command for reading out necessary data from a CGROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The CGROM stores character image data and moving image data displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols (including effect symbols), and background image data in advance. ROM. The VDP 109 reads image data from the CGROM in response to the instruction from the effect control CPU 101. The VDP 109 executes display control based on the read image data.

  The effect control command and the effect control INT signal are first input to the input driver 102 on the effect control board 80. The input driver 102 passes the signal input from the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the inside of the effect control board 80 (does not pass the signal in the direction from the inside of the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). It is also a unidirectional circuit as a regulating means.

  As a signal direction regulating means, the signal inputted from the main board 31 is allowed to pass through the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 (the signal is not passed in the direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). The unidirectional circuit 74 is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 3 illustrates a diode. A unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal. Furthermore, since the effect control command and the effect control INT signal are output from the main board 31 via the output port 571 that is a unidirectional circuit, the signal from the relay board 77 toward the inside of the main board 31 is restricted. That is, the signal from the relay board 77 does not enter the inside of the main board 31 (the game control microcomputer 560 side). The output port 571 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG. Further, a signal driver circuit that is a unidirectional circuit may be further provided outside the output port 571 (on the relay board 77 side).

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the player's operation action on the trigger button 121 of the stick controller 122 has been detected from the trigger sensor 125 via the input port 106. Further, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that a player's operation action on the push button 120 has been detected from the push sensor 124 via the input port 106. In addition, the production control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the player's operation action with respect to the operation rod of the stick controller 122 has been detected from the tilt direction sensor unit 123 via the input port 106. . Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a drive signal to the vibrator motor 126 via the output port 105 to cause the stick controller 122 to vibrate.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the LED to the lamp driver board 35 via the output port 105. Further, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound number data to the audio output board 70 via the output port 104.

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the LED is input to the LED driver 352 via the input driver 351. The LED driver 352 supplies a current to a light emitter such as the frame LED 28 based on a signal for driving the LED.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice or sound effect according to the sound number data, and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data showing the output form of the sound effect or sound in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, the changing period of the effect design).

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When power is supplied to the gaming machine and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the gaming control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) After executing a security check process, which is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, the main process after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). After initialization of the built-in device (CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port), which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) is performed (step S4), the RAM is accessible (Step S5). In the interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This mode indicates an interrupt address.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal (clear signal) of a clear switch (for example, mounted on the power supply board) input via the input port (step S6). When the ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S10 to S15).

  If the clear switch is not on, check whether data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped (Step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process.

  When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process has been performed, the CPU 56 performs data check of the backup RAM area (step S8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in step S8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 recovers the game state restoration process (steps S41 to S43) for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Process). Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain as they are. The part that should not be initialized is, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, time reduction flag, etc.), and the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer) ), A portion in which data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Further, the CPU 56 transmits a display result designation command designating a display result (usually big hit, probability change big hit, sudden probability change big hit, small hit or loss) stored in the backup RAM to the effect control board 80 (step). S44). Then, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S44, for example, when the value of a special symbol pointer (to be described later) is also stored in the backup RAM, the CPU 56 also transmits a first symbol variation designation command and a second symbol variation designation command (see FIG. 8). You may make it do. In this case, the production control microcomputer 100 may resume the variation display of the fourth symbol based on the reception of the first symbol variation designation command or the second symbol variation designation command.

  In this embodiment, the value of a variable time timer (to be described later) is also stored in the backup RAM area. Therefore, when the power failure is restored, after the display result designation command is transmitted in step S44, measurement of the saved variation time timer value is resumed, and the variation display of the special symbol is resumed and saved. When the value of the changed time timer has timed out, a symbol determination designation command to be described later is further transmitted. In this embodiment, a special symbol process flag value, which will be described later, is also stored in the backup RAM area. Therefore, when the power failure is recovered, the special symbol process is resumed from the process corresponding to the value of the stored special symbol process flag.

  Note that the display result designation command is not necessarily transmitted when the power failure is restored, but the CPU 56 may first confirm whether or not the value of the variable time timer stored in the backup RAM area is zero. . If the value of the variation time timer is not 0, it is determined that a power failure occurs during the variation, and a display result designation command is transmitted. It may be determined that the state has not been reached, and the display result designation command may not be transmitted.

  Further, the CPU 56 may first check whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag stored in the backup RAM area is 3. If the value of the special symbol process flag is 3, it is determined that the power failure occurs during the fluctuation, and a display result designation command is transmitted. If the special symbol process flag is not 3, the fluctuation occurs at the time of the power failure. The display result designation command may not be transmitted because it is determined that it is not in the middle.

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether the data in the backup RAM area is stored using both the backup flag and the check data. However, only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity for executing the game state restoration process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The RAM clear process initializes predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a random number for normal symbol determination) to 0, but an arbitrary value or a predetermined value It may be initialized to. In addition, the entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a random number for normal symbol determination) may be left as it is. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing in steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol per-determining random number counter, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, and other flags for selectively performing processing according to the control state are initialized. Value is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 initializes a sub board (a board on which a microcomputer other than the main board 31 is mounted) (a command indicating that the game control microcomputer 560 has executed an initialization process). Is also transmitted to the sub-board (step S13). For example, when the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the initialization designation command, the effect display device 9 performs screen display for notifying that the control of the gaming machine has been performed, that is, initialization notification.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initial setting of the random number circuit 503 (step S14). For example, the CPU 56 performs setting according to the random number circuit setting program to cause the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R.

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 4 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 4 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the stop symbol of the special symbol when it is not a big hit, or a random number for determining whether to reach when it is not a big hit, The random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is the initial value of the count value of the counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to win for a normal symbol (normal random number generation counter for normal symbol determination). It is a random number to determine. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls game devices such as an effect display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the game machine itself. In the process of transmitting a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, or a game machine control process), the count value of the random number for determination per normal symbol is one round (the random number for determination per normal symbol is taken). When the value is incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value of the possible values), an initial value is set in the counter.

  In this embodiment, the reach effect is executed using effect symbols that are variably displayed on the effect display device 9. In addition, when the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the reach effect is always executed (however, in the case of the sudden probability variation big hit, the reach probability sudden hit symbol (for example, “135”) is not reached but reached. May be stopped). When the display result of the special symbol is not a jackpot symbol, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether to execute the reach effect by performing a lottery to determine the variation pattern type and variation pattern using random numbers. To do. However, it is the production control microcomputer 100 that actually executes the reach production control.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S34 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output, for example, when a power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a decrease in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, and the count switch 23 are input via the input driver circuit 58, and their state is determined (switch processing: step S21). ).

  Next, the CPU 56 has a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b, a normal symbol display 10, a first special symbol hold storage display 18a, a second special symbol hold storage display 18b, a normal symbol. A display control process for controlling the display of the on-hold storage display 41 is executed (step S22). About the 1st special symbol display 8a, the 2nd special symbol display 8b, and the normal symbol display 10, a drive signal is output with respect to each display according to the content of the output buffer set by step S32, S33. Execute control.

  Also, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each random number for determination such as a random number for determination per ordinary symbol used for game control is performed (determination random number update process: step S23). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (initial value random number update process, display random number update process: steps S24 and S25).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S26). In the special symbol process, corresponding processing is executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the first special symbol indicator 8a, the second special symbol indicator 8b, and the special winning award in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect control command control process: step S28).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 (step S30). Specifically, the payout control micro mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to the winning detection based on any one of the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 being turned on. A payout control command (prize ball number signal) indicating the number of prize balls is output to the computer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 relates to on / off of the solenoid in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. The contents are output to the output port (step S31: output process).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S32).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, when the start flag related to the variation of the normal symbol is set, the CPU 56 switches the display state (“◯” and “×”) for the variation rate of the normal symbol every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set. With such a speed, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating “◯” and 0 indicating “x”) is switched every 0.2 seconds. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a normal signal on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S34), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 4 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes in steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  When the shifted symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the variable display state of the effect symbol is started after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. There may be a case where a predetermined combination of effects that does not reach reach is stopped and displayed without reaching reach. Such a variable display mode of the effect symbol is referred to as a variable display mode of “non-reach” (also referred to as “normally shift”) in a case where the variable display result is a loss symbol.

  When the shifted symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the variable display state of the effect symbol is started after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. After reaching the reach state, a reach effect is executed, and a combination of predetermined effect symbols that do not eventually become a jackpot symbol may be stopped and displayed. Such a variable display result of the effect design is referred to as a variable display mode of “reach” (also referred to as “reach out”) when the variable display result is “out of”.

  In this embodiment, when the big win symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state. Finally, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R in the effect display device 9 (provided that the probability sudden hit is sudden) In some cases, the probability change big hit symbol (for example, “135”) is stopped and displayed without reaching reach).

  When “5”, which is a small hit, is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display variable display mode is “suddenly probable big hit” on the effect display device 9. In the same manner as in the case where the effect symbol is variably displayed, a predetermined small hit symbol (the same symbol as the sudden probability variation big hit symbol, for example, "135") may be stopped and displayed. The display effect in the effect display device 9 corresponding to the fact that “5”, which is the small hit symbol, is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b is referred to as a “small hit” variable display mode. .

  Here, the small win is a hit that is allowed up to a small number of times that the big winning opening is opened compared to the big win (in this embodiment, the opening for 0.1 second is twice). When the small hit game ends, the game state does not change. That is, there is no transition from the probability variation state to the normal state or from the normal state to the certain variation state. In addition, the sudden probability change big hit is allowed up to a small number of times of opening of the big prize opening in the big hit gaming state (in this embodiment, opening for 0.1 second is twice), but the opening time of the big prize opening is extremely It is a big jackpot that is a short jackpot and the game state after the big jackpot game is shifted to a probabilistic state (that is, by doing so, it appears to the player as if it suddenly became a probable state) Is). In other words, in this embodiment, the sudden winning odds and the small wins have the same opening pattern of the big prize opening. By controlling in such a way, if the winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 seconds, it is impossible to recognize whether it is suddenly a big hit or a small hit, so a high probability state for the player (Probable change state) can be expected, and the interest of the game can be improved.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1 (MR1): Determines the type of jackpot (normal jackpot, probability variation jackpot, sudden probability variation jackpot described later) (for jackpot type determination)
(2) Random 2 (MR2): The type (type) of the variation pattern is determined (for variation pattern type determination)
(3) Random 3 (MR3): A variation pattern (variation time) is determined (for variation pattern determination)
(4) Random 4 (MR4): Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(5) Random 5 (MR5): Determine the initial value of random 4 (for determining the initial value of random 4)

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern is first determined using the variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and then the variation pattern determined using the variation pattern determination random number (random 3). One of the variation patterns included in the pattern type is determined. Thus, in this embodiment, the variation pattern is determined by a two-stage lottery process.

  The variation pattern type is a group of a plurality of variation patterns according to the characteristics of the variation mode. For example, a plurality of variation patterns are grouped by reach type, and include a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with normal reach, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with super reach A, and a variation pattern with super reach B. It may be divided into variable pattern types. Further, for example, a plurality of variation patterns are grouped by the number of re-variations of pseudo-continuations, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern without pseudo-ream, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of one re-variation, It may be divided into a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of two variations and a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of three variations. Further, for example, a plurality of variation patterns may be grouped according to the presence / absence of a specific effect such as a pseudo ream or a slip effect.

  In step S23 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, the game control microcomputer 560 uses a counter for generating (1) a big hit type determination random number and (4) a normal symbol determination random number. Count up (add 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers (random 2, random 3) or initial value random numbers (random 5). In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may use random numbers other than said random number. In this embodiment, a random number generated by hardware incorporated in the game control microcomputer 560 (or hardware external to the game control microcomputer 560) is used as the jackpot determination random number. Note that a software random number instead of a hardware random number may be used as the jackpot determination random number.

  FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54 and is a table in which a jackpot determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The jackpot determination table includes a normal jackpot determination table used in a normal state and a short time state (that is, a gaming state that is not a probability change state) and a probability change jackpot determination table used in a probability change state. Each value described in the left column of FIG. 7 (A) is set in the normal jackpot determination table, and each value described in the right column of FIG. 7 (A) is set in the probability change jackpot determination table. Is set. The numerical value described in FIG. 7A is a jackpot determination value.

  7B and 7C are explanatory diagrams showing a small hit determination table. The small hit determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54 and is a table in which a small hit determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The small hit determination table includes a small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) used when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, and a small hit determination table used when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. (For the second special symbol). Each value described in FIG. 7B is set in the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol), and in the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol), the values shown in FIG. Each numerical value listed is set. Also, the numerical values described in FIGS. 7B and 7C are small hit determination values.

  Note that it may be determined that a small hit is made only when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, and the small hit may not be provided when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. In this case, the small hit determination table for the second special symbol shown in FIG. In this embodiment, when the gaming state is shifted to the probability changing state, the variation display of the second special symbol is mainly executed. Even if the game state is shifted to the probability change state, a small hit will be generated, and if it is configured to produce an effect asking whether or not the probability change will occur, even though the current game state is the probability change state On the contrary, it makes the player feel annoying. Therefore, if it is configured so that the small hit does not occur during the variation display of the second special symbol, if the gaming state is the probability variation state, it is difficult for the small hit to occur and the excessive effect is not given to the probability variation. This can prevent the player from feeling annoyed.

  The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and sets the extracted value as the value of the big hit determination random number (random R). The big hit determination random number is shown in FIG. If it matches any of the big hit determination values, the special symbol is decided to be a big hit (a normal big hit, a probability variation big hit, and a sudden probability variation big hit described later). Further, when the big hit determination random number value matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, it is determined to make a small hit for the special symbol. Note that the “probability” shown in FIG. 7A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Further, “probabilities” shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C indicate the probability (ratio) of small hits. Further, deciding whether or not to win a jackpot means deciding whether or not to shift to the jackpot gaming state, but the stop symbol in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is determined. It also means deciding whether or not to make a jackpot symbol. Further, determining whether or not to make a small hit means determining whether or not to shift to the small hit gaming state, but stopping in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. It also means determining whether or not the symbol is to be a small hit symbol.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, when the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) is used, the small hit is determined at a ratio of 1/300. On the other hand, a case where a small hit is determined at a ratio of 1/3000 when the small hit determination table (second special symbol) is used will be described. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the start winning prize is given to the first start winning opening 13 and the first special symbol variation display is executed, the start winning prize is given to the second starting winning prize slot 14 and the second special symbol is displayed. The ratio determined as “small hit” is higher than when the variable display is executed.

  FIGS. 7D and 7E are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination tables 131 a and 131 b stored in the ROM 54. Among these, FIG. 7D determines the jackpot type using the holding memory based on the fact that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 (that is, when the first special symbol variation display is performed). This is a jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol) 131a. FIG. 7E shows a case where the jackpot type is determined by using the holding memory based on the fact that the game ball has won the second start winning opening 14 (that is, when the variation display of the second special symbol is performed). Is a jackpot type determination table (for the second special symbol) 131b.

