JP2020124540A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine improving amusement.SOLUTION: A specific game state that is more advantageous than a normal game state more frequently performs a control in which a profit to be acquired is likely to become more based on a determination that a small win game is to be executed. When a big win game is determined to be executed, it is possible to stop and display decorative symbols with predetermined aligned symbols in which same symbols are aligned. In the specific game state, when the small win game is determined to be executed, it is possible to stop and display the decorative symbols with specific aligned symbols which are different from the predetermined aligned symbols and in which same symbols are aligned.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine played by a player.

Conventionally, there is a gaming machine that displays a determination symbol indicating the result of the special symbol lottery on a display device (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP, 2014-10021, A

The conventional display device of the game machine has a problem that its interest has decreased. Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that improves the interest.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention adopts the following configuration. Note that reference numerals in parentheses, explanatory texts, and the like indicate a correspondence relationship with an embodiment described later to help understanding of one aspect of the present invention, and limit any scope of one aspect of the present invention. Not something to do.

A gaming machine (1) according to one aspect of the present invention,
Judgment means (100) for deciding whether or not to perform a big hit game advantageous to the player or a small hit game advantageous to the player different from the big hit game depending on the establishment of the start condition,
A game control means (100) for controlling a game based on the determination result by the determination means,
A game state control means (100) capable of controlling a game in a normal game state and a specific game state (probability variation game state, etc.) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state,
And a production control means (400, 500, etc.) for executing a variation production (information production) for informing the determination result by the determination means by displaying a plurality of decorative symbols on the production display means in a variable display and then stopping the display.
The game control means,
The profit obtained when the small hit game is judged by the judgment means when the game state is controlled to the specific game state than when it is controlled to the normal game state by the game state control means It is easy to increase (see Fig. 7, Fig. 8)
The effect control means,
When it is determined that the jackpot game is performed by the determination means, it is possible to stop and display the decorative design with a predetermined set design (for example, a doublet of a numerical design such as "777") that is aligned with the same design,
In the specific game state, when it is determined by the determination means that the small hit game is to be performed, a specific uniform design different from the predetermined uniform design and aligned in the same design (a small hit bell bellows; It is possible to stop and display the decorative pattern in FIG. 31(2)).

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that improves interest.

Schematic front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment of the present invention Enlarged view showing an example of a display 4 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of FIG. Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1. A diagram for explaining an example of a game ball passage determination process peculiar to this embodiment The figure for demonstrating an example of the lighting display mode of the main indicator 4h which concerns on this embodiment. Diagram for explaining an example of a big hit breakdown of special symbol lottery according to the present embodiment Illustration for explaining an example of a small hit type of special symbol lottery according to the present embodiment An example of a flowchart showing main processing executed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the power shutdown monitoring process in step S911 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100 FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining data used when executing the special figure game count process and the general figure game count process, and a storage area (work area) of the RAM 103 of the main control unit 100. An example of a conceptual diagram of a variable time table used for setting the time of the special symbol variable display in the area 11A An example of a detailed flowchart of the starting opening switch process in step S2 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol processing in step S4 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table An example of a detailed flowchart of the special winning opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special winning opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the process during the small hit game in step S623 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process performed by the effect control unit 400 An example of a detailed flowchart showing the command receiving process in step S11 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the command receiving process in step S11 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the notification effect setting process in step S115 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the effect state setting process in step S1150 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the small hit game effect setting process in step S131 of FIG. The figure for demonstrating an example of the effect image displayed on the image display part 6 which concerns on this embodiment, and the lighting display mode of 4 h of main displays. The figure for demonstrating an example of the effect image displayed on the image display part 6 which concerns on this embodiment, and the lighting display mode of 4 h of main displays. The figure which shows the modification of the main indicator 4h.

[This embodiment]
Hereinafter, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be simply referred to as the gaming machine 1.

[Schematic configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. Note that FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of the display device 4 provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the gaming machine 1.

In FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine configured to pay out a prize ball when a game ball launched by an operation of a player wins, for example. The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 2 on which gaming balls are launched, and a frame member 5 surrounding the gaming board 2. The frame member 5 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main part of the gaming machine 1, centering on a hinge provided on the shaft support side. A lock portion 43 is provided at a predetermined position on the front surface side of the frame member 5 (for example, an end portion opposite to the shaft support side), and the frame member 5 is unlocked by unlocking the lock portion 43. Can be opened.

On the front surface of the game board 2, a game area 20 for playing a game with a game ball is formed. In the game area 20, a rail member (a launching device 211; see FIG. 4) that forms a passage through which a game ball is lifted along the main surface of the game board 2 and heads to the upper position of the game area 20 ( (Not shown) and a guide member (not shown) for guiding the raised game ball to the right side of the game area 20.

Further, the game board 2 is provided with an image display unit 6 that displays images for various effects at a position where it is easily viewed by the player. The image display unit 6 notifies the player of the result of the special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) by displaying a decorative symbol in accordance with the progress of the game by the player, appearance of a character, appearance of an item, or the like. To display the notice effect, or to display a hold image indicating the number of times the special symbol lottery is held. The image display unit 6 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, or the like, but any other display device may be used. Further, on the front surface of the game board 2, a movable accessory 7 and a board lamp 8 used for various effects are provided. The movable accessory 7 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2, and performs an effect by performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the progress of the game or the operation of the player. Further, the board lamp 8 emits light in accordance with the progress of the game to perform various effects by light.

In the game area 20, game nails and windmills (both not shown) for changing the falling direction of the game balls are arranged. Further, in the game area 20, various types of prizes related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, in FIG. 1, a first starting opening 21, a second starting opening 22, a gate 25, a special winning opening 23, and a normal winning opening 24 are provided on the game board 2 as an example of various winning prizes and lottery items. Has been done. Further, the game area 20 is provided with a discharge port 26 for discharging the game balls, which have not been won in any of the winning openings of the game balls launched in the game area 20, to the outside of the game area 20. ..

The 1st starting opening 21 and the 2nd starting opening 22 each enter a game ball, and a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) is started. The first starting port 21 will operate a predetermined special electric auditors product (large winning hole 23) and/or a predetermined special symbol display (first special symbol display 4a described later), It is a winning opening for winning a game ball. In addition, the second starting port 22, which operates the special electric accessory and/or a predetermined special symbol display device (a second special symbol display device 4b which will be described later), is a prize relating to winning a game ball. It is a mouth. When the game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol lottery (open/close lottery of the electric tulip 27 described below) starts. It should be noted that the lottery does not start even if a game ball wins the normal winning opening 24.

The 2nd starting opening 22 is provided in the lower part of the 1st starting opening 21, and is equipped with the electric tulip 27 in the vicinity of the entrance of the game ball as an example of a normal electric accessory. The electric tulip 27 has a pair of blades that imitate a tulip flower, and the pair of blades opens and closes left and right by driving an electric tulip opening and closing unit 112 (for example, an electric solenoid) described later. When the pair of blades is closed, the electric tulip 27 is in a closed state in which the game ball does not enter the second starting opening 22 because the opening width guided to the entrance of the second starting opening 22 is extremely narrow. On the other hand, in the electric tulip 27, when the pair of blades are opened to the left and right, the opening width guided to the entrance of the second starting opening 22 is expanded, so that the game ball is in an open state in which the gaming ball easily enters the second starting opening 22. .. Then, the electric tulip 27, when the game ball passes through the gate 25 and wins the normal symbol lottery, the pair of blades opens for a specified time (for example, 0.10 seconds) and opens and closes for a specified number of times (for example, once). To do.

The special winning opening 23 is located at the center of the lower side of the second starting opening 22 and opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery. The special winning opening 23 is normally in a closed state and is in a state in which a game ball cannot enter. It becomes easy for game balls to enter. For example, the special winning opening 23 repeats a round that is in an open state for a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) until a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds elapse or winning of 10 game balls) is satisfied.

Further, in the lower left of the game board 2, there is provided a display device 4 for displaying the result of the above-mentioned special symbol lottery or the ordinary symbol lottery and the number of holdings. Details of the display 4 will be described later.

Here, the payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball enters (wins) the first starting opening 21, the second starting opening 22, the large winning opening 23, and the normal winning opening 24, a specified number of game balls per game ball is determined according to the place where the gaming ball is won. Prize balls are paid out. For example, if one game ball is won in the first starting port 21 and the second starting port 22, three award balls will be won, if one game ball is won in the big winning port 23, 13 award balls will be awarded, and the normal winning port 24 will be given. When one game ball is won, 10 prize balls are paid out. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, there is no payout of the prize ball linked to it.

A handle 31, a lever 32, a stop button 33, a take-out button 34, a speaker 35, a frame lamp 36, an effect button 37, an effect key 38, a dish 39, and the like are provided on the frame member 5 that is the front surface of the gaming machine 1. ..

When the player touches the handle 31 and performs an operation of rotating the lever 32 in the clockwise direction, a launching device 211 (is set at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 pieces per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle. (See FIG. 4) electrically launches a game ball. The plate 39 (see FIG. 3) is provided so as to project to the front of the gaming machine 1 and temporarily stores the game balls supplied to the launching device 211. The prize balls described above are paid out to the plate 39. Then, the game balls stored in the plate 39 are supplied to the launching device 211 one by one by a supply device (not shown) at the timing linked with the operation of the lever 32 by the player.

The stop button 33 is provided on the lower side surface of the handle 31, and even when the player touches the handle 31 and rotates the lever 32 in the clockwise direction, the stop button 33 is pressed by the player to shoot a game ball. To stop temporarily. The take-out button 34 is provided on the front surface in the vicinity of the position where the dish 39 is provided, and when pressed by the player, the game balls accumulated in the dish 39 are dropped into a box (not shown).

The speaker 35 and the frame lamp 36 notify the gaming state and situation of the gaming machine 1 and perform various effects, respectively. The speaker 35 produces various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. In addition, the frame lamp 36 performs various effects by light according to a pattern by lighting/blinking, a difference in emission color, and the like.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the display 4 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described. In FIG. 2, the display device 4 is a first special symbol display device 4a, a second special symbol display device 4b, a first special symbol holding display device 4c, a second special symbol holding display device 4d, a normal symbol display device 4e, a normal one. It is provided with a symbol holding display 4f, a game state display 4g, a main display 4h and a right hit display 4i.

In the first special symbol display device 4a, the display symbol is changed and displayed corresponding to the game ball winning the first starting opening 21. For example, the first special symbol display device 4a is composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball is won in the first starting opening 21, the special symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and displayed as the lottery result. Further, the second special symbol display 4b, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the game ball winning the second starting port 22. For example, the second special symbol display device 4b is also similarly configured by a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball is won in the second starting opening 22, the special symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and the lottery result is displayed. To do. Normally, the symbol display 4e is displayed with the display symbol varying in response to the game ball passing through the gate 25. For example, the normal symbol display device 4e is composed of an LED display device, and when the game ball passes through the gate 25, the ordinary symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and displayed to display the lottery result.

The first special symbol hold display 4c displays the number of times the special symbol lottery is held when the game ball wins the first starting opening 21. The second special symbol hold display device 4d displays the number of times the special symbol lottery is held when the game ball wins the second starting opening 22. The normal symbol hold display device 4f displays the number of times the normal symbol lottery is held. For example, the first special symbol hold indicator 4c, the second special symbol hold indicator 4d, and the normal symbol hold indicator 4f are each configured by LED display devices arranged in a row, and the number of times of holding is displayed depending on the lighting mode. It

The gaming state display 4g displays the gaming state (time saving state, etc.) when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.

The main display 4h is composed of, for example, eight LED display devices arranged in a row, the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, and when the big hit game to be described later in detail is executed, the big hit game is executed. It is lit and displayed in a lit display mode for notifying the number of round games (round number). Further, the main display 4h, the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit (details will be described later), and when the small hit game is being executed, the small hit in the gaming machine 1 is notified and the small hit game is being performed. It is possible to perform lighting display in a lighting display mode for notifying an opening/closing pattern (details will be described later) of the opening/closing operation of the special winning opening 23. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit, and even when the small hit game is being performed, the main display 4h may not be lit and displayed. A specific lighting display mode of the main display 4h will be described later with reference to FIG.

The right hit indicator 4i is in a game state where it is advantageous for the player to hit the game ball so that the game ball flows down the right side area of the game area 20 shown in FIG. 1 (that is, the game state of the game machine 1). However, the details will be described later, when it is a big hit game state, a probability variation game state or a time saving game state), and that is displayed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, an input device provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described. In FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an effect button 37 and an effect key 38 as an example of an input device.

The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are provided so that the player can input the effect. The effect button 37 is provided on the side of the upper surface of the plate 39 that projects forward from the gaming machine 1. The effect key 38 has a center key and four direction keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, and is provided adjacent to the effect button 37 on the side portion of the upper surface of the plate 39. The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are pressed by the player to perform a predetermined effect. For example, the player can enjoy a predetermined effect by pressing the effect button 37 at a predetermined timing. Further, the player can select one of the plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 6 by operating the four direction keys of the effect key 38. Further, the player can input the selected image as information by operating the center key of the effect keys 38.

Further, on the back side of the gaming machine 1, a ball tank for storing game balls for payout and a payout device (payout drive unit 311) for paying out the game balls to the plate 39 are provided, and various substrates are attached. ing. For example, on the rear surface of the game board 2, a main board, a sub board, and the like are arranged. Specifically, the main board is provided with a main control board configured with a main control unit 100 (see FIG. 4) that performs internal lottery, determination of winning, and the like. On the sub-board, a launch control board 200 (see FIG. 4) that controls a launcher 211 that launches game balls to the upper part of the game area 20, a payout controller 300 that controls payout of prize balls. The payout control board configured by, the effect control board configured by the effect control unit 400 that totally controls the effect, the image control board configured by the image sound control unit 500 that controls the effect by image and sound, and various types. Lamps (frame lamps 36, panel lamps 8) and a lamp control board and the like in which a lamp control unit 600 for controlling effects by the movable accessory 7 is arranged. Further, on the rear surface of the game board 2, the power supply of the game machine 1 is switched on/off, and the 24V (volt) AC power supplied to the game machine 1 is converted into DC power of various voltages, and each voltage is converted. A switching power supply for outputting the DC power of the above to the above-mentioned various substrates is provided.

Further, a game history display is provided around the gaming machine 1 (for example, the upper portion of the gaming machine 1) (not shown). The game history display includes a liquid crystal screen, and provides the player with predetermined game information by displaying the game information output from the gaming machine 1 on the liquid crystal screen. As the predetermined game information provided to the player, for example, the number of jackpots on the day, the day before and the day before the last, the so-called “number of consecutive chans” which is the number of times the jackpot winning occurs consecutively, the start number (previous time Number of lottery after big hit) etc.

[Configuration of control device of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a control device that performs operation control and signal processing in the gaming machine 1 will be described. Note that FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a control device provided in the gaming machine 1.

In FIG. 4, the control device of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 100, a firing control unit 200, a payout control unit 300, an effect control unit 400, an audiovisual control unit 500, a lamp control unit 600, and the like.

The main control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of payout prize balls, such as internal lottery and determination of winning. The ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 101, various data, and the like. The RAM 103 is used as a work memory or the like of the CPU 101. The main functions of the main controller 100 will be described below.

The main control unit 100 performs a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) when a game ball wins the first starting opening 21 or the second starting opening 22, and produces determination result data indicating whether or not the special symbol drawing is successful. Send to department 400.

