JP2019005016A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of executing a performance based on a player's taste.SOLUTION: A game machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to a player and includes: setting means that can perform setting (for example, setting relating to execution of an informing performance) relating to a performance based on player's operation in an advantageous state, and a non-advantageous state differing from the advantageous state; and display means capable of performing display (for example, menu display and during-round menu display) relating to setting of a performance in a mode differing between the advantageous state and the non-advantageous state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 45

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine.

  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 is the right that the state of the variable winning ball apparatus provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine becomes advantageous for a player who is easy to win, and the right for becoming advantageous for a player. In other words, or a condition for winning 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, for example, the cited document 1 describes a configuration that allows the player to selectively determine the contents of the effect and change it to suit his / her preference.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-62478

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, since the contents of the effect can be selected only while the demonstration effect for waiting for a customer is being executed, it cannot be changed during the game, for example. Therefore, there is a possibility that an effect according to the player's preference cannot be executed.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can execute an effect according to a player's preference.

(Means 1) A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that is capable of playing a game and controlling it to an advantageous state advantageous to the player (for example, a big hit gaming state or a high base state). Setting means (for example, a portion where the production control microcomputer 100 executes S704a and S2926) that can make settings related to the production based on the player's action in different non-advantageous states (eg, during demonstration display) And display means (for example, a portion where the production control microcomputer 100 executes S4504 and S4604, which can perform display related to the setting of the production in different modes in the advantageous state and the non-advantageous state. See FIGS. 35 and 45. ).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute an effect according to the player's preference.

(Means 2) In the means 1, the setting means may be configured to perform the same setting in the advantageous state and the non-advantageous state (for example, see FIGS. 35 and 45).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute an effect according to the player's preference.

(Means 3) A gaming machine that performs variable display of the first identification information (for example, the first special symbol) and variable display of the second identification information (for example, the second special symbol) in the means 1 or the means 2. The variable display of the second identification information is performed with priority over the variable display of the first identification information (for example, the part in which the game control microcomputer 560 executes steps S52 to S54), and the variable display of the first identification information is performed. The ratio controlled to the advantageous state based on the variable display of the second identification information is higher than the ratio controlled to the advantageous state based on (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 executes steps S72 to S73. 8 (B), (C), and FIG. 9 to FIG. 10, the jackpot type determination table for the second special symbol is controlled to the probability change state (and the high base state) after the big hit game. The ratio of the hits is determined to be a big hit C or a big hit D (both are configured to have a sixth round in which a game ball can be won in a specific area in the second big prize opening)), The advantageous state may be configured to include a high-frequency state (for example, a high base state) in which the execution frequency of the variable display of the second identification information is high.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute an effect according to the player's preference.

(Means 4) A gaming machine that performs variable display of the first identification information (for example, the first special symbol) and variable display of the second identification information (for example, the second special symbol) in the means 1 or the means 2. The variable display of the second identification information is performed with priority over the variable display of the first identification information (for example, the part in which the game control microcomputer 560 executes steps S52 to S54), and the variable display of the first identification information is performed. The ratio controlled to the advantageous state based on the variable display of the second identification information is higher than the ratio controlled to the advantageous state based on (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 executes steps S72 to S73. 8 (B), (C), and FIG. 9 to FIG. 10, the jackpot type determination table for the second special symbol is controlled to the probability change state (and the high base state) after the big hit game. The ratio of the hits is determined to be a big hit C or a big hit D (both are configured to have a sixth round in which a game ball can be won in a specific area in the second big prize opening)), Game value giving means (for example, a first special variable winning prize, for example) that gives a game value based on the winning of a game medium in a winning area (for example, the first special variable winning ball apparatus 20a or the second special variable winning ball apparatus 20b). The ball device 20a or the second special variable winning ball device 20b is a portion in which 15 game balls are paid out based on the winning of a game ball), and the advantageous state is that the game medium can be easily won in the winning area. It may be configured to include a state (for example, a big hit gaming state).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute an effect according to the player's preference.

(Means 5) In any one of the means 1 to 4, the first detecting means (for example, the push button 120) capable of detecting the player's action and the second detecting means (for example, the player's action) , Stick controller 122, etc.) and first promotion effect execution means (for example, CPU 101 for effect control) capable of executing a first promotion effect (for example, an effect during a button operation effective period) that promotes the operation to the first detection means. Is a part that executes the process of step S515) and a second promotion effect executing means (for example, an effect during the lever operation effective period) that can execute a second promotion effect that promotes the operation to the second detection means (for example, an effect during the lever operation effective period). The part for which the CPU 101 for effect control executes the process corresponding to step S515, etc.) and the first detecting means and the second detecting means during the execution of the first promotion effect. A specific effect (for example, a chance effect or an intense effect) can be executed based on the detection of the player's motion, and the second detection means and the first detection means can be used during the execution of the second promotion effect. Specific effect execution means (for example, the effect control CPU 101 performs the process of step S519) that can execute a specific effect (for example, a chance effect or a fierce heat effect) based on the detection of the player's action by any of them. The execution ratio of the first promotion effect and the second promotion effect can be selected from a plurality (for example, by selecting the execution frequency of the lever effect as shown in FIG. 49, the lever The execution ratio of the effect and the button effect may be selected from a number corresponding to the number of lever effect execution frequencies selected).
According to such a configuration, since the execution ratio of the first promotion effect and the second promotion effect can be selected, the interest of the effect using the detecting means can be improved.

(Means 6) In any one of the means 1 to 5, the specific effect is a first specific effect (for example, a chance effect) that suggests the possibility of being controlled in an advantageous state advantageous to the player, and a first specific effect. A first execution in which the execution frequency of the second promotion effect is at least a predetermined frequency, including a second specific effect (for example, an intense hot effect or the like) that suggests that there is a high possibility of being controlled in an advantageous state over the effect. The ratio (for example, the execution ratio shown in FIG. 51 (C) corresponding to the execution frequency of the lever effect is “low”) and the second execution ratio (the execution frequency of the second promotion effect is higher than the predetermined frequency). For example, when the execution frequency of the lever effect corresponds to “high”, the execution ratio shown in FIG. 51 (A) can be selected, and the specific effect execution means is selected as the second execution ratio. Selected for the first execution rate Compared to the time when the second promotion effect is executed, the first specific effect is high as the specific effect (for example, the ratio at which the chance effect is executed after the lever effect is executed as shown in FIG. 52). When the lever production execution frequency is selected as “low”, it is about 3.5%, and when the lever production execution frequency is selected as “high”, it is about 15.7%. It may be configured to.
According to such a configuration, a sense of expectation for the specific performance can be maintained.

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 the variation pattern of the production | presentation symbol prepared beforehand. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows the big hit determination table and the big hit classification determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the opening pattern of the 1st big winning opening and the 2nd big winning opening in the big hit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the opening pattern of the 1st big winning opening and the 2nd big winning opening in the big hit. 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 the big winning opening opening pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows a big winning opening open process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end 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 a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a notification production | presentation setting process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a notification effect execution process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of a menu display. 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 a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit display process. It is a flowchart which shows a process during a round. It is a flowchart which shows the notification production | presentation setting process during a round. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of menu display for rounds. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of a menu display. It is a flowchart which shows a round post-process. It is a flowchart which shows a round post-process. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen of the execution frequency of a lever effect. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of a specific production. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of a promotion effect. It is a figure which shows the execution ratio of the chance production | presentation by the difference in the execution frequency of a lever production | presentation, and an intense hot production. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a button effect operation control process. It is a figure which shows an example of an effect screen when performing a button effect.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present 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). In addition, a member that forms the hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3 has a predetermined instruction by a player's pressing operation or the like at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the upper plate body (for example, above the stick controller 122). A push button 120 that can be operated is provided.

  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”.

  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.

  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.

  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. In the present embodiment, the game ball is configured to be able to win the first start winning opening 13 when a game ball is launched into the left area of the game area 7 (so-called left strike). Yes.

  Further, on the right side of the effect display device 9, there is provided a variable winning ball device 15 having a gate 32 through which a game ball can pass and a second start winning port 14 through which the game ball can win. 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. In the present embodiment, when a game ball is launched into the area on the right side of the game area 7 (so-called right strike), the game ball can pass through the gate 32 and the second start winning opening 14 It is configured to be able to win. 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 won at the second start 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. 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 below the effect display device 9.

  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.

  Also, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there are provided a first reserved memory display unit 18c for displaying the first reserved memory number and a second reserved memory display unit 18d for displaying the second reserved memory number. ing.

  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.

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, a second special variable winning ball device 20b is provided below the first special variable winning ball device 20a. The second special variable winning ball apparatus 20b 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) on the second special symbol display 8b. In the specific game state (big hit game state) that occurs when the symbol is derived and displayed, the open / close plate is controlled to be open by the solenoid 21b, so that the second big prize opening serving as the winning area is opened. A game ball won in the second grand prize opening is detected by the second count switch 23b. In this embodiment, a specific area is provided on the downstream side of the area where the second count switch 23b is provided in the second special variable winning ball apparatus 20b, and a game ball winning in the specific area is provided. Is detected by the specific detection switch 22. In this embodiment, since the second count switch 23b is provided on the upstream side and the specific detection switch 22 is provided on the downstream side, the second count switch 23b Almost all the detected game balls are won in the specific area and detected by the specific detection switch 22. In this embodiment, 15 prize balls are paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the second count switch 23b, and controlled to the probable change state based on the detection by the specific detection switch 22. It is decided that it will be done.

  Hereinafter, the first special variable winning ball apparatus 20a and the second special variable winning ball apparatus 20b may be collectively referred to as a special variable winning ball apparatus, and the first grand prize opening and the second big prize opening will be referred to as a big prize opening. Sometimes referred to generically.

  In this embodiment, when the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, and when the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b. In the specific game state (a big hit game state) occurring in the second round, the second big prize opening is controlled to be open in the sixth round, and the first big prize opening is controlled to be open in rounds other than the sixth round. In this embodiment, as will be described later, when a game ball wins a specific area in the second big winning opening in the sixth round during the big hit game, the gaming state is controlled to be a probable state after the big hit game is finished. Determine.

  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.

  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, there is a case where the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is shifted to a high base state where the opening time and the number of times of opening are increased.

  The game area 6 is also provided with winning ports (general winning ports) 33 and 39 for paying out a predetermined number of prize game balls determined in advance based on winning of game balls. The game balls that have won the general winning ports 33 and 39 are detected by the winning port switches 33a and 39a.

  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 provided on the front frame is provided.

  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 (four).

  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 incremented by 1 on condition that the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit (four).

  In this embodiment, when the probability variation is a big hit, the game state is shifted to a high probability state, and the game ball is easily started and won (that is, in the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b and the effect display device 9). It shifts to a high base state, which is a gaming state controlled so that a variable display execution condition is easily established. 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.

  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).

  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.

  The game control microcomputer 560 reads numerical data as random R from the random number circuit 503 when a start winning to the first start port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a occurs, and starts to change the special symbol and the effect symbol. Sometimes it is determined whether or not to make a big hit display result as a specific display result based on the random R, that is, whether or not to make a big hit. Then, when it is determined to be a big hit, the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state advantageous to the player.

  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 source created on the power supply substrate 910. 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). Some or all of the contents of the RAM 55 are stored. In particular, at least data corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means (the value of the special symbol process flag or the total pending storage number counter) and the data indicating the number of unpaid winning 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.

  A reset signal (not shown) from the power supply board is input to the reset terminal of the game control microcomputer 560. A reset circuit for generating a reset signal supplied to the game control microcomputer 560 and the like is mounted on the power supply board. When the reset signal becomes high level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operable state, and when the reset signal becomes low level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operation stop state. Therefore, an allowable signal that allows the operation of the game control microcomputer 560 or the like is output during a period when the reset signal is at a high level, and a game control microcomputer is output when the reset signal is at a low level. An operation stop signal for stopping the operation of 560 or the like is output. Note that the reset circuit may be mounted on each electric component control board (a board on which a microcomputer for controlling the electric parts is mounted).

  Further, a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board has dropped below a predetermined value is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the power supply board monitors the voltage value of a predetermined voltage (for example, DC30V or DC5V) used in the gaming machine, and when the voltage value decreases to a predetermined value (the power supply voltage is reduced). A power supply monitoring circuit that outputs a power-off signal indicating that). A clear signal (not shown) indicating that the clear switch for instructing to clear the contents of the RAM is operated is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560.

  Further, the game control is performed on detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the specific detection switch 22, the first count switch 23a, the second count switch 23b, and the winning port switches 33a and 39a. An input driver circuit 58 applied to the microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. Further, a solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15, a solenoid 21a for opening and closing a first special variable winning ball apparatus 20a for forming a first big winning opening, and a second special variable winning ball apparatus for forming a second big winning opening. An output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 21b for opening and closing 20b in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. Further, an information output circuit 64 that outputs an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer is also mounted on the main board 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.

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

  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. 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 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. When the stick controller 122 is vibrated, the vibration is transmitted to the entire gaming machine (for example, the hitting operation handle 5, the hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3, and the surplus ball receiving tray (lower plate) 4). It is a configuration. That is, even if the player does not hold the stick controller 122 during the vibration operation, the game machine (for example, the hitting operation handle 5, the hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3, or the extra ball receiving tray (lower plate)). If the user touches 4), the vibration operation can be recognized.

  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). The voice synthesis IC 703 generates a voice and outputs the voice to the speaker 27 when a predetermined request is received from the effect control board 80.

  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 (big hit A, big hit B, big hit C, big hit D, or out of order) 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. 11). 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. Further, when the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the reach effect is always executed. 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, the specific detection switch 22, the first count switch 23a, and the second count switch 23b are input via the input driver circuit 58. Then, the state determination is performed (switch process: 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, the first special symbol display unit 8a, the second special symbol display unit 8b, the first big prize winning port, and the second big prize winning port correspond according to a special symbol process flag for controlling in a predetermined order. Execute the process. 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 of the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the first count switch 23a, and the second count switch 23b. (Step S30). Specifically, the payout control board 37 according to the winning detection based on one of the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the first count switch 23a, and the second count switch 23b being turned on. The payout control command (prize ball number signal) indicating the number of winning balls is output to the payout control microcomputer mounted on the. 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. Eventually, the effect symbols are all stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R on the effect display device 9.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the variation pattern of the effect symbol prepared in advance. As shown in FIG. 6, the changing effect is determined for each changing pattern. In this embodiment, normal reach, super reach A, super reach B (with vibration) that vibrates the stick controller 122, and super reach B (no vibration) that does not vibrate the stick controller 122 are provided as reach effects. Yes. The presence or absence of vibration of the stick controller 122 may be determined by lottery on the side of the production control microcomputer 100.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1 (MR1): Determines the type of big hit (after-mentioned big hit A, big hit B, big hit C, big hit D) (for big hit 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 presence / absence of effects such as pseudo-ream and slip effects.

  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. 8A 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. 8 (A) is set in the normal jackpot determination table, and each value described in the right column of FIG. 8 (A) is set in the probability change jackpot determination table. Is set. The numerical value described in FIG. 8A is a jackpot determination value.