  The jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b, when it is determined that the variable display result is a jackpot symbol, based on the random number (random 1) for determining the jackpot type, the jackpot type is set to “normal jackpot”, “ This table is referred to in order to determine one of “probability big hit” and “sudden probability big hit”. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, in the jackpot type determination table 131a, five determination values are assigned to “suddenly probable big hit” (40 minutes). Is determined to be a sudden probability change big hit at a rate of 5), whereas in the big hit type determination table 131b, one determination value is assigned to "sudden probability change big hit" (a ratio of 1/40) Will suddenly be determined to be a promising big hit). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the start winning prize is given to the first start winning opening 13 and the first special symbol variation display is executed, the start winning prize is given to the second starting winning prize slot 14 and the second special symbol is displayed. Compared with the case where the variable display is executed, the ratio determined as “suddenly probable big hit” is high. Note that “sudden probability variation big hit” is assigned only to the first special symbol jackpot type determination table 131a, and “sudden probability variation big hit” is not assigned to the second special symbol big hit type determination table 131b (ie. It may be determined that “suddenly probable big hit” may be determined only when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 (D) and 7 (E), a sudden probability variation jackpot as the first specific gaming state to which a predetermined amount of game value is given and an amount larger than the game value The first specific gaming state may be determined at a high rate when the first special symbol variation display is executed, and may be determined as a 15-round normal big hit or probable big hit as the second specific gaming state to which the game value is given. However, the game value to be given is not limited to the number of rounds as shown in this embodiment. For example, as compared with the first specific gaming state, the second specific gaming state in which the allowable amount of the winning number (count number) of game balls to the big winning opening per round is increased as the gaming value is determined. Also good. Further, for example, as compared with the first specific gaming state, the second specific gaming state in which the opening time of the big winning opening per game during the big hit may be determined as the gaming value. In addition, for example, even if the same 15 round big hits, the first specific gaming state that opens the big winning opening once per round and the second specific gaming state that opens the big winning opening multiple times per round It may be prepared to increase the gaming value of the second specific gaming state by substantially increasing the number of times the special winning opening is opened. In this case, for example, in any case of the first specific gaming state or the second specific gaming state, when the big winning opening is opened 15 times (in this case, all 15 rounds in the case of the first specific gaming state) In the case of the second specific gaming state, there is an undigested round remaining), and it is possible to execute an effect in such a manner as to inquire whether or not the jackpot continues further. And in the case of the first specific gaming state, all the 15 rounds have been finished internally, so the big hit game is finished, and in the case of the second specific gaming state, there remains an undigested round internally. For this reason, the jackpot game may be continued (the effect that the bonus winning opening is additionally started with a bonus after finishing the bonus hit of 15 times).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, the types of jackpots include “normal jackpot”, “probability variation jackpot”, and “sudden probability variation jackpot”. In this embodiment, the case where the number of rounds executed in the jackpot game is two types of 15 rounds and 2 rounds, but the number of rounds executed in the jackpot game is shown in this embodiment. Not limited to those. For example, there may be provided a 10R probability variable jackpot that is controlled to 10 round jackpot game, a 7R probability variable jackpot that is controlled to 7 round jackpot game, and a 5R probability variable jackpot that is controlled to 5 round jackpot game. In this embodiment, there are three types of jackpot types, “normal jackpot”, “probability big hit”, and “sudden probability big hit”. However, the number is not limited to three, for example, four or more types. A big hit type may be provided. Conversely, the jackpot type may be less than three types, for example, only two types may be provided as the jackpot type.

  The “ordinary big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to the 15-round big hit gaming state and is shifted to the short-time state only after the big hit gaming state ends (see step S167 described later). Then, after shifting to the time reduction state, when the variable display is finished a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment), the time reduction state is ended (see steps S168 and S137 to S140). Even if the variable display is not finished a predetermined number of times, the time saving state is also finished when the next big hit occurs (see step S132).

  The “probable big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to 15 rounds of the big hit gaming state and shifts to the probable change state after the big hit gaming state is finished (in this embodiment, it is changed to the probable change state and the short time state is also entered. (See steps S169 and S170 described later). Then, until the next big hit occurs, the probability variation state and the time reduction state continue (see step S132).

  In addition, “suddenly promising big hit” means that the number of times of opening the big prize opening is smaller than in “normal big hit” or “probable big hit” (in this embodiment, opening for 0.1 seconds is allowed twice). Is a big hit. In other words, when “suddenly promising big hit”, the game is controlled to a two round big hit gaming state. In addition, in “normal big hit” and “probable big hit”, the opening time of the big winning opening per round is as long as 29 seconds, whereas in “sudden probable big hit”, the opening time of the big winning opening per round is long. It is extremely short, 0.1 seconds, and it is almost impossible to expect a game ball to win a big winning opening during a big hit game. In this embodiment, after the sudden probability change big hit gaming state is finished, the state is changed to the probability change state (in this embodiment, the state is changed to the probability change state and also to the short time state. Step S169, which will be described later). (See S170). Then, until the next big hit occurs, the probability variation state and the time reduction state continue (see step S132).

  It should be noted that the mode of sudden probability change big hit is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, the number of times of opening of the big prize opening may be 15 times (15 rounds), which is the same as the normal big hit or suddenly probable big hit, and only the opening time of the big prize opening may be made extremely short as 0.1 seconds.

  As described above, in this embodiment, even in the case of “small hit”, the big winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 seconds, and the big hit gaming state by “suddenly probable big hit” Similar control is performed. In the case of “small hit”, the game state does not change after the opening of the big winning opening twice, and the game state before “small hit” is maintained. By doing so, it is made impossible to recognize whether it is “suddenly promising big hit” or “small hit”, and the interest of the game is improved. In addition, when it is configured so that all the big hit types are probable big hits, it is not necessary to provide the small hits. In addition, when all big hit types are probabilistic big hits, if you make a small hit, it will only shift to the probable change state (high probability state) and suddenly probable big hits without the short time state (high base state). (It is preferable that the opening pattern of the big prize opening is the same in the case of the sudden probability big hit and the small win).

  The big hit type determination tables 131a and 131b are numerical values to be compared with a random 1 value, and corresponding to the “normal big hit”, “probability variable big hit”, and “suddenly probable big hit” (big hit type determination value) ) Is set. When the value of random 1 matches any of the jackpot type determination values, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type as a type corresponding to the matched jackpot type determination value.

  FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) for designating a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to variable display of the special symbol. (Each corresponding to a variation pattern XX). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each variation pattern that can be used, there is a variation pattern command corresponding to each variation pattern specified by the number. “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when receiving the command 80XX (H), the effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to start variable display of effect symbols.

  Commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit, whether or not to make a big hit, and a big hit type. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the effect symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H), so the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are referred to as display result designation commands.

  Command 8D01 (H) is an effect control command (first symbol variation designation command) indicating that variable display (variation) of the first special symbol is started. Command 8D02 (H) is an effect control command (second symbol variation designation command) indicating that variable display (variation) of the second special symbol is started. The first symbol variation designation command and the second symbol variation designation command may be collectively referred to as a special symbol specifying command (or symbol variation designation command). Note that information indicating whether to start variable display of the first special symbol or variable display of the second special symbol may be included in the variation pattern command.

  Command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display (fluctuation) of the fourth symbol is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. When receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variable display (fluctuation) of the fourth symbol and derives and displays the display result.

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization designation command: power-on designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the gaming control microcomputer 560 transmits a power failure recovery designation command if data is stored in the backup RAM, and if not, initialization designation is performed. Send a command.

  Command 9F00 (H) is an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  The commands A001 to A003 (H) are effect control commands for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). In this embodiment, a big hit start 1 designation command, a big hit start 2 designation command, or a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command is used according to the type of big hit. Specifically, if it is “ordinary big hit”, the big hit start 1 designation command (A001 (H)) is used, and if it is “probable big hit”, the big hit start 2 designation command (A002 (H)) is used. In the case of “sudden probability change big hit” or “small hit”, a small hit / sudden probability change big hit start designation command (A003 (H)) is used. Note that the game control microcomputer 560 may be configured to transmit a fanfare designation command for suddenly probable big hit start designation in the case of a sudden big hit, but not to send a fanfare designation command in the case of a small hit. Good.

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. Since the value specifying the round is set in the EXT data for each round, and the command for opening a special prize opening is transmitted, a different command for opening a special prize opening is transmitted for each round. For example, when executing the first round during the big hit game, a special winning opening opening designation command (A101 (H)) for specifying round 1 is transmitted, and when executing the tenth round during the big hit game. Is a special winning opening open designation command (A10A (H)) for designating round 10. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. In addition, since the value specifying the round is set in the EXT data for each round and the designation command after opening the special winning opening is transmitted, a different designation command after opening the special winning opening is transmitted for each round. For example, when ending the first round during the big hit game, a designation command (A201 (H)) after the big winning opening is designated to designate round 1, and when the tenth round during the big hit game is ended. Is sent after a special winning opening opening command (A30A (H)) for designating round 10.

  Command A301 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game (a jackpot end 1 designation command: an ending 1 designation command). The big hit end 1 designation command (A301 (H)) is used when the big hit game by “normal big hit” is ended. Command A 302 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, specifying the end of the jackpot game (a jackpot end 2 designation command: an ending 2 designation command). The jackpot end 2 designation command (A302 (H)) is used to end the jackpot game by the “probable big hit”. Command A 303 (H) is an effect control command (small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command: ending 3 designation command) that designates the end of the small hit game or the sudden probability change big hit game. Note that the game control microcomputer 560 is configured to transmit an ending designation command for suddenly probable big hit end designation in the case of sudden probable big hit, but not to send an ending designation command in the case of small hit. Also good.

  Command B000 (H) is an effect control command (normal state background designation command) for designating background display when the gaming state is the normal state. The command B001 (H) is an effect control command (probability change state background designation command) for designating a background display when the gaming state is the probability change state. Command B002 (H) is an effect control command (time-short state background designation command) for designating a background display when the gaming state is the time-short state.

  Command C000 (H) is an effect control command (first reserved memory number addition designation command) that specifies that the first reserved memory number has increased by one. Command C100 (H) is an effect control command (second reserved memory number addition designation command) that specifies that the second reserved memory number has increased by one. Command C200 (H) is an effect control command (first reserved memory number subtraction designation command) that specifies that the first reserved memory number has decreased by one. Command C300 (H) is an effect control command (second reserved memory number subtraction designation command) that specifies that the second reserved memory number has decreased by one.

  In this embodiment, as the hold memory information, an effect control command (first hold memory number addition designation indicating that the hold memory number has increased or decreased for the first hold memory number and the second hold memory number, respectively). Command, second reserved memory number addition designation command) is transmitted, but the form of the reserved memory information is not limited to that shown in this embodiment, and for example, the following types of reserved memory Information may be transmitted.

(1) Only one command is transmitted as the reserved storage information, and in the one command, which of the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory is increased is specified, and the increased number of reserved memories is increased (The first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number) may be set as EXT data and transmitted.

(2) Only one command is transmitted as the hold storage information, and in the one command, which of the first hold storage and the second hold storage is increased is specified, and the total number of the hold storage is set to the EXT data. May be set and transmitted.

(3) Designate which of the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 is won as the hold storage information (whether the first hold storage or the second hold storage has increased). In addition to transmitting the production control command (first start winning designation command, second start winning designation command), a reserved memory number designation command for designating the reserved memory number is transmitted separately. The total pending storage number may be set as EXT data for transmission.

(4) Designating which of the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 the start winning prize (whether the first holding memory or the second holding memory has increased) is designated as the hold memory information In addition to transmitting the production control command (first start winning designation command, second start winning designation command), a reserved memory number designation command for designating the reserved memory number is transmitted separately. The increased reserved memory number (first reserved memory number or second reserved memory number) may be set and transmitted as EXT data.

(5) Instead of providing a reserved memory count subtraction designation command, a change pattern command is transmitted to indicate that the reserved memory count has decreased. In other words, when the production control board 80 receives the variation pattern command, it determines that the number of reserved memories has decreased and executes the processing.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control micro computer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the effect display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. To do.

  For example, the game control microcomputer 560 designates the variation pattern of the effect symbol every time there is a start prize and variable display of the special symbol is started on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. The variation pattern command and the display result designation command are transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100.

  In this embodiment, the effect control command has a 2-byte structure, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always set to “0”. Note that such a command form is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

  In addition, as the transmission method of the effect control command, the effect control command data is output from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77 on the eight parallel signal lines of the effect control signals CD0 to CD7, In addition to the effect control command data, a method of outputting a pulse-shaped (rectangular wave-shaped) capture signal (effect control INT signal) for instructing capture of the effect control command data is used. The 8-bit effect control command data of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interrupt process.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the variable pattern command and the display result designation command are displayed as variable display (variation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol. An effect display that can be used in common with the variable display (variation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the second special symbol on the symbol display 8b, and that produces an effect with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It is possible to prevent an increase in the types of commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 when controlling the effect parts such as the device 9.

  FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are flowcharts showing an example of a program of special symbol process (step S26) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 turns on the first start winning opening 13 when the first start opening switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 is turned on. If a winning has occurred, a first start port switch passage process is executed (steps S311 and S312). If the second start port switch 14a for detecting that the game ball has won the second start winning port 14 is turned on, that is, the start winning to the second start winning port 14 has occurred. Then, the second start port switch passage process is executed (steps S313, S314). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 560 is in a state where the variable symbol special display can be started, the game control microcomputer 560 confirms the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage buffer (total number of reserved storage). The stored number of numerical data stored in the hold storage buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the combined hold storage number counter. If the count value of the total pending storage number counter is not 0, it is determined whether or not the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is a big hit. In case of big hit, set big hit flag. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) according to step S301. The jackpot flag is reset when the jackpot game ends.

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of variable display until the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) Decide to do. Further, control is performed to transmit a variation pattern command corresponding to the determined variation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100, and a variation time timer for measuring the variation time of the special symbol is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

  Display result designation command transmission process (step S302): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. Control for transmitting a display result designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to step S303.

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the design control microcomputer 100 determines the symbol. Control to transmit the specified command is performed, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to step S304. The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the fourth symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. When the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0). In this embodiment, as will be described later, a special symbol display control for stopping and displaying a special symbol stop symbol in the special symbol display control process based on the fact that the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The data is set in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data (see FIG. 21), and the stop symbol of the special symbol is actually stopped and displayed according to the setting contents of the output buffer in the display control processing in step S22.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. In addition, control is performed to transmit the special winning opening open designation command to the production control microcomputer 100, the execution time of the special winning opening open processing is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set in step S306. To a value corresponding to (6 in this example). Note that the pre-opening process for the big prize opening is executed for each round, but when starting the first round, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game. In addition, since the value specifying the round is set in the EXT data for each round and the command for opening a special prize opening is specified, a different command for opening a special prize opening is transmitted for each round. For example, when executing the first round during the big hit game, a special winning opening opening designation command (A101 (H)) for specifying round 1 is transmitted, and when executing the tenth round during the big hit game. Is a special winning opening open designation command (A10A (H)) for designating round 10.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. In the special prize opening opening process, a process for confirming the establishment of the closing condition of the special prize opening is performed. If the closing condition for the special prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. In addition, control is performed to transmit the designation command after the big hit release to the microcomputer 100 for effect control, and when all rounds are finished, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set to a value corresponding to step S307 (this In the example, update to 7).

  Big hit end process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. In addition, a process for setting a flag indicating a gaming state (for example, a probability change flag or a time reduction flag) is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  Small hit release pre-processing (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the pre-opening process for small hits, control is performed to open the big prize opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S309 (9 in this example). Note that the pre-opening process for small hits is executed every time the big winning opening during the small hit game is opened. It is also a process to start.

  Small hit release processing (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. Processing to confirm the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening is performed. When the closing condition of the big prize opening is satisfied and the number of opening of the big prize opening still remains, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. Update. In addition, when all the releases are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (10 in this example) corresponding to step S310.

  Small hit end process (step S310): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the small hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the start-port switch passing process in steps S312 and S314. Among these, FIG. 12A is a flowchart showing the first start port switch passing process in step S312. FIG. 12B is a flowchart showing the second start port switch passing process in step S314.

  First, the first start port switch passing process will be described with reference to FIG. In the first start port switch passing process that is executed when the first start port switch 13a is in the on state, the CPU 56 first determines whether or not the first reserved memory number has reached the upper limit (specifically, the first Whether or not the value of the first reserved memory number counter for counting the number of one reserved memory is 4) is confirmed (step S1211A). If the first reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the processing is terminated as it is.

  If the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S1212A), and the value of the total reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S1213A). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the first reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S1214A). . In the process of step S1214A, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and a variation pattern A random number for determination (random 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. In addition, the random number for random pattern determination (random 3) is not extracted in the first start port switch passing process (at the time of start winning) and stored in the storage area in advance, but is extracted at the start of the variation of the first special symbol. You may do it. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) in a variation pattern setting process described later.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (holding storage buffer) for storing random numbers and the like corresponding to holding storage. As shown in FIG. 13, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value of the second reserved storage number (4 in this example) is secured in the second reserved storage buffer. In this embodiment, the first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer include a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation A random number for pattern type determination (random 2) and a random number for variation pattern determination (random 3) are stored. The first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the first reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1215A).

  Next, the second start port switch passing process will be described with reference to FIG. In the second start port switch passing process executed when the second start port switch 14a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the second reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the second hold port number). Whether or not the value of the second reserved memory number counter for counting the memory number is 4 is confirmed (step S1211B). If the second reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the processing is terminated as it is.