The main controller 100 controls the opening time when the blade of the electric tulip 27 is in the open state, the number of times the blade is opened and closed, and the opening and closing time interval when the blade is opened and closed. Further, the main control unit 100, the number of execution suspension of the special symbol lottery when the game ball wins the first starting port 21, the number of execution suspension of the special symbol lottery when the game ball wins the second starting port 22, And managing the number of execution suspension of the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 25, respectively, and sends the data related to these number of suspensions to the effect control unit 400.

The main control unit 100 controls the opening/closing operation of the special winning opening 23 according to the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the main control unit 100 performs a predetermined number of rounds in which the special winning opening 23 is projected and inclined to be in an open state until a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds elapses or winning of 10 gaming balls) is satisfied. It is controlled to repeat only 16 times. In addition, the main control unit 100 controls the opening/closing time interval at which the special winning opening 23 is opened/closed.

The main control unit 100 changes the game state according to the progress of the game, and, according to the progress of the game, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery, the execution interval of the special symbol lottery (the special symbol is variably displayed on the display device 4). It may be said that the time is displayed and stopped, and the opening/closing operation of the electric tulip 27 is changed.

When the game ball wins the first starting opening 21, the second starting opening 22, the large winning opening 23, and the normal winning opening 24, the main control unit 100 determines a predetermined per gaming ball according to the place where the gaming ball wins. The payout controller 300 is instructed to pay out a number of prize balls. Even if the main control unit 100 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, the main control unit 100 does not instruct the payout control unit 300 to pay out the prize balls in conjunction with the game ball. When the payout control unit 300 pays out prize balls according to an instruction from the main control unit 100, information about the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 300 is sent to the main control unit 100. Then, the main control unit 100 manages the number of paid-out prize balls based on the information acquired from the payout control unit 300.

In order to realize the functions described above, the main control unit 100 includes a first starting opening switch 111a, a second starting opening switch 111b, an electric tulip opening/closing unit 112, a gate switch 113, a special winning opening switch 114, and a special winning opening opening/closing. Part 115, normal winning opening switch 116, display 4 (first special symbol display 4a, second special symbol display 4b, first special symbol hold indicator 4c, second special symbol hold indicator 4d, normal symbol display The device 4e, the normal symbol reservation display 4f, the game state display 4g, the main display 4h, and the right-handed display 4i) are connected.

The first starting port switch 111a sends a signal to the main controller 100 in response to the game ball winning the first starting port 21. The second starting opening switch 111b sends a signal to the main control unit 100 in response to the game ball winning the second starting opening 22. The electric tulip opening/closing unit 112 opens/closes a pair of blades of the electric tulip 27 in response to a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The gate switch 113 sends a signal according to the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 25 to the main controller 100. The special winning opening switch 114 sends to the main control unit 100 a signal in response to the game ball winning the special winning opening 23. The special winning opening/closing unit 115 opens/closes the special winning opening 23 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The normal winning opening switch 116 sends a signal to the main control unit 100 in response to the game ball winning the normal winning opening 24.

[Regarding switch processing of this embodiment]
Hereinafter, the switch processing (game ball passage determination processing) of the present embodiment will be specifically described. The game ball passage determination process is limited to the case where it is determined that the game ball has entered (or passed) the first starting opening 21, the second starting opening 22, the gate 25, the special winning opening 23, and the like. Instead, for example, it is also executed when the payout control unit 300 determines (counts) the paid-out prize balls (the number of prize balls).

FIG. 5 shows an example of the output signal of the proximity switch installed as the first starting opening switch 111a and the like for detecting the game ball winning (passing) to the first starting opening 21 and the like, and this output signal. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of the binarization signal binarized into ON level and OFF level using the passage determination threshold value (5V). The proximity switch has, as an example, a rectangular plate having a circular through hole through which a game ball passes, and outputs a voltage output signal corresponding to a change in magnetic flux when the game ball passes through the through hole. This is a DC 2-wire electronic switch that outputs. As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 5, the voltage level of the output signal of the proximity switch drops as the game ball approaches the center of the through hole, and becomes minimum (minimum) in the vicinity where the game ball reaches the center of the through hole. , The game ball goes up past the center of the through hole and goes up. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the output signal of the proximity switch is converted by a comparator (not shown) into the OFF level of the binarized signal when the voltage level is higher than the passage determination threshold value (5V), and the voltage level is changed. When it is equal to or lower than the passage determination threshold value (5V), it is converted to the ON level of the binarized signal. In the example of FIG. 5, the passage determination threshold value used for the determination is described as one passage determination threshold value (5V). However, for example, when the OFF level is switched to the ON level, the first passage determination threshold value (5V) is set. On the other hand, the second passage determination threshold value (6V) may be used when switching from the ON level to the OFF level. As a result, it is possible to prevent the binary signal from improperly going back and forth between ON and OFF due to the output signal of the proximity switch rising and falling across the passage determination threshold due to the influence of noise and the like.

Then, as a part of each processing in the timer interrupt processing executed at intervals of 4 milliseconds (4 ms) by the main control unit 100 described later with reference to FIG. 12, the binarized signal shown in FIG. By determining ON/OFF, the passage determination of the game ball is performed. The details will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 5, whether the binary signal is the ON level or the OFF level is determined at 4 millisecond intervals (ON/OFF determination). In FIG. 5, a natural number n is used to represent the order of ON/OFF determination. Further, in FIG. 5, the OFF level is determined by the ON/OFF determination from the (n−2)th time to the nth time, and then the ON level is determined by the (ON+1)th ON/OFF determination. Here, in the present embodiment, when it is determined to be the ON level, a predetermined minute time (for example, 4 microseconds) shorter than the 4 millisecond interval is set in the ON/OFF determination processing determined to be the ON level. The second ON/OFF determination is executed at the timing when the time has elapsed. In FIG. 5, the ON/OFF determination in the (n+1)th timer interrupt processing is both determined to be the ON level. Thereafter, the OFF level is determined by the ON/OFF determination from the (n+2)th to the (n+4)th. The ON level period of the binarized signal (referred to as ON period) is longer than in the case of FIG. 5 (that is, the gaming ball passes at a slower speed than in the case of FIG. 5), for example, n+2nd ON/OFF When the determination is also performed during the ON period, the determination is performed twice even in the (n+2)th ON/OFF determination.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when it is determined to be the OFF level by the nth ON/OFF determination and is determined to be the ON level twice by the (n+1)th ON/OFF determination, the through hole of the proximity switch is formed. It is determined that one game ball has passed. The ON/OFF determination is performed by the main control unit 100 (more accurately, the CPU 101) for the proximity switch installed as the first starting opening switch 111a, and is connected to the payout control unit 300, for example. The payout control unit 300 (more accurately, the CPU 301) executes the proximity switch for detecting the number of paid game balls (see FIG. 4).

Here, the above-mentioned predetermined minute time (for example, 4 microseconds) in the (n+1)th ON/OFF determination shown in FIG. 5 is preset according to the programming content of the software for executing the arithmetic processing of the game ball passage determination. It That is, the above-mentioned predetermined minute time is a variable time that can be set to any time depending on the programming content. The gaming machine 1 may generate a noise with a fine cycle (for example, a noise with a cycle of 3 to 15 microseconds), and the cycle of this noise depends to some extent on the model of the gaming machine. For example, a game machine of a certain model is likely to generate noise with a cycle of 5 microseconds, and a game machine of a certain model is likely to generate noise with a cycle of 9 microseconds. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the predetermined minute time described above can be set to an arbitrary time depending on the programming content, so that erroneous determination due to noise in a minute cycle can be effectively avoided. The arithmetic process for providing the predetermined minute time is a process that is not related to the progress of the game and is only a process for earning time. For example, by repeating the processing that requires a time of 1 microsecond four times, 4 microseconds can be provided as software as the predetermined minute time.

By the way, in recent game machines, since the load of arithmetic processing has increased due to an increase in the contents of arithmetic processing, the execution interval of the timer interrupt processing, which was 2 milliseconds in the previous gaming machines, is extended to 4 milliseconds, which is why As described with reference to FIG. 5, ON/OFF determination using the proximity switch is also executed at 4 millisecond intervals, which is extended from 2 millisecond intervals.

Here, in the previous gaming machine, the nth ON/OFF determination determines the OFF level, the (n+1)th ON/OFF determination determines the ON level, and the (n+2)th ON/OFF determination determines the ON level. Therefore, it was determined that one game ball passed (hereinafter, referred to as "previous determination method"). That is, the game ball passing is determined by three ON/OFF determinations by three timer interrupt processes. It should be noted that the reason why the ON level is determined at the n+1-th and n+2-th times in this way is to avoid erroneously determining that the game ball has passed due to an accidental determination of the ON level once due to noise. However, in the recent game machines in which the ON/OFF determination interval is extended to 4 milliseconds, it is not possible to determine the passage of a game ball passing at a high speed with the above-described determination method. For example, as the ON level period (ON period) of the binarized signal as shown in FIG. 5 becomes very short (for example, around 7 milliseconds), it is more difficult to determine the passage of the game ball passing at a higher speed. Will be. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is determined that one game ball has passed by the determination method described with reference to FIG. From this, according to the present embodiment, the ON/OFF determination by the two timer interruption processes can surely determine the passage of the game ball while preventing the erroneous determination due to noise.

By the way, in the gaming machine 1, a power supply monitoring circuit for detecting that the power supply to the gaming machine 1 is cut off, a disconnection detection circuit for detecting disconnection of the wiring of the proximity switch, and a proximity switch. An abnormality detection circuit (neither is shown) such as a short circuit detection circuit for detecting a short circuit of the wiring is provided. These abnormality detection circuits are provided with a threshold value (abnormality determination level) for determining the occurrence of an abnormality at a voltage level higher than the passage determination threshold value (5 V) shown in FIG. By this, when the voltage of the output signal of the proximity switch drops, an abnormality is judged before the voltage of the output signal drops to the passage judgment threshold value, thereby preventing erroneous judgment that the game ball has passed. As described above, since the abnormality determination level is set to a voltage level higher than the passage determination threshold value, it is difficult to set the passage determination threshold value to a high value (for example, 10 V) to obtain a long ON period (see FIG. 5). ). As a result, in the gaming machine 1, it is not realistic to take the ON period of the output signal long and determine the passage of the game ball by using the above-described determination method.

In the switch processing described above, the ON/OFF determination for the second time may not be performed in the timer interrupt processing for ON determination executed after the timer interrupt processing for ON determination.

Further, in the switch processing described above, it may be configured to detect the switching of the binarized signal from ON to OFF and determine the passage of the game ball. That is, in FIG. 5, it may be determined that one game ball has passed with the fact that the ON interrupt determination is performed twice in the (n+1)th timer interrupt processing and the OFF determination is performed in the (n+2)th timer interrupt processing.

In addition, in the switch processing described above, ON/OFF determination may be performed three times or more in one timer interrupt processing (ON detection), or in one timer interrupt processing (OFF detection), The ON/OFF determination may be performed twice or more.

Further, in the switch processing described above, the game ball passing determination may be performed without converting the output signal (analog signal) of the proximity switch into a binarized signal (digital signal). That is, the game ball passage determination may be performed by determining whether or not the output signal (analog signal) of the proximity switch is equal to or less than the passage determination threshold value (5V).

Further, in the switch processing described above, the output signal of the proximity switch is a low voltage level when the game ball is not detected and a high voltage level when the game ball is detected, and a signal inverting means for inverting this output signal. Thus, the output signal may be inverted and converted into a signal as shown by the dotted line in FIG.

In the switch processing described above, the proximity switch itself may be configured to convert an analog signal into a binarized signal and output the binarized signal, and the proximity switch may output the binarized signal.

This is the end of the description of the switch processing (game ball passage determination processing) of the present embodiment, and the description returns to FIG.

Further, the main control unit 100, the result of the special symbol lottery started by the winning of the game ball into the first starting port 21 (hereinafter, may be referred to as the first special symbol lottery), the first special symbol display 4a indicate. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the special symbol lottery (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the second special symbol lottery) started by the winning of the game ball to the second starting opening 22 on the second special symbol display device 4b. .. The main control unit 100 displays the number of times of holding the first special symbol lottery on the first special symbol hold indicator 4c. The main control unit 100 displays the number of times of holding the second special symbol lottery on the second special symbol hold display 4d. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the ordinary symbol lottery started by the passage of the game ball to the gate 25 on the ordinary symbol display device 4e. The main control unit 100 displays the number of times of holding the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol hold indicator 4f. Further, the main control unit 100 displays the game state at that time on the game state display 4g when the game machine 1 is powered on.

Further, the main control unit 100, the details are the number of rounds (round number) of the round game executed in the big hit game described later, or the opening/closing pattern of the opening/closing operation of the special winning opening 23 executed in the small hit game described later in detail. Is displayed on the main display 4h. Here, the lighting display mode of the main display 4h controlled by the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Lighting display mode of main indicator 4h]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting display mode of the main display 4h in the present embodiment. The lighting display mode of the main display 4h shown in FIG. 6 is what the player sees.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main display unit 4h is configured by arranging eight LED display devices in a row, and by combining which of the lighting modes of each of the eight LED display devices is turned on or off, As the main display unit 4h, 255 lighting modes can be shown except for a pattern in which all eight LED display devices are turned off. Further, as will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, as a big hit game, a big hit game performing two round games, a big hit game performing four round games, and eight round games. There is a jackpot game in which 16 round games are played. As shown in FIG. 6, the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, and when the big hit game is being executed, if the big hit game is to carry out 16 round games, the main control unit 100 makes eight Among the LED display devices, the main display unit 4h is lit and displayed in the lit display mode of the lit display pattern PA1 for lit and displaying the first, third, fifth, seventh and eighth LED display devices from the upper left. As a result, the player is informed that 16 round games will be played in the big hit game.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, and the big hit game is being executed, if the big hit game is to perform eight round games, the main control unit 100, Main display in a lighting display mode of a lighting display pattern PA2 for lighting and displaying the first, third, fourth, sixth and eighth LED display devices from the upper left of the eight LED display devices as seen from the player. It lights up for 4h. As a result, the player is informed that eight round games will be played in the big hit game.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, and the big hit game is being executed, if the big hit game is to perform four round games, the main control unit 100, Of the eight LED display devices, the main display device 4h has a lighting display pattern PA3 for lighting and displaying the first, third, fifth, sixth and eighth LED display devices from the upper left as viewed from the player. Is displayed. As a result, the player is informed that four round games will be played in the big hit game.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, and the big hit game is being executed, if the big hit game is to perform two round games, the main control unit 100, Main display in a lighting display mode of a lighting display pattern PA4 for lighting and displaying the first, second and fourth, fifth and eighth LED display devices from the upper left among the eight LED display devices as seen from the player. It lights up for 4h. As a result, the player is informed that the round game will be played twice in the big hit game.