  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 big hit (big hit A, big hit B, big hit C, big hit D, which will be described later). Note that the “probability” shown in FIG. 8A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. 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.

  FIGS. 8B and 8C are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination tables 131 a and 131 b stored in the ROM 54. Among these, FIG. 8 (B) determines the jackpot type using the hold memory based on the game ball winning the first start winning opening 13 (that is, when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed). This is a jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol) 131a. FIG. 8C shows a case where the jackpot type is determined by using the hold memory based on the game ball having won the second start winning opening 14 (that is, when the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner). 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 “big hit A”, “ This table is referred to in order to determine any one of “big hit B”, “big hit C”, and “big hit D”. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 (B), when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, the big hit type is determined as either “big hit A” or “big hit B”. Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed, the big hit type is determined as either “big hit C” or “big hit D”.

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are explanatory diagrams showing the opening patterns of the first big prize winning opening and the second big winning prize opening in the big hit. First, with reference to FIG. 9A, the opening pattern of the first big winning opening and the second big winning opening when the big hit type is the big hit A will be described. In this embodiment, when the big hit type is big hit A, as shown in FIG. 9 (1), the internal control is controlled to 11 rounds of big hit gaming state. When the big hit type is big hit A, as shown in FIG. 9 (1), the first big prize opening per round is opened for a long period of 29.5 seconds from the first round to the fourth round. Control to the closed state for 0.1 second after controlling to the state. Next, in the fifth round, the first grand prize opening is controlled to be in an open state for a very short period of 0.05 seconds and then controlled to be closed for 0.1 seconds. Next, in the sixth round, the second grand prize winning opening is controlled to be in an open state for an extremely short period of 0.05 seconds and then controlled to be closed for 0.1 seconds. Next, in the seventh round, the first grand prize opening is controlled to be in an open state for a very short period of 0.05 seconds and then controlled to be closed for 0.1 seconds. Next, from the 8th round to the 10th round, the first big prize opening is controlled to be open for a long period of 29.5 seconds per round and then controlled to be closed for 0.1 seconds. Then, in the eleventh round, the first grand prize opening is controlled to be open for 29.5 seconds and then closed for 1.0 seconds. As shown in FIG. 9 (1), when the big hit type is big hit A, the first big prize opening is a long period of 29.5 seconds in the first round to the fourth round and the eighth round to the eleventh round. Although it is controlled in the open state, it can be expected to win the 1st grand prize opening, but in the 5th to 7th rounds, the opening time of the 1st big prize opening and the 2nd grand prize opening is as short as 0.05 seconds. I can hardly expect a prize. Therefore, when the big hit type is the big hit A, the internal control is controlled to the 11-round big hit gaming state, but it is apparently controlled to the 8-round big hit gaming state.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9 (2), the opening pattern of the first big winning opening and the second big winning opening when the big hit type is the big hit B will be described. In this embodiment, when the big hit type is big hit B, as shown in FIG. 9 (2), the internal control is controlled to 11 rounds of big hit gaming state. When the big hit type is big hit B, as shown in FIG. 9 (2), from the first round to the fifth round, the first big prize opening per round is opened for a long period of 29.5 seconds. Control to the closed state for 0.1 second after controlling to the state. Next, in the sixth round, the second prize winning opening is controlled to be open for 29.5 seconds and then closed for 0.1 seconds. Next, from the seventh round to the eighth round, the first grand prize winning opening is controlled to be open for a long period of 29.5 seconds per round and then closed for 0.1 seconds. Next, from the ninth round to the tenth round, the first grand prize winning opening per round is controlled to be in an open state for a very short period of 0.05 seconds and then to a closed state for 0.1 seconds. In the eleventh round, the first grand prize opening is controlled to be in an open state for a very short period of 0.05 seconds, and then controlled to be closed for 1.0 second. As shown in FIG. 9 (2), when the big hit type is big hit B, the first big winning opening and the second big winning opening are open for a long period of 29.5 seconds in the first to eighth rounds. It can be expected to win the 1st Grand Prize and 2nd Grand Prize, but the opening time of the 1st Grand Prize is very short at 0.05 seconds in the 9th to 11th rounds. I can not expect. Therefore, when the big hit type is big hit B, the internal control is controlled to 11 rounds of big hit gaming state, but apparently it is controlled to 8 rounds of big hit gaming state.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10 (1), the opening pattern of the first big winning opening and the second big winning opening when the big hit type is the big hit C will be described. In this embodiment, when the big hit type is big hit C, as shown in FIG. 10 (1), the internal control is controlled to a six round big hit gaming state. When the big hit type is big hit C, as shown in FIG. 10 (1), from the first round to the fifth round, the first big prize opening per round is opened for a long period of 29.5 seconds. Control to the closed state for 0.1 second after controlling to the state. Then, in the sixth round, the second grand prize winning opening is controlled to be open for 29.5 seconds and then closed for 3.0 seconds. As shown in FIG. 10 (1), when the big hit type is big hit C, the first big prize opening and the second big prize winning opening are 29.5 seconds in all the first to sixth rounds. It is controlled to the open state, and it can be expected to win the first grand prize port and the second big prize port. Therefore, when the big hit type is the big hit C, the internal control is controlled to the six round big hit gaming state and the appearance is also controlled to the six round big hit gaming state.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10 (2), the opening pattern of the first big winning opening and the second big winning opening when the big hit type is the big hit D will be described. In this embodiment, when the big hit type is big hit D, as shown in FIG. 10 (2), the internal control is controlled to 16 rounds of big hit gaming state. When the big hit type is big hit D, as shown in FIG. 10 (2), the first big prize opening per round is opened for a long period of 29.5 seconds from the first round to the fifth round. Control to the closed state for 0.1 second after controlling to the state. Next, in the sixth round, the second prize winning opening is controlled to be open for 29.5 seconds and then closed for 0.1 seconds. Next, from the seventh round to the fifteenth round, the first grand prize opening per round is controlled to be open for 29.5 seconds and then closed for 0.1 seconds. In the sixteenth round, the first grand prize opening is controlled to be open for 29.5 seconds and then closed for 3.0 seconds. As shown in FIG. 10 (2), when the big hit type is big hit D, the first big prize opening and the second big prize winning opening are 29.5 seconds in all periods from the first round to the 16th round. It is controlled to the open state, and it can be expected to win the first grand prize port and the second big prize port. Therefore, when the big hit type is the big hit D, the game is controlled to the 16-round big hit gaming state in terms of internal control, and is visually controlled to the 16 round big hit gaming state.

  9 and 10, even if the first grand prize winning opening and the second big winning prize opening are rounds that are opened for a long period of 29.5 seconds, as described later, before 29.5 seconds elapses. When the number of winnings at the first grand prize opening or the second grand prize opening reaches ten, the first big winning opening or the second big prize opening is also closed, and the round ends.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, when it is after the round before the last round is finished from the first round during the jackpot game, as an interval period after the round ends A is set to 0.1 seconds. Also, in the case of jackpot A or jackpot B determined when the first special symbol variation display is executed, it is after the final round (the eleventh round in this example) is finished during the jackpot game. In this case, B = 1.0 seconds is set as an interval period after the end of the round (see FIG. 9). In addition, if the jackpot C or jackpot D is determined when the second special symbol variation display is executed, the final round (6th or 16th round in this example) is terminated during the jackpot game. If it is after, the interval period after the end of the round is set to C = 3.0 seconds (see FIG. 10). Thus, in this embodiment, in the jackpot game controlled based on the variation display of the second special symbol, compared to the jackpot game controlled based on the variation display of the first special symbol, after the final round. A long period is set as the interval period.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, only when the second special symbol variation display is executed, the jackpot D, which is a jackpot game of 16 rounds in terms of internal control and appearance, is determined. There is a case. In this embodiment, 15 prize balls are paid out each time one game ball is won in the first grand prize opening or the second big prize opening, and the first big prize opening or the second You can expect up to 10 prizes in the big prize opening. Therefore, in this embodiment, only when the variation display of the second special symbol is executed, the big hit D is obtained, and a maximum of 15 × 10 × 16 = 2400 prize balls may be obtained during the big hit game. is there. In this embodiment, when the tenth winning is detected in the last 16th round of the jackpot game based on the jackpot D and 2400 prize balls are paid out, 2400 prize balls are paid out. In some cases, the number of prize balls for notifying that the ball has been issued may be executed, but the number of prize balls is executed over an interval period of 3.0 seconds after the final round.

  In this embodiment, even if the variation display of the second special symbol is executed, if the big hit C is reached, only six rounds of big hit games are played, so the number of winning balls is notified. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the interval period after the last round is common at C = 3.0 seconds. As such, in this embodiment, regardless of the jackpot type, the interval period after the final round of the jackpot game based on the variable display of the second special symbol is unified at C = 3.0 seconds, which is unnecessary. The management of the interval period is prevented from becoming complicated.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the second big prize opening is controlled in the open state in the sixth round of the big hit game, if a game ball wins in a specific area in the second big prize opening, It is determined that the game will be controlled to a certain change state after the game ends. In this embodiment, when it is determined that a game ball is won in a specific area in the second grand prize winning opening and controlled to be in a probable state in the sixth round, the probable state is controlled as will be described later. Probability change notification for informing that it has been determined is performed. In this case, in the big hit game based on the big hit C, the sixth round in which the second big prize opening is opened is the final round, so when a special area is won at the end of the sixth round, immediately before or after the end. In some cases, the probability change notification effect is executed over an interval period of 3.0 seconds after the final round (the sixth round in this example).

  In addition, when the first special symbol variation display is executed and the jackpot A is reached, the second big prize opening is opened only for a very short period of 0.05 seconds in the sixth round. In addition, almost no winning in a specific area can be expected, and control to a probable state cannot be expected substantially. For example, in the sixth round of the big hit game based on the big hit A, a specific area in the second big prize opening is provided, and the specific area is closed by the lid, for example, 0.05 seconds. Even if a game ball wins the second grand prize opening during an extremely short opening period, the specific area may not be won, and there may be no case where it is controlled to the probability change state at all. Further, for example, in the sixth round of the big hit game based on the big hit A, even when a game ball wins a specific area in the second big prize opening, the detection by the specific detection switch 22 is invalidated and controlled to a probable change state. You may comprise so that there may be no.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, there are four types of jackpot types: “big hit A”, “big hit B”, “big hit C”, and “big hit D”. Although the case is shown, it is not limited to four types, and for example, five or more types of jackpot types may be provided. Conversely, the jackpot type may be less than four types, for example, only two or three types of jackpot types may be provided.

  In the big hit type determination tables 131a and 131b, numerical values to be compared with a random value of 1, which corresponds to each of “big hit A”, “big hit B”, “big hit C”, and “big hit D” ( Big hit type judgment 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. 11 and FIG. 12 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, 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 and the type of big hit. 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.

  Command A001 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command).

  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.

  The command A301 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, for ending the jackpot game (a jackpot end designation command: an ending designation command).

  The command A 401 (H) is an effect control command (large winning opening winning designation command) for designating that a game ball has won at the first winning prize opening or the second large winning opening. Command A 402 (H) is an effect control command (specific detection designation command) that designates that a game ball has won a specific area in the second grand prize opening.

  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.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command described above 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 FIGS. 11 and 12, the display state of the lamp is changed, and the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70. 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. 11 and FIG. 12, 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.

  FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing an example of a special symbol process (step S26) program 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 (the first large winning opening, the second large winning opening) is executed. Is done. 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 S307 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 S307 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processes in steps S300 to S307 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 (determined display)) is the variation time of the variable symbol special 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 big hit flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (0 in this example). In this embodiment, based on the value of the special symbol process flag being 4, the special symbol display control for confirming and displaying the special symbol stop symbol in the special symbol display control process, as will be described later. The data is set in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data (see FIG. 27), and the stop symbol of the special symbol is actually determined and displayed in accordance with the set contents of the output buffer in the display control process 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 is performed to open the first big prize opening and the second big prize opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the first grand prize opening or the second grand prize opening) is initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to Open the second grand 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 big prize opening opening process, a process of confirming the closing condition of the first big prize opening and the second big prize opening is performed. If the conditions for closing the first grand prize winning opening and the second big winning prize are satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is a value corresponding to step S305 (5 in this example). ). 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.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the start-port switch passing process in steps S312 and S314. Among these, FIG. 15A is a flowchart showing the first start port switch passing process in step S312. FIG. 15B 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. 16) (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. 16 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. 16, 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.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the first reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1220A).

  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. 16) (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.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the second reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1220B).

  17 and 18 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. In this embodiment, the case where the display of the variation of the second special symbol is preferentially executed is shown. However, the start winning when the game ball wins the first starting winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 is shown. In accordance with the order, the variation display of the first special symbol or the variation display of the second special symbol may be executed.

  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 decrements the count value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 and stores each storage area in the first reserved memory buffer. Shift content. 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 second reserved memory buffer are shifted.

  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.

  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 and the second reserved memory number subtraction designation command) are 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, 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 S307 can be shared between the case where the first special symbol is the target and the case where the second special symbol is the target.

  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 jackpot determination module is a program that compares a jackpot determination value (see FIG. 8) determined in advance with a jackpot determination random number, and executes a process of determining a jackpot if they match. In other words, this is a program for executing the big 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 (a table in which the numerical values on the right side of FIG. 8A in the ROM 54 are set) in which a large number of jackpot determination values are set in advance and the number of jackpot determination values are definitely changed. A normal big hit determination table (a table in which the numerical values on the left side of FIG. 8A in the ROM 54 are set) set smaller than the hour big hit determination table is provided. 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. 8A, 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, in the sixth round of the jackpot game, the game ball is set in a process for ending the jackpot game when it is determined that a game ball wins a specific area in the second jackpot and is controlled to be in a probable change state. Then, after the jackpot game is over, it is reset when the next jackpot occurs.

  If the random R value does not coincide with the jackpot 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. 8B. 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. 8C.

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the selected jackpot type determination table to select a type corresponding to the value corresponding to the random number (random 1) for determining the jackpot type stored in the random number buffer area (“big hit A”, “big hit” B ”,“ Big hit C ”, or“ Big hit D ”) is determined as the big hit type (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, 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 “big hit A”, “01” is set as data indicating the big hit type, and when the big hit type is “big hit B”, “02” is set as the data indicating the big hit type, When the big hit type is “big hit C”, “03” is set as data indicating the big hit type, and when the big hit type is “big hit D”, “04” is set as the data indicating the big hit type.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a special symbol stop symbol (step S75). Specifically, when the big hit flag is not set, “−” as a special symbol is determined as a stop symbol of the special symbol. When the big hit flag is set, depending on the decision result of the big hit type, one of “1”, “2”, “3”, “7”, which becomes the big hit symbol, is determined as a special symbol stop symbol To do. In other words, if the jackpot type is determined to be “big hit A”, “1” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol, and if “big hit B” is determined, “2” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When “big hit C” is determined, “3” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol, and when “big hit D” is determined, “7” is determined as a 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. 19 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 S98.