  If the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S1212B), and the value of the aggregated reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S1213B). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the second reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S1214B). . In the process of step S1214B, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and a variation pattern A random number for determination (random 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. Note that the random number for random pattern determination (random 3) is not extracted in the second start port switch passing process (at the time of start winning) and stored in the storage area in advance, but is extracted at the start of the variation of the second special symbol. You may do it. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) in a variation pattern setting process described later.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the second reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1215B).

  14 and 15 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total pending storage number is 0, if the customer waiting demonstration designation command has not yet been transmitted, control is performed to send the customer waiting demonstration designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S51A), and the processing is performed. finish. For example, when the CPU 56 transmits a customer waiting demonstration designation command in step S51A, the CPU 56 sets a customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted flag indicating that the customer waiting demonstration designation command has been transmitted. When the special symbol normal processing after the next timer interruption is executed after sending the customer waiting demo designation command, the customer waiting demonstration request command is repeatedly set based on the fact that the customer waiting demo designation command transmission completed flag is set. Control should be performed so that the demo designation command is not transmitted. In this case, the customer waiting demonstration designation command transmission completion flag may be reset when the next special symbol variation display is started.

  If the total pending storage number is not 0, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the second pending storage number is 0 (step S52). Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the second reserved memory number counter is zero. If the second reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 has a special symbol pointer (a flag indicating whether the special symbol process is being performed for the first special symbol or the special symbol process is being performed for the second special symbol). Is set to data indicating “second” (step S53). If the second reserved memory number is 0 (that is, only the first reserved memory number is accumulated), the CPU 66 sets data indicating “first” in the special symbol pointer (step S54).

  In this embodiment, by executing the processing of steps S52 to S54, the variation display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variation display of the first special symbol. In other words, control is performed so that the second start condition for starting the variable display of the second special symbol is established in preference to the first start condition for starting the variable display of the first special symbol.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved storage number = 1 indicated by the special symbol pointer in the RAM 55 and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S55). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 determines each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = 1 in the first reserved memory buffer. Is stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55. In addition, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = 1 in the second reserved memory buffer. Store in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55.

  Then, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer, and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S56). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the count value of the first reserved memory number counter, and in the reserved specific area and the first reserved memory buffer. Shift the contents of each storage area. In addition, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the count value of the second reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1, and the contents of each storage area in the reserved specific area and the second reserved memory buffer are shifted. To do.

  That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 stores the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory buffer of the RAM 55. Each stored random number value is stored in a storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n−1. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, each stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved memory buffer of the RAM 55. The random value is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n−1. In addition, the CPU 56 adds the values (values indicating “first” or “second”) stored in the storage area corresponding to the total reserved storage number = m (m = 2 to 8) in the reserved specific area. Store in the storage area corresponding to the number of reserved storage = m−1.

  Therefore, the order in which each random value stored in each storage area corresponding to each first reserved memory number (or each second reserved memory number) is extracted is always the first reserved memory number (or (Second reserved storage number) = 1, 2, 3, 4 in order. Further, the order in which the values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the total number of pending storages are extracted always matches the order of the total number of pending storages = 1-8.

  Then, the CPU 56 decreases the value of the total pending storage number by one. That is, 1 is subtracted from the count value of the total pending storage number counter (step S58). The CPU 56 stores the value of the total pending storage number counter before the count value is decremented by 1 in a predetermined area of the RAM 55.

  Moreover, CPU56 performs control which transmits a background designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for effect control according to the present game state (step S60). In this case, when the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a probability variation state background designation command. In addition, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a time-short state background designation command when only the time-short flag indicating the time-short state is set and the probability variation flag is not set. If neither the probability change flag nor the time reduction flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a normal state background designation command.

  Specifically, when the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) is given. Set to pointer. And the address of the command transmission table according to an effect control command is set to a pointer, and an effect control command is transmitted in an effect control command control process (step S28). In this embodiment, when the change of the special symbol is started, the background designation command, the fluctuation pattern command, the display result designation command, the reserved memory number subtraction designation command (the first reserved memory number subtraction) for each timer interrupt. The designation command or the second reserved memory number subtraction designation command) is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 in this order. Specifically, when the change of the special symbol is started, first, the background designation command is transmitted, the variation pattern command is transmitted after 4 ms elapses, the display result designation command is transmitted after elapse of 4 ms, and further after 4 ms elapses. A pending storage number subtraction designation command (a first pending storage number subtraction designation command or a second pending storage number subtraction designation command) is transmitted. In addition, the symbol variation designation command (the first symbol variation designation command, the second symbol variation designation command) is also transmitted when the special symbol variation starts, but the symbol variation designation command is the same timer interrupt as the variation pattern command. Is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100.

  In the special symbol normal process, first, data indicating “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first start winning opening 13, that is, “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first special symbol. ”Or“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second special symbol, that is,“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second start winning opening 14. Data is set in the special symbol pointer. In the subsequent processing in the special symbol process, processing corresponding to the data set in the special symbol pointer is executed. Therefore, the process of steps S300 to S310 can be made common between the case of targeting the first special symbol and the case of targeting the second special symbol.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area and executes a jackpot determination module. In this case, the CPU 56 is for determining the big hit that has been extracted in step S1214A of the first start port switch passing process or step S1214B of the second start port switch passing process and previously stored in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer. A random number is read and a big hit judgment is performed. The big hit determination module compares the big hit determination value or the small hit determination value (see FIG. 7) determined in advance with the big hit determination random number, and executes a process of determining to be a big hit or a small hit if they match. It is a program to do. That is, it is a program that executes a big hit determination or a small hit determination process.

  The big hit determination process is configured such that when the gaming state is in a probable change state, the probability of winning a big hit is higher than in the case where the gaming state is in a non-probable change state (a normal state or a short time state). Specifically, a jackpot determination table at the time of probability change in which a large number of jackpot determination values are set in advance (a table in which the value on the right side of FIG. 7A in the ROM 54 is set) and the number of jackpot determination values are variable. There is provided a normal big hit determination table (a table in which the numerical values on the left side of FIG. 7A in the ROM 54 are set) set to be smaller than the hour big hit determination table. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation state. If the gaming state is a probability variation state, the jackpot determination process is performed using the probability variation jackpot determination table, and the gaming state is normal. When it is in the state, the big hit determination process is performed using the normal big hit determination table. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the big hit determination values shown in FIG. 7A, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a big hit. When it is determined to be a big hit (step S61), the process proceeds to step S71. Note that deciding whether to win or not is to decide whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state, but to decide whether or not to stop the special symbol display as a big hit symbol. But there is.

  Note that whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation state is determined by whether or not the probability variation flag is set. The probability variation flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state, and is reset when the probability variation state is terminated. Specifically, it is determined to be “probability big hit” or “sudden probability big hit”, and is set in the process of ending the big hit game. Then, after the jackpot game is over, it is reset when the next jackpot occurs.

  If the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) does not match any of the big hit determination values (N in step S61), the CPU 56 uses the small hit determination table (see FIGS. 7B and 7C). Then, the small hit determination process is performed. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a small hit. In this case, the CPU 56 confirms the data indicated by the special symbol pointer. If the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is “first”, the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) shown in FIG. ) To determine whether or not to make a small hit. Further, when the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is “second”, it is determined whether or not to make a small hit using the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol) shown in FIG. . If it is determined to be a small hit (step S62), the CPU 56 sets a small hit flag indicating a small hit (step S63), and proceeds to step S75.

  If the random R value does not match either the big hit determination value or the small hit determination value (N in step S62), that is, if it is out of place, the process proceeds to step S75 as it is.

  In step S71, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag indicating that it is a big hit. Then, the jackpot type determination table indicated by the special symbol pointer is selected as a table used to determine the jackpot type as one of a plurality of types (step S72). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 selects the jackpot type determination table 131a for the first special symbol shown in FIG. 7D. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 selects a big hit type determination table 131b for the second special symbol shown in FIG.

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the selected jackpot type determination table to select a type (“normal jackpot”, “probability change”) corresponding to the value of the random number for random determination (random 1) stored in the random number buffer area. "Big hit" or "Suddenly probable big hit") is determined as the type of big hit (step S73). In this case, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type extracted in step S1214A of the first start port switch passing process or step S1214B of the second start port switch passing process and stored in advance in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer. The random number is read and the jackpot type is determined. Further, in this case, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, it is compared with the case where the variable display of the second special symbol is executed. Therefore, the rate at which suddenly probable big hits are selected is high.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets data indicating the determined jackpot type in the jackpot type buffer in the RAM 55 (step S74). For example, when the big hit type is “normal big hit”, “01” is set as data indicating the big hit type, and when the big hit type is “probable big hit”, “02” is set as the data indicating the big hit type, When the big hit type is “suddenly probable big hit”, “03” is set as data indicating the big hit type.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a special symbol stop symbol (step S75). Specifically, when neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, “−” which is a loss symbol is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the big hit flag is set, one of “1”, “3”, and “7”, which is a big hit symbol, is determined as a special symbol stop symbol according to the determination result of the big hit type. That is, when the big hit type is determined to be “suddenly promising big hit”, “1” is decided as a special symbol stop symbol, and when “normal big hit” is decided, “3” is decided as a special symbol stop symbol. If “probable big hit” is determined, “7” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the small hit flag is set, “5” as the small hit symbol is determined as the special symbol stop symbol.

  In this embodiment, the case where the jackpot type is first determined and the stop symbol of the special symbol corresponding to the determined jackpot type is shown, but the method for determining the jackpot type and the stop symbol of the special symbol is as follows. It is not limited to what is shown in the embodiment. For example, a table in which a special symbol stop symbol and a jackpot type are associated in advance is prepared, and when a special symbol stop symbol is first determined based on the random number for determining the big hit type, the corresponding jackpot is determined based on the determination result. You may comprise so that a classification may also be determined.

  Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S76).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S91). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects one of the big hit variation pattern type determination table as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types (step) S92). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

  When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S93). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects the small hit variation pattern type determination table as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types (step S94). ). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

  When the small hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag indicating that the time reduction state is set (step S95). The time reduction flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability change state or the time reduction state, and is reset when the time reduction state ends. Specifically, when it is determined to be “ordinary jackpot”, the time reduction flag is set in the process of ending the jackpot game. In addition, after the big hit game is over, it is reset when the variable display is finished a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 100 times). Even before the end of the predetermined number of fluctuation displays, the hourly flag is reset even when the next big hit occurs. Further, when it is determined to be “probability big hit” or “sudden probability big hit”, the probability variation flag is set and the time-short flag is set in the process of ending the big hit game. When the next big hit occurs, the time reduction flag is reset together with the probability variation flag.

  If the time flag is not set (N in Step S95), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (Step S96). If the total number of pending storages is less than 3 (N in step S96), the CPU 56 uses the normal variation pattern type determination as a table used to determine any one of a plurality of variation pattern types. A table is selected (step S97). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

  When the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (Y in step S96), the CPU 56 uses the shortening variation pattern as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types. A type determination table is selected (step S98). Then, the process proceeds to step S100. In this embodiment, the shortage variation pattern type determination table for shortening is used when the total number of pending storages is 3 or more. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Regardless of the number of reserved memories, in the short-time state (high base state), when the second number of reserved memories is 3 or more, a shortening variation pattern type determination table for loss may be used. In the state (low base state), when the first reserved storage number is 3 or more, the shortening variation pattern type determination table for shortening may be used.

  If the time reduction flag is set (Y in step S95), that is, if the gaming state is a probability change state or a time reduction state (in this embodiment, the time reduction state is always set when the state is changed to the probability change state. (Refer to steps S169 and S170), if it is determined as Y in step S95, the CPU 56 may change the variation pattern type. As a table used to determine one of a plurality of types, a time-varying variation pattern type determination table for time reduction is selected (step S99). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

  In this embodiment, by executing the processing of steps S95 to S99, if the gaming state is the normal state and the total number of pending storages is 3 or more, the loss variation pattern type determination table for shortening Is selected. Further, when the gaming state is a probability change state or a time-short state, a time-varying variation pattern type determination table for time reduction is selected. In this case, the variation pattern type including the variation pattern of the shortened variation may be determined as the variation pattern type in the process of step S100 described later, and when the variation pattern type including the variation pattern of the shortened variation is determined, The variation pattern of the shortening variation is determined as the variation pattern in the process of step S102. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the game state is a probability change state or a short time state, or when the total number of pending storages is 3 or more, a change display of a shortened change may be performed.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads random 2 (random number for variation pattern type determination) from the random number buffer area (first reserved storage buffer or second reserved storage buffer), and selects it in the process of steps S92, S94, S97, S98 or S99. By referring to the table, the variation pattern type is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S100).

  Next, the CPU 56 uses a hit variation pattern determination table or a deviation variation pattern determination table as a table used to determine one of a plurality of types of variation patterns based on the determination result of the variation pattern type in step S100. Is selected (step S101). Further, the random pattern 3 (random number for variation pattern determination) is read from the random number buffer area (first reserved storage buffer or second reserved storage buffer), and the variation pattern is determined by referring to the variation pattern determination table selected in step S101. Is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S102). When the random number 3 (variation pattern determination random number) is not extracted at the start winning timing, the CPU 56 uses the variation pattern determination random number counter for generating the variation pattern determination random number (random 3). It is also possible to extract the value directly from and to determine the variation pattern based on the extracted random number value.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the symbol variation designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S103). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first symbol variation designation command. In addition, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second symbol variation designation command. Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit an effect control command (variation pattern command) corresponding to the determined change pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S104).

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S105). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result designation command transmission process (step S302) (step S106).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 transmits one of the presentation control commands (display result 1 designation to display result 5 designation) (see FIG. 8) in accordance with the determined big hit type, small hit, and loss. Control. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S110). If not set, the process proceeds to step S116. When the big hit flag is set, if the big hit type is “normal big hit”, control is performed to transmit a display result 2 designation command (steps S111 and S112). Whether or not it is “ordinary big hit” can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is “01”. . Further, when the big hit type is “probability big hit”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 3 designation command (steps S113 and S114). Whether or not it is “probable big hit” can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is “02”. . Then, when neither the “normal big hit” nor the “probable change big hit” (that is, “suddenly probable big hit”), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 4 designation command (step S115).

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set (N in step S110), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S116). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 5 designation command (step S117). When the small hit flag is not set (N in Step S116), that is, when it is out of place, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 1 designation command (Step S118).

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S119).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 first confirms whether or not a reserved memory number subtraction designation command (first reserved memory number subtraction designation command or second reserved memory number subtraction designation command) has already been transmitted ( Step S1121). Whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command has already been transmitted indicates whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command has been transmitted when the pending storage number subtraction designation command is transmitted in step S1122, which will be described later, for example. The stored number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag may be set, and in step S1121, it may be confirmed whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag is set. Also, in this case, the set reserved memory number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag is reset by special symbol stop processing or jackpot end processing, which will be described later, when the special symbol fluctuation display is terminated or when the big jackpot is terminated. That's fine.

  Next, if the reserved memory number subtraction designation command has not been transmitted, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the reserved memory number subtraction designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1122). In this case, when a value indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first reserved memory number subtraction designation command. If a value indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second reserved memory number subtraction designation command.

  Next, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the variable time timer (step S1125). When the variable time timer times out (step S1126), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1127). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop process (step S304) (step S1128). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S131). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability change flag indicating the probability change state and the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state, if set (step S132). Control to send a big hit start designation command to the microcomputer 100 is performed (step S133). Specifically, when the type of jackpot is “normal jackpot”, a jackpot start 1 designation command (command A001 (H)) is transmitted. When the type of jackpot is “probable big hit”, a jackpot start 2 designation command (command A002 (H)) is transmitted. When the big hit type is sudden probability change big hit, a small hit / sudden probability change big hit start designation command (command A003 (H)) is transmitted. Whether the big hit type is “normal big hit”, “probable big hit” or “suddenly probable big hit” is data indicating the big hit type stored in the RAM 55 (data stored in the big hit type buffer) Based on the determination.