Although details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, in the present embodiment, there are five types of small hits, small hit A to small hit E. Here, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit, a small hit game according to the type of the small hit is executed, and in the small hit game, the total opening time is 1.8 seconds or less. The opening/closing operation of the special winning opening 23 is performed in the opening/closing pattern according to the type of the small hit. In the present embodiment, as the opening/closing operation of the big winning opening 23 in the case of a small hit, the opening/closing pattern in which the big winning opening 23 is opened twice in 0.1 seconds in the small hit game based on the small hit A to the small hit C. In the small hit game based on the small hit D, the big winning opening 23 is opened once in 0.2 seconds and once in 1.6 seconds. In the small hit game based on the hit E, the opening/closing operation is set to be performed in an opening/closing pattern in which the special winning opening 23 is opened once in 0.4 seconds and once in 1.4 seconds. As shown in FIG. 6, the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit A or a small hit B, and when the small hit game is being executed, the main control unit 100 is seen by the player from the eight LED display devices. The main display 4h can be lit and displayed in the lit display mode of the lit display pattern PA5 that lits and displays the first, second, fourth, seventh and eighth LED display devices from the upper left. The main display 4h is lit and displayed in the lit display pattern of the lit display pattern PA3, so that a small hit is made in the gaming machine 1 and the big winning opening 23 is opened twice in 0.1 seconds in the small hit game. The player is informed that the opening/closing operation will be performed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit D, and when the small hit game is being executed, the main control unit 100 is the upper left when seen from the player among the eight LED display devices. The main display 4h can be lit and displayed in the lit display mode of the lit display pattern PA6 that lits and displays the first, second, fifth, seventh and eighth LED display devices. The main display 4h is lit and displayed in the lit display mode of the lit display pattern PA6, so that a small hit is made in the gaming machine 1, and the big winning hole 23 is once in 0.2 seconds and in 1.6 seconds in the small hit game. The player is notified that the opening/closing operation is performed in the opening/closing pattern that is opened once.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit E, and when the small hit game is being executed, the main control unit 100 is the upper left when seen from the player among the eight LED display devices. The main display 4h can be lit and displayed in the lit display mode of the lit display pattern PA7 that lits and displays the first, second, fourth, sixth and eighth LED display devices. The main display 4h is lit and displayed in the lit display mode of the lit display pattern PA7, so that a small hit occurs in the gaming machine 1 and the big winning hole 23 is once in 0.4 seconds and 1.4 seconds in the small hit game. The player is notified that the opening/closing operation is performed in the opening/closing pattern that is opened once.

As described above, the main controller 4h is lit and displayed in different lighting display modes by the main control unit 100, so that the number of round games executed in the big hit game or the small hit in the gaming machine 1 can be opened and closed. The player is informed of whether the opening/closing operation of the special winning opening 23 is performed in a pattern. In addition, in the present embodiment, the result of the special symbol lottery is the small hit C, and when the small hit game is being executed, the main display 4h is not displayed (that is, the display of the main display 4h is limited). I am trying.

In addition, a board external information terminal board 117 is connected to the main control unit 100, and an external signal obtained by converting predetermined game information is output via a output port (not shown) to the board external information terminal board 117. Is output to. A game history display (not shown) is connected to the board external information terminal board 117, and the predetermined game information (external signal) is transmitted from the board external information terminal board 117 to the game history display. It By outputting (displaying) the predetermined game information on the game history display, the predetermined game information of the game machine 1 is provided to the player. For example, the main control unit 100 sends one jackpot signal to the external information for the board immediately before the jackpot game based on the jackpot in the non-time saving state (in this embodiment, the normal gaming state or the latent gaming state) which will be described later in detail. Output to the terminal board 117. When the game history display receives a jackpot signal via the board external information terminal board 117, the jackpot number is increased by 1 and displayed, and "1" is displayed as a number indicating "the number of consecutive chans". To do. Further, the main control unit 100 outputs the short-time signal together with the big-hit signal to the board external information terminal board 117 only when the big-hit is started in the time-shortened state described later in detail. When the game history display device receives a jackpot signal and a time saving signal via the board external information terminal board 117, the gaming history indicator also displays the number of consecutive jackpots increased by 1 together with the jackpot number of the day.

Next, the firing control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The CPU 201 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the launching device 211. The ROM 202 stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like. The RAM 203 is used as a work memory or the like of the CPU 201.

When the position of the lever 32 is in the neutral position, the lever 32 does not output a signal and is in a firing stop state. When the player rotates the lever 32 in the clockwise direction, the lever 32 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle to the launch control unit 200 as a hit ball launch command signal. The firing control unit 200 controls the firing operation of the firing device 211 based on the hit ball firing command signal. For example, the firing control unit 200 controls the operation of the firing device 211 so that the speed at which the game ball is fired increases as the rotation angle of the lever 32 increases. When the signal indicating that the stop button 33 has been pressed is output, the firing control unit 200 causes the firing device 211 to stop the action of firing a game ball.

The payout controller 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301 performs arithmetic processing when controlling payout of payout balls. The ROM 302 stores programs executed by the CPU 301, various data, and the like. The RAM 303 is used as a work memory or the like of the CPU 301.

The payout controller 300 controls the payout of payout balls based on the command sent from the main controller 100. Specifically, the payout control unit 300 acquires from the main control unit 100 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game balls have won. Then, the payout driving unit 311 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls designated by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 311 is configured by a drive motor or the like that sends out the game balls from the storage unit (ball tank) for the game balls.

The effect control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, and an RTC (real time clock) 404. Further, the effect control unit 400 is connected to the effect key 38 operated by the player, and the effect control unit 400 acquires the operation data output from the effect key 38 according to the operation of the effect key 38 by the player. To do. Further, the effect control unit 400 acquires the operation data output from the effect button 37 via the lamp control unit 600. The CPU 401 performs a calculation process when controlling the effect. The ROM 402 stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like. The RAM 403 is used as a work memory or the like of the CPU 401. The RTC 404 measures the current date and time.

The effect control unit 400 sets effect content based on the data indicating the special symbol lottery result and the like sent from the main control unit 100. Further, when the player pushes down the effect button 37 or the effect key 38, the effect control unit 400 may set the effect content according to the operation input or the detection result.

The image/sound control unit 500 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 503. The CPU 501 performs a calculation process when controlling an image and sound expressing the effect content. The ROM 502 stores programs executed by the CPU 501, various data, and the like. The RAM 503 is used as a working memory of the CPU 501 or the like.

The image/sound control unit 500 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 6 and the sound output from the speaker 35 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, in the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500, a decorative symbol image for notifying a special symbol lottery result, an image of a character or item for displaying a notice effect or a prefetch notice effect, a special symbol lottery The image data for displaying on the image display unit 6 a held image indicating that the image is being held, various background images, and the like are stored. Further, in the ROM 502 of the image/sound control unit 500, various kinds of sound data such as music and voice output from the speaker 35 are output in synchronization with the image displayed on the image display unit 6 or independently of the displayed image. Remembered The CPU 501 of the image/sound control unit 500 selects and reads out, from the image data and the sound data stored in the ROM 502, one corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 501 uses the read image data to perform image processing for background image display, decorative pattern image display, character/item display, etc., and various types of commands corresponding to the commands sent from the effect control unit 400. The performance is displayed. Then, the CPU 501 displays the image indicated by the image-processed image data on the image display unit 6. Further, the CPU 501 performs voice processing using the read acoustic data, and outputs the sound indicated by the voice-processed acoustic data from the speaker 35.

The lamp control unit 600 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603. The CPU 601 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the operation of the movable accessory 7. The ROM 602 stores programs executed by the CPU 601 and various data. The RAM 603 is used as a work memory or the like of the CPU 601.

The lamp control unit 600 controls the lighting/blinking of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Further, the lamp control unit 600 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, in the ROM 602 of the lamp control unit 600, lighting/blinking pattern data and light emission color pattern data (light emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 according to the effect contents set by the effect control unit 400. ) Is stored. From the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 602, the CPU 601 selects and reads the one corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 based on the read light emission pattern data. Further, the ROM 602 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 7 according to the effect contents set by the effect control unit 400. From the operation pattern data stored in the ROM 602, the CPU 601 selects and reads out one corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 based on the read operation pattern data.

Also, the effect button 37 operated by the player is connected to the lamp control unit 600, and the lamp control unit 600 acquires the operation data output from the effect button 37 in response to the operation of the effect button 37 by the player. Then, the operation data is transmitted to the effect control unit 400.

It should be noted that the effect control unit 400 causes the image/sound control unit 500 to perform the effect button 37 and effect based on the operation data of the effect button 37 transmitted from the lamp control unit 600 and the operation data output from the effect key 38. The operation state of the key 38 is notified. Here, the operation state of the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 refers to whether or not an operation is being performed, and what kind of operation is being performed (for example, long pressing of the effect button 37 or left of the effect key 38). This is information including the (direction key press). Therefore, for example, when the effect button 37 is operated by the player, the operation state of the effect button 37 detected by the lamp control unit 600 is transmitted to the image and sound control unit 500 via the effect control unit 400. Therefore, the image and sound control unit 500 can also change the effect content based on the operation state of the effect button 37 transmitted from the effect control unit 400.

[Outline of game state in this embodiment]
Next, a game state of the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. As the game state of the gaming machine 1, there are at least a high-accuracy state, a low-accuracy state, a power support state, a non-power support state, a time saving state, a non-time saving state, and a big hit game state. The low probability state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a normal low probability (eg 1/300), and the high probability state is that the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is lower than the low probability state. It is a game state set to a high probability (for example, 1/70). In the non-electric power support state, the winning probability of the ordinary symbol lottery is a normal low probability (for example, 1/10), and even when the ordinary symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is in a short time (for example, 0.
It is a game state in which opening control is performed only once for 10 seconds, and therefore, it is a game state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting opening 22. In the electric support state, the winning probability of the ordinary symbol lottery is higher than that in the non-electrical support state (for example, 10/10), and when the ordinary symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is for a long time (for example, 2.00 seconds). The game state is controlled to be opened three times). Therefore, the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long time, and the game ball easily enters (wins) the second starting opening 22 frequently. It is in a game state. The non-time saving state is a game state in which the execution time of the special symbol lottery is a normal predetermined time, and the time saving state is a game state in which the execution time of the special symbol lottery is shortened compared to the non-time saving state. The big hit game state is a game state in which the big hit game in which the special symbol lottery is won (big hit) and the special winning opening 23 is opened is being executed. In addition, in the present embodiment, the electric support state and the time saving state are controlled at the same time, but in this game state, the game ball is almost available because the game ball easily enters the second starting opening 22. Many special symbol lottery can be executed in a short time without decreasing. In the following, the gaming state controlled in the low-probability state, non-electrical support state, and non-time saving state is called the normal gaming state, and the gaming state controlled in the high-precision state, electric power support state, and time saving state is a positive variation gaming state. That is, it is called a latent game state that is a game state that is controlled in a highly accurate state, a non-electric power support state, and a non-time saving state. In the present embodiment, when the special symbol lottery is won, the gaming state is controlled in the probability variation gaming state, the latent gaming state or the normal gaming state after the jackpot game is over. In addition, in the present embodiment, the time saving game state is not provided as the game state controlled to the low accuracy state, the electric power support state, and the time saving state.

[Outline of jackpot game in this embodiment]
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an outline of the special symbol lottery jackpot game in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7(1) shows a big hit breakdown of the special symbol lottery due to the game ball winning in the first starting port 21, and FIG. 7(2) shows a special symbol lottery due to the game ball winning in the second starting port 22. Show the breakdown. As shown in FIG. 7(1), the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery due to the game ball winning in the first starting opening 21 is that the jackpot probability of the jackpot A is 60%, and the jackpot probability of the jackpot C is 10%. The winning probability of jackpot B is 30%. Further, as shown in FIG. 7(2), the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery due to the game ball winning in the second starting opening 22 is that the jackpot probability of the jackpot D is 50%, and the jackpot probability of the jackpot E is 50%. Is. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7 (3), the jackpot game executed when each jackpot A to E is won will be described.

When the big hit game executed when the big hit A is won starts, after a predetermined opening time, the big winning opening 23 is changed from the closed state to the opened state for one round (hereinafter, simply referred to as "R". There is a) round game is started. In 1R, when 10 game balls are won in the special winning opening 23 or when the opening time is 29.5 seconds, the special winning opening 23 is changed from the open state to the closed state and the 1R round game is ended. Then, after an interval period (for example, 2 seconds) is provided between rounds, the special winning opening 23 is opened in the same manner as 1R, and then the 2R round game is started, and the big winning opening 23 is closed. 2R round game is over. Thereafter, similarly, a total of four round games are executed by opening and closing the special winning opening 23 with the interval period interposed. Then, when the predetermined ending time has elapsed, the big hit game is over. Here, the player can win a total of about 500 award balls during this big hit game. After that, the game state until the end of 80 rotations after the jackpot game is finished (that is, after the special symbol lottery is executed 100 times and the special symbol is changed 80 times on the display 4 and then stopped) , The probability variation game state is controlled, and after the 81st rotation, it is controlled to the normal game state.

When the big hit game executed when the big hit B is won starts, after a predetermined opening time elapses, a total of eight round games are executed by opening and closing the special winning opening 23 with an interval period in between. Then, when the predetermined ending time has elapsed, the big hit game is over. Here, the player can obtain the total number of prize balls of about 1,000 balls during this big hit game. After that, the game state is controlled to the probability variation game state until the 80th rotation ends after the jackpot game ends (that is, the special symbol lottery is executed 80 times), and the normal game state after the 81st rotation. Controlled by.

When the big hit game executed when the big hit C is won starts, after a predetermined opening time, the special winning opening 23 is changed from the closed state to the open state and an extremely short time (for example, 0.1 seconds) elapses. In the round in which the winning opening 23 is changed from the open state to the closed state, the round game is executed twice in total with the interval period interposed. Then, when the predetermined ending time has elapsed, the big hit game is over. In other words, during the big hit game, the special winning opening 23 is opened only momentarily, so that the game ball hardly enters the big winning opening 23, and the player obtains the prize ball during the big hitting game. It's difficult. After that, the game state, until the end of 80 rotations after the jackpot game state is finished (that is, after the special symbol lottery is performed 80 times and the special symbol is changed 80 times on the display 4 and then stopped) Meanwhile, it is controlled to the latent game state, and is controlled to the normal game state after the 81st rotation.

When the big hit game which is executed when the big hit D is won starts, after a predetermined opening time elapses, a total of 16 round games are executed by opening and closing the special winning opening 23 with an interval period in between. Then, when the predetermined ending time has elapsed, the big hit game is over. Here, the player can obtain the total number of prize balls of about 2000 balls during the big hit game. After that, the game state is until the end of 80 rotations after the jackpot game is over (that is, after the special symbol lottery is executed 80 times and the special symbol is changed 80 times on the display 4 and then stopped). , Is controlled to the probability variation gaming state, and is controlled to the normal gaming state after the 81st rotation.