  When the big 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 S93). 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, in the sixth round of the big hit game, when the game ball does not win the specific area in the second big prize opening and it is not determined that the control is changed to the probable change state, Is set. 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. In addition, in the sixth round of the big hit game, when it is determined that the game ball has won a specific area in the second big winning opening and is controlled to be in a probable change state, the probability change flag is set in the process of ending the big hit game. The hourly flag is set. When the next big hit occurs, the time reduction flag is reset together with the probability variation flag.

  If the hourly flag is not set (N in Step S93), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (Step S94). If the total number of pending storages is less than 3 (N in step S94), the CPU 56 uses a variation pattern type determination table for detachment (normally) as a table used to determine one of a plurality of variation pattern types. Is selected (step S95). Then, the process proceeds to step S98.

  When the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (Y in step S94), the CPU 56 uses the variation pattern type determination table for deviation as a table used to determine one of the plurality of variation pattern types. (For shortening) is selected (step S96). Then, the process proceeds to step S98.

  If the time reduction flag is set (Y in step S93), 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 shifted to the probability change state). (See steps S182 and S183), if it is determined as Y in step S93, the CPU 56 may change the variation pattern type. As a table used for determining one of a plurality of types, a deviation variation pattern type determination table (for time reduction) is selected (step S97). Then, the process proceeds to step S98.

  In this embodiment, by executing the processing of steps S93 to S97, when the gaming state is the normal state and the total number of pending storages is 3 or more, the deviation variation pattern type determination table (for shortening) ) Is selected. Further, when the gaming state is a probability change state or a time saving state, a deviation variation pattern type determination table (for time reduction) is selected. In this case, there is a case where the variation pattern type for shortening variation is determined in the process of step S98 described later. When the variation pattern type for shortening variation is determined, the variation of shortening is performed as the variation pattern in the processing of step S100. A variation pattern is determined. 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. In this embodiment, there are a variation pattern type determination table for shortening variation (for time reduction) used in a probability variation state and a time reduction state, and a variation pattern type determination table for shortening variation based on the number of reserved storages (for shortening). Although different tables are shown, a common table may be used as a variation pattern type determination table for shortening variation.

  In this embodiment, even when the gaming state is a probability change state or a short time state, when the total number of pending storage is almost 0 (for example, 0, 0, or 1). May not display the variation display of the shortened variation. In this case, for example, when the CPU 56 determines Y in step S93, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the total pending storage number is almost zero. A determination table (for normal use) may be selected.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads random 2 (variation pattern type determination random number) from the random number buffer area (first reserved storage buffer or second reserved storage buffer), and selects the table selected in the process of step S92, S95, S96 or S97. By referencing, the variation pattern type is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S98).

  Next, based on the determination result of the variation pattern type in step S98, the CPU 56 uses any one of the variation pattern determination table or the deviation variation pattern as a table used to determine any one of the plurality of variation patterns. A determination table is selected (step S99). 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 the process of step S99. Is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S100). 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 S101). 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 variation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S102).

  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 S103). 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 S104).

  In the case where it is determined to be out of place, instead of suddenly determining the variation pattern type, first, it may be determined whether or not to reach by a lottery process using a random number for reach determination. Then, based on the determination result as to whether or not to reach, the processing of steps S93 to S98 may be executed to determine the variation pattern type. In this case, a variation pattern type determination table for non-reach and a variation pattern type determination table for reach are prepared in advance, and one of the variation pattern type determination tables is selected based on the reach determination result. The variation pattern type may be determined.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit an effect control command (see FIG. 11) of any one of the display result 1 designation to the display result 5 designation in accordance with the determined jackpot type or deviation. Do. 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 S118. When the big hit flag is set, if the big hit type is “big hit A”, control is performed to transmit a display result 2 designation command (steps S111 and S112). Whether or not it is “big hit A” can be specifically determined by confirming 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 “big hit B”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 3 designation command (steps S113 and S114). Whether or not it is “big hit B” can be specifically determined by confirming whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is “02”. .

  Further, when the big hit type is “big hit C”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 4 designation command (steps S115 and S116). Whether or not it is “big hit C” can be specifically determined by confirming whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is “03”. .

  When none of “big hit A”, “big hit B”, and “big hit C” (that is, when “big hit D”), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 5 designation command (step S117).

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set (N in Step S110), 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. 21 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. 22 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 checks whether or not the time reduction flag indicating that the time reduction state is set (step S132). If the time reduction flag is set, the CPU 56 sets a time reduction storage flag indicating that the time reduction state was controlled at the start of the big hit game (including the case where the time reduction state was controlled together with the probability change state) (step S133). ). Next, if it is set, the CPU 56 resets a probability change flag indicating the probability change state, a time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state, and a time reduction counter indicating the number of times the special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state ( In step S134, control for transmitting a big hit start designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S135).

  Further, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the big hit display time (for example, the time for notifying that the big hit has occurred in the effect display device 9) to the time measurement timer (step S136). Further, the CPU 56 sets the number of rounds corresponding to the big hit type in the round number counter (for example, “11” in the case of “big hit A” or “big hit B”, “6” in the case of “big hit C”. In the case of “D”, “16”) is set (step S137). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S138).

  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 time-count counter indicating the number of times the special symbol can be changed in the time-short state is 0 (step S139). 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 S140). When the value of the time reduction counter after subtraction becomes 0 (step S141), the CPU 56 resets the time reduction flag (step S142).

  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 S143).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the pre-opening process for the special winning opening in the special symbol process (step S305). In the big prize opening opening pre-processing, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the time measurement timer by 1 (step S1401). If it is before the start of the first round, the value of the time measurement timer set in step S136 of the special symbol stop process is measured by executing the process of step S1401, so that the first round The jackpot display time (fanfare period) before the start of is measured. In the case of the first round or later, by executing the process of step S1401, the value of the time measurement timer set in step S1469 of the special prize opening opening process to be described later is measured. The interval period after the round (except after the last round) will be measured.

  In this embodiment, the jackpot display time (fanfare period) and the interval period are measured using a common time measurement timer. However, the jackpot display time (fanfare period) and the interval period are separately set. You may comprise so that time may be measured using this timer.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not it is an interval period after the sixth round is finished (step S1402). Whether or not it is the interval period after the end of the sixth round can be determined, for example, by checking the value of the jackpot type specified by the jackpot type buffer and the round number counter.

  If it is an interval period after finishing the round other than the sixth round (N in Step S1402), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the detection signal from the first count switch 23a is input (Step S1403). When the first count switch 23a is turned on, that is, when a game ball won in the first grand prize opening is detected (Y in step S1403), the CPU 56 controls to send a big prize opening prize designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100. Is performed (step S1404). Then, control goes to a step S1411.

  If it is an interval period after finishing the sixth round (Y in step S1402), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the detection signal from the specific detection switch 22 has been input (step S1405). When the specific detection switch 22 is turned on, that is, when a game ball that has won a specific area in the second grand prize opening is detected (Y in step S1405), the CPU 56 transmits a specific detection designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100. Control is performed (step S1406). Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not a probability change confirmation flag indicating that control to the probability change state has been confirmed is set (step S1407). If the probability change confirmation flag has been set (that is, if it has already been determined that control to the probability change state has been confirmed), the process proceeds to step S1409. If the probability variation confirmation flag is not set, the CPU 56 sets the probability variation confirmation flag (step S1408). Then, control goes to a step S1409.

  If the specific detection switch 22 has not been turned on (N in step S1405), if the probability variation confirmation flag has already been set (Y in step S1407), or if the probability variation confirmation flag has been set in step S1408, the CPU 56 Confirms whether or not the detection signal from the second count switch 23b is input (step S1409). When the second count switch 23b is turned on, that is, when a game ball won in the second grand prize opening is detected (Y in step S1409), the CPU 56 controls to send a big prize opening prize designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100. Is performed (step S1410). Then, control goes to a step S1411.

  In this embodiment, even if the round period of the big hit game is ended and the period is shifted to the interval period, the game ball is first played immediately before the first big prize opening and the second big prize opening are controlled to be closed. When the player enters the grand prize winning opening or the second big winning prize opening, the winning ball may be detected by winning ball processing (see step S30) and paying out the winning ball. Therefore, in this embodiment, the processing of steps S1402 to S1404 and S1409 to S1410 is executed, so that even in the interval period after the end of the big hit game round period, It is possible to detect a winning at the big winning opening and transmit a big winning opening winning designation command. In addition, when the processing of steps S1405 to S1410 is executed, especially when a game ball is won in a specific area in the second big prize opening during the interval period, the big prize winning prize designation command is transmitted and the specific detection is performed. The specified command is also sent.

  When the time measurement timer times out (the value of the time measurement timer is 0) (step S1411), the CPU 56 sets the current round number in the EXT data of the special winning opening open designation command, and sends it to the effect control microcomputer 100. Transmission control is performed (step S1412).

  Next, the CPU 56 initializes a winning number counter (step S1413). That is, the value of the winning number counter is set to zero.

  Next, the CPU 56 controls the first grand prize winning opening or the second big winning prize opening to be in an open state in accordance with the starting round (step S1414). That is, when starting a round other than the sixth round, the first grand prize opening is controlled to be in an open state, and when starting the sixth round, the second big prize opening is controlled to be in an open state. Specifically, in the case of controlling the first big winning opening to the open state, the solenoid 21a is driven to open the first special variable winning ball apparatus 20a. Further, in the case of controlling the second grand prize winning opening to the open state, the solenoid 21b is driven to bring the second special variable winning ball apparatus 20b to the open state.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets the opening time according to the jackpot type and the starting round to an opening time timer for measuring the opening time of the first big winning opening and the second big winning opening (step S1415). In this case, the CPU 56 makes the big hit A from the first round to the fourth land or the eighth round to the eleventh round, the big hit B from the first round to the eighth round, the big hit C from the first round to the sixth round, or the big hit D. If the first to 16th rounds are started, a value corresponding to 29.5 seconds is set in the release time timer. Also, in the case of starting the fifth to seventh rounds of jackpot A or the ninth to eleventh rounds of jackpot B, a value corresponding to 0.05 seconds is set in the open time timer (FIG. 9). And FIG. 10)

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening process (step S306) (step S1416).

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the special winning opening opening process (step S306) in the special symbol process. In the special winning opening opening process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the current round is the sixth round (step S1451). Whether or not the current round is the sixth round can be determined by, for example, checking the jackpot type specified by the jackpot type buffer and the value of the round number counter.

  If it is a round other than the sixth round (N in step S1451), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the detection signal from the first count switch 23a has been input (step S1452). When the first count switch 23a is turned on, that is, when a game ball won in the first grand prize opening is detected (Y in step S1452), the value of the winning number counter is incremented by 1 (step S1453). In addition, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a special winning opening prize designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S1454). Then, control goes to a step S1462.

  If it is the sixth round (Y in step S1451), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the detection signal from the specific detection switch 22 has been input (step S1455). When the specific detection switch 22 is turned on, that is, when a game ball won in a specific area in the second grand prize opening is detected (Y in step S1455), the CPU 56 transmits a specific detection designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100. Control is performed (step S1456). Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not a probability change confirmation flag indicating that control to the probability change state is confirmed is set (step S1457). If the probability change confirmation flag has been set (that is, if it has already been determined that control to the probability change state has been established), the process proceeds to step S1459. If the probability change confirmation flag is not set, the CPU 56 sets the probability change confirmation flag (step S1458). Then, control goes to a step S1459.

  If the specific detection switch 22 is not turned on (N in step S1455), if the probability change confirmation flag has already been set (Y in step S1457), or if the probability change confirmation flag is set in step S1458, the CPU 56 Confirms whether the detection signal from the second count switch 23b has been input (step S1459). When the second count switch 23b is turned on, that is, when a game ball won in the second grand prize opening is detected (Y in step S1459), the value of the winning number counter is incremented by 1 (step S1460). Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a big prize opening prize designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1461). Then, control goes to a step S1462.

  In this embodiment, the processing of steps S1452 to S1454 and steps S1459 to S1461 is executed, so that each time a game ball is won in the first big winning opening or the second big winning opening during the big hit game round, A winning mouth winning designation command is transmitted. Further, when the processing of steps S1455 to S1461 is executed, particularly when a game ball is won in a specific area in the second big prize opening during the big hit game round, a big prize opening prize designation command is transmitted. At the same time, a specific detection designation command is also transmitted.

  In this embodiment, a case is shown in which a common winning award winning designation command is transmitted when a game ball is won at the first grand prize opening and when a gaming ball is won at the second big winning opening. However, there are separate commands (for example, the first grand prize opening prize designation command and the second big prize opening) when the game ball wins the first big prize opening and when the game ball wins the second big prize opening. (A winning designation command) may be transmitted. In particular, for example, when it is configured to pay out different numbers of balls (for example, 15 and 20) when winning in the first grand prize opening and when winning in the second big prize opening. Depending on which command is received, the first grand prize opening prize designation command or the second grand prize opening prize designation command, the stage control microcomputer 100 side can accurately grasp the number of prize balls.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where the specific detection designation command is transmitted every time the game ball wins a specific area in the second grand prize opening is shown, but it is not limited to such a mode. For example, the specific detection designation command is transmitted only when the first game ball wins in a specific area in the second grand prize opening (when it is determined that the control is changed to the probability variation state), When the second and subsequent game balls win in the specific area, the specific detection designation command may not be transmitted.

  Next, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the value of the winning number counter is 10 (step S1462). If the value of the winning number counter is 10, the process proceeds to step S1465. Therefore, in this embodiment, even before the opening period (for example, 29.5 seconds) of the first grand prize port or the second grand prize port has elapsed, the first grand prize port or the second grand prize port. When the number of winnings reaches 10, the determination is Y in step S1462, the process proceeds to step S1465, the first grand prize opening and the second big prize opening are controlled to be closed, and the round ends. There is a case.

  If the value of the winning number counter is less than 10 (N in step S1462), the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the opening time timer (step S1463), and checks whether the opening time timer has timed out (step S1464). If the release time timer has not timed out, the process is terminated. If the opening time timer has timed out, the CPU 56 controls the first big prize opening to be closed when the first big prize opening is open, and the second big prize opening is opened. Controls the second big prize opening to the closed state (step S1465). Specifically, in the case of controlling the first grand prize winning port to the closed state, the driving of the solenoid 21a is stopped and the opening / closing plate of the first special variable winning ball apparatus 20a is closed. Further, in the case of controlling the second grand prize winning port to the closed state, the driving of the solenoid 21b is stopped and the opening / closing plate of the second special variable winning ball device 20b is closed. Further, the CPU 56 performs control to set the current number of rounds in the EXT data and to transmit a designation command after opening the special winning opening to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1466).

  Next, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the value of the round number counter (step S1467) and checks whether the value of the round number counter after the subtraction is 0 (step S1468). When the value of the round number counter is 0 (that is, all rounds in the jackpot game (the first round to the eleventh round in the case of the big hit A or the big hit B. The first round to the first round in the case of the big hit C) 6 rounds (when the first round to the 16th round is completed in the case of big hit D), the CPU 56 displays an interval period corresponding to the big hit type in the time measurement timer (interval effect after the last round). A value corresponding to the period to be performed is set (step S1471). Specifically, in the case of big hit A or big hit B, a value corresponding to 1.0 second is set in the time measurement timer. In the case of big hit C or big hit D, a value corresponding to 3.0 seconds is set in the time measurement timer (see FIGS. 9 and 10). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot end process (step S307) (step S1472).