  In addition, a value corresponding to the big hit display time (for example, the time when the effect display device 9 notifies that the big hit has occurred) is set in the big hit display time timer (step S134). In addition, the number of times of opening (for example, “15 times in case of“ normal big hit ”or“ probable big hit ”, 2 times in case of“ suddenly promising big hit ”) is set in the special winning opening opening number counter (step S135). . The round time per round in the big hit game is also set. Specifically, in the case of sudden probability change big hit, 0.1 seconds is set as the round time, and in the case of normal big hit or probability change big hit, 29 seconds is set as the round time. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-winner opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S136).

  On the other hand, if the big hit flag is not set in step S131, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the hourly number counter that indicates the number of times that the special symbol can be changed in the timeless state is 0 (step S137). If the value of the time reduction counter is not 0, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the time reduction counter by −1 (step S138). When the value of the time reduction counter after subtraction becomes 0 (step S139), the CPU 56 resets the time reduction flag (step S140).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S141). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 transmits a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start command (command A003 (H)) to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S142). In addition, a value corresponding to the small hit display time (for example, the time when the effect display device 9 notifies that the small hit has occurred) is set in the small hit display time timer (step S143). Further, the number of times of opening (for example, 2 times) is set in the special winning opening opening number counter (step S144). In addition, the opening time per time of the big winning opening in the small hit game is set. Specifically, 0.1 seconds which is the same as the round time for the sudden probability change big hit is set as the opening time for one big winning opening in the small hit game. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit start pre-processing (step S308) (step S145).

  If the small hit flag is not set (N in step S141), the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S146).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S160). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S164. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S161), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S162). Here, when it is “ordinary big hit”, a big hit end 1 designation command (command A301 (H)) is transmitted, and when it is “probable big hit”, a big hit end 2 designation command (command A302 (H)) is transmitted. ) Is transmitted, and in the case of “sudden probability sudden change big hit”, a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command (command A303 (H)) is sent. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is performed in the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S163), and the processing is ended.

  In step S164, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end display timer (step S164). Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step S165). If not, the process ends.

  If the big hit end display time has elapsed (Y in step S165), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit that ends this time is a normal big hit (step S166). Whether or not it is “ordinary big hit” can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is “01”. . If it is a normal big hit, the CPU 56 sets a time reduction flag and shifts to a time reduction state (step S167). Further, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) in the time reduction number counter (step S168).

  If it is not a normal big hit (that is, if the probability variation big hit or sudden probability variation big hit), the CPU 56 sets the probability variation flag to shift to the probability variation state (step S169) and sets the time reduction flag to shift to the time reduction state. (Step S170).

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S171).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol display control process (step S32) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. In the special symbol display control process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (step S3201). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (that is, if the special symbol variation processing is being executed), the CPU 56 sets the special symbol display control data for special symbol variation display for setting the special symbol display control data. Processing for setting or updating the output buffer is performed (step S3202). In this case, the CPU 56 sets or updates special symbol display control data for performing variable display of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) indicated by the special symbol pointer. For example, if the fluctuation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds, 1 is added to the value of the special symbol display control data set in the output buffer every time 0.2 seconds elapse. After that, display control processing (see step S22) is executed, and a drive signal is output to the special symbol displays 8a and 8b in accordance with the contents of the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. The special symbol display on the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b is executed.

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is not 3, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 (step S3203). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 (that is, when the special symbol stop processing is entered), the CPU 56 stops the special symbol stop symbol set in the special symbol normal processing. Processing for setting the display control data in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data is performed (step S3204). In this case, the CPU 56 sets special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) indicated by the special symbol pointer. After that, display control processing (see step S22) is executed, and a drive signal is output to the special symbol displays 8a and 8b in accordance with the contents of the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. The special symbol stop symbols are stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b. In addition, since the setting data is not changed after the process of step S3204 is executed and the special symbol display control data for the stop symbol display is set, the latest special symbol display control data is displayed in the display control process of step S22. Based on this, the latest stop symbol is stopped and displayed until the next variable display is started. If the value of the special symbol process flag is 2 or 3 in step S3201 (that is, if either the display result designation command transmission process or the special symbol variation process), the special symbol variation display is performed. The special symbol display control data may be updated. In this case, the display result designation command transmission process also varies in order to prevent a deviation between the variation time recognized on the game control microcomputer 560 side and the variation time recognized on the effect control microcomputer 100 side. What is necessary is just to comprise so that 1 may subtract a time timer.

  In this embodiment, the special symbol display control data is set in the output buffer according to the value of the special symbol process flag. However, in the special symbol process, the start flag is set at the start of the variation of the special symbol. In addition, an end flag may be set at the end of the variation of the special symbol. In the special symbol display control process (step S32), the CPU 56 starts updating the value of the special symbol display control data based on the start flag being set, and based on the end flag being set. Thus, special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the stop symbol may be set.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 4 ms) is performed (step S701). . Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring a timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S705). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 performs the fourth symbol process (step S706). In the 4th symbol process, the process corresponding to the current control state (4th symbol process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and the 4th symbol display areas 9c and 9d of the effect display device 9 are selected. The display control of the 4th symbol is executed.

  Next, a random number update process for updating a count value of a counter for generating a random number such as a jackpot symbol determining random number is executed (step S707). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a ring buffer type command receiving buffer capable of storing six 2-byte effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIGS. 8 and 9) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is. Note that the interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal is executed in preference to the timer interrupt process executed every 4 ms.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of command analysis processing (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by 2 (step S613). The reason why the value is incremented by 2 is that two bytes (one command) are read out.

  If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S614), the effect control CPU 101 stores the received variation pattern command in a variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S615). Then, a variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S616).

  If the received effect control command is a display result designation command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 forms the received display result designation command (display result 1 designation command to display result 5 designation command) in the RAM. Is stored in the display result designation command storage area (step S618).

  If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S619), the effect control CPU 101 sets a confirmed command reception flag (step S620).

  If the received effect control command is any jackpot start designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start designation command reception flag corresponding to the received jackpot start designation command (step S622). Specifically, the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag when a jackpot start 1 designation command (command A001 (H)) is received, and sets the jackpot start 2 designation command (command A002 ( H)) is received, the big hit start 2 designation command reception flag is set, and the small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command (command A003 (H)) is received. Set the start specification command reception flag.

  If the received effect control command is any jackpot end designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end designation command reception flag corresponding to the received jackpot end designation command (step S624). Specifically, if the CPU 101 for effect control receives a jackpot end 1 designation command (command A301 (H)), it sets a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag and sets a jackpot end 2 designation command (command A302 ( H)) is received, the big hit end 2 designation command reception flag is set, and the small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command (command A303 (H)) is received, the small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit. Set the end specification command reception flag.

  If the received effect control command is another command, effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S625). Then, control goes to a step S611. For example, the effect control CPU 101 sets the first symbol variation designation command reception flag when receiving the first symbol variation designation command, and receives the second symbol variation designation command when receiving the second symbol variation designation command. Set the reception flag.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled and variable display of the effect symbol is realized. However, control related to variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the first special symbol is also the second. Control related to the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol is also executed in one effect control process. It should be noted that the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol and the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the second special symbol may be executed by separate effect control process processing. Good. Further, in this case, it may be determined which special symbol variation display is being executed depending on which representation control process processing is performing the variation display of the representation symbol.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command has been received from the game control microcomputer 560. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If the change pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change start process (step S801).

  Production symbol variation start processing (step S801): Control is performed so that the variation of the production symbol is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802).

  Production symbol variation processing (step S802): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803).

  Effect symbol variation stop processing (step S803): Control is performed to stop the variation of the effect symbol and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Big hit display process (step S804): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 9 of the occurrence of the big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the in-round processing (step S805).

  In-round processing (step S805): Display control during round is performed. If the round end condition is satisfied, if the final round has not ended, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the post-round processing (step S806). If the final round has ended, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end process (step S807).

  Post-round processing (step S806): Display control between rounds is performed. When the round start condition is satisfied, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the in-round process (step S805).

  Big hit end effect processing (step S807): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit game state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813). As described above, in this embodiment, the display result designation command is transmitted even when the power failure is restored (see step S44). However, as shown in FIG. Based on the fact that the variation pattern command has been received, the transition to the production symbol variation start processing is started and the variation display of the production symbol is started. Therefore, if the display result designation command is received without receiving the variation pattern command, the variation of the representation symbol The display will not start.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 first reads a variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S8000). Next, the CPU 101 for effect control displays the display result (stop) of the effect symbol according to the variation pattern command read out in step S8000 and the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command). (Design) is determined (step S8001). That is, the display control result of the variable display of the identification information (stop of the design symbol) according to the variable display pattern (variation pattern) determined by the variable display pattern determination means by executing the process of step S8001 by the CPU 101 for the effect control. A display result determining means for determining (design) is realized. If the pseudo-ream is specified by the variation pattern command, the effect control CPU 101 determines that the chance stop symbol (for example, “223” or “445”) is used as the temporary stop symbol in the pseudo-ream in step S8001. The combination of the jackpot symbol that is not reachable and the symbol that is shifted by one symbol) is also determined. The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined effect stop symbols in the effect symbol display result storage area. In step S8001, the effect control CPU 101 may determine whether or not it is a big hit based on the received variation pattern command, and may determine the stop symbol of the effect symbol based only on the variation pattern command. .

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 28, when the received display result designation command indicates “ordinary big hit” (when the received display result designation command is the display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 stops. A combination of effect symbols in which three symbols are arranged in the same even number as symbols is determined. When the received display result designation command indicates “probable big hit” (when the received display result designation command is a display result 3 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses 3 symbols as stop symbols. A combination of performance symbols arranged with the same odd number of symbols is determined.

  Further, when the received display result designation command indicates “suddenly probable big hit” or “small hit” (when the received display result designation command is a display result 4 designation command or a display result 5 designation command), The effect control CPU 101 determines a combination of effect symbols such as “135” as the stop symbol. In the case of “out of” (when the received display result designation command is a display result 1 designation command), a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols in which two left and right symbols are aligned is determined. The combination of the three symbols derived and displayed on the effect display device 9 is the “stop symbol” of the effect symbol.

  The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining the stop symbol, and uses the stop symbol determination table in which the data indicating the combination of effect symbols and numerical values are associated with each other to generate the stop symbol of the effect symbol. decide. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating the combination of effect symbols corresponding to the numerical value matching the extracted random number.

  In addition, as for the effect symbols, a stop symbol reminiscent of a big hit (a combination of symbols in which the left, middle and right are all the same symbols) is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol that recalls a loss is called a loss symbol. In addition, a symbol reminiscent of being probabilistic (an odd symbol in this embodiment) is also called a probabilistic symbol, and a symbol reminiscent of being in a probable state (even symbol in this embodiment) is a non-probable symbol. Also called.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes a notice effect setting process for determining the presence / absence of various notice effects in the effect display device 9 and the effect mode when the effect is performed during the effect symbol variation display (step S8002).

  Next, when executing the variation pattern and the notice effect, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the notice effect (step S8003). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S8004).

  FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. In the display control execution data, data indicating each variation aspect constituting the variation aspect during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbols is described. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and performs control to display the effect design in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value.

  The process table shown in FIG. 29 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern.

  If it is determined to execute the notice effect, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the notice effect executed in step S8003.

  In addition, in the process table used when effect control is executed for a variation pattern with reach effect, the left symbol is stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variation, and the right symbol is stopped when a predetermined time further elapses. Process data indicating that it is to be displayed is set. In addition, instead of setting the symbols to be stopped and displayed in the process table, an image for displaying the symbols is synthesized and generated according to the determined stop symbol, the temporary stop symbol in the pseudo-ream and the sliding effect. May be.

  In addition, the CPU 101 for effect control, according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1), effects device (effect display device 9 as an effect component, effect component as an effect component) The control of the various lamps and the speaker 27) as an effect part is executed (step S8005). For example, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image according to the variation pattern on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform on / off control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to output sound from the speaker 27.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 performs control so that the effect symbol is variably displayed by the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command on a one-to-one basis. The variation pattern to be used may be selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to.

  In addition, in step S8005, the effect control CPU 101 shifts each hold display in the combined hold storage display unit 18c and performs display control to display a new active display in the active display unit 18d.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command in the variation time timer (step S8006).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802) (step S8007).

  Here, the notice effect will be described. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the execution timing of each notice effect. In this embodiment, as a notice effect, a decoration lamp effect, an active display change effect, a cut-in effect, a step-up effect, and a button effect can be executed in the order shown in FIG. The cut-in effect and the step-up effect are executed after the reach is established, and the button effect is executed after the transition to the super reach. In addition, when the pseudo-ream is specified by the change pattern command, the notice effect can be executed for each change. In this case, the same notice effect may be repeatedly executed for each re-variation, or different notice effects may be executed. For example, in the notice effect setting process described later, it can be realized by determining the kind of notice effect to be executed, the effect mode, and the item provision pattern for each change, and executing the effect according to the determined content.

  In this embodiment, each notice effect can be executed in the order shown in FIG. 30. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the order of each notice effect may be changed. It may be determined by lottery from the timing.

  The decorative lamp effect is an effect that suggests that the frame LED 28 emits light and that the display is highly variable display (for example, variable display with super reach) or a big hit. In this embodiment, the decorative lamp effect is executed in one effect mode, unlike other active display change effects, cut-in effects, step-up effects, and button effects. It may be executable depending on different colors and light emission patterns. In this case, the degree of expectation for the big hit may differ depending on the production mode. Although details will be described later, the active display change effect, the cut-in effect, the step-up effect, and the button effect are configured such that the degree of expectation for the big hit differs depending on the effect mode.

  The active display change effect is an effect in which the display mode of the active display changes. In this embodiment, the active display change effect can be executed by any one of the normal mode and the first to third special modes. When the active display change effect is executed in the normal mode, a change suggestion display that suggests that the active display changes (for example, a change suggestion display 38f configured from a character display of “change?” In FIG. 35 (3)). However, the active display remains the normal mode (in this example, white) and does not change. When the active display change effect is executed in the first special mode, the active display changes to the first special mode (blue in this example) after the change suggestion display is displayed, and the active display change effect is the second special mode. When executed according to the mode, the active indication changes to the second special mode (red in this example) after the change suggestion is displayed, and when the active display change effect is executed according to the third special mode, the change suggestion is displayed. Is displayed, the active display changes to the third special mode (fruit pattern in this example). Instead of the configuration example of this embodiment, for example, when the active display change effect is executed in the normal mode, the active display is changed from the normal mode to another mode (for example, “change? When the active display change effect is executed in the first special mode, the active display is changed to the first special mode (blue in this example). Good. As will be described in detail later, the fruit pattern includes an element E1 (banana), an element E2 (melon), an element E3 (apple), an element E4 (watermelon), an element E5 (strawberry), and the like.

  The cut-in effect is an effect of performing display control in which a predetermined image is cut-in during the effect symbol display on the effect display device 9. In this embodiment, the cut-in effect can be executed by any one of the normal mode and the first to third special modes. When the cut-in effect is executed in the normal mode, the cut-in display is displayed in the normal mode (in this example, white) on the effect display device 9 (see FIG. 36 (3)), and the cut-in effect is displayed in the first special mode. When executed, the cut-in display is displayed in the first special mode (blue in this example), and when the cut-in effect is executed in the second special mode, the cut-in display is displayed in the second special mode (red in this example). ) (See FIG. 36 (5)), and when the cut-in effect is executed in the third special mode, the cut-in display is displayed in the third special mode (in this example, a fruit pattern).

  The step-up effect is an effect whose content develops step by step. For example, after a character appears as a first stage effect, a different character appears as a second stage effect. It is a production that goes on. In this embodiment, the step-up effect can be executed by any one of the normal mode and the first to third special modes. For example, when the step-up effect is executed in the normal mode, the display control in which the step-up display in the normal mode (white frame in this example) is sequentially displayed is performed, and the step-up effect is executed in the first special mode. Then, the display control in which the step-up display in the first special mode (blue frame in this example) is sequentially displayed is performed, and when the step-up effect is executed in the second special mode, the second special mode (the main frame) In the example, when the display control in which step-up displays in red are sequentially displayed and the step-up effect is executed according to the third special mode, the step of the third special mode (in this example, a fruit pattern frame) is performed. Display control for sequentially displaying the up display is performed.