When the big hit game which is executed when the big hit E is won starts, after a predetermined opening time elapses, the big winning opening 23 is opened and closed for a total of two round games with an interval period interposed. Then, when the predetermined ending time has elapsed, the big hit game is over. Here, the player can obtain the total number of prize balls of about 250 balls during the big hit game. After that, the game state is until the end of 80 rotations after the jackpot game is over (that is, after the special symbol lottery is executed 80 times and the special symbol is changed 80 times on the display 4 and then stopped). , Is controlled to the probability variation gaming state, and is controlled to the normal gaming state after the 81st rotation.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of types of big hits are prepared, but if the big hit A, big hit B, big hit D or big hit E is won, the game is controlled in the probability variation game state after the big hit game, If the big hit C is won, after the big hit game, the game is controlled in the latent game state. Further, when the big hit A is won, a total of four round games are executed in the big hit game. Therefore, when the big hit game executed when the big hit A is won is started, the main display unit 4h displays the lighting display pattern shown in FIG. It is lit and displayed in the lighting display mode of PA3. Further, when the big hit B is won, a total of eight round games are executed in the big hit game. Therefore, when the big hit game that is executed when the big hit B is won is started, the main display 4h displays the lighting display pattern shown in FIG. It is lit and displayed in the lighting display mode of PA2. In addition, when a big hit C or big hit E is won, a total of two round games are executed in the big hit game, so when the big hit game executed when the big hit C or big hit E is won, the main display 4h is displayed. The lighting display pattern PA4 shown in FIG. Further, when the big hit D is won, a total of 16 round games are executed in the big hit game. Therefore, when the big hit game that is executed when the big hit D is won is started, the main display 4h lights up the display pattern shown in FIG. It is lit and displayed in the lit display mode of PA1. When the big hit game ends, the lighting display of the main display 4h ends. Further, hereinafter, the big hit A, the big hit B, the big hit D and the big hit E are sometimes referred to as the probability variation big hits, and the big hit C is sometimes referred to as the latent big hit.

In addition, in the present embodiment, when the special symbol lottery due to the game ball winning is not won (that is, when the game is lost), a “small hit” is provided with a predetermined first probability (for example, 1/80). ing. If you do not win the special symbol lottery (that is, the first special symbol lottery) due to the game ball winning in the first starting opening 21, if you win this "small hit", as a small hit game, big hit C The effect (first effect or second effect described later) as if the player was won is performed, and the special winning opening 23 is controlled to be opened and closed in the same opening and closing pattern as when the big hit C is won (that is, a large effect). The winning opening 23 is controlled to be opened and closed so as to be opened twice in 0.1 seconds). Further, in the present embodiment, in the case where the special symbol lottery (that is, the second special symbol lottery) due to the game ball winning in the second starting opening 222 is not won, when the "small hit" is won, As a small hit game, a different effect (a third effect described later) from when the "small hit" is won in the first special symbol lottery is performed, and when the "small hit" is won in the first special symbol lottery The special winning opening 23 is controlled to be opened/closed by an opening/closing pattern different from that (details will be described later). Here, in the present embodiment, in the small hit, three types of small hits A to C, each of which is a different small hit symbol which is a symbol indicating that the result of the first special symbol lottery is a small hit, and the second special There are two types of small hits D and small hits E, which are different from each other, and each of which has a different small hit symbol which is a symbol indicating that the result of the symbol lottery is a small hit. The types of small hits will be described with reference to FIG.

[Type of small hit]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a small hit in the present embodiment. The types of small hits in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, there are five types of small hits A to E. The small hit A is the small hit when the symbol indicating that the result of the first special symbol lottery is the small hit is the small hit symbol A. The small hit B is a small hit when the symbol indicating that the result of the first special symbol lottery is the small hit is the small hit symbol B. The small hit C is a small hit when the symbol indicating that the result of the first special symbol lottery is the small hit is the small hit symbol C. The small hit D is a small hit when the symbol indicating that the result of the second special symbol lottery is the small hit is the small hit symbol D. The small hit E is a small hit when the symbol indicating that the result of the second special symbol lottery is the small hit is the small hit symbol E. Further, if the result of the first special symbol lottery is a small hit A or B, when the small hit game starts, the main display 4h is lit and displayed in the lighting display pattern of the lighting display pattern PA5 shown in FIG. 6, and the small hit. The first effect is performed as a small hit game effect that is an effect that is executed during the execution of the game, and the opening/closing operation is performed in an opening/closing pattern in which the special winning opening 23 is opened twice for 0.1 seconds. On the other hand, if the result of the first special symbol lottery is a small hit C, the main display 4h is not lit even if the small hit game is started, and the second effect is executed as a small hit game effect, as well as a large hit. The opening/closing operation is performed in an opening/closing pattern in which the winning opening 23 is opened twice for 0.1 seconds. Further, when the result of the second special symbol lottery is a small hit D, when the small hit game is started, the main display 4h is lit and displayed in the lighting display mode of the lighting display pattern PA6 shown in FIG. 6, and the small hit game is executed. The third effect is performed as a small hit game effect which is an effect executed in the middle, and the opening/closing operation is performed in an opening/closing pattern in which the special winning opening 23 is opened once in 0.2 seconds and once in 1.6 seconds. Done. Further, when the result of the second special symbol lottery is a small hit E, when the small hit game is started, the main display 4h is lit and displayed in the lighting display pattern of the lighting display pattern PA7 shown in FIG. 6, and the small hit game is executed. The third effect is performed as a small hit game effect which is an effect executed in the middle, and the opening/closing operation is performed in an opening/closing pattern in which the special winning opening 23 is opened once in 0.4 seconds and once in 1.4 seconds. Done.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of types of small hits are prepared, and when the small hit game is started, the main display 4h is displayed according to the type of small hits (small hit pattern). There are cases where the main display 4h is not displayed. In addition, depending on the type of small hit, different effects can be executed as a small hit game effect. Also, depending on the type of small hit, the opening and closing operation of the special winning opening 23 can be executed in different opening and closing patterns in the small hit game.

Next, a processing flow executed by the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

[Main Processing by Main Control Unit 100]
First, the main processing executed by the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The main process is started when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, and is continuously executed while the main control unit 100 is activated.

In step S901 of FIG. 9, first, the CPU 101 waits, for example, 2000 ms, and the process proceeds to step S902. Although not shown, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 is ready to receive a signal from the main control unit 100 without performing a standby process. .. That is, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 is ready to start the process before the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100.

In step S902, the CPU 101 can access the RAM 103, and the process proceeds to step S903.

In step S903, the CPU 101 determines whether a RAM clear switch (not shown) is “ON”. If the determination in step S903 is YES, the process proceeds to step S904, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S907.

In step S904, the CPU 101 clears the RAM. Here, since the RAM clear is a known technique, detailed description thereof will be omitted, but it is to set various information (for example, information indicating a game state) stored in the RAM 103 to a predetermined initial state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S905.

In step S905, the CPU 101 sets the work area when RAM is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S906.

In step S906, the CPU 101 initializes the peripheral portion. Here, the peripheral portion is the effect control unit 400, the payout control unit 300, and the like. Initialization of the peripheral portion is performed by transmitting an initialization command instructing execution of the initialization to each control unit. After that, the process proceeds to step S910.

In step S907, the CPU 101 determines whether the backup flag is “ON”. The backup flag is a flag that is turned on when the generation of the backup data is normally completed when the power is shut off, and is a flag indicating that the backup data is valid in association with the generated backup data. If the determination in step S907 is YES, the process proceeds to step S908, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S904.

In step S908, the CPU 101 determines whether the checksum is normal. If the determination in step S908 is YES, the process proceeds to step S909, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S904.

In step S909, the CPU 101 executes a recovery process (see FIG. 11) described later, and the process proceeds to step S910.

In step S910, the CPU 101 sets the cycle (4 ms) of the built-in CTC (timer counter). The CPU 101 executes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 12) described later using the cycle set here. After that, the process proceeds to step S911.

In step S911, the CPU 101 executes a power shutdown monitoring process (see FIG. 10) described later, and the process proceeds to step S912.

In step S912, the CPU 101 makes settings to prohibit interruption of the timer interrupt process, and the process proceeds to step S913.

In step S913, the CPU 101 updates (counts up) various initial value random numbers, and the process proceeds to step S914. Here, the initial value random number is for determining the start value of various random numbers (big hit random number, design random number, reach random number, fluctuation pattern random number) that are counted up and updated in the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 12) described later. It is a random number, and a plurality of initial value random numbers are prepared corresponding to various random numbers. The initial value random number includes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 12) that occurs every predetermined CTC cycle (4 ms) and the remaining time (that is, the processing time required for the timer interrupt process from the predetermined CTC cycle). The count-up is updated in both of the main processing (see FIG. 9) that is performed during the reduced time), and after reaching the maximum value (for example, 299) of the set random number, it returns to the minimum value (for example, 0) again. Further, this remaining time varies depending on the processing status of the CPU 101, and therefore is a random time, and the number of times of updating the initial value random number updated with the remaining time is also random. On the other hand, as will be described later in detail, since various other random numbers (big hit random number, design random number, reach random number, fluctuation pattern random number) are updated only by the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 12), the initial value random number is a random number update process. Processing cycle is different. In this way, due to the difference in the processing cycle, for example, even if the initial value random number and the big hit random number have the same random number range (for example, 0 to 299), the initial value random number acquired as the start value of the big hit random number is The value will be random each time. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to predict the timing at which the big hit random number value that causes the big hit is acquired.

In step S914, the CPU 101 makes settings for permitting interruption of the timer interrupt process, and the process returns to step S911. That is, the CPU 101 repeatedly executes the processing of steps S911 to S914.

[Power shutdown monitoring process by main controller 100]
FIG. 10 is a detailed flowchart of the power interruption monitoring process in step S911 of FIG. In step S9111 of FIG. 10, the CPU 101 prohibits the interrupt process, and the process proceeds to step S9112.

In step S9112, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been cut off, based on whether or not a power cutoff signal has been input from a power supply unit (not shown). If the determination in step S9112 is YES, the process proceeds to step S9114, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S9113.

In step S9113, the CPU 101 permits the interrupt process and ends the power shutdown monitoring process (the process proceeds to step S912 in FIG. 9).

On the other hand, in step S9114, the CPU 101 clears the output port for inputting/outputting various information to/from the CPU 101, and the process proceeds to step S9115.

In step S9115, the CPU 101 creates backup data in the RAM 103 based on the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1, etc., then creates a checksum from the contents of the RAM 103 and stores it in the RAM 103. In this process, after detecting that the power supply voltage starts to drop due to the power-off of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 100 (after determining “YES” in step S9112), the power supply voltage becomes “0”. It will be done in the period until. By this processing, the game state information and the like immediately before the power is cut off are stored in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9116.

In step S9116, CPU 101 sets the backup flag to “ON”, and the process proceeds to step S9117.

In step S9117, the CPU 101 prohibits access to the RAM 103 and ends the power shutdown monitoring process (the process moves to step S912 in FIG. 9).

[Recovery process by main controller 100]
FIG. 11 is a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. First, in step S9091 of FIG. 11, the CPU 101 sets the work area of the RAM 103 at the time of restoration, and the process proceeds to step S9092.

In step S9092, the CPU 101 refers to the information in the RAM 103, confirms information about the game state at the time of power-off and the number of special symbol lottery held, and issues a recovery notification command including the information to the effect control unit 400. Send. In this way, the CPU 101 transmits a restoration notification command indicating the state at the time of power shutdown to the effect control unit 400 in order to notify that the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been restored. Through the processing in step S9092, the effect control unit 400 can confirm the game state before power off.

In step S9093, the CPU 101 sets the peripheral portion, and the process proceeds to step S9094.

In step S9094, the CPU 101 sets the backup flag to “OFF”, and ends the recovery process (the process moves to step S910 in FIG. 9).

[Timer interrupt processing of main controller]
Next, the timer interrupt process executed in the main controller 100 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100. The timer interrupt processing performed in the main control unit 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. The main control unit 100 repeatedly executes the series of processes shown in FIG. 12 at regular time intervals (4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as power-on and power-off. The processing performed by the main control unit 100, which will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 12 and subsequent figures, is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 102.

First, in step S1, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 updates various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a pattern random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number, and becomes a start value when each random number is counted up and updated. A random number update process for updating each initial value random number is executed. Here, the big hit random number is a random number for determining whether the special symbol lottery is won or lost (that is, performing the special symbol lottery). The symbol random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot when the special symbol lottery is won. The jackpot random number and the symbol random number are random numbers used in the process of step S407 of FIG. 16 described later. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not the reach effect is performed when the special symbol lottery is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation time (variation pattern) of the special symbol. Here, the variation time of the special symbol is equal to the execution time of the notification effect (variation effect) executed in synchronization with the variation of the special symbol. The reach random number and the fluctuation pattern random number are set in step S40 of FIG. 16 described later.
Used in process 8. In the random number updating process of step S1, the jackpot random number, the pattern random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, and the like are updated by adding one each. That is, it is counted up. Then, each random number is acquired in the starting port switch (SW) process of step S2 and the gate switch (SW) process of step S3, and is used in the special symbol process of step S4 and the ordinary symbol process of step S5 described later. Note that the counter that performs the process of step S1 is typically a loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random numbers (for example, 299 for the variable pattern random number) (that is, the circulation cycle). To). Further, in the random number updating process of step S1, each counter of the jackpot random number, the pattern random number, the reach random number, the fluctuation pattern random number, etc., when the count of the loop counter goes round, the initial value corresponding to each random number at that time. A random number is acquired and the count of the loop counter is newly started using the value of the initial value random number as a start value. The random number range such as jackpot random number, pattern random number, reach random number, and fluctuation pattern random number may be set arbitrarily, but by setting each to a different range, the counter value (count (Value) is preferably set so as not to be synchronized.

Next, in step S2, the CPU 101 monitors the states of the first start port switch 111a and the second start port switch 111b, and determines that the game ball has won the first start port 21 or the second start port 22. Then, the starting opening switch process is executed to perform a process relating to the number of holdings U1 of the first special symbol lottery and the number of holdings U2 of the second special symbol lottery and a process of acquiring various random numbers. The details of the starting opening switch process will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, in step S3, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the gate switch 113, and based on the output signal from the gate switch 113, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, the number of ordinary symbol lottery is held. Is less than the upper limit value (for example, 4), and when it is determined that the number of reservations is less than the upper limit value, a gate switch process for obtaining a random number used for a normal symbol process in step S5 described later is executed. ..

Next, in step S4, the CPU 101 executes the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, and after variably displaying the special symbols on the first special symbol display device 4a or the second special symbol display device 4b, these The display processing of the stop symbol indicating the lottery result and the special symbol processing for transmitting various commands to the effect control unit 400 are executed. This special symbol processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Next, in step S5, the CPU 101 executes normal symbol processing for determining whether or not the random number acquired in the gate switch processing in step S3 matches a predetermined hit random number. Then, the CPU 101 causes the normal symbol display 4e to variably display the normal symbol and then stops and displays the normal symbol indicating the determination result. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the normal symbol variation time, in which the normal symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and displayed, to 10 seconds in the non-time saving state and shortens to 0.5 seconds in the time saving state. Further, the CPU 101 sets the probability that the ordinary symbol displayed on the ordinary symbol display device 4e becomes a predetermined winning symbol (that is, the probability of winning the ordinary symbol lottery) to a low probability (1/10) in the non-electric support state. However, in the electric support state, it is raised to a high probability (10/10).

Next, in step S6, when it is determined that the special symbol lottery has been won in the special symbol processing of step S4 (in the case of a big hit), the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening/closing unit 115 to enter the special winning opening 23. A predetermined opening/closing operation is performed, and a special winning opening process for transmitting various commands related to so-called big hit game effects to the effect control unit 400 is executed. By this processing, the big hit game (special game) is advanced, and the player can obtain a large amount of prize balls. The special winning opening process will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

Next, in step S7, the CPU 101, when the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display device 4e by the normal symbol process of step S5 is a predetermined winning symbol (that is, when the normal symbol lottery is won), the electric motor The electric tulip process for operating the tulip 27 is executed. At that time, the CPU 101 controls the electric tulip 27 to be opened for an extremely short period (once per 0.10 seconds) in the non-electric support state, and the electric tulip 27 for a long period (once per 2.00 seconds) in the electric support state. Open control. By controlling the electric tulip 27 to the open state, the game ball can be won in the second starting port 22, and the game ball is won in the second starting port 22 to perform the second special symbol lottery. Will be seen.