  If the value of the round counter is not 0 (that is, if there are still remaining rounds), the CPU 56 corresponds to an interval period (corresponding to a period for performing an interval effect other than after the final round) in the time measurement timer. A value (0.1 seconds in this example) is set (step S1469). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S1470).

  FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are flowcharts 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 S177. When the big hit end display timer is not set, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the value of the time measurement timer (step S161).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not it is an interval period after the sixth round is finished as the final round (step S162). Whether or not it is the interval period after finishing the sixth round as the final round is, for example, whether or not the big hit type of the big hit game that ends this time is the big hit C (for example, the big hit C is set in the big hit type buffer) This can be determined by confirming whether or not the value “03” shown is set.

  If it is an interval period after the round other than the sixth round is completed as the final round (N in Step S162), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the detection signal from the first count switch 23a is input (Step S163). ). When the first count switch 23a is turned on, that is, when a game ball won in the first grand prize opening is detected (Y in step S163), the CPU 56 controls to send a big prize opening prize designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100. Is performed (step S164). Then, the process proceeds to step S171.

  If it is the interval period after finishing the sixth round as the final round (Y in step S162), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the detection signal from the specific detection switch 22 has been input (step S165). When the specific detection switch 22 is turned on, that is, when a game ball won in a specific area in the second grand prize opening is detected (Y in step S165), the CPU 56 transmits a specific detection designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100. Control is performed (step S166). Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not a probability variation confirmation flag indicating that it has been determined to control to the probability variation state is set (step S167). If the probability change confirmation flag has been set (that is, if it has already been determined that control to the probability change state has been established), the process proceeds to step S169. If the probability variation confirmation flag is not set, the CPU 56 sets the probability variation confirmation flag (step S168). Then, the process proceeds to step S169.

  If the specific detection switch 22 has not been turned on (N in step S165), if the probability change confirmation flag has already been set (Y in step S167), or if the probability change confirmation flag has been set in step S168, the CPU 56 Confirms whether or not the detection signal from the second count switch 23b is input (step S169). When the second count switch 23b is turned on, that is, when a game ball won in the second grand prize opening is detected (Y in step S169), the CPU 56 controls to send a big prize opening prize designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100. Is performed (step S170). Then, the process proceeds to step S171.

  By executing the processes of steps S163 to S164 and S169 to S168, even in the interval period after the final round period of the jackpot game, the winnings to the first grand prize winning mouth and the second big winning prize mouth Can be detected and a special winning opening prize designation command can be transmitted. In addition, when the processing of steps S165 to S170 is executed, especially when a game ball is won in a specific area in the second big prize opening in the interval period after the last round of the big hit game based on the big hit C, the big win An oral winning designation command is transmitted and a specific detection designation command is also transmitted.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the time measurement timer after subtraction has become 0 (step S171). If the value of the time measurement timer is 0 (that is, if the interval period after the final round has elapsed), the CPU 56 resets the big hit flag (step S172) and transmits a big hit end designation command. Is performed (step S173).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time saving memory flag is set (step S174). If the short-time memory flag is not set (that is, if it is controlled in the normal state at the start of the big hit game), the CPU 56 sets the big hit corresponding to the low base state in the effect display device 9 to the big hit end display timer. A value (for example, a value corresponding to 10 seconds) corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the end display is performed (big hit end display time) is set (step S175), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the short-time memory flag is set (that is, if it is controlled to the short-time state at the time of starting the big hit game (including the case where it is controlled to the short-time state together with the probability change state)), the CPU 56 A value (for example, a value corresponding to 6 seconds) corresponding to a display time corresponding to a time during which the big hit end display corresponding to the high base state is performed on the end display timer (big hit end display time). Is set (step S176), and the process is terminated.

  In step S177, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end display timer (step S177). 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 S178). If not, the process ends.

  If the jackpot end display time has elapsed (Y in step S178), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the probability variation confirmation flag is set (step S179). If the probability change confirmation flag is not set (that is, if the game ball does not win a specific area in the second big winning opening in the sixth round of the jackpot game and the control to the probability change state is not confirmed), The CPU 56 sets the time reduction flag and shifts to the time reduction state (step S180). Further, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) in the time reduction number counter (step S181).

  If the probability change confirmation flag is set (that is, if the game ball is won in a specific area in the second big prize opening in the sixth round of the big hit game and the control to the probability change state is confirmed), the CPU 56 Then, the probability variation flag is set to shift to the probability variation state (step S182), and the time reduction flag is set to shift to the time reduction state (step S183).

  In this embodiment, when the processing of steps S179 to S183 is executed, if a game ball wins a specific area in the second big winning opening in the sixth round of the big hit game, the next big hit is generated. The probability variation state and the short time state are continued until the game time is reached, and if the game ball does not win in a specific area in the second big prize opening, the short time until the variation display of the number of short time continuations (100 times in this example) ends. Although the case where the state is continued (however, when the big hit occurs before the end of the 100-time variation display), the time reduction state is shown, it is not limited to such a mode. For example, even when controlling to the probability change state after the big hit gaming state ends, the probability change state may be ended when a predetermined number of probability change continuations elapses. In this case, the big hit type is a big hit A to a big hit D. The probability variation continuation number may be varied depending on which of the above. In addition, for example, even when controlling only to the short-time state after the end of the big hit gaming state, the number of short-time continuations may be varied depending on whether the big hit type is big hit A to big hit D. A control mode is conceivable.

  Next, if it is set, the CPU 56 resets the time-saving memory flag and the probability variation confirmation flag (step S184). 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 S185).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of a program of the 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, the value of the special symbol display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by 1 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 process is shifted to the special symbol stop process), the CPU 56 specially displays the special symbol stop symbol set in the special symbol normal process. 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 confirming 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. A special symbol stop symbol is fixedly 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 continuously 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 confirming and displaying the stop symbol may be set.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 28 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 a notification effect setting process (step S704a). In the notification effect setting process, a setting process related to the notification effect for notifying the player when a predetermined condition (first condition to fourth condition) is satisfied is executed.

  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. 29 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. 11 and 12) 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.

  30 and 31 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis process (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 for +2 is that 2 bytes (1 command) are read at a time.

  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 specifying command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 forms the received display result specifying command (display result 1 specifying command to display result 8 specifying 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 a jackpot start designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start designation command reception flag corresponding to the received command (step S622).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot end designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end designation command reception flag corresponding to the received command (step S624).

  If the received effect control command is a command for opening a prize winning opening (step S625), the CPU 101 for effect control designates the instruction for opening a prize winning opening being received as a command for opening a prize winning opening formed in the RAM. Store in the command storage area (step S626). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets a special winning opening open flag indicating that the special winning opening open designation command has been received (step S627).

  If the received effect control command is a designation command after opening the big prize opening (step S628), the production control CPU 101 designates the received designation command after opening the special prize opening after opening the big prize opening. Store in the command storage area (step S629). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag after opening the special prize opening indicating that the designation command after opening the special prize opening has been received (step S630).

  If the received effect control command is a grand prize opening prize designation command (step S631), the production control CPU 101 receives a big prize opening prize indicating that a game ball has won a prize at the first grand prize opening or the second grand prize opening. A flag is set (step S632).

  If the received effect control command is a specific detection designation command (step S633), the effect control CPU 101 sets a specific detection flag indicating that a game ball has won a specific area in the second grand prize opening (step S634). ).

  If the received effect control command is a normal state background designation command (step S635), the effect control CPU 101 uses the background screen in the effect display device 9 as a background screen corresponding to the normal state (for example, a background screen with a blue background color). (Step S636). In addition, if set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the time-short state flag indicating the time-short state (step S637).

  If the received effect control command is a time reduction state background designation command (step S638), the effect control CPU 101 uses the background screen in the effect display device 9 as a background screen corresponding to the time reduction state (for example, a background screen of a green background color). (Step S639). Further, the effect control CPU 101 sets a time reduction state flag (step S640). In addition, if it is set, the production control CPU 101 resets the probability variation state flag indicating the probability variation state (step S641).

  If the received effect control command is a probability change state background designation command (step S642), the effect control CPU 101 uses a background screen in the effect display device 9 as a background screen corresponding to the probability change state (for example, a background screen of red background color). (Step S643). Further, the production control CPU 101 sets a probability variation state flag (step S644).

  If the received effect control command is another command, effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S645). For example, if the effect control command received is the first symbol variation designation command, the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set, and if the received effect control command is the second symbol variation designation command, the second symbol variation designation command is set. Set the reception flag. Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the notification effect setting process. The notification effect setting process is a process for making a setting related to the notification effect for notifying the player when a predetermined condition (first condition to fourth condition) is satisfied. “Notification effect” includes “holding upper limit notification” for notifying that when the first condition (the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number reaches the upper limit) is satisfied, and the second condition (general “General winning notification” for notifying that when a game ball wins at the winning openings 33 and 39, the third condition (for example, when a big hit occurs, a high base state after the big hit ends) “At the start, at the end of the high base state)” is established, the “hitting method notification” that informs the player how to strike (right-handed, left-handed), and the fourth condition (the effect mode changes) is established. In such a case, a “mode change notification” is provided to notify that effect.

  In the notification effect setting process, the effect control CPU 101 first determines whether or not the demonstration display is being performed (the effect that is performed when the number of reserved memories is “0” and neither the fluctuation nor the big hit gaming state). Step S4501), if the demonstration is not being displayed, the notification effect setting process is terminated as it is. When the demonstration is being displayed, it is determined whether or not an operation to any of the operation members (push button 120, stick controller 122, trigger button 121) has been received from the player (step S4502). Then, the notification effect setting process is finished as it is. If accepted, it is determined whether or not the accepted operation is a menu display operation (step S4503). If not, the process proceeds to step S4505. The menu display operation is, for example, an operation of pressing the push button 120 when the menu is not displayed. If it is a menu display operation, menu display is started (step S4504), and the process proceeds to step S4505.

  Here, details of the menu display will be described. FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of menu display in the present embodiment. The menu display according to the present embodiment is performed when an option other than the first menu (see FIG. 35A) displayed when the menu display is started and the “MENU END” in the first menu are selected. The second menu (see FIG. 35B) to be switched and the third menu to be switched when an option other than “return” in the second menu is selected (FIGS. 35C and 35D). Reference). When “MENU END” is selected in the first menu, the menu display ends. When “RETURN” is selected in the second menu, the menu is switched to the first menu, and in the third menu. When “return” is selected, the display is switched to the second menu.

  As shown in FIG. 35 (A), in the first menu, “voice setting” for setting (for example, volume setting) related to the sound output from the speaker 27, and setting (for example, luminance) related to the display on the effect display device 9 “Liquid crystal setting” for performing setting) and “notification effect setting” for performing setting in the notification effect are presented as options (effect setting category). Instead of or in addition to “sound setting” and “liquid crystal setting”, “lamp setting” for setting the brightness of light emitting members such as the frame LED 28 and the LED provided on the game board 6 is presented. There may be.

  As shown in FIG. 35 (B), a setting related to the hold upper limit notification is made in the second menu that is switched when “notification effect setting” is selected in the first menu shown in FIG. 35 (A). “Holding upper limit notification”, “General winning notification” for setting general winning notification, “Strike notification” for setting related to hitting notification, and “Mode change notification” for setting related to mode change notification are options (production setting category ).

  As shown in FIG. 35C, the third menu that is switched when “holding upper limit notification” is selected in the second menu shown in FIG. “Sound” indicating the presence or absence of sound output from the speaker 27, “Vibration” indicating whether or not the stick controller 122 vibrates, and “LED” indicating whether or not the frame LED 28 emits light. Alternatively or in addition, it may indicate whether or not the LED provided on the game board 6 emits light). When one of the notification modes is selected (execution mode setting operation is performed), ON / OFF display of the notification mode in the hold upper limit notification is switched, and the setting content after switching is stored. . Similarly, as shown in FIG. 35 (D), the general winning notification is also displayed in the third menu that is switched when the “general winning notification” is selected in the second menu shown in FIG. 35 (B). The notification mode is presented as an option. When one of the notification modes is selected, ON / OFF display of the notification mode in the general winning notification is switched, and the setting content after switching is stored. The same applies to the case where “notification of how to hit” or “notification of mode change” is selected in the second menu shown in FIG. Note that, when “voice”, “vibration”, and “LED” are all OFF, the corresponding notification effect is set not to be executed (non-execution setting).

  In step S4505, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the operation received from the player is a menu display switching operation (step S4505). If the operation is not a menu display switching operation, the process proceeds to step S4507. The menu display switching operation is, for example, an option (“END MENU” and a notification mode in the third menu (for example, “a”) by moving the cursor by tilting the stick controller 122 and pressing the push button 120 or the trigger button 121. This is an operation to select “except voice”, “vibration” and “LED”). If it is a menu display switching operation, the menu display is switched (step S4506), and the process proceeds to step S4507. For example, when an option other than “return” is selected, the display is switched to the display corresponding to the option (from the first menu to the second menu or from the second menu to the third menu), while “return” is selected. When it is selected, the menu display is switched to one higher level (from the second menu to the first menu or from the third menu to the second menu).

  In step S4507, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the operation received from the player is an execution mode setting operation (step S4507). If it is not an execution mode setting operation, the process proceeds to step S4510. The execution mode setting operation is, for example, an operation of selecting any notification mode in the third menu by moving the cursor by tilting the stick controller 122 and pressing the push button 120 or the trigger button 121. In the case of an execution mode setting operation, display switching according to the operation (specifically, ON / OFF display switching) is performed (step S4508), and setting content corresponding to the operation is stored (specifically, Stores ON / OFF (step S4509), and proceeds to step S4510.

  In step S4510, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the operation received from the player is a menu display end operation (step S4510). If the operation is not a menu display end operation, the notification effect setting process ends. The menu display operation is an operation of moving the cursor to “END” and pressing the push button 120 or the trigger button 121 by tilting the stick controller 122 in the first menu. If it is a menu display end operation, the menu display is ended (step S4511), and the notification effect setting process is ended. A menu is displayed when a specific condition (e.g., a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the start of game ball launching, the passing of a game ball to the gate 32, a start winning opening, or a general winning opening, winning a prize, or starting a change) is established. It may be forcibly terminated.

  In this embodiment, by executing the notification effect setting process, it is possible to perform settings related to the execution of the notification effect based on the player's operation during the demonstration display. In this embodiment, by performing a notification effect setting process during a round, which will be described later, it is possible to perform settings related to the execution of the notification effect during the big hit game based on the operation of the player.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the effect control process. 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 each effect device such as the effect display device 9, the frame LED 28, and the speaker 27 is selected. It is a process which performs control of. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first performs a notification effect execution process for executing the notification effect (step S800A), and any one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. Perform the process. In each process, the following process is executed.