  In this embodiment, as will be described later, the degree of expectation for the big hit differs depending on whether the step-up effect is executed in any of the effect modes of the normal mode and the first to third special modes. However, in addition to such a configuration, the step-up effect develops to any one of a plurality of stages (for example, a third stage or a second stage in addition to a mode in which a maximum of four stages develops to the fourth stage) It is configured so that the degree of expectation for the big hit becomes higher every time the stage is followed (that is, it is often developed to a higher stage when it is a big hit). Yes.

  The button effect is an effect that displays a notice display (for example, a character display such as “Chance!”) Based on the detection of the operation during the operation valid period of the push button 120. In this embodiment, the button notice effect can be executed by any one of the normal mode and the first to third special modes. When the button notice effect is executed in the normal mode, the operation display for prompting the operation of the push button 120 (for example, an image imitating the appearance of the push button 120) is in the normal mode (in this example, white). When the operation is detected, the notice display is displayed in the normal mode (white in this example). Further, when the button notice effect is executed in the first special mode, the operation promotion display is displayed in the first special mode (blue in this example), and when the operation is detected, the notice display is displayed in the first special mode (this example). In blue). Further, when the button notice effect is executed in the second special mode, the operation promotion display is displayed in the second special mode (red in this example), and when the operation is detected, the notice display is displayed in the second special mode (this example). In red). When the button notice effect is executed in the third special mode, the operation promotion display is displayed in the third special mode (fruit pattern in this example), and when the operation is detected, the notice display is displayed in the third special mode (this book). In the example, it is displayed as a fruit pattern).

  Note that, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the degree of expectation for the big hit is different depending on which of the normal mode and the first to third special modes is performed. However, in addition to such a configuration, when an operation of the push button 120 is detected, one of a plurality of notice displays (for example, a character display such as “Intense heat!” Or “Chance!”) Is displayed. In addition, the degree of expectation for the big hit differs depending on which notice display is displayed.

  In this embodiment, an item effect using an item can be executed as the notice effect. The item effects include an item grant effect that grants an item, an item change effect that changes the item, and an item action effect that causes the assigned item to act on other notice effects.

  As shown in FIG. 30, the item granting effect is executed after the start of the fluctuation and before the other notice effect. By executing the item granting effect, any one or more of the first to third items are given and stored. Item storage means storing data that can specify an item in a storage area formed in a RAM mounted on the production control microcomputer 100, and displaying a corresponding item display in a specific area of the production display device 9. (For example, the upper right area of the display screen; see FIG. 35 (2)). The stored item disappears when it is used for an item action effect. That is, the corresponding data is deleted from the storage area and the corresponding item display is deleted. Moreover, even if the stored item is not used for the item action effect, it disappears when the variable display ends. Note that the timing at which the stored item disappears is not limited to the example of this embodiment, for example, even if the variable display to which the item is given ends, until it is used in the item action effect in the subsequent variable display. It may not disappear. Further, the execution timing of the item granting effect, that is, the timing of granting the item is not limited to the example of this embodiment, and may be any timing such as a pseudo-continuous effect or a reach effect, for example. Further, in this embodiment, when the stored item is used, the corresponding item display is erased. For example, the item display is displayed in a manner in which it can be determined that it has been used (specifically, In other words, the used item may be displayed in a lighter color display mode or a darker color display mode than before use, or may be displayed in a display mode with an X mark).

  When an item is given by the item granting effect, an item display corresponding to the assigned item is displayed on the effect display device 9. In this embodiment, a blue spherical image is displayed as the first item display corresponding to the first item (see FIG. 35 (2). In the example of FIG. 35 (2), the first item display 200a is It is expressed as a vertical striped circle). In addition, a red sphere image is displayed as the second item display corresponding to the second item (see FIG. 35 (2). In the example of FIG. 35 (2), the second item display 200b is a horizontal striped circle. Is expressed in). In addition, as a third item display corresponding to the third item, a spherical image of a fruit pattern (see FIG. 40) is displayed.

  The item action effect causes the stored item to act on other notice effects (specifically, any of the active display change effect, cut-in effect, step-up effect, and button effect). This is an effect that changes the effect mode. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, the item action effect is executed after another notice effect is started, and the item acts on the notice effect. Not limited to this, other notice effects and item action effects may be started simultaneously, or other notice effects may be started after suggesting that an item action effect is executed.

  In this embodiment, when the item action effect that causes the first item to act on the active display change effect is executed, the first item display (blue sphere image) moves to act on the active display (in this example, After the collision display), the active display changes from the normal mode (white) to the first special mode (blue). In addition, when an item action effect that causes the second item to act on the active display change effect is executed, the second item display (red sphere image) moves to act on the active display (in this example, a colliding display). Is performed, the active display changes to the second special mode (red). In addition, when an item action effect that causes the third item to act on the active display change effect is executed, the third item display (fruit-shaped sphere image) moves to act on the active display (in this example, a collision display) ) Is performed, the active display changes to the third special mode (fruit pattern).

  Further, when the item action effect that causes the first item to act on the cut-in effect is executed while the cut-in effect is being executed in the normal mode, the first item display (blue sphere image) is moved and cut. After the display that acts on the cut-in display displayed by the in-effect (the colliding display in this example) is performed, the cut-in display changes from the normal mode (white) to the first special mode (blue). In addition, when the item action effect that causes the second item to act on the cut-in effect is executed, the second item display (red sphere image) is moved and displayed on the cut-in display displayed by the cut-in effect. After the (collision display in this example) is performed, the cut-in display changes to the second special mode (red). When an item action effect that causes the third item to act on the cut-in effect is executed, the third item display (fruit pattern sphere image) moves to act on the cut-in display displayed by the cut-in effect. After the display (in this example, the collision display) is performed, the cut-in display changes to the third special mode (fruit pattern).

  In addition, when the item action effect that causes the first item to act on the step-up effect is executed while the step-up effect is being executed in the normal mode, the first item display (blue sphere image) moves and the step is performed. After the display that acts on the step-up display displayed by the up effect (the colliding display in this example) is performed, the step-up display is changed from the normal mode (white frame in this example) to the first special mode (this example). (The frame of the step-up display that is sequentially displayed is blue). In addition, when an item action effect that causes the second item to act on the step-up effect is executed, the second item display (red sphere image) moves to display the step-up display displayed by the step-up effect. After the (collision display in this example) is performed, the step-up display changes to the second special mode (red frame in this example) (hereinafter, the step-up display frame that is sequentially displayed is red). . Further, when the item action effect that causes the third item to act on the step-up effect is executed, the third item display (fruit pattern sphere image) moves and acts on the step-up display displayed by the step-up effect. After the display (the collision display in this example) is performed, the step-up display changes to the third special mode (the fruit pattern frame in this example). become).

  In addition, when the button effect is executed in the normal mode and the item action effect that causes the first item to act on the button effect is executed, the first item display (blue sphere image) moves and the button effect is generated. After the displayed operation promotion display or display that affects the notice display (in this example, a collision display) is performed, the operation promotion display or notice display changes from the normal mode (white) to the first special mode (blue). To do. In addition, when the item action effect that causes the second item to act on the button effect is executed, the second item display (red sphere image) moves to act on the operation promotion display or the notice display displayed by the button effect. After the display (the collision display in this example) is performed, the operation promotion display or the advance notice display changes to the second special mode (red). In addition, when an item action effect that causes the third item to act on the button effect is executed, the third item display (fruit-shaped sphere image) moves and acts on the operation promotion display or the notice display displayed by the button effect. After the display to be performed (in this example, the collision display) is performed, the operation promotion display or the notice display changes to the third special mode (fruit pattern).

  As described above, when an item action effect causes a stored item to act on another notice effect (specifically, any one of an active display change effect, a cut-in effect, a step-up effect, and a button effect), a notice is given. It is comprised so that the production aspect of production may change. Therefore, the item given by the item granting effect is also a privilege that the notice effect can be changed to an effect mode with higher expectation. Moreover, according to the 1st-3rd item used for an item effect | action effect, it is comprised so that the effect aspect of the notice effect after an effect | action may differ. In this example, the characteristics (specifically colors and patterns) of the first to third items and the characteristics (specifically colors and patterns) of the first to third special aspects of the notice effect after the action of the item are included. Closely related. Therefore, the type of item to be given also indicates which production mode can be changed.

  In this embodiment, although an item is given, it is configured so that it may disappear as it is without being used for the item action effect. May be used for item action effects.

  Further, in this embodiment, for item action effects, the item display is a target of the notice effect (for example, active display, cut-in display, step-up display, operation promotion display, notice display, etc., hereinafter notice effect display) However, the mode in which the item acts on the notice effect is not limited to this. For example, the item display is combined with the notice effect display. Or the aspect which changes the production | presentation aspect of a notice effect may be sufficient because an item display is absorbed by a notice effect display, or an item display covers a notice effect display. In addition, the item is not limited to the aspect that changes the effect aspect of the notice effect by acting on the notice effect, but the aspect that changes the type of the notice effect (for example, the aspect that changes from the active display change effect to the cut-in effect, A mode of changing from a button effect that displays a notice display based on the operation of the push button 120 to a button effect that displays a notice display based on a continuous hitting operation or a long press operation of the push button 120 with a high expectation for a big hit, A mode of changing from a button effect that displays a notice display based on the operation of the push button 120 to an effect that displays a notice display based on the operation of the stick controller 122 having a higher expectation level for a big hit may be used. . In other words, the fact that an item acts on a notice effect is not limited to the fact that the item display collides with the display targeted for the notice effect and changes the effect aspect of the notice effect. Means.

  In addition, although the item display is displayed so as to collide with the notice effect display, the fake item action effect having a common effect effect and part of the effect such that the effect aspect of the notice effect does not change may be executable. In this embodiment, although an item is given, it is configured so that it may disappear at the time of a fluctuation stop without being used, but such an item may be used in a fake item action effect. .

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the notice effect setting process (step S8002) in the effect symbol variation start process. In the notice effect setting process, the effect control CPU 101 first performs a lottery process based on random numbers using the notice effect determination table for determining the presence and type of the notice effect, and whether or not the notice effect is executed. In this case, the type of notice effect is determined (step S6501).

  FIG. 32A is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the notice effect execution determination table. In the notice effect execution decision table, each decision item (“no effect”, “decorative lamp effect”, “active display change effect”, “cut-in effect”, “step-up effect” and “button effect” is selected according to the variation pattern. )) Is assigned to each, but in the example shown in FIG. 32A, the ratio of the assigned determination values (that is, the determination ratio for each variation pattern) is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 32A, in this embodiment, “button effect”> “step-up effect”> “cut-in effect”> “active display change effect”> “decorative lamp effect”> “no effect” In this order, the degree of expectation (reliability) for the big hit is increased. With such a configuration, it is possible to give interest to the presence / absence of execution of a notice effect and the type of notice effect to be executed. In this embodiment, when the variation pattern is a super reach big hit, the determination value is not assigned to “no effect”, but may be assigned. By doing in this way, it is possible to avoid the determination of the deviation when the notice effect is not executed.

  Next, when it is determined in step S6501 to execute a notice effect other than “decorative lamp effect” (Y in step S6502), the process proceeds to step S6503, and execution of the notice effect other than “decorative lamp effect” is not determined. If it is determined (N in step S6502), that is, if “decorative lamp effect” or “no effect” is determined, the notice effect setting process is terminated. Since the decorative lamp effect is executed according to one effect mode, the process of determining the subsequent effect mode is omitted. In addition, although it is comprised so that an item may not be provided when it determines with performing a decoration lamp effect, you may make it give. In this case, although the item is given, it is not used.

  In step S6503, the effect control CPU 101 performs a lottery process based on a random number using the notice effect mode determination table, and determines the effect form of the notice effect.

  FIG. 32B is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the notice effect mode determination table. In the notice effect mode determination table, a determination value is assigned to each determination item (“normal mode”, “first special mode”, “second special mode”, and “third special mode”) according to the variation pattern. However, in the example shown in FIG. 32 (B), the ratio of the assigned determination value (that is, the determination ratio for each variation pattern) is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 32 (B), in this embodiment, the degree of expectation for jackpot (reliability) in the order of “third special mode”> “second special mode”> “first special mode”> “normal mode”. Degree) is configured to be high. With such a configuration, it is possible to give interest to the effect mode of the notice effect to be executed.

  Further, in this embodiment, a white keynote notice effect is executed in the normal mode, a blue keynote notice effect is executed in the first special mode, and a red keynote notice effect is executed in the second special mode. In the third special mode, a fruit pattern based notice effect is executed. With such a configuration, even when the type of notice effect is different, the degree of expectation (reliability) for the big hit can be grasped intuitively.

  In step S6507, if it is determined that the step-up effect is to be executed, it is determined based on the variation pattern to which stage of the plurality of stages is developed, and the button effect is determined to be executed. If so, it is determined which of a plurality of notice displays (for example, a character display such as “Intense heat!” Or “Chance!”) Is to be displayed based on the variation pattern. Thereby, the degree of expectation for the big hit differs depending on which stage the step-up effect develops or which notice display is displayed by the button effect.

  In this embodiment, the active display change effect, the cut-in effect, the step-up effect, and the button effect are configured to be executable by the first to third special modes in addition to the normal mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the applicable presentation mode may be different for each notice production. For example, a button effect with a high degree of expectation can be executed only in either the second special mode or the third special mode, and an active display change effect with a low level of expectation can be performed only in either the normal mode or the first special mode. It may be executable. Moreover, you may make it the determination ratio of an effect aspect differ for every notice effect. For example, a button production with a high degree of expectation has a high ratio of being determined as a second special aspect or a third special aspect with a high degree of expectation, and an active display change effect with a low degree of expectation is a normal aspect or a first with a low degree of expectation. You may make it the ratio determined to a special aspect become high. With this configuration, it is possible to easily understand the expectation level of the notice effect.

  In addition to the example shown in FIG. 32B, for example, in addition to the normal mode and the first to third special modes, an effect mode or effect that is selected only in the case of a big hit (that is, the big hit is determined) You may make it provide the item (For example, the production | generation aspect of a rainbow color tone, and the item of a rainbow color) corresponding to an aspect.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 performs a lottery process based on a random number by using the item grant pattern determination table to determine an item grant pattern (step S6504).

  FIG. 32C is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of the item assignment pattern determination table. In the item grant pattern determination table, depending on the production mode of the notice effect, each decision item (“no grant”, “first item (blue)”, “first item (blue) + second item (red)”, A determination value is assigned to each of “second item (red) + third item (fruit pattern)” and “first item (blue) → third item (fruit pattern)”). FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the ratio of the assigned determination value (that is, the determination ratio for each effect mode of the notice effect determined in step S6503) is shown.

  In the item grant pattern determination table of FIG. 32 (C), “no grant” indicates that no item grant effect is executed, and “first item (blue)” executes an item grant effect that grants the first item. “First item (blue) + second item (red)” indicates that an item granting effect for giving the first item and the second item is executed, and “second item (red) + “Third item (fruit pattern)” indicates that an item granting effect that grants the second item and the third item is executed. “First item (blue) → third item (fruit pattern)” 1 item is given and it shows performing the item provision effect and item change effect which are changed from the 1st item to the 3rd item during storage.

  In the item grant pattern determination table of FIG. 32 (C), when the effect mode of the notice effect is determined to be the normal mode (white tone), “no grant” is determined at a rate of 95%, and at a rate of 5%. It is determined as “first item”. In this case, when “no grant” is determined, one of the notice effects is executed in a normal manner without executing the item grant effect after the start of the change. Also, when “first item” is determined, an item granting effect that gives the first item (in this example, a blue sphere image) is executed after the start of fluctuation, and then one of the notice effects is a normal mode (white Executed in keynote). However, the item effect effect using the stored first item is not executed, and the notice effect is executed in the normal mode. That is, the assigned first item is not used and disappears when the change is stopped. In such a case, a fake item action effect may be executed using the first item. By doing so, it is possible to give a sense of satisfaction rather than disappearing without the item being used.