Next, in step S8, the CPU 101 executes prize ball processing for controlling the number of winning game balls and controlling the payout of prize balls according to the winning.

Next, in step S9, the CPU 101 performs various commands and effects set in the RAM 103 by the start opening switch processing of step S2, the special symbol processing of step S4, the special winning opening processing of step S6, the prize ball processing of step S8, and the like. The output processing of outputting the information necessary for the production control unit 400 or the payout control unit 300 is executed. It should be noted that the CPU 101 notifies each time the game ball has won to the respective winning openings, every time the gaming ball has won the first starting opening 21, the second starting opening 22, the large winning opening 23, and the normal winning opening 24. The winning command is set in the RAM 103, and the winning command is output to the effect control unit 400 or the payout control unit 300.

[Regarding control time count processing]
Here, although the description is omitted in the timer interrupt process described above with reference to FIG. 12, in this timer interrupt process, the CPU 101 is a special symbol that measures a series of control times on the special symbol game side using one timer function. Control time count process on the game side (referred to as "special figure game count process"), and control time count process on the normal symbol game side that measures a series of control times on the regular symbol game side using one timer function (""Public game counting process") is executed. The special figure game count process and the normal figure game count process are sequentially executed, for example, between the process of step S7 and the process of step S8 of FIG. In addition, the special symbol game waits for the winning of the game ball to the starting opening (21 or 22), repeats the special symbol lottery according to the winning of the game ball, and notifies the lottery result, It is a game that executes a big hit game when a special symbol lottery is won. In addition, the normal symbol game waits for the game ball to pass to the gate 25, executes the normal symbol lottery according to the passage of the game ball, and repeatedly notifies the result of the lottery, and wins the ordinary symbol lottery. In the case of doing, it is a game that executes the opening/closing control of the electric tulip 27 (a game of opening the electric Chu).

In the following, first, the special figure game counting process will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the data used when executing the special figure game count processing and the normal figure game count processing, and the storage area (work area) of the RAM 103 of the main control unit 100.

FIG. 13(1) shows the type of data (referred to as "special figure side setting data") for setting (specifying) the time to be counted on the special symbol game side. The special figure side setting data is data for setting which period of each period (time) of the special symbol game is being measured. In each period (time) of this special symbol game, as shown in FIG. 13(1), "waiting for start winning a prize", "in special symbol fluctuation display", and "in special symbol stop display", It includes "during opening display", "during round", "during special winning opening valid period", and "during ending display".

"Waiting for starting mouth prize" is a state (period) in which the special symbol lottery related to this starting mouth prize can be immediately executed to start the variable display of the special symbols when there is a starting mouth prize, typically, It is not in the big hit game, it is in a state where neither the variable display of the special symbol nor the stop display for the specified time is displayed.
"Special symbol variation display" is a state (period) in which the special symbol lottery is executed in accordance with the winning opening prize and the variation display of the special symbol is being performed on the display unit 4. "Special symbol stop display" is a state (period) in which the special symbols that have been variably displayed on the display 4 are completely stopped and displayed for a specified time (0.5 seconds) in a display mode for notifying the special symbol lottery result. Is. The "during opening display" is a state (period) in which the special design lottery is displayed and an opening effect is displayed on the image display unit 6 to notify that the big hit game has started. The “round” is a state (period) in which a round (round game) in which the special winning opening 23 is opened in the big hit game is being executed. "During the special winning opening valid period" is arranged immediately after each round, and the period in which the winning of the game ball to the special winning opening 23 is recognized as valid even though the round has ended and the special winning opening 23 has been closed. As a result, a so-called over-winning is recognized (the processing contents of over-winning are omitted in the special winning opening process described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22). In addition, during the period other than the period during the round and the period for which the special winning opening is valid, the winning of the game ball into the special winning opening 23 is not recognized as valid. “Ending is being displayed” is a state (period) in which an ending effect is displayed on the image display unit 6 to notify that the big hit game is over.

As shown in FIG. 13(1), for example, the special figure side setting data “00H” is data for setting that “waiting for starting mouth winning”, and for example, the special figure side setting data “01H” is “ It is data for setting that "special symbol variation is being displayed". Note that these special figure side setting data are stored in the ROM 102.

FIG. 13C is a schematic diagram of the storage area (work area) of the RAM 103. As shown in FIG. 13C, the storage area of the RAM 103 includes a count target time setting area 10, a time count area 11, and a simple fluctuation display time count area 12. The count target time setting area 10 includes a special symbol game side count target time setting area 10A (referred to as "area 10A") and a normal symbol game side count target time setting area 10B (referred to as "area 10B"). The time count area 11 includes a special symbol game side time count area 11A (referred to as "area 11A") and a normal symbol game side time count area 11B (referred to as "area 11B"). The simple variation display time count area 12 is a special variation game side simple variation display time count area 12A (referred to as "area 12A"), and a normal symbol game side simple variation display time count area 12B ("area 12B"). And)) and.

The area 11A is a timer area for measuring the elapsed time for each period of the special symbol game described above (“during special symbol variation display”, etc.), and writes one time data and measures for one elapsed time. It is a timer area for. The area 10A is an area for setting the type of time measured in the area 11A by writing any one of the special figure side setting data described with reference to FIG. 13A. Area 12A, when the special symbol is variably displayed in 7-segment display on the first special symbol display device 4a (or the second special symbol display device 4b), the three display modes of the 7-segment display every 48 milliseconds. This is a timer area for measuring the elapsed time of 48 milliseconds when executing the control of sequentially switching to and displaying cyclically. In the timer area for writing one time data and measuring one elapsed time. is there. The three display modes of the 7-segment display described above are, for example, a display mode showing the number 0, a display mode showing the number 7 and a display mode in which all seven segments are turned off.

The CPU 101 sets the kind of period (time) to be measured by the area 11A by writing the special figure side setting data in the area 10A, and also writes the time data to be measured in the area 11A, and the timer interrupt processing of FIG. By subtracting the value of the time data in the area 11A by 1 by the special figure game count processing executed every millisecond, the use of one timer area (area 11A) in order to elapse each period of the special symbol game. Measure in order.

Further, the CPU 101 writes predetermined time data (“12”) in the area 12A when the time for special symbol variation display is measured in the area 11A, and executes it every 4 milliseconds in the timer interrupt processing of FIG. When the value of the time data in the area 12A is subtracted by 1 and becomes 0 by the special figure game count processing performed, the predetermined time data (“12”) is written again and the display mode of the special symbol is switched. As a result, when the special symbols are variably displayed in the 7-segment display on the first special symbol display 4a (or the second special symbol display 4b), the three display modes of the 7-segment display are every 48 milliseconds. It is switched in order and displayed cyclically.

In addition, in FIG. 13C, as an example, "01H" is written in the area 10A, so that the elapsed time of the special symbol variable display is set to be measured in the area 11A. Also, as an example, a value "2500" indicating time is written in the area 11A of FIG. 13C, and this value is updated by subtracting 1 every 4 milliseconds by the timer interrupt processing of FIG. Therefore, the value “2500” indicates 10.000 seconds. Also, as an example, a value "12" indicating time is written in the area 12A of FIG. 13C, and this value is also subtracted by 1 every 4 milliseconds by the timer interrupt processing of FIG. This value “12” indicates 48 milliseconds since it is updated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a series of control times of the special symbol game is measured using one timer function (see 11A of FIG. 13C). Here, in the conventional gaming machine, since each control time (control time of special symbol variation display, control time of round execution, etc.) that constitutes the special symbol game is measured using each individual timer function, In the storage area of the RAM of the main control unit, an individual time count area is provided for each control time constituting the special symbol game. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the series of control times of the special symbol game is measured using one timer function as described above, the calculation load can be effectively reduced. Further, according to the present embodiment, during the execution period of the special symbol variation display, three display modes of the 7-segment display on the special symbol display device 4a (or 4b) are sequentially switched every 48 milliseconds for cyclic display. A timer function (see 12A of FIG. 13(3)) different from the above timer function (see 11A of FIG. 13(3)) is used for measuring the switching time. From this, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively suppress the complication of the arithmetic processing.

FIG. 14 is an example of a conceptual diagram of a variable time table used for setting the time of the special symbol variable display in the area 11A. This fluctuation time table is stored in the ROM 102 and read out to the RAM 103 for use. As shown in FIG. 14, the fluctuation time table includes a fluctuation pattern identification number, data indicating the basic fluctuation time (seconds), and data indicating the addition fluctuation time (seconds). The variation pattern identification number is a number for identifying a variation pattern included in variation pattern determination tables HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1, and HT2-2 described later with reference to FIGS. 17 to 20. The basic fluctuation time is a basic fluctuation time constituting a fluctuation pattern (that is, a special symbol fluctuation time). The addition variation time is the variation time that is added and that constitutes the variation pattern. The time obtained by adding the basic fluctuation time and the addition fluctuation time is the fluctuation pattern (see FIGS. 17 to 20). For example, the fluctuation pattern corresponding to the identification number 1 is 90.10 seconds obtained by adding the addition fluctuation time of 0.10 seconds to the basic fluctuation time of 90 seconds. For example, the fluctuation pattern corresponding to the identification number 21 is the basic fluctuation time. 8 seconds.

When measuring the time of the special symbol variation display in the area 11A of FIG. 13(3), the CPU 101 corresponds to the variation data determined in the process of step S408 of FIG. (Data indicating time) is read from the variable time table (FIG. 14) of the RAM 103, and the read time data is multiplied by 250 to be converted into time data adapted to the time measurement process executed in the cycle of 4 milliseconds, The converted time data is written in the area 11A of the RAM 103. For example, when the value of the time data indicating the fluctuation pattern “90.10 seconds” corresponding to the identification number 1 is set in the area 11A, the basic fluctuation time of 90 seconds and the addition fluctuation time of 0.10 are calculated from the fluctuation time table of the RAM 103. The time data indicating seconds is read out and added, and the added time data is multiplied by 250 to be converted into time data “22525” adapted to the arithmetic processing of the 4 millisecond cycle, and the converted time data “22525” is stored in the RAM 103. Write in area 11A. For reference, beside the variable time table of FIG. 14, time data adapted by multiplying by 250 and adapted to arithmetic processing of a 4 millisecond cycle is described, but when multiplied by 250, it is not a natural number. Those (see the values in parentheses) are adjusted to natural numbers by rounding and processed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the time data indicating the fluctuation pattern (special symbol fluctuation time) of the fluctuation time table stored in the ROM 102 and read out to the RAM 103 is the data indicating the time of “second” (that is, the division value). Of time data; refer to the basic variation time portion of FIG. 14), and when setting the special symbol variation time, it is multiplied by 250 and time data adapted to the arithmetic processing of the 4 millisecond cycle (that is, the time of the multiplication value) Data; refer to the right side portion of the fluctuation time table in FIG. 14). From this, according to the present embodiment, the data indicating the special symbol variation time of the variation time table may be suppressed to a data amount of 1 byte or less (see identification numbers 20 to 24 in FIG. 14), the ROM 102 and The used memory area of the RAM 103 can be effectively suppressed. Further, according to the present embodiment, for example, as for the special symbol variation time 90.10 seconds, even if the time data of the division value indicates the special symbol variation time in which the data amount exceeds 1 byte, the time of the addition variation time The variable time table is configured by dividing the data (time data indicating the time after the decimal point) (see FIG. 14). Here, in FIG. 14, the same time data value is described for each fluctuation pattern for convenience of description in the table of the addition fluctuation time portion, but in reality, the same time data value is duplicated in this table. It is not memorized and only one is memorized. For example, in the table of the addition variable time portion, three time data values of 0.01 seconds are shown in FIG. 14 for convenience of explanation, but only one is actually stored. From this, according to the present embodiment, the used memory areas of the ROM 102 and the RAM 103 can be effectively suppressed. Here, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, there are 24 fluctuation patterns (see FIG. 14 ). However, in an actual game machine, the variation pattern is as large as 1,000 to 10,000. From this, the effect of suppressing the used memory area according to the present embodiment is great in an actual game machine.

Next, the universal figure game counting process of measuring a series of control times on the normal symbol game side using one timer function will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 13(2) shows the type of data (hereinafter referred to as “universal figure side setting data”) for setting (specifying) the time to be counted on the normal symbol game side. The normal figure side setting data is data for setting which period of each period (time) of the normal symbol game is being measured. In each period (time) of this normal symbol game, as shown in FIG. 13(2), "waiting for passage through gate", "normal symbol fluctuation display", "normal symbol stop display", and " "During power switch opening/closing control" and "during the second starting opening valid period" are included.

"Waiting to pass through the gate" is a state (period) in which when the game ball passes through the gate 25, the ordinary symbol lottery related to this passage can be immediately executed to start the variable display of the ordinary symbol (typically). The tulip 27 is not being controlled to be opened/closed (during the opening game of the electric chew), not to be in the second starting opening valid period described later, and is not in the normal symbol change display or the stop display for the specified time. The "normal symbol fluctuation display" is a state (period) in which the normal symbol lottery is executed according to passage of the game ball through the gate 25 and the variable display of the normal symbol is being executed on the display unit 4. The "normal symbol stop display" is a state (period) in which the normal symbol that has been variably displayed on the display 4 is completely stopped and displayed for a specified time (0.5 seconds) in a display mode for notifying the normal symbol lottery result. Is. “Den Chu opening/closing control” is a state (period) in which opening/closing control of the electric tulip 27 (open game of Den Chu) is being executed by winning a normal symbol lottery. The “during the second starting opening valid period” is a period during which the gaming ball winning in the second starting opening 22 is exceptionally recognized for a predetermined period immediately after the opening/closing control of the electric tulip 27 is completed. In addition, during the opening/closing control of the electric tulip 27, that is, even if the electric tulip 27 is in the closed state, it is recognized that the game ball winning in the second starting opening 22 is valid, and the opening/closing control of the electric tulip 27 is being performed. And, during the period excluding the second starting opening valid period, the game ball winning in the second starting opening 22 is not recognized as valid.

As shown in FIG. 13B, for example, the universal figure setting data "00K" is data for setting that "waiting for passage through gate". The general-purpose-side setting data is stored in the ROM 102.

Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIG. The area 11B is a timer area for measuring the elapsed time for each period of the above-mentioned ordinary symbol game (such as "during regular symbol variation display"), and one time data is written to measure for one elapsed time. It is a timer area for. The area 10B is an area for setting the type of time measured in the area 11B by writing any one of the general-purpose-side setting data described with reference to FIG. 13B. The area 12B has two display modes (display mode in which only Maru is lit and display in which only Xu is lit) when the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e (see FIG. 2). Mode) is a timer area for measuring the elapsed time of 48 milliseconds when executing the control for switching every 48 milliseconds and alternately displaying, and one time data is written and the elapsed time is measured. It is a timer area for.

The CPU 101 sets the type of period to be measured by the area 11B by writing the general-purpose-side setting data in the area 10B, writes the time data to be measured in the area 11B, and in the timer interrupt processing of FIG. 12, every 4 milliseconds. By subtracting the value of the time data in the area 11B by 1 by the ordinary figure game counting process executed in step 1, the progress of each period of the ordinary symbol game is sequentially measured by using one timer area (area 11B) in order. To do.