  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. In addition, a plurality of effect modes with different effect contents are provided, and in the effect symbol variation start process (step S801), whether to change the effect mode is determined by lottery, and the effect mode is changed based on the lottery result. It is possible to make it. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802). The production mode is not related to the reliability of being controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player (for example, the production mode in which the background changes in the order of spring, summer, autumn, winter, spring...). Or a suggestion of reliability (for example, a presentation mode (prefetch zone) that suggests a reliability for storing a stored memory that is a big hit, a reliability for a big hit in a pseudo-ream) Effect mode (pseudo-ream dedicated background)).

  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). In the present embodiment, an effect corresponding to the variation pattern is selected in the effect symbol variation start process (step S801), and the effect selected in the effect symbol variation process (step S802) is executed. . That is, the effect according to the variation pattern shown in FIG. 6 is executed in steps S801 and S802.

  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 either the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception wait process (step S800).

  Big hit display process (step S804): When the big hit is reached, after the variation time is over, the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a screen for notifying the occurrence of the big hit. For example, when a fanfare designation command designating the start of a big hit is received, a fanfare effect is executed. 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. For example, if a display command indicating that the special winning opening is open is received, the display control of the number of rounds is performed.

  Post-round processing (step S806): Display control between rounds is performed. For example, when a display command after opening the big prize opening indicating that the big prize opening is after being opened (closed), an interval display is performed.

  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. For example, when an ending designation command for designating the end of the big hit is received, an ending effect is executed. 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. 34 is a flowchart showing a notification effect execution process (step S800A). In the notification effect execution process, the effect control CPU 101 first determines whether or not the number of reserved memories has reached the upper limit (whether or not the fourth first reserved memory or the second reserved memory is stored) ( In step S4601, if the upper limit is not reached, the process proceeds to step S4604. When the reserved storage number reaches the upper limit value, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the hold upper limit notification is set to non-execution (step S4602), and when it is set to non-execution, step S4604. Migrate to When the non-execution setting is not set, the hold upper limit notification corresponding to the setting is executed (step S4603), and the process proceeds to step S4604. In the present embodiment, the hold upper limit notification is executed when the first hold memory or the second hold memory reaches the upper limit value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the gaming state being controlled The hold upper limit notification may be executed based on the fact that the number of hold memories corresponding to the upper limit value. For example, in the low base state, the holding upper limit notification is executed based on the fact that the first reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value, whereas in the high base state, the second reserved memory number is set to the upper limit value. It is good also as performing pending | holding upper limit alerting | reporting based on becoming. In addition, since it is assumed that the second reserved memory number frequently becomes the upper limit value in the high base state, the frequency of the hold upper limit notification is too high by forcibly setting the hold upper limit notification to the non-execution setting. It may be possible to prevent the player from feeling bothersome.

  In step S4604, the CPU 101 for effect control determines whether or not a winning has occurred for the general winning ports 33 and 39 (specifically, a command indicating that a winning has occurred for the general winning ports 33 and 39 is game control). Whether or not it has been received from the microcomputer 560 for use) (step S4604). If no prize has been won, the process proceeds to step S4607. When winning, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the general winning notification is set to non-execution (step S4605), and if it is set to non-execution, the process proceeds to step S4607. When the non-execution setting is not set, the general winning notification according to the setting is executed (step S4606), and the process proceeds to step S4607. In the case of a gaming machine provided with a plurality of general winning awards, a winning at a specific general winning award may be a notification target of general award notification, or a plurality (or all) of general winnings may be notified. The winning in the mouth may be a notification target of the general winning notification. In addition, when winning at multiple general prize openings is to be notified of general winning notices, if winning to multiple general winning openings occurs simultaneously or continuously, the general winning notice notification period is extended. Or a general winning notification may be performed a plurality of times, or the general winning notification may be executed only for a single winning prize (for example, the earliest winning).

  In step S4607, the CPU 101 for effect control determines whether or not it is the execution timing of hitting notification (when the big hit occurs, when the big hit ends (when the high base state starts), when the high base state ends) (step S4604). If it is not the execution timing of hitting notification, the process proceeds to step S4610. If it is the execution timing of the hitting notification, it is determined whether or not the hitting notification is set to non-execution (step S4608), and if it is set to non-execution, the process proceeds to step S4610. If the non-execution setting is not set, a hitting notification according to the setting is executed (step S4609), and the process proceeds to step S4610. In step S4609, specifically, when the big hit occurs and when the big hit ends (when the high base state starts), the right-hand hit notification is executed. On the other hand, when the high base state ends, the left strike is notified. To make a hitting notification. In other words, the hitting notification that notifies different contents depending on the execution timing is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and common content (for example, switching of the hitting method is performed at any execution notification timing). It is good also as performing the hitting notification which alert | reports the content to instruct | indicate.

  In step S4610, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the effect mode has changed (step S4610), and if not changed, the notification effect execution process is terminated. When the effect mode is changed, it is determined whether or not the mode change notification is set to non-execution (step S4611). When the effect mode is set to non-execution, the notification effect execution process is terminated. When the non-execution setting is not set, the mode change notification corresponding to the setting is executed (step S4612), and the notification effect execution process is terminated.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition (first condition to fourth condition) is satisfied. Although it is determined whether or not the execution setting is set, the order of these processes is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to determine whether or not each notification effect is a non-execution setting, and to determine whether or not a predetermined condition corresponding to a notification effect that is not a non-execution setting is satisfied. In this case, when the notification effect non-execution setting is made, it is not determined whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied, so that the processing burden can be reduced.

  FIG. 36 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 value of the effect control process flag is updated 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. 37 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. 38 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. 38, when the received display result designation command indicates any of “big hit A” to “big hit D” (the received display result designation command is display result 2 designation command to display result 5). In the case of any of the designated commands), the effect control CPU 101 determines a combination of effect symbols in which three symbols are the same 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.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to execute the notice effect in the effect display device 9 during the effect symbol variation display, or the effect form of the notice effect (for example, the step-up notice effect or the player's effect). A notice effect setting process for setting a button notice effect accompanied by an operation, a conversation notice effect, a movable object notice effect, a mini character notice effect, a group notice effect, or the like is executed (step S8002).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the notice effect when the change pattern and the notice effect are determined (step S8003). Then, the production control CPU 101 starts a process timer in the process data 1 of the process table selected in step S8003 (step S8004).

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of a 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. 39 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern.

  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.

  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).

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol changing 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), the 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).

  If the variation time timer has timed out (step S8106), 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 S8107).

  FIG. 41 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. Therefore, the fact that the stop symbol display flag is set is a stage where the jackpot symbol has been confirmed and displayed but the fanfare effect has not yet been executed, so the process of displaying the stop symbol of the effect symbol in step S8302 is executed. Instead, the process proceeds to step S8305.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs a control for confirming and displaying the stop symbol (out-of-line symbol or jackpot symbol) of the left, middle, and right effect symbols that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 9 (step S8302). . If the big hit symbol is not displayed in the process of step S8302 (that is, if the lost symbol is displayed) (N in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to step S8311.

  When the big hit symbol is determined and displayed in the process of step S8302 (Y in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 sets a stop symbol display flag (step S8304). Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the big hit start designation command reception flag is set (step S8305). When the big hit start designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the stop symbol display flag (step S8306). The effect control CPU 101 also resets the set jackpot start designation command reception flag.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the fanfare effect (step S8307). Next, 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) (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).

  If it is determined not to be a big hit (N in step S8303), 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 S800). Step S8311).

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (step S804) in the effect control process. In the jackpot display process, the effect control CPU 101 first determines whether or not the big prize opening open flag indicating that the big prize opening open display command has been received (that is, the big prize opening at the start of round 1). It is confirmed whether or not a display command during opening has been received (step S1901). When the big prize opening open flag is not set (N in step S1901), the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S1902), and the effect device (effect display) Control of the apparatus 9, the speaker 27, the frame LED 28, etc.) is executed (step S1903).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S1904), and if the process timer has timed out, switches the process data (step S1905). That is, the process data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data) set next in the process table is switched. Then, the process timer set value in the next process data is set in the process timer and the process timer is started (step S1906).

  When the big prize opening open flag is set (Y in step S1901), that is, when the start timing of round 1 is reached, the production control CPU 101 resets the big prize opening open flag ( Step S1907).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the effect during the round (step S1908). Then, the production control CPU 101 starts a process timer (step S1909), and produces the production device (production component as production component) according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1). Control of the effect display device 9, various lamps as effect parts, and the speaker 27 as effect parts is executed (step S1910).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the in-round processing (step S805) (step S1911).

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing mid-round processing (step S805) in the effect control process. In the in-round processing, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a flag after opening the big prize opening indicating that the designation command after opening the special prize opening has been received is set (step S2901). When the flag after opening the big prize opening is not set (N in step S2901), the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S2902), and the effect device (effect display) Control of the apparatus 9, the speaker 27, the frame LED 28, etc.) is executed (step S2903).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S2904), and if the process timer has timed out, switches the process data (step S2905). That is, the process data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data) set next in the process table is switched. Then, the process timer set value in the next process data is set in the process timer, and the process timer is started (step S2906).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not a specific detection flag indicating that a game ball has won is set in a specific area in the second grand prize opening (step S2922). If the specific detection flag is set (that is, if a winning in the specific area in the second big prize opening has occurred), the production control CPU 101 resets the specific detection flag (step S2923) and confirms the probability change. It is checked whether or not a probability change confirmation notification flag indicating that notification has started is set (step S2924). If the probability change confirmation notification flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 starts execution of the probability change confirmation notification for notifying that the effect display device 9 is controlled to be in the probability variation state (step S2925). Note that the probability change confirmation notification may be ended when a predetermined period has elapsed from the start, or may be executed until the big hit gaming state is ended.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes a notification effect setting process during the round (step S2926). Thereafter, the process during the round is terminated. The details of the notification effect setting during the round will be described later.

  If the flag after opening the big prize opening is set in step S2901 (Y in step S2901), the effect control CPU 101 resets the flag after opening the big prize opening (step S2927).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the interval effect (step S2928). Then, the production control CPU 101 starts a process timer (step S2929), and the production device (production component as production component) according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1). Control of the effect display device 9, various lamps as effect parts, and the speaker 27 as effect parts is executed (step S2930).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the specific detection flag is set (step S2939). If the specific detection flag is set (that is, if a winning in a specific area in the second big prize opening has occurred), the production control CPU 101 resets the specific detection flag (step S2940) and confirms the probability change. It is confirmed whether or not the notification flag is set (step S2941). If the probability change confirmation notification flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 starts execution of the probability change confirmation notification in the effect display device 9 (step S2942).

  When the sixth round is completed based on the fact that the number of wins in the second big prize opening has reached 10 by executing the processing of steps S2939 to S2942, the 1st to 9th wins Even if the winning is made only in the area other than the specific area in the second major winning opening, and the tenth winning is made in the specific area in the second major winning opening, the probability change confirmation notification can be executed.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the round post-processing (step S806) (step S2944).

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the in-round notification effect setting process (step S2926). The notification effect setting process during the round is a process for performing settings related to the notification effect during the round. In this embodiment, by executing the notification effect setting process, it is possible to make settings related to the execution of the notification effect based on the player's operation during the demonstration display. By executing this, it is possible to make settings relating to the execution of the notification effect based on the player's action during the round. In this embodiment, the same setting can be performed during the demonstration display and during the round. In other words, the settable items and selectable options are the same during the demonstration display and during the round.

  In the in-round notification effect setting process, the effect control CPU 101 first determines whether or not it is the last two rounds (step S4601). If it is not the last two rounds, the in-round notification effect setting process is terminated. . In this embodiment, in the case of the final 2 rounds of the big hit game (for example, in the case of the big hit D with 16 rounds, it is either the 15th round or the 16th round). Although it is configured so that settings relating to the notification effect can be made, the rounds where the setting relating to the notification effect can be made are not limited to the final two rounds, and may be other rounds or all rounds. May be. Also, for example, for each jackpot type, the round in which the setting related to the notification effect can be made may be different, or the setting related to the notification effect may be made only in the case of a specific jackpot type. .

  In the case of the final two rounds, the production control CPU 101 determines whether or not an operation on an operation member (for example, the push button 120, the stick controller 122, or the trigger button 121) corresponding to the menu display operation has been received from the player. (Step S4602), when not received, the notification effect setting process during the round is ended as it is. If accepted, it is determined whether the accepted operation is a menu display operation (step S4603). If not, the process proceeds to step S4505. In the case of the menu display operation, the menu display for round is started (step S4604), and the process proceeds to step S4605.

  Here, the details of the menu display during round will be described. 45 (A) and 45 (B) are explanatory diagrams showing a display example of the menu display for round in the present embodiment. The menu display for round in the present embodiment is divided into a first menu, a second menu, and a third menu, similarly to the menu display displayed during the demonstration display, and “MENU END” is displayed in the first menu. When selected, the menu display ends. When “Return” is selected in the second menu, the display is switched to the first menu. When “Return” is selected in the third menu, the second menu is displayed. Is displayed.

  Further, since the same setting can be made during the round and during the demonstration display, for example, as shown in FIG. 45B, the display is switched when “notification effect setting” is selected in the first menu. In the second menu, “holding upper limit notification” for performing settings related to the holding upper limit notification, “general winning notification” for performing settings regarding general winning notification, “hitting notification” for performing setting regarding hitting notification, and settings for mode change notification “Mode change notification” is performed as an option (production setting category).

  A characteristic point of the menu display during round is that the menu display displayed during the demonstration display is displayed on the entire screen of the effect display device 9, whereas the effect display as shown in FIG. It is to be displayed in a partial area (display area 200) at the lower right of the display screen of the device 9. In this embodiment, during the round, the effect display device 9 displays the effect during the round (in FIGS. 45A and 45B, “Big hit” is shown, but for example, a moving image or the like is displayed. Therefore, if the menu display is displayed on the full screen, there is a possibility that the effect during the round may be hindered. Therefore, the menu display is configured to be reduced in a partial area during the round. By configuring in this way, it is possible to perform settings related to the execution of the notification effect during the round without interfering with the effect during the round.

  Also, during the round, for example, as shown in FIG. 45, the number of rounds is displayed in the upper left of the display area of the effect display device 9 (in the example of FIG. 45, “15R” is displayed), and the upper right of the display area. The jackpot symbol derived and displayed is displayed (in the example of FIG. 45, “777” is displayed), and the number of winning balls, which is the total number of winning balls for winning in the big winning opening, is displayed in the lower left of the display area. (In the example of FIG. 45, “2000 points get!” Is displayed), but the menu display during the round is displayed so as not to obstruct them. In addition, you may make it display the accumulated number of acquired balls in consecutive resorts as acquired number of balls.

  In step S4605, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the operation received from the player is a menu display switching operation (step S4605). If it is not the menu display switching operation, the process proceeds to step S4607. If it is a menu display switching operation, the menu display is switched (step S4606), and the process proceeds to step S4607.