  When the effect mode of the notice effect is determined to be the first special mode (blue tone), it is determined as “no grant” at a rate of 10%, and is determined as “first item” at a rate of 85%, and 5% The ratio is determined as “first item + second item”. In this case, when “no grant” is determined, the notice effect is executed in the determined effect mode without executing the item grant effect and the item action effect. Also, when “first item” is determined, an item granting effect that gives the first item (in this example, a blue sphere image) is executed after the start of fluctuation, and then one of the notice effects is a normal mode (white Executed in keynote). Then, the item action effect using the stored first item (blue sphere image in this example) is executed, and the notice effect changes to the first special mode (blue tone). In addition, when “first item + second item” is determined, an item to which the first item (blue sphere image in this example) and the second item (red sphere image in this example) are given after the change starts. The giving effect is executed, and then any one of the notice effects is executed in a normal mode (white tone). Then, the item action effect using the stored first item (blue sphere image in this example) is executed, and the notice effect changes to the first special mode (blue tone). However, the item effect effect using the second item (red sphere image in this example) stored thereafter is not executed, and the notice effect is executed in the first special mode (blue tone). That is, the assigned second item is not used and disappears when the change is stopped.

  When the effect mode of the notice effect is determined to be the second special mode (red keynote), “no grant” is determined at a rate of 5%, and “first item + second item” is determined at a rate of 90%. And “second item + third item” at a rate of 5%. In this case, when “no grant” is determined, the notice effect is executed in the determined effect mode without executing the item grant effect and the item action effect. In addition, when “first item + second item” is determined, an item to which the first item (blue sphere image in this example) and the second item (red sphere image in this example) are given after the change starts. The giving effect is executed, and then any one of the notice effects is executed in a normal mode (white tone). Then, the item action effect using the stored first item (blue sphere image in this example) is executed, and the notice effect changes to the first special mode (blue tone). Furthermore, the item action effect using the stored second item (red sphere image in this example) is executed, and the notice effect changes to the second special mode (red keynote). In addition, when “second item + third item” is determined, a second item (red sphere image in this example) and a third item (fruit sphere image in this example) are given after the start of fluctuation. The item granting effect is executed, and then one of the notice effects is executed in the normal mode (white tone). Then, the item action effect using the stored second item (red sphere image in this example) is executed, and the notice effect changes to the second special mode (red keynote). However, the item effect effect using the third item (the fruit pattern sphere image in this example) stored thereafter is not executed, and the notice effect is executed in the second special mode (red color tone). That is, the assigned third item is not used and disappears when the change is stopped.

  When the effect mode of the notice effect is determined to be the third special mode (fruit pattern keynote), it is determined as “second item + third item” at a rate of 95%, and “first item → It is determined as “third item”. In this case, when “second item + third item” is determined, the second item (red sphere image in this example) and the third item (fruit sphere image in this example) are given after the start of fluctuation. The item giving effect to be executed is executed, and then any of the notice effects is executed in the normal mode (white tone). Then, the item action effect using the stored second item (red sphere image in this example) is executed, and the notice effect changes to the second special mode (red keynote). Furthermore, an item action effect using the stored third item (in this example, a fruit pattern sphere image) is executed, and the notice effect changes to the third special mode (fruit pattern keynote). Further, when “first item → third item” is determined, an item granting effect for giving the first item (in this example, a blue sphere image) after the start of fluctuation is executed. Then, before the notice effect is started, an item change effect is performed in which the stored first item (blue sphere image in this example) is changed to the third item (fruit image sphere image in this example). The Next, one of the notice effects is executed in the normal mode (white tone). Then, an item action effect using the stored third item (fruit pattern sphere image in this example) is executed, and the notice effect changes to the third special mode (fruit pattern keynote).

  In this embodiment, when the item action effect is executed using the third item, the notice effect changes to the third special mode, and when the item effect effect is executed using the second item, the notice effect is When the item action effect is executed using the first item, the notice effect changes to the first special mode. Moreover, the expectation effect with respect to a big hit is high in the production | presentation aspect of a notice effect in order of 3rd special aspect> 2nd special aspect> 1st special aspect. Therefore, the degree of expectation differs for each item. Specifically, the degree of expectation increases in the order of third item> second item> first item.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when a plurality of items are given, the items with low expectation are used first (see steps S8109, S8110 and FIG. 35 described later). With such a configuration, the expectation can be increased step by step, and the production effect can be improved. In addition, in this embodiment, it is configured so that a plurality of items are simultaneously given by the item granting effect, but the configuration is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a plurality of items are given at different timings. It may be. That is, it is good also as a structure which can perform an item provision effect in multiple times. For example, during one variable display, an item granting effect that gives two items is executed, and an item action effect that causes one of the two stored items to act on the notice effect is executed. Thereafter, an item granting effect that further grants one item may be executed, and an item action effect that causes the two stored items to act on the notice effect may be executed. In such a configuration, for example, even when the first item is given after the second item is given, it is desirable that the first item with low expectation is used first. In addition to the configuration of this embodiment, an item with a high degree of expectation may be used first among a plurality of assigned items. In this case, it is desirable that an item with a lower expectation is used at a higher rate than an item with a higher expectation. If an item with a high degree of expectation is used first, then an item with a low degree of expectation may not be used or may be used. Further, when an item with a high degree of expectation is used first, an item with a low degree of expectation may disappear.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30 and FIGS. 35 to 39, after the notice effect is started (for example, after the notice effect is started in an effect mode with a low expectation), the item action When the effect is executed, the notice effect is changed to an effect mode with a higher expectation. With such a configuration, it is possible to effectively produce a change in the expectation level of the notice effect. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the example of this embodiment, and may be executed according to an effect mode determined from the beginning of the notice effect. For example, when it is determined that the cut-in effect is executed in the first special mode, the cut-in effect may be executed in the first special mode from the beginning. In this case, the item may not be given, or the item may be given but not used, or may be used for a fake item action effect. Further, in this embodiment, the notice effect is started in the normal mode, but is not limited to the normal mode, but other effect modes (however, the degree of expectation for the big hit may be lower than the determined effect mode) It may be started by (preferably). For example, when it is determined that the cut-in effect is executed in the second special mode, the cut-in effect may be started in the first special mode. In this case, when the second item is given and the second item acts on the cut-in effect, the effect mode changes from the first special mode to the second special mode.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, an active display change effect, a cut-in effect, a step-up effect, and a button effect can be executed as the notice effect that is the target of the item effect effect. Button effect> step-up effect> cut-in effect > In order of the active display change effect, the degree of expectation (reliability) for the big hit is increased. Therefore, even if it is an equivalent production mode (for example, even if it is the same 3rd special mode), the expectation degree (reliability) with respect to a big hit is the order of button production> step-up production> cut-in production> active display change production. high. Therefore, even when the same item is given, the degree of expectation varies depending on which notice effect is affected. With such a configuration, attention can be paid to which notice effect the assigned item acts on, and the effect of the effect can be improved.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when the item grant pattern is determined as “first item → third item”, an item change effect is performed in which the assigned item changes to a highly expected item during storage. Is done. With such a configuration, even when an item with a low expectation level is given due to the item granting effect, it can be expected to change to an item with a high expectation level. And the production effect can be improved. In this embodiment, the item change effect “first item → third item” is executed, but not limited to this, “first item → second item” or “second item → third item”. Item change effects such as “item” and “second item → first item” may be executed.

  As an item change effect, a character (here, a character different from a character associated with an item to be described later) appears, and the item may be changed by displaying the character acting on the item. Then, the user may be prompted to operate the push button 120, and the item may be changed based on the detected operation. Further, as an item change effect, it suggests that the stored item changes (for example, a character appears in the vicinity of the item display or prompts the operation of the push button 120), and a pattern to be changed thereafter, A pattern that does not change may be provided.

  In addition, the item change effect may be, for example, a mode in which a plurality of assigned items are integrated and changed to one item with a high expectation. Specifically, when a plurality of first items are given, or when a first item and a second item are given, they may be integrated into a third item. In such a configuration, for example, an item that can be integrated and an item that cannot be integrated are provided. Also good.

  In this embodiment, the third item with the highest expectation is given, but if it disappears without being used in the item action effect, the player may be greatly discouraged. It is configured to be used in the item action effect whenever the item is given, but not limited to such a configuration, the third item may not be used in the item action effect and may disappear as it is. Also good.

  Next, when it is determined that an item is to be assigned (Y in step S6505), the effect control CPU 101 executes in addition to the notice effect that is determined to be executed in step S6501, and whether or not another notice effect is executed. In the case of another notice effect type is determined. (Step S6506). If it is determined that no item is to be assigned (N in step S6505), the notice effect setting process is terminated.

  In step S6506, the effect control CPU 101 selects one of the first to fourth additional notice effect execution determination tables shown in FIGS. 32D to 32G according to the kind of notice effect determined to be executed in step S6501. The lottery process based on a random number is used to determine whether or not to execute a preliminary announcement effect to be additionally executed and another type of preliminary announcement effect to be executed. Thereafter, the notice effect setting process ends.

  FIGS. 32D to 32G are explanatory diagrams illustrating specific examples of the additional notice effect execution determination table. In each additional notice effect execution decision table, each decision item (“no effect”, “decorative lamp effect”, “active display change effect”, “cut-in effect”, “step-up effect”, “ The determination values are assigned to “button effects”), but in the examples shown in FIGS. 32D to 32G, the ratio of the determination values assigned (that is, the determination ratio for each variation pattern) is shown. ing.

  When it is determined in step S6501 that the “active display change effect” is to be executed, it is determined that the “cut-in effect” is to be executed using the first additional notice effect execution determination table shown in FIG. In this case, if it is determined to execute the “step-up effect” using the second additional notice effect execution determination table shown in FIG. 32E, the third additional notice effect shown in FIG. When it is determined that the “button effect” is to be executed using the execution determination table, the fourth additional notice effect execution determination table shown in FIG. 32 (G) is used.

  The notice effect that is additionally executed by the process of step S6506 is one of the types of notice effects that the item effect effect can act on, but the item effect effect does not act. Therefore, the notice effect that is additionally executed is executed in the normal mode, and the effect mode does not change as it is. Hereinafter, the notice effect that is additionally executed by the process of step S6506 is also referred to as a non-change notice effect.

  In this embodiment, since the degree of expectation differs depending on which notice effect the assigned item acts on, an interest increases as to which notice effect is executed when the item is given. However, when a notice effect that can act on an item is executed while the item is being stored, the item effect effect is always executed with respect to the notice effect. There is a risk that it will not be possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to execute a non-change notice effect that is an item that can be acted on but is not acted on. With this configuration, when an item is stored, even if a notice effect that can act on the item is started, it is not known whether the item effect effect is executed. The degree can be increased.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when it is determined to give an item by the processing of steps S6505 to S6506, the ratio of executing the non-change notice effect is increased. With such a configuration, when an item is stored, it can be difficult to understand to which notice effect the item acts, and the degree of attention to the notice effect and the item action effect can be increased.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, the execution order of each notice effect is defined. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 32D to 32G, the non-change notice effect that is additionally executed is one of the notice effects that are executed at a timing before the notice effect that the item action effect acts. It is. By configuring in this way, the flow of the production is prevented from being deteriorated by executing the non-change notice effect after the notice effect that the item effect effect has acted on (that is, after the item is used). can do. Also, in this embodiment, the notice effect that is executed at an earlier timing has a lower expectation, so the item does not act on the notice effect that has a high expectation, and then the item appears in the notice effect that has a low expectation. By acting, it is possible to prevent the interest from being lowered. Not limited to the configuration of this embodiment, the non-change notice effect may be executed after the notice effect that the item action effect has acted (that is, after the item is used). It is desirable that the rate be lower than the rate at which the non-change notice effect is executed before the notice effect that the action effect acts (that is, before the item is used).

  In this embodiment, the non-change notice effect is executed in the normal mode, but may be executed in an effect mode other than the normal mode. However, it is desirable that the degree of expectation is lower than or comparable to the notice effect executed at a later timing.

  In this embodiment, the process of step S6501 is configured to determine which of a plurality of types of notice effects is to be executed. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The presence / absence (and the production mode) may be determined independently. That is, a plurality of types of notice effects may be executable. Furthermore, you may make it determine what changes an effect mode in the middle by making an item act among each notice effect produced to perform. In this case, the notice effect that does not act on the item may be executed according to the effect mode determined from the beginning, or the effect mode may be changed without the item being acted upon after a predetermined period from the start. May be. Specifically, when it is determined that the cut-in effect is to be executed in the first special mode, and when it is determined that no item is to be applied to the cut-in effect, it may be executed in the first special mode from the beginning. Then, when a predetermined period has elapsed from the start, the item may change from the normal mode to the first special mode without acting.

  Further, in this embodiment, when a plurality of items are given, it is configured to sequentially act on the same notice effect. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and acts on different notice effects. It may be possible. For example, in step S6501, it is possible to determine a plurality of notice effects to be executed, and in step S6503, an effect mode is determined for each determined notice effect to be executed and whether the effect mode is changed in the middle by causing an item to act. To decide. And in step S6504, according to the item used for each announcement production | presentation, the item to give is determined and it implement | achieves by comprising so that an effect may be performed according to the determined content. Also in this case, it is desirable to use items with low expectation first. By configuring in this way, when a plurality of items are given, even if the first item acts on a notice effect with a low expectation, the second item has a high expectation Since expectation can be given to acting on the notice effect, the expectation can be maintained, and the effect of the effect can be improved. In addition to the plurality of notice effects that cause the item to act, in step S6506, whether or not to execute the additional notice effect may be determined (one or more), and the effect may be executed according to the determined content. In this case, it is desirable that the rate of execution of the additional notice effect (that is, the non-change notice effect with low expectation) executed earlier is higher.

  In the example of FIGS. 32D to 32G, in the case of a super reach big hit, a determination value is assigned so that a non-change notice effect is always executed. Even in the case of a super reach big hit, a determination value may be assigned so as to be determined as “no effect”.

  Further, not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 32A, 32B, and 32D to FIG. 32G, when the variation pattern is normal reach, the judgment value is different depending on whether the display result is a big hit or not. The distribution may be made different. By configuring in this way, the degree of expectation for the big hit can be suggested more accurately.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation in-process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation processing, the effect control CPU 101 first decrements the value of the process timer by 1 (step S8101) and decrements the value of the variation time timer by 1 (step S8102). When the process timer times out (step S8103), process data is switched. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S8104). Further, the control state for the effect device is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S8105).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 executes the item provision effect according to the item provision pattern determined in the notice effect setting process (step S8107) if it is the timing to impart the item (Y in step S8106). Moreover, the data which can be provided by an item provision effect and can specify the item to store is memorize | stored in the memory area formed in RAM. In this embodiment, the timing for assigning an item is fixedly determined for each variation pattern, but may be determined by lottery from a plurality of timings, for example. Further, in this case, the degree of expectation that is a big hit may differ depending on which timing it is.

  Next, if the timing for changing the item is reached (Y in step S8107a), the effect control CPU 101 executes the item change effect according to the item provision pattern determined in the notice effect setting process (step S8107b). Further, data capable of specifying the item changed by the item change effect is stored in a storage area formed in the RAM. In this embodiment, the timing of changing an item is fixedly determined for each variation pattern, but may be determined by lottery from a plurality of timings, for example. Further, in this case, the degree of expectation that is a big hit may differ depending on which timing it is.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 selects the item with the lowest expectation level from the stored items (Y in step S8108) if it is time to act on the item (step S8109), and uses the selected item. An item action effect is executed (step S8110).

  In step S8108, it is determined that it is time to act on the item when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the notice effect that causes the item determined in the notice effect setting process to act. In this embodiment, the timing at which the item is actuated is fixedly determined for each target notice effect, but may be determined by lottery from a plurality of timings, for example. Further, in this case, the degree of expectation that is a big hit may differ depending on which timing it is.

  In step S8109, for example, when the first item and the second item are stored, the first item is selected. Then, by the processing in step S8110, the item action effect is executed, and the effect mode of the notice effect being executed is changed. In addition, in this embodiment, although it is comprised so that the item with the lowest expectation degree may be selected among the stored items, it is not restricted to such a structure, and you may make it select an item by lottery. Good. That is, an item other than the item with the lowest expectation may be selected. In this case, it is desirable to increase the rate at which the item with the lowest expectation is selected (or lower the rate at which the item with the highest expectation is selected first).