Further, the CPU 101 writes predetermined time data (“12”) in the area 12B when the time for the normal symbol variation display is measured in the area 11B, and executes it every 4 milliseconds in the timer interrupt processing of FIG. When the value of the time data in the area 12B is subtracted by 1 and becomes 0 by the normal figure game counting process performed, the predetermined time data (“12”) is written again and the display mode of the normal symbol is switched. As a result, when the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 4e, the two display modes of the mark symbol are switched and displayed alternately every 48 milliseconds.

From the above, according to the present embodiment, the same effect as the special figure game counting process described above can be realized also in the general figure game counting process.

In the structure for measuring a series of control times of the special symbol game described above using one timer function, the winning of the special winning opening 23 is effective immediately after the special winning opening valid period in the control of the big hit game. There may be a special winning opening pause period that is not considered.

In addition, the first special symbol lottery special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display, and the second special symbol lottery special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display can be executed in parallel with the control configuration, for example, Control time of special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display by 1 special symbol lottery, and control time for big hit game by winning of the first special symbol lottery are measured using one timer function, while the second The control time of the special symbol variation display and the special symbol stop display by the special symbol lottery, and the control time regarding the big hit game by the winning of the second special symbol lottery may be measured using one other timer function.

Further, when measuring a series of control times of the special symbol game and the normal symbol game using one timer function, the elapsed measurement time is measured by "addition" processing, not "subtraction" processing. May be In this case, for example, whether or not the value of the timer (11A) on the special symbol game side has reached the value “125” of the time data indicating the measurement target time (for example, 0.5 seconds of the special symbol stop display). Is a control for determining.

In addition, as described above, in addition to storing only one time data value in the table of the addition variation time portion of FIG. 14 without overlapping storage, in the table of the basic variation time portion of FIG. Also, the same time data value may be stored without duplication, and the effect of suppressing the used memory area may be further enhanced.

Moreover, you may measure the execution time of various productions performed by the production control part 400 etc. by the method demonstrated above.

This is the end of the description of the control time counting process.

[Starting switch processing]
FIG. 15 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the starting opening switch process in step S2 of FIG. The starting opening switch process in step S2 of FIG. 12 will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, in step S201, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines whether or not a game ball has won in the first starting opening 21 based on the output signal from the first starting opening switch 111a. If the determination in step S201 is YES, the process proceeds to step S202, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

In step S202, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax1 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the first special symbol lottery holding number from the ROM 102, and the first special symbol lottery holding number U1 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit. It is determined whether the value is less than Umax1. If the determination in step S202 is YES, the process proceeds to step S203, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

In step S203, the CPU 101 updates the value of the number U1 of reservations stored in the RAM 103 by adding 1 to the value. Further, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, a winning command for notifying the effect control unit 400 that the game ball has won in the first starting opening 21. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 of FIG. After that, the process proceeds to step S204.

In step S204, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers used for the first special symbol lottery and the like (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and fluctuation pattern random number). After that, the process proceeds to step S205.

In step S205, the CPU 101 performs a preliminary determination process, and stores each set of random numbers (game information) acquired in step S204 in the RAM 103 in chronological order. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the big hit random number or the like in the random number set such as the big hit random number or the like acquired in the most recent step S204 matches the predetermined value or the like stored in the ROM 102. Whether or not the result of the first special symbol lottery using a random number is a big hit, whether or not the reach effect is executed, and the like are determined in advance. That is, the determination necessary to execute the prefetching notice effect or the pending change notice effect is determined in advance prior to the processing of steps S407 and S408 of FIG. 16 described later. After that, each set of random numbers used for the preliminary determination is stored in the RAM 103 in chronological order. It should be noted that each time the value of the number of reserved U1 of the first special symbol lottery is decremented by 1 by the process of step S409 of FIG. 16 described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is set one by one from the earliest storage time. Are deleted one by one. From this, for example, when the value of the number of reserved U1 of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, the random number set of the latest 3 times acquired by the process of step S204 of the latest 3 times is stored in the RAM 103 in chronological order. It will be stored. After that, the process proceeds to step S206.

In step S206, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, a first hold number increase command that notifies that the hold number of the first special symbol lottery has increased by 1. Here, the first hold number increase command includes information indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S205 (hereinafter referred to as "preliminary determination information"). The first hold number increase command including this preliminary determination information is output by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 12, so that the lottery result for the hold of the first special symbol lottery is the symbol in the first special symbol lottery. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the fluctuation starts. After that, the process proceeds to step S207.

In step S207, the CPU 101 determines, based on the output signal from the second starting opening switch 111b, whether or not a game ball has won in the second starting opening 22. If the determination in step S207 is YES, the process proceeds to step S208, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

In step S208, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax2 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the second special symbol lottery holding number from the ROM 102, and the second special symbol lottery holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit. It is determined whether the value is less than Umax2. If the determination in step S208 is YES, the process proceeds to step S209, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

In step S209, the CPU 101 updates the value of the number U2 of reservations stored in the RAM 103 by adding 1 to the value. Further, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, a winning command for notifying the effect control unit 400 that the game ball has won in the second starting opening 22. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 of FIG. After that, the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers used for the second special symbol lottery and the like (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number). After that, the process proceeds to step S211.

In step S211, the CPU 101 performs a preliminary determination process, and stores each set of random numbers (game information) acquired in step S210 in the RAM 103 in chronological order. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the big hit random number or the like of the random number set such as the big hit random number or the like obtained in the most recent step S210 matches a predetermined value or the like stored in the ROM 102. Whether or not the result of the second special symbol lottery using a random number is a big hit, whether or not the reach effect is executed, and the like are determined in advance. That is, the determination necessary to execute the prefetching notice effect or the pending change notice effect is determined in advance prior to the processing of steps S407 and S408 of FIG. 16 described later. After that, each set of random numbers used for the preliminary determination is stored in the RAM 103 in chronological order. It should be noted that each time the value of the number U2 of holding of the second special symbol lottery is subtracted by 1 by the process of step S409 of FIG. 16 described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is set one by one from the earliest storage time. Are deleted one by one. From this, for example, when the value of the number of reserved U2 of the second special symbol lottery is “3”, the random number set of the latest 3 times acquired by the process of step S210 of the latest 3 times is stored in the RAM 103 in chronological order. It will be stored. After that, the process proceeds to step S212.

In step S212, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, a second hold number increase command notifying that the hold number of the second special symbol lottery has increased by 1. Here, the second hold number increase command includes information (preliminary determination information) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S211. The second hold number increase command including this preliminary determination information is output by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 12, so that the lottery result for the hold of the second special symbol lottery is the symbol in the second special symbol lottery. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the fluctuation starts. Then, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 16 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. The special symbol processing in step S4 of FIG. 12 will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, in step S401, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines that the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game (big hit game state) based on the information (typically, information by a flag) stored in the RAM 103. Alternatively, it is determined whether or not a small hit game is being played. In other words, during the execution of the big hit game (special game) executed when the special symbol lottery is won or the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit (any of the small hits A to E), the small hit. It is determined whether or not a game is being played. If the determination in step S401 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 12, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S402.

In step S402, the CPU 101 determines whether or not during the variable display period of the special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4a or the second special symbol display device 4b. The variable display period of the special symbol here includes the period during the special symbol stop display described with reference to FIG. 13 (specified time; 0.5 seconds). If the determination in step S402 is YES, the process proceeds to step S411, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S403.

In step S403, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the number of holdings U2 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the second special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S403 is YES, the process proceeds to step S404, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S405.

In step S404, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set with the earliest storage time among the random number sets acquired in step S210 and step S211 of FIG. 15 and stored in the RAM 103. After that, the process proceeds to step S407.

On the other hand, in step S405, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the number of holdings U1 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the first special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S405 is YES, the process proceeds to step S406, and if the determination is NO, it is considered that there is no special symbol lottery to be executed, and the process proceeds to step S415.

In step S406, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set stored in the RAM 103, stored in the RAM 103 and acquired in steps S204 and S205 of FIG. Then, the process is step S407.
Move on to.

By the processing of the above steps S403 to S406, the second special symbol lottery will be executed with priority over the first special symbol lottery.

In step S407, the CPU 101 executes a jackpot determination process for determining whether the special symbol lottery is a jackpot or a loss. Specifically, when the process of step S407 is executed after the process of step S404, the CPU 101 causes the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S404 to match the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Based on whether or not to do, it is determined whether the result of the second special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. On the other hand, when the process of step S407 is executed subsequent to the process of step S406, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S406 matches the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Based on whether or not the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. Then, the CPU 101, when the result of the special symbol lottery is determined to be lost, the lost symbol representing that the special symbol lottery is lost (in the case of a small hit, a type of a small hit (one of the small hits A to E)). The small hit symbol) is set in the RAM 103 as a stop symbol of the special symbol in the setting information. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, which of the predetermined values stored in the ROM 102 the big random number used for this determination and the design random number read from the RAM 103 match. Based on, the type of the big hit this time (one of big hits A to E shown in FIG. 7) is determined. As can be seen from FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the expected value of the number of round games (the number of rounds) executed when the second special symbol lottery is won is when the first special symbol lottery is won. Greater than expected number of rounds executed. That is, the profit degree when winning the second special symbol lottery is greater than the profit degree when winning the first special symbol lottery. In addition, the degree of profit is not limited to the number of winning prize balls depending on the number of rounds in this way. It may be. Then, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, the information on the big hit symbol representing the big hit and the type of the big hit as the stop symbol information of the special symbol in the setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S408.

[Variation pattern selection processing]
In step S408, the CPU 101 executes a variation pattern selection process. Specifically, in step S408, the CPU 101 uses the variation pattern determination tables HT1-1 and HT1-2 shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 in the normal game state (non-time saving state) to determine the probability variation game state (time saving (State), using the variation pattern determination table HT2-1 and HT2-2 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the variation pattern is determined (selected) for each special symbol lottery. Here, this variation pattern is a special symbol variation time which is the time from when the special symbol is variably displayed on the display device 4 until it is stopped and displayed, and this special symbol variation time is synchronized with the execution time of the notification effect. It is the same time as the execution time of the notification production. In the following, the fluctuation pattern determination tables HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1 and HT2-2 may be simply referred to as HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1 and HT2-2.

First, a case where a variation pattern is selected using the HT1-1 and HT1-2 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 in the normal game state (non-time saving state) will be described. FIG. 17 is a table used for determining a variation pattern when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal game state (non-time saving state). FIG. 18 is a table used for determining a variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal game state (non-time saving state).

[Variable pattern selection process in non-time saving state/first special symbol lottery]
The determination of the variation pattern when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal game state (non-time saving state) will be described below with reference to FIG.

In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern (special symbol variation time) based on the variation pattern random number when it is determined that the big hit is determined in the first special symbol lottery in the jackpot determination process of step S407. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines that the variation pattern random number (one of 0 to 299) read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process of step S407 is the “jackpot” of HT1-1. The variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined based on which of the random number values assigned to the variation patterns in the part (1) matches. For example, when the variation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 is “78” together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process of step S407, the CPU 101 changes the variation pattern “90.03” of the “jackpot” portion of the HT1-1. Since the random number value “75 to 124” assigned to “second” is included, “90.03 seconds” is determined as the variation pattern. Here, as shown in HT1-1, the variation patterns of the “big hit” portion are “15.01 seconds”, “40.01 seconds”, “40.02 seconds”, “40.03 seconds”, “90. "01 seconds", "90.02 seconds", "90.03 seconds", "90.04 seconds" and "90.05 seconds" are the notification effect type "reach hit" and "3rd SP", respectively. It corresponds to “per hit”, “per second SP”, “per first SP”, “per fifth SPSP”, “per fourth SPSP”, “per third SPSP”, “per second SPSP” and “per first SPSP”. Also, "reach hit" is a big hit type after the reach is established, and "1st SP hit" to "3rd SP hit" is a big hit type after finally reaching SP reach, "1st SP SP hit" ~ "Fifth SPSP hit" is a type that hits big after finally developing SPSP reach.

In addition, the reach (reach effect) is, for example, in the notification effect, when the changing decorative symbol that is stopped last among the plurality of decorative symbols is stopped and displayed with a specific symbol, the other already stopped symbols. It is an effect that expects to be a jackpot pattern together with the design, and typically, the right and left decorative designs stop at the same design (for example, 7), and the central decoration that is stopped at the end. It is an effect in which the symbol is variably displayed with the expectation that the symbol will stop at the same symbol (for example, 7) (that is, it will become double eyes 777). Further, SP reach is generally called super reach or special reach, and is an effect that further expects a big hit than reach. For example, SP reach is an effect of a moving image in which the main character plays a mini game. In addition, SPSP reach is generally called super super reach or special special reach, and it is an effect that makes you expect a big hit more than SP reach effect. For example, it is a moving image effect in which a main character fights an enemy character. is there.

In addition, in step S408, when the CPU 101 determines that there is a loss in the first special symbol lottery in the big hit determination process of step S407, based on the hold number (U1) of the first special symbol lottery, the reach random number, and the variation pattern random number Determine the variation pattern (special symbol variation time).

Specifically, the CPU 101, when the number held for the first special symbol lottery is “1” or “2”, the reach random number (0 that is read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process of step S407. 1 to 99) is included in the reach random number value range “0 to 69” of the “Loss” reservation number “1, 2” of the HT 1-1, or the reach random number value range “70 to It is included in "99".

Then, when the read reach random number is included in the reach random number value range “0 to 69”, the CPU 101, together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process of step S407, the fluctuation pattern random number (0 1 to 299) is included in the variation pattern random value range “0 to 59” or the variation pattern random value range “60 to 299”. Then, when the fluctuation pattern random number is included in the fluctuation pattern random value range “0 to 59”, the CPU 101 determines “8.0 seconds” as the fluctuation pattern, and the fluctuation pattern random number is changed to the fluctuation pattern random value range “ When it is included in "60 to 299", "13.50 seconds" is determined as the variation pattern. Here, as shown in HT1-1, the variation patterns “8.00 seconds” and “13.50 seconds” both correspond to the type “immediate loss” of the effect pattern of the notification effect. Note that "immediate loss" is a type of effect pattern that immediately loses without reaching.

On the other hand, when the read reach random number is included in the reach random number value range “70 to 99”, the CPU 101, together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process of step S407, the fluctuation pattern random number (0 1 to 299) is included in the variation pattern random value range assigned to each variation pattern in the reach random value range “70 to 99” of HT1-1. Then, the variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined. For example, when the variation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 is “260” together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process of step S407, the CPU 101 assigns a variation pattern random value to the variation pattern “40.05 seconds”. Since it is included in the range “256 to 271”, “40.05 seconds” is determined as the variation pattern. Here, as shown in HT1-1, the variation patterns "15.02 seconds", "40.04 seconds", and "40.05 seconds" of the reach random number value range "70 to 99" of HT1-1 described above. , "40.06 seconds", "90.06 seconds", "90.07 seconds", "90.08 seconds", "90.09 seconds", and "90.10 seconds" are the notification effects respectively. Direction pattern types "reach lost", "third SP lost", "second SP lost", "first SP lost", "fifth SPSP lost", "fourth SPSP lost", "third SPSP lost", "second SPSP lost" and Corresponds to "1st SPSP loss". In addition, "reach loss" is a type that loses after a reach is established, and "first SP loss" to "third SP loss" are types that eventually lose after developing SP reach, and "first SPSP loss" to " "Fifth SPSP loss" is a type that loses after finally developing SPSP reach.