  In step S4607, the production control CPU 101 determines whether or not the operation received from the player is an execution mode setting operation (step S4607). If it is not an execution mode setting operation, the process proceeds to step S4610. In the case of an execution mode setting operation, display switching according to the operation (specifically, ON / OFF display switching) is performed (step S4608), and setting contents corresponding to the operation are stored (specifically, Stores ON / OFF) (step S4609), and proceeds to step S4610.

  In step S4610, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the operation received from the player is a menu display end operation (step S6510). If it is not the menu display end operation, the in-round notification effect setting process ends. To do. When it is a menu display end operation, the menu display for round is ended (step S4611), and the notification effect setting process during round is ended.

  In this embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is configured to be executed in preference to the variable display of the first special symbol (see steps S52 to S54). Further, the proportion controlled to the advantageous state based on the variable display of the second special symbol is higher than the proportion controlled to the advantageous state based on the variable display of the first special symbol ( For example, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C and FIGS. 9 to 10, the jackpot type determination table for the second special symbol is controlled to a probable change state (and a high base state) after the jackpot game. The ratio is determined to be a big hit C or a big hit D (both are provided with a sixth round in which a game ball can be won in a specific area in the second big winning opening). Therefore, for example, when the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory are stored in the high base state, in order to advance the game advantageously, the variable display of the first special symbol is based on the first reserved memory. The second special symbol is variably displayed on the basis of the second reserved memory (that is, the right-handed is continued to generate the start winning to the second starting winning opening 14). Will do). However, in the configuration in which the setting relating to the notification effect can be performed only during the demonstration display, the second reserved memory must be digested and the first reserved memory must be digested (that is, after the variable display of the first special symbol is performed). If it is, the setting cannot be made. That is, for the player who wants to proceed with the game advantageously, the setting related to the notification effect cannot be performed substantially. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is configured so that settings relating to effects can be made during the round in addition to the demonstration display. By configuring in this way, it is possible to execute an effect according to the player's preference.

  In this embodiment, it is configured to be able to make settings related to the notification effect during the demonstration display and during the round, but in addition to this, the setting related to the notification effect is also made during variable display in the high base state. You may be able to do that. For example, by operating a menu setting button (may be dedicated or used in combination with other functions), notifications are displayed at any time during the demonstration display, during the round, and during the high base state. You may enable it to perform the setting regarding production. With this configuration, in the high base state, the second reserved memory is digested (that is, the variable display of the first special symbol based on the first reserved memory is executed) so that the demonstration display is performed. However, it is possible to make a setting related to the notification effect, and it is possible to execute an effect according to the player's preference. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 46A, the high base middle menu display is a part of the effect display device 9 so as not to hinder the effect display accompanying the variable display of the effect symbols and the variable display. It is desirable to be displayed in the area.

  If the setting related to the notification effect can be performed at an arbitrary timing in the high base state, the setting can be performed even during the variable display. For example, a so-called button effect (specifically, a game There is a possibility that a period during which an operation for an effect performed based on a specific operation performed by a person is valid and a period during which an operation for setting is valid overlap. As described above, when an operation is detected during a period in which both the operation for the button effect and the operation for setting are valid, the operation for one of the operations is validated and the operation for the other is invalidated. Also good. Further, for example, when the period during which the operation is valid overlaps, the operation target may be made different between the operation for the button effect and the operation for setting. Specifically, the push operation of the push button 120 may be an operation for a button effect, and the tilt operation of the stick controller 122 may be an operation for setting. In addition, execution of the button effect may be prohibited so that periods in which the operation is effective are not overlapped in the first place.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 45A, 45B, and 46A, the menu display for round and the menu display for high base simply reduce the menu displayed during the demonstration display. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be displayed in a different form such as color or layout. For example, as shown in FIG. 46B, an item displayed as a menu is enlarged and a scroll operation (for example, an operation of selecting a triangle whose vertex is downward (corresponding to the downward direction of the cross key)) is performed. Thus, each item (“audio setting”, “liquid crystal setting”, and “notification effect setting”) may be displayed in order. By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent items from becoming difficult to see even if the round middle menu display or the high base middle menu display is displayed in a partial area instead of the full screen of the effect display device 9. .

  47 and 48 are flowcharts showing the post-round processing (step S806) in the effect control process. In the round post-processing, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the jackpot end designation command reception flag is set (step S3901). When the big hit end designation command reception flag is not set (N in step S3901), the production control CPU 101 sets the big prize opening open flag indicating that the big prize opening open designation command has been received. It is confirmed whether or not (step S3902). When the big prize opening open flag is not set (N in Step S3902), the CPU 101 for effect control subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (Step S3903), and the effect device (effect display) Control of the device 9, the speaker 27, the LEDs 25, 28, etc.) is executed (step S3904).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S3905), and if the process timer has timed out, switches the process data (step S3906). That is, the process data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data) set next in the process table is switched. Then, the process timer set value in the next process data is set in the process timer, and the process timer is started (step S3907).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the specific detection flag is set (step S3923). If the specific detection flag is set (that is, if a winning in a specific area in the second big prize opening has occurred), the production control CPU 101 resets the specific detection flag (step S3924) and confirms the probability change. It is confirmed whether or not the notification flag is set (step S3925). If the probability change confirmation notification flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 starts execution of the probability change confirmation notification in the effect display device 9 (step S3926).

  When the big prize opening open flag is set (Y in step S3902), the effect control CPU 101 resets the big prize opening open flag (step S3928).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the effect during the round (step S3929). Then, the production control CPU 101 starts a process timer (step S3930), and produces the production device (production component as production component) according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1). Control of the effect display device 9, various lamps as effect parts, and the speaker 27 as effect parts is executed (step S3931).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the in-round processing (step S805) (step S3933).

  When the big hit end designation command reception flag is set in step S3901 (Y in step S3901), the effect control CPU 101 resets the big hit end designation command reception flag (step S3934).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the ending effect (step S3935).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 starts the effect period measurement timer and the process timer (step S3940), and the effect device (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1) according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1). Control of the effect display device 9 as the effect component, various lamps as the effect component, and the speaker 27 as the effect component is executed (step S3941).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot end effect process (step S807) (step S3942).

  As described above, in this embodiment, in the advantageous state (in this example, the big hit gaming state and the high base state) and the non-advantageous state (in this example, during the demonstration display) different from the advantageous state, Setting means capable of making settings related to the production based on the user's action, and display means capable of performing display relating to the setting of the production in different modes in the advantageous state and the non-advantageous state (in this example, FIG. 35 The menu display shown in FIG. 45 and the round menu display are different). In addition, the setting means can make settings related to a plurality of effects (for example, voice settings, liquid crystal settings, notification effects settings (holding upper limit notification, general winning notification, hitting notification, mode change notification, etc.)). . Therefore, in both the advantageous state and the non-advantaged state, settings relating to the production can be performed without interfering with the performance during execution, and the production according to the player's preference can be executed.

  In this embodiment, the setting means can be configured to perform the same setting in the advantageous state and the non-advantaged state (see, for example, FIGS. 35 and 45). Therefore, in both the advantageous state and the non-advantaged state, the setting related to the production can be performed in the same manner, and the production according to the player's preference can be executed.

  In this embodiment, the variable display of the second identification information (in this example, the second special symbol) is given priority over the variable display of the first identification information (in this example, the first special symbol). The ratio controlled to the advantageous state based on the variable display of the second identification information is higher than the ratio controlled to the advantageous state based on the variable display of the first identification information (this book). In the example, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C and FIGS. 9 to 10, the big hit type determination table for the second special symbol is controlled to a probable change state (and a high base state) after the big hit game. The winning ratio is determined to be a big hit C or a big hit D (both are configured to have a sixth round in which a game ball can be won in a specific area in the second big winning opening). The advantageous state may be configured to include a high-frequency state (for example, a high base state) in which the execution frequency of the variable display of the second identification information is high. Further, the advantageous state may be configured to include a specific state (for example, a big hit gaming state) in which the game medium is easily won in the winning area.

  In this embodiment, the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol are configured to have the same ratio of big hits (for example, as shown in FIG. 8A). (See the jackpot determination table shown), and the ratio of jackpots may be different. For example, a plurality of jackpot determination tables may be provided, and in the case of variable display of the second special symbol, the percentage of jackpots may be higher than that of variable display of the first special symbol.

  In this embodiment, the variable display of the second identification information (second special symbol in this example) is prioritized and executed over the variable display of the first identification information (in this example, the first special symbol). The ratio controlled to the advantageous state based on the variable display of the second identification information is higher than the ratio controlled to the advantageous state based on the variable display of the first identification information. Therefore, for example, when the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory are stored, in order to advance the game advantageously, the variable display of the first identification information is not performed based on the first reserved memory. As described above, the variable display of the second identification information is performed based on the second reserved memory (in this example, in order to generate the start winning to the second starting winning port 14, the right-handed is continuously performed. ) However, in the configuration in which settings relating to performance can be set only when a game such as a demonstration is not being performed, the second reserved memory is not digested and the first reserved memory is not digested (that is, the first identification information). The setting cannot be made unless the variable display is performed. In other words, for the player who wants to proceed with the game advantageously, it is not possible to make a setting related to the production. Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the non-advantageous state (in this example, during the demonstration display), the settings related to the performance are also performed in the advantageous state (in this example, the big hit gaming state or the high base state). It is configured to be able to. By configuring in this way, it is possible to execute an effect according to the player's preference.

  In this embodiment, a notification effect (in this example, a holding upper limit notification, a general winning notification, a hitting notification, and a notification of performing on the basis of the establishment of a predetermined condition (the first condition to the fourth condition in this example), Although the configuration capable of executing (mode change notification) has been described, the “predetermined condition” is not limited to that described above. For example, a hold change effect that changes the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the hold memory (specifically, whether or not a big win is won at the start winning, and the hold display corresponding to the hold memory that is the determination target) Occurrence of an effect that changes the display mode of the display to the one that suggests the determination result of the determination), generation of an active change effect that changes the display mode of the display (active display) corresponding to the variation being executed, Occurrence (for example, occurrence of a highly reliable presentation in which information is disclosed in advance), a prize exceeding a prescribed number for a specific prize opening (the first starting prize opening 13, the second starting prize opening 14 or the big prize opening) Occurrence, a specific timing (for example, output information of a real time clock (RTC) that outputs time information indicates a specific time, a specific period from the start of the game (based on the player's action) Conditions that may be set) have passed), that the number of winning prize balls has reached a predetermined number, and that the jackpot has been determined is substituted for or added to the first to fourth conditions. It is good also as being provided.

  In addition, each notification effect corresponding to a plurality of predetermined conditions is configured to be executable in a common notification mode (a combination of ON / OFF of “voice”, “vibration”, and “LED”). However, some or all of the notification modes of notification effects may not be common. Even if the same predetermined condition is satisfied, the notification mode of the notification effect is changed depending on the number of times the predetermined condition is satisfied and the timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, the intensity of vibration changes step by step or the LED emits light). The color may change).

  In this embodiment, the display means (in this example, the menu display shown in FIGS. 35 and 45 and the in-round menu display) is a display relating to the setting of the effect (in this example, FIG. 35A). As shown, in the first menu, “sound setting”, “liquid crystal setting”, and “notification effect setting” are presented as options (effect setting category). In addition to the configuration, the number of winnings in the general winning opening may be displayed. For example, the first menu may be provided with an option “display the number of winnings for the general winning opening”, and when the option is selected, the number of winnings for the general winning opening may be displayed. You may make it always display the number of winnings to a general winning opening. The display of the number of winnings may be in the form of displaying the total number of winnings in the general winning openings 33 and 39, and the winning ball is determined by winning in the general winning opening 33 and winning in the general winning opening 39. In the case where they are different, a format may be used in which the number of winnings is displayed separately. Further, the player may be able to select a display format.

  Further, when the display means can display the number of winnings in the general winning opening, for example, the counted number of winnings is reset (not backed up) when the power is turned off. The number of winnings for each day may be displayed, or the counted number of winnings may be stored in the backup RAM so that the cumulative number of winnings may be displayed. Further, for example, by storing the counted number of winnings in association with the date provided from the RTC (real time clock), the display means can display the past number of winnings. It may be possible to check retroactively whether there has been a prize.

  Further, in this embodiment, the notification effect setting process during the round is configured so that the notification effect can be set during the last two rounds. For example, a period during which the notification effect can be set (For example, a message “You can change the setting by operating the button” is displayed on the effect display device 9, a specific effect sound is output, or the lamp is turned on). You may do it. In addition, the game state may be notified in a period when the game state is the high base state and the notification effect can be set.

  Further, in this embodiment, the setting means can perform the same setting in the advantageous state (in this example, during the big hit game or high base) and in the non-advantageous state (in the present example, during the demonstration display). Although it is configured as shown (for example, see FIGS. 35, 45, and 46), the settable items may be different. For example, an item that can be set only in an advantageous state may be provided.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described. Note that in this embodiment, detailed description of the parts having the same configuration and processing as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and parts different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of types of notice effects such as “button effects” and “lever effects” are set to be executable. The “button effect” and the “lever effect” are notice effects that suggest the degree of expectation of a big hit. The “button production” and the “lever production” are not limited to the production that suggests the big hit expectation level. For example, the advantage of the game executed in the pachinko gaming machine 1 such as the reach expectation level or the probability variation expectation level. It may be an effect to suggest to the player.

  When the “button effect” is executed, for example, an effect operation that is an effect during the button operation effective period is performed before two or more effect symbols are stopped and displayed after the variable display is started. The effect during the button operation effective period is, for example, by displaying an effect image such as a character image or a message image prepared in advance at a predetermined position on the display screen of the effect display device 9, and the player pressing the push button 120. This is a directing action to promote. Thus, the effect during the button operation effective period that prompts the player to press the push button 120 is also referred to as a button operation promotion effect as the first promotion effect. When the effect is performed during the button operation effective period, the operation effective period for effectively detecting the operation of the push button 120 or the like by the player is set. If a player press operation of the push button 120 or the like is detected within the operation effective period, the execution of the effect during the button operation effective period is stopped at the timing when the operation is detected, and the effect operation of the specific effect is performed. Done. In this way, when the pressing operation on the push button 120 is detected within the operation effective period, it is only necessary to change the effect mode by switching the effect during the button operation effective period to the specific effect.

  When the “lever effect” is executed, for example, an effect operation that is an effect during the lever operation effective period is performed before two or more effect symbols are stopped and displayed after the variable display is started. For the effect during the lever operation effective period, for example, an effect image such as a character image or a message image prepared in advance is displayed at a predetermined position on the display screen of the effect display device 9. This is a directing action to promote. Thus, the effect during the lever operation effective period that prompts the player to tilt the stick controller 122 is also referred to as a lever operation promotion effect as the second promotion effect. The first promotion effect and the second promotion effect are also simply referred to as “promotion effect”. When the effect is performed during the lever operation effective period, the operation effective period for effectively detecting the operation of the stick controller 122 or the like by the player is set. When a tilt operation of the stick controller 122 by the player is detected within the operation effective period, the execution of the effect during the lever operation effective period is stopped and the effect operation of the specific effect is performed at the timing when the operation is detected. Done. In this way, when a predetermined operation such as a tilting operation on the stick controller 122 is detected within the operation effective period, it is only necessary to change the effect mode by switching the effect during the lever operation effective period to the specific effect.