  In addition, when a plurality of items are caused to act on a plurality of notice effects, the items to be acted on in accordance with the order of execution of the notice effects are selected. For example, an item with a relatively high expectation is selected first. After acting on the notice effect having a relatively low expectation level, an item having a relatively low expectation level may be selected and act on the notice effect having a relatively high expectation value. In this embodiment, a notice effect with a lower degree of expectation is executed at an earlier timing during fluctuation display as shown in FIG. 30, and a fluctuation pattern with a higher degree of expectation as shown in FIG. 32 (B). It is configured so that an effect mode (color or pattern) having a higher degree of expectation is selected (see step S6503). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 32 (C), an item is assigned in accordance with the effect mode (color or pattern) of the selected notice effect (see step S6504). With this configuration, in this embodiment, an item with lower expectation is easier to be used first.

  Next, if the variation time timer has timed out (step S8111), the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) (step S8112).

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a stop symbol display flag indicating that a stop symbol of the effect symbol is being displayed is set (step S8301). If the stop symbol display flag is set, the process proceeds to step S8305. In this embodiment, when a big hit symbol is displayed as the stop symbol of the effect symbol, a stop symbol display flag is set in step S8304. Then, the stop symbol display flag is reset when the fanfare effect is executed. Accordingly, the fact that the stop symbol display flag is set is a stage where the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed but the fanfare effect is not yet executed, and therefore the processing of displaying the stop symbol of the effect symbol in step S8302 is executed. Instead, the process proceeds to step S8305.

  When the stop symbol display flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to stop and display the determined stop symbol (offset symbol, jackpot symbol) (step S8302). Further, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to erase the active display of the active display unit 18d in accordance with the process of step S8302. In addition, regarding the control for stopping and displaying the stop symbol (outlier symbol, jackpot symbol) and the control for deleting the active display, the confirmation command reception flag is set based on the reception of the symbol confirmation designation command. You may make it perform based on.

  Next, when neither the big winning symbol nor the small winning symbol is displayed in the process of step S8302 (that is, when the off symbol is displayed) (N in step S8303), the presentation control CPU 101 proceeds to step S8311. To do.

  When the big hit symbol or the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the process of step S8302 (Y in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 sets the stop symbol display flag (step S8304) and receives the big hit start 1 designation command. A big hit start 1 designation command reception flag indicating that a big hit start 2 designation command has been received, or a big hit start 2 designation command reception flag indicating that a big hit start 2 designation command has been received, or a small hit / It is confirmed whether or not the sudden probability big hit start designation command reception flag is set (step S8305). When the jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag, jackpot start 2 designation command reception flag, or small hit / sudden probability sudden change jackpot start designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the stop symbol display flag. (Step S8306), a process table corresponding to the fanfare effect is selected (Step S8307). If the big hit start 1 designation command reception flag, big hit start 2 designation command reception flag, or small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 sets the flag that was set. To reset.

  Then, the production control CPU 101 starts the process timer by setting the process timer set value in the process timer (step S8308), and the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number) Control of the effect device (the effect display device 9 as the effect component, the various lamps as the effect component, and the speaker 27 as the effect component) is executed according to the data 1 and the movable member control data 1) (step S8309). Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) (step S8310).

  When it is determined that neither big hit nor small hit is made (N in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 resets a predetermined flag (step S8311). For example, the effect control CPU 101 resets the first symbol variation designation command reception flag and the second symbol variation designation command reception flag. The effect control CPU 101 may reset the command reception flag immediately after being referred to in the effect control process or the fourth symbol process (for example, as shown in step S811 in FIG. 26, the variation pattern). The fluctuation pattern command reception flag may be reset immediately after confirming the command reception flag). However, for example, because the symbol variation designation command is referred to in both the effect control process and the fourth symbol process, as shown in this embodiment, the effect symbol variation stop process or the like at the end of the variation. It is desirable to reset at the end of the big hit or at the end of the big hit effect processing.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S8312).

  Next, the display mode in the case of executing the notice effect and the item effect will be described. FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a notice effect (active display change effect) and an item effect. In FIG. 35, the display screen changes in the order of (1), (2), and (3).

  As shown in FIGS. 35 (1) and (2), when the variation display of the effect symbol is stopped, one hold display is erased, and the variation display of a new effect symbol is started. At this time, the item provision effect which provides a 1st item and a 2nd item is performed, and the display which the 1st item display 200a and the 2nd item display 200b appear is made. The first item display 200a is a blue sphere image, but is represented by a vertically striped circle in FIG. The second item display 200b is a red sphere image, but is represented by a horizontal striped circle in FIG.

  Next, when the active display change effect is started, as shown in FIG. 35 (3), a change suggestion display 18f including a character display of “change?” Suggesting that the display mode of the active display changes is active display. It is displayed above 18e.

  Here, when the item action effect that causes the first item to act on the active display change effect is executed, as shown in FIGS. 35 (4) and (5), the first item display 200a moves to the active display 18d. After the collision display is performed, the active display 18e changes from the normal mode (white) to the first special mode (blue). In FIG. 35 (5), the active display 18e in the first special mode (blue) is represented by a vertical striped circle.

  Next, when the item action effect that causes the second item to act on the active display change effect is executed, as shown in FIGS. 35 (6) and (7), the second item display 200b moves and collides with the active display 18d. After the display is performed, the active display 18e changes from the first special mode (blue) to the second special mode (red). In FIG. 35 (7), the active display 18e of the second special mode (red) is represented by a horizontal striped circle.

  As shown in FIG. 35, in this embodiment, when a plurality of items are given, an item with low expectation is used first. With such a configuration, the expectation can be increased step by step, and the production effect can be improved.

  For example, at the timing shown in FIG. 35 (2), in response to the first item being given (or the first item being stored), the first giving sound effect is outputted, and the second item The second sound effect for giving may be output in response to being given (or having the second item stored). Further, for example, at the timing shown in FIGS. 35 (4) and (5), the first item is used for the first action according to the fact that the first item has acted on the notice effect (or the notice effect has changed to the first special mode). In response to the fact that the sound effect is output and the second item has acted on the notice effect at the timing shown in FIGS. 35 (6) and (7) (or the notice effect has changed to the second special mode), A working sound effect may be output. Since the player's attention level increases when the item acts on the notice effect, the action sound effect may be a flashy sound effect (for example, a sound effect with a large volume) compared to the grant sound effect. Also, the giving effect sound and the action sound effect related to the same item are related to each other (for example, the first giving sound effect and the first action sound effect related to the first item). It is also possible to make it easy to understand whether or not the item is given and acted on.

  FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a notice effect (cut-in effect) and an item effect. In FIG. 36, the display screen changes in the order of (1), (2), and (3).

  As shown in FIGS. 36 (1) and (2), when the variation display of the effect symbol is stopped, one hold display is deleted, and the variation display of a new effect symbol is started. At this time, the item granting effect for giving the second item is executed, and the second item display 200b is displayed. The second item display 200b is a red sphere image, but is represented by a horizontal striped circle in FIG.

  Next, when the cut-in effect is started, as shown in FIG. 36 (3), the cut-in display 201 including the character display of “chance” is displayed in the normal mode (white in this example).

  Here, when the item action effect that causes the second item to act on the cut-in effect is executed, the second item display 200b moves to the cut-in display 201 as shown in FIGS. 36 (4) and (5). After the colliding display is performed, the cut-in display 201 changes from the normal mode to the second special mode (red in this example, represented by a horizontal stripe pattern in FIG. 36 (5)). At this time, the character display of the cut-in display 201 may also change (for example, change from “chance” to “extreme heat”).

  As shown in FIG. 36, in this embodiment, by executing the item action effect after the notice effect is started, the notice effect being executed can be changed to an effect mode with higher expectation. It is configured. With such a configuration, it is possible to effectively produce a change in expectation.

  FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a notice effect (step-up effect) and an item effect. In FIG. 37, the display screen changes in the order of (1), (2), and (3).

  As shown in FIGS. 37 (1) and (2), when the variation display of the effect symbol is stopped, one hold display is erased, and the variation display of the new effect symbol is started. At this time, the item granting effect for giving the second item is executed, and the second item display 200b is displayed. The second item display 200b is a red sphere image, but is represented by a horizontal striped circle in FIG.

  Next, when the step-up effect is started, as shown in FIG. 37 (3), the first-step step-up display 202 including the character display of “SU1” is displayed in the normal mode (white frame in this example). Is done. Then, when a predetermined period has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 37 (4), the second-step step-up display 202 including the character display of “SU2” is displayed in the normal mode (white frame in this example).

  Further, when a predetermined period has elapsed, a third-step step-up display 202 including a character display of “SU3” is displayed in a normal manner (white frame in this example). Here, when the item action effect that causes the second item to act on the step-up effect is executed, the second item display 200b is moved to the step-up display 202 as shown in FIGS. After the colliding display is performed, the step-up display 202 changes from the normal mode to the second special mode (red in this example, represented by a horizontal striped frame in FIG. 37 (6)). Although not shown in FIG. 37, the step-up display 202 after the fourth stage is displayed in the second special mode.

  In the case where the execution timing of the item action effect is determined by lottery from a plurality of timings, the degree of expectation that becomes a big hit may differ depending on the execution timing. For example, even when the same item is applied to the step-up effect (or the same step-up effect in the final development stage), when the item effect effect is executed when the step-up effect is the first stage, The degree of expectation for the big hit may be different when the item action effect is executed in the second stage.

  FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a notice effect (button effect) and an item effect. In FIG. 38, the display screen changes in the order of (1), (2), and (3).

  As shown in FIGS. 38 (1) and 38 (2), when the change display of the effect symbol is stopped, one hold display is erased and a new effect symbol change display is started. At this time, the item granting effect for giving the second item is executed, and the second item display 200b is displayed. The second item display 200b is a red sphere image, but is represented by a horizontal striped circle in FIG. 38 (2).

  Next, when the button effect is started, as shown in FIG. 38 (3), the operation promotion display 203 imitating the push button 120 is displayed in the normal mode (in this example, white).

  Here, when the item action effect that causes the second item to act on the button effect is executed, as shown in FIGS. 38 (4) and (5), the second item display 200b moves and collides with the operation promotion display 203. After the display is performed, the operation promotion display 203 changes from the normal mode to the second special mode (in this example, red, which is represented by a horizontal stripe pattern in FIG. 38 (5)).

  When an item action effect is executed for a button effect, a notice display (for example, a character display such as “Intense heat!” Or “Chance!”) Is displayed in response to detecting the operation of the push button 120. After being done, the item may be operated to change the display mode of the notice display.

  Further, the display timing of the operation promotion display 203 and the start timing of the detection valid period of the push button 120 do not necessarily coincide with each other. For example, after the operation promotion display 203 is displayed and the item action effect is executed (after the display mode of the operation promotion display 203 is changed), the detection valid period of the push button 120 may be started. In addition to the operation promotion display 203 and the color and pattern of the advance notice display, the display mode such as the display size and the operation may be changed by executing the item action effect.

  In addition to a button effect that displays a notice in response to detection of an operation of the push button 120, an action detection effect that displays a notice in response to detection of a player's action by other action detecting means such as the stick controller 122 is provided. The operation promotion display may be changed from an image simulating the push button 120 to an image simulating the stick controller 122 by enabling execution and executing the item action effect. That is, you may make it change to another motion detection effect. Also in this case, it is desirable that the motion detection effect after the change has a higher expectation for the big hit.

  In this embodiment, it is configured to give an item associated with a predetermined color or pattern by an item giving effect, but the items that can be given are not limited thereto. For example, an item associated with a predetermined character may be given. Hereinafter, an example in which an item associated with a character is assigned will be described.

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of an item effect using a notice effect (button effect) and an item associated with a character. In FIG. 39, the display screen changes in the order of (1), (2), and (3).

  As shown in FIGS. 39 (1) and (2), when the change display of the effect symbol is stopped, one hold display is erased, and the change display of a new effect symbol is started. At this time, an item giving effect for giving an item associated with the character is executed, and an item display 200c composed of a character image appears. At this time, a sound effect for storing the character may be output in response to the storage of the item associated with the character.

  Next, when the button effect is started, as shown in FIG. 39 (3), the operation promotion display 203 imitating the push button 120 is displayed in a normal mode (in this example, white and no character is present in the surroundings). .

  Here, when the item action effect that causes the item to act on the button effect is executed, as shown in FIG. 39 (4), a display in which the item display 200c configured by the character image moves to the next to the operation promotion display 203 is displayed. At the same time, a character display of “Press the chance!” Is displayed. By displaying as shown in FIG. 39 (4), the degree of expectation for the big hit is higher than when the operation promotion display 203 is displayed in a normal mode (in this example, there is no character around). It will be suggested.

  As shown in FIG. 39, an item associated with a character can be given as an item giving effect, and the character may be made to act on a notice effect being executed as an item effect. In addition, both the item associated with the color or the pattern and the item associated with the character can be given and stored, and each can act on the notice effect.

  In addition to the example shown in FIG. 39, for example, by causing a character to act on a notice effect in a mode aiming to clear a predetermined mission, the character helps the mission to be cleared (that is, the possibility of clearing the mission). And the degree of expectation for jackpots increases). In this case, the possibility of clearing the mission differs depending on which of a plurality of characters acts (that is, the expectation degree of the notice effect after the item action depends on which character is associated with the item used). Different). By configuring in this way, it is possible to increase the diversity of the notice effect and the item effect and synergistically increase the effect.

  In this embodiment, when a plurality of items are given, the items are sequentially used. However, in addition to such a configuration, a plurality of items can be used simultaneously. Good. For example, when an item associated with the character A and an item associated with the character B are given, the character A is allowed to act alone on the notice effect in an aspect aiming to clear a predetermined mission. There are times when the character B acts alone and when the characters A and B act simultaneously, and the possibility of clearing the missions is different (that is, the expectation level of the notice effect after the item action is different). You may do it. By comprising in this way, it can be made to pay attention also to the aspect of item effect production.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when the item granting effect is executed, the item display appears on the upper right of the display screen of the effect display device 9. However, the present invention is not limited to such an aspect. (For example, after displaying the suggested image or outputting a sound effect), the item may be added (or not given), or the push button 120 may be operated. The item may be given (or not given) in response to detecting the operation of the push button 120.

  In addition to the configuration of this embodiment, for example, an item provision effect or an item action effect may be executed as a so-called pre-reading notice effect. For example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the pre-reading notice effect determines whether or not a big hit is made at the time of starting winning, and in which determination value range the random value for determining the variation pattern type is determined. A winning determination process for transmitting a command indicating a result (a symbol designating command or a variable category command) is executed, and in the effect control microcomputer 100, whether or not a pre-reading notice effect is executed based on the received start winning command, It is realized by determining the type and execution timing and executing it.

  In this case, in this embodiment, the item is assigned and stored during one variation display, and the item is applied to the notice effect for the one variation display. Prior to the start of the variable display, the item is added and stored by the pre-reading notice effect (hereinafter also referred to as the pre-reading item giving effect), and the notice for the one variable display is performed during the one variable display that is the pre-reading target. You may make it make an item act on production. In this case, the assigned item is stored over a plurality of variations. The item provision effect and the prefetch item provision effect may be the same mode or different modes.

  In addition, for example, a pre-reading notice effect (for example, a hold corresponding to the target variation display) is applied to the item that is given and stored during the one variation display and the variation display is executed after the one variation display. The change in display mode may be applied to a hold change effect, a pre-reading continuous notice continuously executed over a plurality of change displays until the target change display, or the like. You may make it act on the pre-reading notice effect (For example, a series of effects currently performed before the start of the one fluctuation display) (hereinafter, also referred to as a pre-read item effect). For example, when an item assigned during one variable display acts on the hold display, the display mode of the hold display changes (that is, the expectation degree of jackpot of the variable display specified by the hold display increases), or the look-ahead continuously The effect of the pre-reading continuous notice may be changed by acting on the notice. In addition, the item given during one variable display is displayed by taking over the display mode (for example, blue and corresponding to the first special mode of active display) at the time of the hold display changed by the pre-reading notice effect. The display mode of the active display may be changed by acting on the active display (for example, the first special mode).

  In addition, for example, a pre-reading notice effect (for example, the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the target variable display changes) is applied to the variable display that has not been started yet for the items that are provided and stored by the pre-read item provision effect. Or a pre-reading continuous advance notice continuously executed over a plurality of variation displays until the target variation display is performed (that is, a pre-read item effect representation is executed). Then, it may be made to act on the notice effect for the change display being executed. In this case, the pre-read item giving effect and the pre-reading notice effect or the notice effect are subject to the same variable display as the notice object. In this case, the pre-reading notice effect may be started during the variable display before the reference variable display, based on the variable display in which the pre-read item provision effect is executed. May be started during the variable display, or may be started during the variable display after the standard variable display.