Further, the CPU 101, in the case where the number of holding the first special symbol lottery is "3", basically the same as the case where the number of holding the first special symbol lottery is "1" or "2", the fluctuation pattern To decide. However, in the case where the hold number of the first special symbol lottery is "3", the CPU 101, as shown in HT1-1, when the hold number of the first special symbol lottery is "1" or "2" On the other hand, the reach random number value range “0 to 69” is replaced with “0 to 79”, the reach random number value range “70 to 99” is replaced with “80 to 99”, and the fluctuation pattern “8.0 seconds”. The fluctuation pattern random number value range “0 to 59” assigned to “0 to 209” is replaced with the fluctuation pattern random value range “60 to 299” assigned to the fluctuation pattern “13.50 seconds” to “210 to 299”. The fluctuation pattern is determined by the range of the random number value replaced with "."

Further, the CPU 101, in the case where the number of holding the first special symbol lottery is "4", basically the same as the case where the number of holding the first special symbol lottery is "1" or "2", the fluctuation pattern To decide. However, when the number of holding of the first special symbol lottery is "4", the CPU 101, as shown in HT1-1, when the number of holding of the above-mentioned first special symbol lottery is "1" or "2" On the other hand, the reach random number value range “0 to 69” is replaced with “0 to 84”, the reach random number value range “70 to 99” is replaced with “85 to 99”, and the variation pattern is “8.0 seconds”. The fluctuation pattern random number value range “0 to 59” assigned to the above is replaced with “210 to 269” and the fluctuation pattern random value range “60 to 299” assigned to the fluctuation pattern “13.50 seconds” is changed to “270 to 299”. In addition, the variation pattern “3.00 seconds” is assigned to the variation pattern random value range “0 to 209” corresponding to the effect pattern type “immediate loss”, and Determine the fluctuation pattern.

As described above using the variation pattern determination table HT1-1 shown in FIG. 17, in the case of losing the first special symbol lottery in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state), the number of first special symbol lottery held The smaller the number, the easier the fluctuation pattern with reach is selected, and when the fluctuation pattern without reach is selected, the longer the fluctuation pattern is selected, the smaller the number of first special symbol lottery held.

[Big hit reliability]
Here, the jackpot reliability (jackpot expectation) will be described. A performance with high jackpot reliability is a production that is likely to be notified of a big hit when the production is executed, and a production with low jackpot reliability is a notification of a big jackpot when the production is executed. This is a production that is unlikely to be performed. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given using HT1-1 shown in FIG. As can be seen from the "big hit" portion of HT1-1, in the case of a big hit, "reach hit", "3rd SP hit", "2nd SP hit", "1st SP hit", "5th SPSP hit", " The variation pattern random value range increases in the order of “per 4th SPSP”, “per 3rd SPSP”, “per 2nd SPSP”, and “per 1st SPSP” (some are the same). On the other hand, as can be seen from the "loose" part of HT1-1, in the case of loss, "reach lost", "3rd SP lost", "2nd SP lost", "1st SP lost", "5th SP lost" , "4th SPSP loss", "3rd SPSP loss", "2nd SPSP loss", "1st SPSP loss" in this order, the variation pattern random value range becomes smaller (they have the same part). As can be seen from the above, the effect that is easy to be executed in the case of a big hit and hard to be executed in the case of a loss has a high jackpot reliability, while the effect that is hard to be executed in the case of a big hit and easy to be executed in the case of a loss is a big hit reliability. Low. That is, "reach effect", "3rd SP reach effect", "2nd SP reach effect", "1st SP reach effect", "5th SPSP reach effect", "4th SPSP reach effect", "3rd SPSP reach effect", "3rd SPSP reach effect", The jackpot reliability increases in the order of "second SPSP reach production" and "first SPSP reach production".

[Non-time saving state / fluctuation pattern selection process in the second special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 18, determination of the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal game state (non-time saving state) will be described. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, while the CPU 101 performed the process for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the process of determining the variation pattern described with reference to FIG. 17, the process of determining the variation pattern in FIG. The difference is that processing is performed for the second special symbol lottery using HT1-2 shown in FIG. Here, the HT1-2 shown in FIG. 18 is different from the HT1-1 shown in FIG. 17 in that the “reserved number of the first special symbol lottery” is replaced with the “reserved number of the second special symbol lottery”. Only different. That is, in the process of changing pattern determination described with reference to FIG. 17, the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery is taken into consideration, whereas in the process of changing pattern determination, the number of holdings of the second special symbol lottery is taken into consideration. It

[Time saving state/variation pattern selection process in the first special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 19, determination of the variation pattern in the case where the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the probability variation game state (time saving state) will be described. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performs the process for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the process of determining the variation pattern described with reference to FIG. 17, whereas FIG. 19 illustrates the process of determining the variation pattern. The difference is that processing is performed for the first special symbol lottery using HT2-1 shown in FIG. Here, HT2-1 shown in FIG. 19, with respect to HT1-1 shown in FIG. 17, when no reach is selected by a reach random number in “miss”, regardless of the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery. The difference is that the variation pattern "13.50 seconds" (corresponding to immediate loss) is uniformly selected.

[Time saving state/variation pattern selection process in the second special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 20, determination of the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the probability variation game state (time saving state) will be described. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, while the CPU 101 performs the process for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the process of determining the variation pattern described with reference to FIG. 17, the process of determining the variation pattern in FIG. The difference is that processing is performed for the second special symbol lottery using HT2-2 shown in FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 20, HT2-2 replaces “Hold number of first special symbol lottery” with “Hold number of second special symbol lottery” with respect to HT1-1 shown in FIG. ing. That is, in the process of changing pattern determination described with reference to FIG. 17, the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery is taken into consideration, whereas in the process of changing pattern determination, the number of holdings of the second special symbol lottery is taken into consideration. It Further, as shown in FIG. 20, in the HT 2-2, when the no reach is selected by the reach random number in the case where the number of holdings of the second special symbol lottery in the “miss” is “1”, the variation pattern “13” is uniformly applied. .50 seconds” is determined. Further, as shown in FIG. 20, in HT2-2, in the case where the number of reserves of the second special symbol lottery in “Loss” is “2 to 4”, when no reach is selected by the reach random number, the variation pattern random number value The variation pattern "2.00 seconds" is determined in the range "0 to 239", the variation pattern "4.00 seconds" is determined in the variation pattern random value range "240 to 269", and the variation pattern random value range "270 to The fluctuation pattern "10.00 seconds" is determined in "299".

Here, as described in the processing in steps S403 to S406, in the present embodiment, the suspension of the second special symbol lottery is digested prior to the suspension of the first special symbol lottery. Further, in the probability variation game state (time saving state), the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long time and the game ball is frequently won in the second starting opening 22 as described in the processing in steps S5 and S7 of FIG. Therefore, the second special symbol lottery is frequently and continuously executed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the second special symbol lottery by the game ball winning in the second starting port 22 is a game rather than the first special symbol lottery by the game ball winning in the first starting port 21. People's profits are great. From this, conversely, in the probability variation game state (time saving state), if the first special symbol lottery is executed, it can be said to be disadvantageous to the player. In the present embodiment, as described above using HT2-2 of FIG. 20, in the probability variation gaming state (time saving state), in the case where the number of second special symbol lottery holdings is 2 to 4 and there is no reach, While facilitating the selection of short-term fluctuation patterns (2.00 seconds, 4.00 seconds) so that the holding of the second special symbol lottery can be digested at high speed, while executing a game with a sense of speed, If the number of 2 special symbol lottery held is 1 and there is no reach, be sure to select a long-term fluctuation pattern (13.50 seconds) and control the first special symbol lottery that is relatively disadvantageous to the player to be executed. ing. Further, in the present embodiment, as described above using the HT2-1 of FIG. 19, in the probability variation gaming state (time saving state), it is assumed that the first special symbol lottery that is relatively disadvantageous to the player is executed. Also, in the case where the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery is all 1 to 4, if there is no reach, be sure to select the long-term fluctuation pattern (13.50 seconds) and the game ball in the second starting opening 22. It is controlled so as to gain time to win the second special symbol lottery, which is relatively advantageous to the player.

The information of the variation pattern determined in step S408 as described above (that is, it can also be said that the execution time of the notification effect: the type information of the effect pattern of the notification effect) is set in the RAM 103 as setting information. After that, the process proceeds to step S409.

In step S409, the CPU 101 generates a notification effect start command including the setting information set in the big hit determination process in step S407 and the setting information set in the variation pattern selection process in step S408, and sets the notification effect start command in the RAM 103. Here, the notification effect start command is a command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to start the notification effect by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, and the like. The setting information included in the notification effect start command also includes information indicating which of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery has been executed. Further, the CPU 101 sets a game state notification command indicating the current game state (for example, the probability variation game state) in the RAM 103. Further, at that time, when the processes of step S407 and step S408 are executed subsequent to the process of step S404, the CPU 101 updates the pending number U2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the process, and also executes step S404. The random number set read in step 3 is deleted from the RAM 103. On the other hand, when the processes of step S407 and step S408 are executed after the process of step S406, the CPU 101 updates the holding number U1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting 1 and reads it in step S406. The random number set is deleted from the RAM 103. Further, the notification effect start command and the game state notification command described above are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output processing in step S9 of FIG. Then, a process transfers to step S410.

In step S410, the CPU 101 changes the special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4a or the second special symbol display device 4b based on the setting information included in the notification effect start command set in the process of step S409. Start display. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S411.

In step S411, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol variation time indicated by the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection process of step S408 has elapsed from the start of the variation display of the special symbol in step S410. If the determination in step S411 is YES, the process proceeds to step S412, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG.

In step S412, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, a notification effect stop command that instructs the image display unit 6 and the like to end the notification effect. After that, the process proceeds to step S413. The notification effect stop command set in step S412 is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG.

In step S413, the CPU 101 ends the variable display of the special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4a or the second special symbol display device 4b started in the process of step S410, and the first special symbol display device 4a or the second special symbol. On the symbol display device 4b, the symbol for informing the special symbol lottery result is displayed for a predetermined time (0.5 seconds) in a stopped state. At this time, the CPU 101 sets the symbol determination command in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S414.

In step S414, the CPU 101 executes processing during stop. Specifically, when the CPU 101 determines that a big hit has been made in the big hit determination process of step S407, the information (typically, information by a flag) stored in the RAM 103 is in a big hit game (big hit game state). Is displayed, and an opening command for instructing the start of the big hit game effect is set in the RAM 103. In addition, when the CPU 101 determines that the small hit has been made in the big hit determination processing of step S407 (a predetermined loss), the information stored in the RAM 103 is changed to the information indicating that the small hit game is being played, and the small hit. A small hit game start notification command for instructing the start of the hit game effect is set in the RAM 103. The opening command or the small hit game start notification command is output by the process of step S9 of FIG. 12 when a predetermined time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed from the time when the stop display of the special symbol was started in the process of step S413. It is transmitted to the effect control unit 400, and the big hit game effect or the small hit game effect is started. In addition, the CPU 101 switches the game state (that is, switches the opening setting of the electric tulip 27 according to the number of times the special symbol is changed and stopped and displayed by the processing of steps S410 and S413 (that is, the number of revolutions). ), the game state notification command indicating the game state after switching is set in the RAM 103. This game state notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output processing in step S9 of FIG. 9, and it is possible to switch the effect (for example, switch from the effect mode in the time saving state to the effect mode in the normal state). Then, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) of FIG.

In step S415, the CPU 101 determines whether the customer waiting command and the game state notification command indicating the current game state have already been transmitted in the process of step S416 (described later). Here, the customer waiting command is a command transmitted when the special symbol lottery is not held at the time when the stop display of the special symbol is finished, and a notification effect for informing the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is executed. This is a command for notifying that the status has not been reached (so-called customer waiting status). If the determination in step S415 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 12, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S416.

In step S416, the CPU 101 sets a customer waiting command and a game state notification command in the RAM 103. The customer waiting command and the game state notification command are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 12, and a predetermined stop effect (for example, a decorative symbol stop display effect) is started based on the customer wait command. To be done. It should be noted that when a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) has elapsed since the above-described stop effect was started, the customer waiting effect is started. Here, the customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect of displaying an image related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 on the image display unit 6, or, for example, a predetermined effect executed during the game ( For example, a part of the reach effect) is displayed on the image display unit 6. Then, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) of FIG.

[Winning prize processing]
21 and 22 are an example of a detailed flowchart of the special winning opening process in step S6 of FIG. The special winning opening process in step S6 of FIG. 12 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

First, in step S601, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is a jackpot game, based on information (typically, information by a flag) stored in the RAM 103. judge. If the determination in step S601 is YES, the process proceeds to step S602, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S622.

In step S602, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the main display 4h is lit and displayed. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S603, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S604.

In step S603, the CPU 101 starts the lighting display of the main display 4h in a lighting display mode that notifies the number of rounds executed in the big hit game based on the information stored in the RAM 103. Specifically, when the big hit game is performed by winning the big hit A, the CPU 101 starts the lighting display of the main display 4h in the lighting display mode of the lighting display pattern PA3 shown in FIG. 6, and the big hit B. When the big hit game is performed by being won, the main display 4h is turned on in the lighting display mode of the lighting display pattern PA2 shown in FIG. 6 is started, the main display 4h is started to be displayed in the lighting display mode of the lighting display pattern PA4 shown in FIG. 6, and when the big hit game is performed by winning the big hit D, FIG. The lighting display of the main display 4h is started in the lighting display mode of the lighting display pattern PA1 shown. After that, the process proceeds to step S604.

In step S604, the CPU 101 determines, based on the information stored in the RAM 103, whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is the opening effect of the big hit game. If the determination in step S604 is YES, the process proceeds to step S605, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S611.

In step S605, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a set opening time period that defines the execution time of the opening effect has elapsed. If the determination in step S605 is YES, the process proceeds to step S606, and if the determination is NO, the opening effect has not ended, and therefore the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

In step S606, the CPU 101 sets the total number of rounds Rmax of the big hit game and the operation pattern of the special winning opening 23 of the big hit game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the number of rounds included in the jackpot game (Rmax: "4" or "16" in this embodiment) and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 during the jackpot game, and the setting information thereof. Is set in the RAM 103. By the processing of step S606, the total number of rounds Rmax of the big hit game, the interval time between the rounds during the big hit game, the set ending time which is the time to perform the ending effect at the end of the big hit game, and the like are set. After that, the process proceeds to step S607.

In step S607, the CPU 101 resets the winning number C of game balls to the special winning opening 23, which is stored in the RAM 103, to "0". Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S608.

In step S608, the CPU 101 updates the jackpot game round number R stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding 1. After that, the process proceeds to step S609.

In step S609, the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening/closing unit 115 to start opening the special winning opening 23. By this processing, a big hit game round (round game) is started, and an opening operation (one opening operation) of the special winning opening 23 is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S610.

In step S610, the CPU 101 sets a round start notification command for notifying the start of a round (start of a round game) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 12, and the round effect is started. The round start notification command includes information indicating the total number of rounds Rmax set in step S606 and information indicating the current number of rounds R updated by the process of step S608. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S614.

In step S611, the CPU 101 determines, based on the information stored in the RAM 103, whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is during the big hit game interval. If the determination in step S611 is YES, the process proceeds to step S612, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S613.