  In this embodiment, one of the “button effect” and the “lever effect” can be executed as the notice effect during the variable display of the effect effect once. Then, when the effect during the button operation effective period in the button effect is performed, or during the operation effective period when the effect during the lever operation effective period in the lever effect is performed, the push operation to the push button 120 and the tilt to the stick controller 122 are performed. When the operation is set to be detectable, and an operation on either the push button 120 or the stick controller 122 is detected within the operation valid period, a specific effect such as a chance effect or a severe effect described later is executed. . For example, the specific effect is also executed when an operation on the stick controller 122 is detected within the operation effective period when the effect is performed during the button operation effective period. The specific effect is also executed when an operation on the push button 120 is detected within the operation effective period when the effect is performed during the lever operation effective period. Note that the effect operation that prompts the player to perform a predetermined operation is not limited to the effect display device 9 that displays the effect image, and the speaker 27 outputs a predetermined sound, and the decoration LED has a predetermined lighting pattern. May be one that is turned on or blinking, one that operates the movable member provided in the production model provided in or outside the game area in a predetermined operation mode, or a combination of these. .

  In this embodiment, the push button 120 emits white light when the effect is being performed during the button operation effective period, and is turned off when the effect is not performed during the button operation effective period. The stick controller 122 emits white light when the effect is being performed during the lever operation effective period, and is turned off when the effect is not performed during the lever operation effective period.

  In this embodiment, as the specific effects, there are “chance effect” (first specific effect) and “gekiatsu effect” (second specific effect), and an operation by the player within the operation effective period in the promotion effect is provided. When it is detected, either “Chance Production” or “Super Hot Production” is executed. The “chance effect” and the “super hot effect” indicate, for example, a big hit expectation by displaying an effect image such as a character image or a message image prepared in advance at a predetermined position on the display screen of the effect display device 9. This is a notice effect. Note that the “chance production” and the “super-hatsu production” are not limited to the notice production that suggests the jackpot expectation, but are advantageous for the game executed in the pachinko gaming machine 1 such as the reach expectation and the probability variation expectation. It may be an effect for suggesting the degree to the player.

  In this embodiment, as an example, when the “lever effect” (the effect during the lever operation effective period) is executed, the ratio is higher than when the “button effect” (the effect during the button operation effective period) is executed. Therefore, it is set to be controlled to the big hit gaming state. Therefore, it is suggested that when the “lever effect” is executed, the big hit expectation is higher than when the “button effect” is executed. Further, in this embodiment, it is set to be controlled to the big hit gaming state at a higher rate when the “gekiatsu effect” is executed than when the “chance effect” is executed. Therefore, it is suggested that when the “super hot production” is executed, the expectation level for jackpot is higher than when the “chance production” is executed.

  In this embodiment, the player can select the execution frequency of the lever effect from a plurality of selection candidates. In addition to the player, the store clerk of the game store may be allowed to select the execution frequency of the lever effect, and the store clerk of the game store may select the execution frequency of the lever effect instead of the player. May be. The process of selecting the execution frequency of the lever effect is executed by the effect control CPU 101 of the effect control board 80.

  FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen for the execution frequency of lever effects. For example, when a predetermined operation (pressing operation, etc.) on the operation means such as the push button 120 is detected in a predetermined period in which a game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not started, such as during execution of a demonstration display (demo display). 49, the lever display screen for selecting the execution frequency of the lever effect is displayed on the effect display device 9. Then, by operating the stick controller 122 or the push button 120 by the player, one of “high”, “normal”, and “low” is selected as the execution frequency of the lever effect. It should be noted that the settings relating to the lever effect can be made at the timing at which the setting relating to the notification effect in the first embodiment can be performed (specifically, during the demonstration display, during the round, or during the high base state). Also good. In this case, for example, in the first menu shown in FIG. 35A, an item “lever effect setting” is provided in addition to “audio setting”, “liquid crystal setting”, and “notification effect setting”. do it.

  When the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “high”, the frequency of the lever effect is executed as the promotion effect compared to the case where the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “normal” or “low”. Get higher. When the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “normal”, the frequency of execution of the lever effect as the promotion effect is higher than when the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “low”. Also, when the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “low”, the lever effect is executed as the promotion effect compared to the case where the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “high” or “normal”. Less frequent. In addition, when the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “high”, the reliability (expected degree of big hit) when the lever effect is executed is low (“low”), and the execution frequency of the lever effect is “normal” Is selected when the frequency of execution of the lever effect is higher than the reliability when “high” is selected (“medium”) and the frequency of execution of the lever effect is selected as “low”. Is higher (“high”) than the reliability when the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “high” or “normal”.

  In this embodiment, the specific effect determination process is executed when variable display of the effect symbol is started. For example, the specific effect determination process is executed in the effect symbol variation start process. The effect control CPU 101 of the effect control board 80, for example, as a use table for determining the presence / absence of a specific effect and the type of the specific effect, a specific effect determination table prepared by storing in a predetermined area of the ROM in advance. Select and set. In the specific effect determination table, the numerical value (determined value) to be compared with the random number for determining the specific effect corresponds to “no execution” that does not execute the specific effect or multiple types of specific effects when the specific effect is executed. It is assigned to a decision result such as “super-directed production” or “chance production”. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the specific effect determination table based on numerical data indicating a random value for determining the specific effect extracted from, for example, a random number circuit or an effect random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM. , Decide whether to execute a specific effect that will be a “chance effect” or a “super hot effect” and whether to execute a “chance effect” or a “super hot effect” when executing a specific effect .

  FIG. 50 shows an example of determining a specific effect. In this determination example, whether or not to execute the specific effect, and whether to execute the “chance effect” or the “super hot effect” when executing the specific effect, is the effect control transmitted from the main board 31. It is determined at a different ratio depending on whether the variable display result specified by the command or the like is “lost” or “big hit”. For example, when the variable display result (special drawing display result) is “lost”, “chance production” is determined at a higher rate than when the variable display result is “big hit”, and the variable display result is “ In the case of “big hit”, it is determined to be “super hot production” at a higher rate than when the variable display result is “lost”. In addition, when the variable display result is “losing”, the ratio that is determined as “chance effect” is higher than “super-attractive effect”, and when the variable display result is “big hit”, “chance effect” The percentage determined to be “super hot production” is higher than “ With some or all of the settings relating to the determination ratio, it can be suggested that when the “super-attractive effect” is executed as the specific effect, the jackpot expectation is higher than when the “chance effect” is executed. Further, the overall average of the specific effects according to the presence or absence of the probability variation state shown in FIG. 50 is the ratio of the variable display result determined according to whether or not the probability variation state is determined, and the extreme heat effect and the chance effect shown in FIG. And the execution ratio (A1, A2, B1, B2). When the probability change state is high, the ratio of the variable display result to “big hit” is higher than when it is not the probability change state. Therefore, as shown in FIG. “Probability” is higher than “Probability”. It should be noted that the specific effect may be executable only when “probability change”, or the specific effect may be executable only when “non-probability change”.

  In this embodiment, after the specific effect determination process is executed and it is determined that one of the “chance effect” and the “super hot effect” is executed, the promotion effect determination process is executed. The effect control CPU 101 selects and sets a promotion effect determination table prepared by storing in advance in a predetermined area of the ROM as a use table for determining the type of promotion effect. A plurality of promotion effect determination tables are provided according to “high”, “normal”, and “low” which are the execution frequencies of the lever effect shown in FIG. In the promotion effect determination table, promotion is made depending on whether the “chance effect” or the “super-hit effect” is executed as the specific effect, and whether the variable display result is “big hit” or “lost” A numerical value (decision value) to be compared with the random number for determining the effect is assigned to a determination result such as “lever effect” or “button effect”. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the promotion effect determination table based on numerical data indicating the random number value for determination of the promotion effect extracted from, for example, a random number circuit or an effect random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM. Then, it is determined which of the “button effect” and the “lever effect” is to be executed as the promotion effect. In this embodiment, the promotion effect determination process is not executed when “no execution” is determined in the specific effect determination process described above. Therefore, when the specific effect is not executed, the promotion effect is not executed.

  In this embodiment, as described above, the execution frequency of the lever effect can be selected from “high”, “normal”, and “low” (see FIG. 49). Thereby, the promotion effect determination table used in the promotion effect determination process is determined. In the promotion effect determination table, the execution ratio between the lever effect and the button effect is set in advance as shown in FIGS. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 49, by selecting the execution frequency of the lever effect, the execution ratio of the lever effect and the button effect can be selected from the number corresponding to the selected number of execution frequencies of the lever effect. .

  FIG. 51 shows an example of determining the promotion effect. FIG. 51 shows an example when the state is not the probability variation state, and the example when the probability variation state is not shown. In the determination example of FIG. 51, whether the “lever effect” or the “button effect” is executed as the promotion effect is whether the specific effect is the “chance effect” or the “super-hit effect”, and is variable. The display result is determined at a different rate depending on whether the display result is “losing” or “big hit”. For example, when the variable display result (special drawing display result) is “losing”, the “button” is displayed at a higher rate than when the variable display result is “big hit”, regardless of the specific effect. If the variable display result is “big hit” and the variable display result is “big hit”, the “lever effect” is at a higher rate than when the variable display result is “losing”, regardless of the specific effect. To be determined. In addition, when the variable display result is “losing”, the ratio determined to “button effect” is higher than “lever effect”, and when the variable display result is “big hit”, “button effect” The ratio determined to “lever effect” becomes higher. With some or all of the settings relating to the determination ratio, it can be suggested that when the “lever effect” is executed as the promotion effect, the jackpot expectation is higher than when the “button effect” is executed. The average of each promotion effect according to the specific effect shown in FIG. 51 is derived from the execution ratio (A1, A2, B1, B2) of each specific effect and the execution ratio of each promotion effect. In addition, the overall average of each promotion effect is derived from the average of each promotion effect according to the specific effect. As shown in FIGS. 51A to 51C, the overall average of the lever effects decreases in the order of “high”, “normal”, and “low” in the execution frequency of the lever effects.

  FIG. 52 is a diagram showing the execution ratio between the chance effect and the intense heat effect due to the difference in the execution frequency of the lever effect. As shown in FIG. 52, the rate at which the chance effect is executed after the lever effect is executed is approximately 3.5% when the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected to be “low”, and the execution of the lever effect is performed. When the frequency is selected as “normal”, it is approximately 10.5%, and when the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “high”, it is approximately 15.7%. On the other hand, the rate at which the intense production is performed after the lever production is executed is approximately the same when the execution frequency of the lever production is selected as “low”, “normal”, or “high”. 0.5%. In other words, when the execution frequency of the lever effect is set higher than when “low” is selected (when “normal” or “high” is selected), the execution frequency of the lever effect increases. A specific effect corresponding to minutes is executed as a chance effect. Thus, in this embodiment, for example, when the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “high”, the lever effect is executed as compared to when the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “normal” or “low”. The chance effect is executed at a high rate as the specific effect after the is executed.

  In this embodiment, a button effect operation control process and a lever effect operation control process are executed in the effect symbol changing process. FIG. 53 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a button effect operation control process executed by the effect control CPU 101. In the button effect shown in FIG. 53, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not it is a button effect period for executing the button effect (step S511). If it is the button effect period in step S511 (step S511; Yes), it is determined whether it is the start timing of the button effect period (step S512). When it is the start timing of the button effect period in step S512 (step S512; Yes), a setting for starting the operation effective period of the push button 120 (button) and the stick controller 122 (lever) is performed (step S513). As described above, when the button effect is executed, first, the operation effective period is started so that a predetermined operation on the operation means such as the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 can be effectively detected. If it is not the start timing of the button effect period in step S512 (step S512; No), it is determined whether or not it is an operation effective period (step S514).

  After performing the process of step S513, or when it is the operation effective period in step S514 (step S514; Yes), effect operation control for executing the effect during the button operation effective period is performed (step S515). In the process of step S515, an index display indicating a valid period in which the player's operation can be detected by the push button 120 or the stick controller 122 is performed. The indicator display is performed, for example, by displaying an effect image (meter image) indicating a meter (gauge) whose display amount decreases as the remaining time of the operation effective period decreases. When the remaining time of the operation effective period becomes “0”, an indicator display indicating that the operation effective period has ended is performed by displaying a meter image with a display amount of “0”. An indicator display indicating that the operation valid period has ended is particularly referred to as an end indicator display. Further, during the operation effective period, the push button 120 emits white light.

  After executing the process of step S515, it is determined whether or not an operation for detecting a predetermined instruction operation by the player, such as a pressing operation on the push button 120 or a tilting operation on the stick controller 122, is detected (step S516). At this time, when it is determined that the operation is detected (step S516; Yes), control for ending the effect during the button operation effective period is performed (step S517). In the process of step S517, for example, the meter image with the display amount remaining is switched to the meter image with the display amount “0”. That is, even when it is determined that an operation has been detected in which a predetermined instruction operation by the player, such as a pressing operation on the push button 120 or a tilting operation on the stick controller 122, is detected before the operation valid period ends, Display indicators.

  If it is determined in step S516 that no operation is detected (step S516; No), it is determined whether or not the operation valid period is to be ended (step S518). After executing the process of step S517 or when ending the operation valid period in step S518 (step S518; Yes), settings are made to start an effect operation that becomes a specific effect (step S519). Note that when ending the operation effective period, it is not necessary to make a setting for starting a production operation as a specific production. In this case, the specific effect is not executed after the operation valid period ends and the end index display is performed. After performing the process of step S519, the setting for ending the operation valid period of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 is performed (step S520). Thereby, after the operation valid period ends, a predetermined operation on the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 may be made undetectable. After executing the process of step S520, when it is not the button effect period at step S511 (step S511; No), or when it is not the operation effective period at step S514 (step S514; No), the operation effective period is set at step S518. When not ending (Step S518; No), button production operation control processing is ended.

  The lever effect operation control process executed by the effect control CPU 101 is the same as the button effect operation control process shown in FIG. For example, in the lever effect operation control process, in steps S511, S512, S515, and S517 of the button effect operation control process shown in FIG. 53, the “button” is simply changed to “lever”, and the button effect operation control is performed for other contents. Same as processing. When it is determined to execute the “button effect” in the above-described promotion effect determination, the button effect operation control process is executed during variable display, and the “lever effect” is executed in the above-described promotion effect determination. If determined, the lever effect operation control process is executed during variable display.

  FIG. 54 shows an example of an effect screen when a button effect is executed. For example, as shown in FIG. 54 (A), after the variable display of the effect symbol is started in the effect display device 9, the operation effective period starts at the start timing of the button effect period, and the effect starts during the operation effective period. Is done. When the effect is started during the operation valid period, as shown in FIG. 54B, a button image BT imitating the push button 120 on the screen of the effect display device 9 and a message image MS0 indicating a message such as “PUSH!” Is displayed. Accordingly, the player is notified that the operation valid period for effectively detecting the pressing operation on the push button 120 is recognized. In addition, a meter image MT is displayed as an effect image indicating the operation effective period. Further, the push button 120 emits white light. At this time, the stick controller 122 is turned off. By executing the production during the operation valid period, the player is prompted to press the push button 120. When the operation valid period is reached, the meter image MT is displayed so that the display amount of the meter is reduced as shown in FIG. 54C according to the remaining time of the operation valid period unless a push operation on the push button 120 is detected. The display of is updated.