  In addition, the prefetch item provision effect and the prefetch item action effect in which one variable display is the subject of the notice may be executed a plurality of times at different timings. For example, when the pre-reading notice effect for the first variable display is started from the variable display two times before the first variable display, the item is displayed by the pre-read item addition effect during the three previous variable displays. An item action effect that causes the item to act on the prefetch notice effect during the previous two-variable display is executed, and a prefetch item provision effect in which an item is newly assigned may be executed. Then, an item action effect that causes the item to act on the pre-reading notice effect may be executed during the previous fluctuation display.

  Here, display examples in the case of applying the fruit pattern display mode to various effects will be described. In this embodiment, the display pattern of the fruit pattern is applicable to the notice effect. However, the display pattern of the fruit pattern may be applicable to effects other than the notice effect described above.

  In addition to the above-mentioned notice effects, it is possible to execute a suggestion effect that displays an indication indicating an expectation level controlled to an advantageous state such as a big hit gaming state. The suggestion effects include a first suggestion effect (shutter effect) and a second suggestion effect (reach title effect). In the shutter effect as the first suggestion effect, an effect of covering the screen with a shutter display after the start of fluctuation is executed. Further, in the reach title effect as the second suggestion effect, an effect of displaying the reach title indicating the development destination of the reach effect after the reach is executed. There are cases where a specific image is included and displayed when any one of the shutter display and the reach title display is displayed.

  The specific image is an image displayed by including a plurality of types of elements in the image. The multiple types of elements include a banana image of element E1, a melon image of element E2, an apple image of element E3, a watermelon image of element E4, and a strawberry image of element E5. A fruit pattern image including these elements E1 to E5 is a specific image. In both the shutter display and the reach title display, all of the elements E1 to E5 are displayed so as to be visible. The display sizes of the elements E1 to E5 constituting the specific image are changed and displayed according to the display size difference between the shutter display and the reach title display. Further, all of the elements E1 to E5 are displayed so as to fit in the shutter display and the reach title display.

  FIG. 40 is a display screen diagram when the shutter effect and the reach title effect are executed. 40A to 40F are examples in the case where the shutter effect and the reach title effect are executed at the time of super reach execution.

  As shown in FIG. 40A, when the shutter effect is executed, a shutter image 94 is displayed on the screen. The shutter image 94 displays a fruit pattern image including all the elements E1 to E5. In addition, when the shutter effect is executed, a notification of outputting a common sound (melody) from the speaker 27 is executed and a notification by light emission of the effect lamp is executed. When the closed shutter is opened, as shown in FIG. 40 (b), the effect symbol variation display is started. Downward arrows indicate left, middle, and right symbols. When the display change of the left symbol and the right symbol is temporarily stopped, the reach state is obtained as shown in FIG.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 40 (d), the super reach effect is started. The variable display is displayed in a small size on the upper right side of the screen, and a character is displayed on the left side of the screen. At the lower right of the screen, a reach title image 95 is displayed, and the contents of super reach to be executed from now on are shown as reach title display. The reach title image 95 displays a fruit pattern image including all the elements E1 to E5. Further, the reach title image 95 displays the characters “battle reach” indicating that the battle reach effect is executed.

  Here, the battle reach effect is an effect in which an enemy character and an ally character battle each other, and if the ally character wins, it will be a big hit, and the enemy character will be lost if the ally character is defeated. In the reach title effect, the contents of a plurality of types of reach effects including such battle reach are indicated by the reach title image 95 before the reach effect is executed.

  Further, when the reach title effect is executed, a notification of outputting a common sound (melody) from the speaker 27 is executed and a notification by the light emission of the effect lamp is executed. Further, after outputting the common sound, an effect is performed in which the character emits a specific sound (voice) indicating that the character has a high expectation degree of jackpot like “Atsuiatsui”. Here, the size of the suggestion display displayed in the reach title effect is smaller than that in the shutter effect. However, in this way, in the reach title effect, by outputting a specific sound, it can be made easier for the player to recognize that the fruit pattern image has been displayed. In addition, although the case where the output period of the common sound and the specific sound is completely separated has been described, the output periods may partially overlap.

  Thereafter, a battle reach effect as shown in FIG. 40 (e) is executed. An enemy character is displayed on the left side of the screen, and an ally character is displayed on the right side of the screen. When the teammate character wins the battle with the enemy character, the characters “Battle Victory!” Are displayed in the upper left of the screen. It is informed that the big hit has been confirmed by winning the battle. When the battle effect ends, the screen returns to the original variable display screen. As shown in FIG. 40 (d), all symbols are stopped and a big hit symbol of “777” is displayed.

  As shown in FIGS. 40A and 40D, both the shutter image 94 and the reach title image 95 are displayed including all the elements E1 to E5 constituting the fruit pattern image. In this way, a fruit pattern image can be suitably displayed in both the shutter image 94 and the reach title image 95 having different display sizes. Thereby, it is possible to accurately tell that a fruit pattern image with a high expectation level of jackpot is displayed.

  In addition, although the case where the display mode of the fruit pattern is applied in the suggestion effect has been described, the fruit pattern image can be suitably displayed in any effect by applying the same in each of the above notice effects. .

  For example, when the fruit pattern display mode is applied to the step-up effect and the cut-in effect, the frame portion of the step-up display (see FIG. 37 (6)) and the entire cut-in display (see FIG. 36 (5)). ), All the elements E1 to E5 constituting the fruit pattern image are displayed. In addition, since the frame size of the step-up display has a smaller display size than the entire cut-in display, the elements E1 to E in the frame portion of the step-up display are displayed smaller than the elements E1 to E in the entire cut-in display. The By applying in this way, a fruit pattern image can be suitably displayed in any production.

  Further, the display size of the shutter image 94 shown in FIG. 40A is displayed larger than the display size of the reach title image 95 shown in FIG. Therefore, the difference between the display size of the shutter image 94 and the display size of the reach title image 95 can be noted.

  Also, the shutter image 94 shown in FIG. 40A and the reach title image 95 shown in FIG. 40D are displayed at different timings. If it does in this way, it can prevent that the fruit pattern image which is a specific image becomes difficult to see by the execution timing overlapping.

  As described above, in this embodiment, item storage that can store a plurality of types of items (for example, first to third items, see FIG. 32C) including the first item and the second item. Means (for example, a storage area formed in a RAM mounted on the microcomputer 100 for effect control. Stores data that can specify an item) and a specific effect (for example, using an item stored by the item storage means) And an effect execution means capable of executing an item action effect).

  And the performance execution means has a higher expectation in the specific effect using the second item (for example, the second item (red)) than in the specific effect using the first item (for example, the first item (blue)). When the first item and the second item are stored, the specific effect using the first item is used rather than the specific effect using the second item. The rate at which the performance is executed first is high (for example, see FIG. 35). Therefore, a sense of expectation can be increased step by step, and the production effect can be improved.

  Further, in this embodiment, the effect execution means can execute the notice effect in a plurality of aspects (for example, any one of the effect aspects of the normal aspect and the first to third special aspects), and is specified for the notice effect. By executing the effect, it is possible to execute the notification effect in a mode with a higher degree of expectation than the notification effect (for example, the notification effect is started in the normal mode with a low expectation, but the item acts, It changes to the 1st special mode, the 2nd special mode, and the 3rd special mode with high expectation. Therefore, it can effectively produce that the expectation degree of the notice effect has changed, and the effect of production can be improved.

  Further, in this embodiment, the effect execution means can execute a plurality of types of notice effects (for example, an active display change effect, a cut-in effect, a step-up effect, a button effect, etc.), and a specific effect for the notice effect. Is executed, it is possible to execute a notice effect with a higher degree of expectation than the notice effect. (For example, a notice effect is started in a normal mode with a low expectation. The first special aspect, the second special aspect, and the third special aspect are changed to high ones (refer to FIGS. 35 to 38). The specific effect can be executed so that the degree of expectation varies depending on whether it is executed (see, for example, FIGS. 32A and 32B). Since the degree of expectation for the item is different, even if it is an item action effect that causes the same item to act (for example, even when changing to the same third special mode), the degree of expectation depends on which notice effect acts. Different). Therefore, it is possible to focus on which notice effect is executed for which notice effect, and the effect of the effect can be improved.

  In this embodiment, the item is associated with a predetermined color or pattern (for example, blue, red, and fruit pattern), and the effect execution means executes a notice effect with a different color or pattern depending on the degree of expectation. (For example, the notice effect can be executed by the first special mode (blue keynote), the second special mode (red keynote), and the third special mode (fruit pattern keynote). See FIG. 32B). By executing the specific effect on the notice effect, the notice effect can be executed by changing the color or pattern associated with the item used in the specific effect (see, for example, FIGS. 35 to 38). Therefore, the relevance between the specific effect and the notice effect can be enhanced, and the effect can be improved synergistically.

  In this embodiment, an item is associated with a predetermined character (see, for example, item display 200c configured by a character image, see FIG. 39 (2)), and the effect execution means performs a notice effect in a plurality of modes. By executing a specific effect on the notice effect, the notice effect can be executed in a manner in which a character associated with an item used in the specific effect acts (for example, FIG. 39 (4 ))). By doing so, the diversity of the notice effect and the specific effect can be enhanced, and the effect of the effect can be enhanced synergistically.

  Further, in this embodiment, the effect execution means uses a first notice effect (for example, an active display change effect, a cut-in effect, a step-up effect, a button effect, etc.) and an item that can use the item. A plurality of types of notice effects including an impossible second notice effect (for example, a decorative lamp effect, etc.) can be executed, and when the item is stored by the item storage means, the first is more than when the item is not stored. A high proportion of the notice performance is performed Therefore, when an item is given, attention can be paid to which notice effect the specific effect acts on, and the effect of the effect can be improved.

  In this embodiment, change effect execution means (for example, “first item (blue) → third item (fruit pattern)”) that can execute a change effect that changes the item stored by the item storage means. This is executed when the item assignment pattern is determined (see FIG. 32C). Therefore, even when items with low expectations are stored, it can be expected to change to items with high expectations, so the expectation can be maintained and the production effect improved Can be made.

  In this embodiment, the first suggestion display whose display size is the first size (for example, FIG. 40A) is used as the suggestion display that suggests the degree of expectation controlled to the advantageous state (for example, the big hit gaming state). And a second suggestion display whose display size is the second size (for example, the second display displayed during the reach title effect shown in FIG. 40D). Display means (for example, realized by the effect control microcomputer 100 and the effect display device 9), and the display means includes a plurality of types of elements ( 40 (a) and 40 (d), including element E1 (banana), element E2 (melon), element E3 (apple), element E4 (watermelon), element E5 (strawberry), etc.) When a specific image (such as the fruit pattern shown in FIGS. 40 (a) and 40 (d)) is displayed, and either the first suggestion display or the second suggestion display is displayed in a pattern including the specific image In addition, a plurality of types of elements are displayed so as to be included in both the first suggestion display and the second suggestion display (in either the shutter image 94 or the reach title image 95 shown in FIGS. 40A and 40D). May be displayed so as to include the elements E1 to E5). By doing so, the specific image can be suitably displayed regardless of the display size of the suggestion display. Thereby, it is possible to accurately tell that the specific image is displayed.

  In the above-described embodiment, in order to notify the effect control microcomputer 100 of the change pattern indicating the change mode such as the change time, the type of reach effect, the presence / absence of the pseudo-ream, etc., 1 is used when the change is started. Although an example in which one variation pattern command is transmitted has been shown, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control microcomputer 100 by two or more commands. Specifically, in the case of notifying by two commands, the game control microcomputer 560 uses the first command to indicate whether there is a pseudo-ream, a slip effect, etc. before reaching (so-called if not reach). A command indicating the variation time and variation mode before the second stop) is transmitted, and the second command has reached the reach such as the type of reach and presence / absence of re-lottery effect (if the reach is not reach, so-called first) You may make it transmit the command which shows the fluctuation | variation time and fluctuation | variation aspect (after 2 stop). In this case, the effect control microcomputer 100 may perform effect control in variable display based on the variable time derived from the combination of two commands. The game control microcomputer 560 notifies the change time by each of the two commands, and the effect control microcomputer 100 selects the specific change mode executed at each timing. It may be. When sending two commands, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt. After sending the first command, a certain period of time has passed (for example, the next timer interrupt). The second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be appropriately changed. In this way, by notifying the variation pattern by two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command can be reduced.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, “the ratio is different” is not limited to only those having different ratios such as A: B = 70%: 30% or A: B = 30%: 70%, This is a concept including a ratio that is different in a relationship of A: B = 100%: 0% (that is, one with 100% allocation and the other with 0% allocation).

  In the above-described embodiment, for example, a case where a plurality of types of special symbols, “1” to “9”, production symbols, and normal symbols are variably displayed and the display result is derived and displayed is shown. It is not restricted to such an aspect. For example, the symbol that is variably displayed and the symbol that is derived and displayed are not necessarily the same, and a symbol that is different from the symbol that is variably displayed may be derived and displayed. Further, it is not always necessary to variably display a plurality of types of symbols, and variable display may be executed using only one type of symbols. In this case, for example, variable display may be executed by alternately turning on and blinking one kind of symbol display. Even in this case, one type of symbol used for the variable display may be derived and displayed last, or a symbol different from the one type of symbol may be derived and displayed last. It may be a thing.

  In the above-described embodiment, the production control board 80, the audio output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as the boards on which the circuit for controlling the production apparatus is mounted. You may mount on one board | substrate. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the effect display device 9 and the like is mounted and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (lamps, LEDs, speakers 27, etc.) are mounted. You may make it provide two board | substrates with two production | presentation control boards.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100. However, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits another command (for example, FIG. 3). The sound output board 70 and the lamp driver board 35 shown in FIG. 5 or the sound / lamp board having the function of the circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and the function of the circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). A control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 on the effect control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through another board, or the sound output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board are equipped with control means such as a microcomputer, and the control means receives the command. In response to this, control related to sound control and lamp control is executed, and the received command is changed as it is or, for example, to a simplified command to control the effect display device 9. You may make it transmit to. Even in such a case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the display control in accordance with the effect control command received directly from the game control microcomputer 560 in each of the above-described embodiments. Display control can be performed in accordance with commands received from the driver board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  In the above embodiment, a pachinko machine is taken as an example of the gaming machine. However, according to the present invention, a predetermined number of bets are set by inserting medals, and a plurality of types are set according to the operation of the operation lever by the player. When the symbol is rotated and the symbol is stopped according to the stop button operation by the player, if the combination of the stop symbol becomes a specific symbol combination, it applies to a slot machine in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player It is also possible.

  In the above embodiment, the game machine uses a game medium as an example. However, the game machine according to the present invention is not limited to a game machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media, and a game ball The present invention can also be applied to an enclosed game machine that encloses game media such as the above and gives a score when a prize granting condition is satisfied.

  Also, in the above embodiment, the gaming machine controlled to the probable change state after the big hit game is shown based on the fact that the big hit type is a probable big hit or a normal big hit and the big hit type is determined to be a promiscuous big hit. It is not limited to such a gaming machine. For example, a special variable winning ball apparatus in which a predetermined probability changing area is provided (a certain variable winning ball apparatus may be provided in a single special variable winning ball apparatus, or a plurality of special variable winning balls may be provided. A probability variation area may be provided in a part of the device), and the probability variation is determined based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the probability variation area in the special variable winning ball device during the big hit game. The configuration described in each of the above embodiments can be applied to a gaming machine that is controlled to a certain change state after the completion.

  The present invention is preferably applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine in which a player can play a predetermined game.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display device 8b 2nd special symbol display device 9 Production display device 13 1st starting winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 18c Total pending storage display unit 18d Active display unit 20 Special variable winning ball device 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
109 VDP
120 push button

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to a player,
An item storage means capable of storing a plurality of types of items including the first item and the second item;
Production execution means capable of executing a specific production using the items stored by the item storage means,
Production execution means
The specific effect using the second item can be executed such that the degree of expectation is higher than the specific effect using the first item,
The gaming machine, wherein when the first item and the second item are stored, the ratio of executing the specific effect using the first item is higher than the specific effect using the second item.

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