  Further, when the push operation on the push button 120 or the tilt operation on the stick controller 122 is performed before the timing when the operation valid period ends, the meter image MT whose display amount is “0” as shown in FIG. 54D. Is displayed, and the operation valid period ends. Thus, even before the remaining time of the operation effective period becomes “0”, the display amount of the meter becomes “0” in response to the detection of the operation by the player, and the effect during the operation effective period is produced. Execution ends. After that, one of “chance production” and “gekiatsu production” is executed as the specific production. When the “chance effect” is executed, a first character image CH1 as shown in FIG. 54 (E1) is displayed, and a message image MS1 such as “Chance!” Is displayed. Further, when the “super hot effect” is executed, a second character image CH2 as shown in FIG. 54 (E2) is displayed, and a message image MS2 such as “Super hot!” Is displayed.

  Further, when a predetermined time elapses without detecting a pressing operation on the push button 120 or a tilting operation on the stick controller 122 from the state shown in FIG. 54C, a meter image with a small display amount as shown in FIG. 54F. Updated to MT. Then, if the pressing operation on the push button 120 or the tilting operation on the stick controller 122 is not detected until the operation valid period ends, a meter image MT with a display amount “0” is displayed as shown in FIG. The end index display is performed, and the operation valid period ends. As described above, when the remaining time of the operation effective period becomes “0”, the display amount of the meter becomes “0”, and the execution of the effect during the operation effective period ends. Thereafter, one of the “chance effect” and the “super hot effect” is executed as the specific effect (FIG. 54 (E1) or (E2)). Note that the specific effect is not executed when the process of step S519 (setting for starting the effect operation as the specific effect) is not performed when the operation effective period ends.

  The effect screen when the lever effect is executed is the same as the effect screen when the button effect shown in FIG. 54 is executed. For example, in the effect screen when the lever effect is executed, the push button 120 is pressed in FIGS. 54 (B) to (D), (F), and (G) of the effect screen when the button effect shown in FIG. 54 is executed. The simulated button image BT is replaced with a lever image simulating the stick controller 122, and the message image MS such as “PUSH!” Is replaced with a message image “PULL!”. Further, during the operation effective period, the stick controller 122 emits white light and the push button 120 is turned off. The specific effect when the lever effect is executed may be the same effect as the specific effect when the button effect is executed (the effects shown in FIGS. 54 (E1) and (E2)), or may be a different effect. Good. For example, in the specific effect when the lever effect is executed, a character different from the character that appears in the specific effect when the button effect is executed may appear.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to perform effects during the button operation effective period for promoting the operation of the push button 120 by the player, and the stick controller by the player An effect can be executed during the lever operation effective period that promotes the operation 122. In the operation effective period when the effect is performed during the button operation effective period or when the effect is performed during the lever operation effective period, the pressing operation on the push button 120 and the tilting operation on the stick controller 122 can be detected. When an operation on either the push button 120 or the stick controller 122 is detected, a specific effect such as a chance effect or an intense heat effect is executed. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 49, by selecting the execution frequency of the lever effect, the execution ratio of the lever effect and the button effect can be selected from the number corresponding to the selected number of execution frequencies of the lever effect. Thus, since the execution ratio of the lever effect and the button effect can be selected, the interest of the effect using the detecting means can be improved. In addition, since it is always possible to detect both the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 during the promotion effect such as the button effect and the lever effect, the execution ratio of the button effect and the lever effect can be made different according to the player's setting. Despite being able to do this, it is not necessary to switch the detection means that enables detection according to the player's setting. Therefore, the control burden can be reduced.

  Moreover, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, the execution ratio of the lever effect and the button effect is set in advance as shown in the promotion effect determination table of FIG. Depending on the execution ratio set in this table, when the “lever effect” is executed as the promotion effect, the variable display result is more likely to be “big hit” than when the “button effect” is executed. I can suggest that. Therefore, it is possible to improve a sense of expectation for a promotion effect such as a button effect or a lever effect.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, the push button 120 emits white light when the effect is being performed during the button operation effective period, and is turned off when the effect is not performed during the button operation effective period. . The same applies to the stick controller 122. Therefore, the promotion effect can be executed effectively.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, when the “super-attraction effect” is executed, the variable display result may be “big hit”, compared to the case where the “chance effect” is executed. Can be high. Also, the execution ratio shown in FIG. 51C corresponding to the execution frequency of the lever effect “low”, the execution ratio shown in FIG. 51B corresponding to the execution frequency of the lever effect “normal”, and the lever effect. The execution ratio shown in FIG. 51A corresponding to “high” is selectable. Then, as shown in FIG. 52, when the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “high”, the lever effect is executed as compared to when the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “normal” or “low”. As a specific effect after being performed, a chance effect is executed at a high rate. Therefore, a sense of expectation for the specific performance can be maintained.

  Moreover, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, a meter image is displayed in which the display amount decreases as the remaining time of the operation effective period decreases. When the remaining time of the operation effective period becomes “0”, a meter image with a display amount “0” is displayed. If it is determined in step S516 that an operation has been detected (step S516; Yes), control for ending the effect during the button operation effective period is performed (step S517). In the process of step S517, for example, the meter image with the display amount remaining is switched to the meter image with the display amount “0”. Thereby, it becomes easy to understand that the operation valid period is ended by the player's operation.

  The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible.

  In this embodiment, the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 are described as emitting white light when the promotion effect is being performed. However, the issue color during execution of the promotion effect is not limited to white, and may be blue, yellow, green, red, or the like. Further, different colors may be emitted depending on the game advantage such as the big hit expectation, reach expectation, probability change expectation, and the like. For example, in the effect during the button operation effective period, the push button 120 may emit red, yellow, blue, or the like according to the jackpot expectation, reach expectation, probability change expectation, or the like. In this case, regardless of whether the emission color of the push button 120 is red, yellow, blue, or the like, for example, as shown in FIGS. 54 (B) to (D), (F), (G) The effects during the button operation effective period for displaying the button image BT, the message image MS0, the meter image MT, and the like may be executed in common. Further, in the effect during the lever operation effective period, the stick controller 122 may emit light in red, yellow, blue, or the like according to the advantage of the game such as the jackpot expectation degree, the reach expectation degree, and the probability change expectation degree. In this case, regardless of whether the emission color of the stick controller 122 is red, yellow, blue, or the like, for example, the effects shown in FIGS. 54 (B) to (D), (F), and (G) A similar effect may be executed in common during the lever operation effective period. If it does in this way, the effect of production will improve. In addition, according to the change of the aspect of the push button 120 or the stick controller 122, you may perform the effect during a different button operation effective period, and the effect during a lever operation effective period. In this way, the interest of production can be improved.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when executing a button effect, as a common button image, regardless of whether or not the big hit expectation is high, FIGS. 54 (B) to (D), (F), (G) A button image BT as shown in FIG. When a button effect is executed, different button images may be displayed on the effect display device 9 according to the game advantage such as the big hit expectation. For example, a large button image may be displayed when the game advantage is high, and a small button image may be displayed when the game advantage is low. Alternatively, a red button image may be displayed when the game advantage is high, and a blue button image may be displayed when the game advantage is low.

  In this embodiment, the first detection unit is configured by the push button 120 and the second detection unit is configured by the stick controller 122. However, the detection unit is not limited to the push button 120 or the stick controller 122. For example, the detection means is configured by a contact-type touch sensor, etc., so that the player can detect the operation of touching the contact portion by hand, or the detection means is configured by a non-contact type touch sensor, etc. It may be possible to detect an operation of holding a hand over the part. Further, the detection means may be constituted by a jog dial, a touch panel, or the like so that the player's operation (operation) can be detected.

  In this embodiment, the detection means such as the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 are described as emitting light when an effect is being performed during the operation effective period. However, the detection means is limited to that emitting light. Not. For example, the detection means vibrates when an effect during the operation effective period is performed, or moves forward (in the direction toward the player) when the effect during the operation effective period starts, and the effect during the operation effective period It may be one that moves backward (in a direction away from the player) when the game ends (one that moves forward and backward). Further, the detection means may perform any one of light emission, vibration, and advance / retreat operation according to the big hit expectation. Also in this case, it is only necessary that a common promotion effect can be executed regardless of whether the detection means performs light emission, vibration, advance / retreat operation, or the like. It should be noted that different promotion effects may be executable depending on whether the detection means performs light emission, vibration, advance / retreat operation, or the like.

  Further, in this embodiment, the effect during the operation effective period is executed before the two or more effect symbols are stopped and displayed after all symbols change is started. However, the execution timing of the production during the operation effective period is not limited to the above timing, for example, during high-speed fluctuation, when reach state is established, during reach production, during normal reach to super reach, or when a big hit gaming state occurs It may be during a big hit gaming state or the like. Further, the production during the operation effective period may be executed a plurality of times during one variable display. For example, in response to the start condition of the special figure game being established once, until the finalized design symbol (final stop symbol) resulting in the variable display is derived and displayed after the variable symbol display is started. When it is possible to execute a variable display effect of “pseudo-continuous” that can perform a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of three times) an effect display that temporarily changes the variable display of the effect symbols and then changes again (pseudo-continuous change). An effect may be executed during the operation effective period for each pseudo-continuous change. In this case, it may be configured such that a lever effect with a high jackpot expectation level is more easily executed than a button effect with a low jackpot expectation level as the number of executions of pseudo-continuous variation increases. In addition, after the button effect is executed in the first and second pseudo continuous fluctuations, the lever effect is executed in the third pseudo continuous fluctuation. You may comprise so that it may be promoted to the operation effect which becomes high.

  Further, in this embodiment, it is determined that there is an operation detection in which a predetermined instruction operation by the player, such as a pressing operation on the push button 120 or a tilting operation on the stick controller 122, is detected before the operation valid period ends. When (step S516; Yes), the meter image in which the display amount remains in the process of step S517 was immediately switched to the meter image with the display amount “0”. In the process of step S517, the remaining display amount of the meter image is suddenly reduced without switching to the meter image having the display amount of “0” at a stroke, and finally the meter image having the display amount of “0”. May be displayed.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 52, the rate at which the intense production is executed after the lever production is executed is any of “low”, “normal”, and “high” in the execution frequency of the lever production. Even when selected, it was set to be about 0.5%. In addition, you may set this ratio so that it may differ according to the execution frequency of a lever production. For example, the ratio when the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “low” is about 0.5%, and the ratio when the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “normal” is approximately 0.6%. The ratio may be set such that the higher the execution frequency of the lever effect is, the higher the ratio is, such as about 0.7% when the execution frequency of the lever effect is selected as “high”. In this case, it is only necessary that the execution ratio of the intense heating effect is increased with an increase width smaller than the increase width of the execution ratio of the chance effect that is increased by increasing the execution frequency of the lever effect. Moreover, you may set so that the said ratio may become low, so that the execution frequency of a lever effect becomes high.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 50, the ratio of whether to execute “chance effect” or “super hot effect” depends on whether the variable display result is “big hit” or not. For example, whether or not a reach state is reached, whether or not a super reach reach effect is executed, which super reach reach effect among a plurality of super reach is executed, It may be determined at a different rate according to the presence / absence of variation, the number of times of pseudo-variable execution, and the like.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 51, whether the “lever effect” or the “button effect” is executed as the promotion effect, whether the specific effect is the “chance effect” or the “very hot effect” ”And whether the variable display result is“ losing ”or“ big hit ”, but at a different rate, the specific effect is“ chance effect ”or“ super hot effect ” You may decide whether or not there is. For example, whether to execute “lever effect” or “button effect” may be determined at a different ratio depending on whether the variable display result is “lost” or “big hit”. In addition, whether to execute “lever effect” or “button effect”, whether to reach a reach state, whether to reach a reach of super reach, and which of a plurality of super reach It may be determined at a different ratio depending on whether the reach effect of super reach is executed, the presence / absence of pseudo continuous fluctuation, the number of executions of pseudo continuous fluctuation, and the like.

  In addition, about the structure shown in said 2nd Embodiment, only a part of structure may be applied to the game machine shown in 1st Embodiment, or all structures are 1st implementation. You may apply to the game machine shown with the form of.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the production control board 80, the audio output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as boards on which a circuit for controlling the production apparatus is mounted. May be mounted on one 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.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100, but the game control microcomputer 560 is not connected to another board (for example, FIG. Or a sound / lamp board having a function of a circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and a function of a circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). An effect 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.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, when the variation is started in order to notify the variation control pattern 100 indicating the variation pattern such as the variation time, the type of reach production, the presence / absence of the pseudo-ream, etc. to the production control microcomputer 100. 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 each of the above-described embodiments, “the ratio is different” is not limited to those having different ratios such as A: B = 70%: 30% or A: B = 30%: 70%. , A: B = 100%: This is a concept that includes those with different ratios (that is, one with 100% allocation and the other with 0% allocation).

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, for example, a case where a plurality of types of special symbols such as “1” to “9”, production symbols, and normal symbols are variably displayed and a display result is derived and displayed is shown. It is not limited to such an embodiment. 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 each of the above embodiments, a pachinko machine is taken as an example of the gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to a plurality of types according to the operation of the operation lever by the player when a medal is inserted and a predetermined bet number is set. When the symbol is rotated according to the stop button operation by the player and the combination of the stop symbol becomes a specific symbol combination, it is applied to a slot machine in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player It is also possible to do. For example, predetermined conditions (for example, determination of winning of a combination (big bonus or regular bonus), execution of predetermined production, determination of RT (replay time) lottery result, determination of AT (assist time) lottery result, ART (assist replay) (Time) determination of the lottery result, etc.) can be performed for notification effects (sound output, LED emission, vibration of a predetermined part (operation lever, stop button, reel, housing itself), etc.) Settings relating to the execution of the notification effect may be possible based on the player's action. In this case, the predetermined condition may not be based on the determination result of whether or not to control to the advantageous state. In addition, it is possible to execute a notification effect that makes a notification based on one of a plurality of types of predetermined conditions being met, and a common notification effect can be performed when any of a plurality of types of predetermined conditions is satisfied It is good also as being. In addition, a notification effect that stimulates the player's skin sensation can be executed, and it is possible to set which of the predetermined conditions among a plurality of types of predetermined conditions is to be executed.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, 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. The present invention can also be applied to an enclosing game machine that encloses a game medium such as a ball and gives a score when a prize granting condition is satisfied.

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 20a 1st special variable winning ball device 20b 2nd special variable winning ball device 27 Speaker 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 70 Audio | voice output board | substrate 560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
109 VDP

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that performs a game and can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player,
A setting means capable of performing settings related to performance based on the player's action in the advantageous state and the non-advantageous state different from the advantageous state;
A gaming machine comprising display means capable of performing display relating to setting of effects in a different manner between the advantageous state and the non-advantageous state.