In step S612, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set interval time during the big hit game set in the process of step S606 has elapsed from the time when the special winning opening 23 was closed at the end of the previous round during the big hit game. To do. If the determination in step S612 is YES, it is the timing to start the next round in the big hit game, so the process moves to step S607. If this determination is NO, the next round in the big hit game is started. Since the timing has not come, the processing moves to step S7 (electric tulip processing) in FIG.

In step S613, the CPU 101 determines, based on the information stored in the RAM 103, whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is executing the ending effect of the big hit game. If the determination in step S613 is YES, the process proceeds to step S632 in FIG. 22, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S614.

In step S614, the CPU 101 determines that the state of the gaming machine 1 is in the big hit game round, and based on the output signal from the special winning opening switch 114, whether or not the game ball has entered the special winning opening 23. Determine whether. If the determination in step S614 is YES, the process proceeds to step S615, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S617.

In step S615, the CPU 101 determines that the winning of the game ball into the special winning opening 23 has been detected, and the winning command for notifying the effect control unit 400 that the game ball has won the large winning opening 23. Is set in the RAM 103. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 12, and the winning process instruction of step S125 of FIG. 26 described later is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S616.

In step S616, the CPU 101 determines that the winning of the game ball into the special winning opening 23 is detected, and updates the winning number C of the game ball stored in the RAM 103 to the value obtained by adding 1. The process of step S616 is executed each time a game ball is won in the special winning opening 23, whereby the total number of game balls (the number of winnings C) winning the big winning opening 23 in one round is cumulatively stored in the RAM 103. To go. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S617.

In step S617, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a predetermined opening control time (29.5 seconds in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the time when the opening control of the special winning opening 23 was started in the processing of step S609. If the determination in step S617 is YES, the process proceeds to step S619, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S618.

In step S618, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the winning number C of the game balls in the current round has reached the upper limit number Cmax (“10” in the present embodiment) of the game balls, which defines the timing at which the special winning opening 23 is closed. To judge. When the determination in step S618 is YES, the process proceeds to step S619, and when the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

In step S619, the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening/closing unit 115, and ends the opening control of the special winning opening 23 started in step S609. Thus, in each round during the big hit game, the CPU 101 detects the total number of game balls detected by the special winning opening switch 114 (the number of winnings C by 29.5 seconds after the special winning opening 23 is opened). ) Has reached 10 (Cmax) or 29.5 seconds have passed without opening 10 game balls after opening the special winning opening 23, and close the big winning opening 23 .. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S620.

In step S620, the CPU 101 sets a round end notification command for notifying the end of the round (end of the round game) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 12, and the round effect is ended. After that, the process proceeds to step S621.

In step S621, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the current round number R stored in the RAM 103 has reached the maximum round number Rmax of the big hit game set in the process of step S606. If the determination in step S621 is YES, the process proceeds to step S630 in FIG. 22, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

In step S622, the CPU 101 determines, based on the information stored in the RAM 103, whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is a small hit game. When the determination in step S622 is YES, the process proceeds to step S623, and when the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

In step S623, the CPU 101 performs a small hitting game process for controlling the opening of the special winning opening 23 and the lighting display of the main display 4h during the small hitting game, based on the information stored in the RAM 103. To do. This small hit game processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. Then, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

In step S630 of FIG. 22, the CPU 101 resets the round number R stored in the RAM 103 to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S631.

In step S631, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, an ending command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to execute the ending effect of the big hit game. The ending command set in this process is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 in step S9 (output process) of FIG. As the ending command, a command corresponding to the big hit symbol and the game state controlled after the big hit game is transmitted, and the effect control unit 400, based on the ending command, after the ending effect ends (big hit game effect end After) control the production. Specifically, in the case of an ending command corresponding to a big hit symbol indicating a big hit (for example, big hit A shown in FIG. 7) that is controlled in the probability variation game state after the big hit, it is controlled in the probability variation game state after the big hit game ends. When the ending command indicating that is transmitted, the effect control unit 400 executes the effect in the effect mode indicating the probability variation game state after the end of the big hit game effect based on the ending command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S632.

In step S632, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set ending time set in the process of step S606 of FIG. 21 has elapsed since the ending command was set in the RAM 103 in step S631. If the determination in step S632 is YES, the process proceeds to step S633, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

In step S633, the CPU 101 ends the jackpot game that was being executed. Specifically, the CPU 101 releases the setting information (typically, information by a flag) stored in the RAM 103, which indicates that the big hit game is in progress, and ends the big hit game. Further, the CPU 101 ends the lighting display of the main display 4h. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S634.

In step S634, the CPU 101 executes game state setting processing. Specifically, when the big hit game is finished in step S633, the CPU 101 switches the game state according to the type of big hit this time (big hit symbol) (that is, the winning probability setting of the special symbol lottery and the electric tulip 27). Switch the open setting). Then, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

[Processing during small hit game]
FIG. 23 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the small hitting game process in step S623 of FIG. Hereinafter, the small hitting game process in step S623 of FIG. 21 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S301, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the main display 4h is lit and displayed. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S304, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S302.

In step S302, the CPU 101 is a small hit A, a small hit B, a small hit C, a small hit D or a small hit E, in which the result of the special symbol lottery is a predetermined loss based on the information stored in the RAM 103. It is determined whether or not a small hit game is performed. If the determination in step S302 is YES, the process proceeds to step S303, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S304.

In step S303, the CPU 101, on the basis of the information stored in the RAM 103, that the small hit A, the small hit B, the small hit C, the small hit D or the small hit E is a small hit, and the small hit. The lighting display of the main display 4h is started in a lighting display mode (a lighting display mode of any one of the lighting display patterns PA5 to PA7 shown in FIG. 6) for notifying the opening/closing pattern of the opening/closing operation of the special winning opening 23 performed during the game. To do. After that, the process proceeds to step S304.

In step S304, the CPU 101 determines, based on the information stored in the RAM 103, whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is during the opening effect of the small hit game. If the determination in step S304 is YES, the process proceeds to step S305, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S310.

In step S305, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set opening time that defines the execution time of the opening effect has elapsed. If the determination in step S305 is YES, the process proceeds to step S306. If the determination is NO, the opening effect is being executed, so the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

In step S306, in the small hit game, the CPU 101 sets an operation pattern of the opening/closing operation of the special winning opening 23 according to the type of the small hit that has hit this time, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S307.

In step S307, the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening/closing unit 115 based on the setting information set in the RAM 103 in the process of step S306 to start opening/closing control of the special winning opening 23. Then, it moves to step S308.

In step S308, the CPU 101 determines, based on the output signal from the special winning opening switch 114, whether or not a game ball has won in the special winning opening 23. If the determination in step S308 is YES, the process proceeds to step S309, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S310.

In step S309, the CPU 101 determines that the winning of the game ball into the special winning opening 23 has been detected, and the winning command for notifying the effect control unit 400 that the gaming ball has won into the special winning opening 23. Is set in the RAM 103. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 12, and the winning process instruction of step S125 of FIG. 26 described later is executed. After that, the process proceeds to step S310.

In step S310, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the opening/closing operation of the special winning opening 23 has been performed the number of operations set in the processing of step S306. If the determination in step S310 is YES, the process proceeds to step S311, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 of FIG.

In step S311, the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening/closing unit 115 to end the opening/closing control of the special winning opening 23 started in step S307. Then, the process proceeds to S312.

In step S312, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set small hit game time that defines the execution time of the small hit game has elapsed since the small hit game was started. If the determination in step S312 is YES, the process proceeds to step S313, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

In step S313, the CPU 101 ends the small hit game that has been executed. Specifically, the CPU 101 releases the setting information (typically, information by a flag) stored in the RAM 103, which indicates that the small hit game is in progress, and ends the small hit game. Further, if the CPU 101 has started the lighting display of the main display 4h in the process of step S303, the CPU 101 ends the lighting display of the main display 4h. Then, the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

[Timer interrupt processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400. Below, with reference to FIG. 24, the timer interrupt processing performed in the effect control unit 400 will be described. The effect control unit 400 repeatedly executes the series of processes shown in FIG. 24 at regular time intervals (4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as power-on and power-off. The process performed by the effect control unit 400, which will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIG. 24 and subsequent figures, is executed based on the program stored in the ROM 402.

First, in step S11, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 receives various commands output from the main control unit 100 in the output process of step S9 of FIG. 12, and sets effect contents in accordance with the received command. A command reception process of setting various commands in the RAM 403 for instructing the image and sound control unit 500 or the like to execute the effect of the set effect content is executed. The command receiving process will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26.

Next, in step S12, the CPU 401 executes an output process of outputting the various commands set in the RAM 403 in the process of step S11 to the image acoustic control unit 500 and the like. Through this process, various effects decided to be executed in the process of step S11 are executed by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, the panel lamp 8 and the like by the execution control of the image and sound control unit 500 and the like.

Each time the timer interrupt process is executed, the CPU 401 performs a random number update process for updating various effect random numbers used for effect determination. In this random number updating process as well, similar to the random number updating process of step S1 of FIG. 12, a loop counter is typically used, and the count value (updated random number value) becomes the maximum value (for example, 99). After reaching, it returns to 0 again (that is, it circulates). In addition, in this random number updating process, the counters for each effect random number randomly update the initial value (the value that becomes the starting point of the circulation) once the counter circulates once. By this, it is possible to avoid synchronizing the value of the counter (count value) between these effect random numbers.

[Command reception processing]
25 and 26 are an example of a detailed flowchart of the command receiving process in step S11 of FIG. The command reception process of step S11 of FIG. 24 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26.

First, in step S111 of FIG. 25, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not a hold increase command (first hold number increase command or second hold number increase command) is received from the main control unit 100 ( (See steps S206 and S212 in FIG. 15). If the determination in step S111 is YES, the process proceeds to step S112, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S114.

In step S112, the CPU 401 instructs the image acoustic control unit 500 in accordance with the hold increase command received in the process of step S111, and additionally displays a hold image indicating that the special symbol lottery is held in the image display unit 6. , Hold image display processing for changing the hold image to the prefetch display mode is performed. The displayed reserved images are sequentially erased when the notification effect is started based on the process of step S115 described below. The instruction to the image/sound control unit 500 is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Further, when the CPU 401 receives the first hold number increase command, the RAM 403 cumulatively stores one data (hold data) indicating the hold of the first special symbol lottery in chronological order, while the second hold number. When the increase command is received, the RAM 403 cumulatively stores one piece of data (holding data) indicating the holding of the second special symbol lottery in chronological order. Further, at that time, the CPU 401 extracts the pre-determination information included in the hold increase command, includes it in the above-mentioned hold data, and stores it in the RAM 403. After that, the process proceeds to step S113.

In step S113, the CPU 401 performs prefetching notice effect setting processing. Specifically, the CPU 401, if the number of special symbol lottery reservations (the number of reservation data) stored in the RAM 403 is 2 or more, including the reservation added in step S112, is stored in the RAM 403 most recently. Based on the preliminary determination information (that is, included in the latest pending data), it is determined by lottery or the like whether or not to execute the prefetching notice effect. For example, the CPU 401, when the pre-determination information indicates “big hit”, “miss” and “reach effect” (reach with loss), or “miss” and “reach effect”. In each of the cases of "none" (missing without reach), a pre-reading random number (production random number) is acquired, and when the pre-reading random number matches a predetermined pre-reading winning value, it is determined to execute the pre-reading announcement production. .. The pre-reading winning value may be set to different numbers depending on whether the pre-determination information is “big hit”, “miss with reach” or “miss without reach”. Specifically, by setting the number of pre-reading winning values in the case of "big hit" to be larger than the number of pre-reading winning values in the case of "reach with loss", the pre-reading notice effect is easily executed during "big hit". It may be one. Then, when it is determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect, the CPU 401 performs the pre-reading notice to be executed by lottery or the like from a large number of pre-reading notice effect patterns that satisfy the condition of the pre-determination information (condition of whether or not a big hit or the like). Set the content of the performance. That is, what kind of notice effect is performed in each notification effect is set as the look-ahead notice effect. After that, the process proceeds to step S114.

In step S114, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect start command and the game state notification command set in step S409 of FIG. 16 have been received. If the determination in step S114 is YES, the process proceeds to step S115, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S116.

In step S115, the CPU 401 sets the effect contents of the notification effect by the image display unit 6 and the like in accordance with the notification effect start command received in the process of step S114, and instructs the image and sound control unit 500 and the like to display the image. The notification effect setting process for starting the notification effect by 6 or the like is performed. Here, the notification effect (fluctuation effect) is an effect that is executed in the image display unit 6 or the like according to the variable display of the special symbol and suggests the result of the special symbol lottery, for example, the decorative symbol is variably displayed, This is an effect in which the result of the special symbol lottery is informed by stopping and displaying the variably displayed decorative symbol. The instruction to the image/sound control unit 500 and the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. This notification effect setting process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. After that, the process proceeds to step S116.

In step S116, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect stop command set in the process of step S412 of FIG. 16 has been received. If the determination in step S116 is YES, the process proceeds to step S117, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

In step S117, the CPU 401 instructs the image and sound control unit 500 and the like to end the notification effect started to be executed in the process of step S115 and finally stop all the decorative symbols that have been variably displayed (regulation). Time (0.5 seconds) confirmed stop display) to inform the result of the special symbol lottery. The instruction to the image/sound control unit 500 and the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Then, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

In step S120 of FIG. 26, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the opening command set in the in-stop processing of step S414 of FIG. 16 has been received. If the determination in step S120 is YES, the process proceeds to step S121, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S122.

In step S121, the CPU 401 gives an opening effect instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image and sound control unit 500 to start the opening effect of the big hit game effect. Here, the opening effect is an effect that notifies the start of a big hit game, and is typically an image effect that prompts the player to shoot a game ball toward the special winning opening 23. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 and the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. After that, the process proceeds to step S122.

In step S122, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round start notification command set in the process of step S610 of FIG. 21 is received. If the determination in step S122 is YES, the process proceeds to step S123, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S124.

In step S123, the CPU 401 gives a round effect start instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image and sound control unit 500 to start the round effect process of the big hit game effect. Here, the round effect is an effect executed during the round game of the big hit game, for example, an effect by an image in which the main character is fighting with an enemy character. The instruction to the image/sound control unit 500 and the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. After that, the process proceeds to step S124.

In step S124, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the winning command set in the processing of step S615 of FIG. 21, step S309 of FIG. 24, etc., and output by the output processing of step S9 of FIG. 12 has been received. If the determination in step S124 is YES, the process proceeds to step S125, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S126.

In step S125, the CPU 401 issues a winning process instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the audiovisual control unit 500 to start the winning process. Here, the CPU 501 of the image and sound control unit 500, which receives the instruction to start the winning process from the effect control unit 400, based on the winning command received via the effect control unit 400, each winning opening (first starting opening). 21, the second starting opening 22, the big winning opening 23, the normal winning opening 24), the number of winning game balls is counted and stored in the RAM 503. In addition, when the CPU 501 receives a winning command based on the winning of the game ball to the special winning opening 23 (that is, when one game ball is winning in the special winning opening 23), the number of prize balls corresponding to the big winning opening 23 is “13. Is added to the total number of prize balls stored in the RAM 503 to be updated, and the updated total number of prize balls is displayed on the image display unit 6. The instruction to the image/sound control unit 500 and the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S126.

In step S126, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round end notification command set in the process of step S620 of FIG. 21 has been received. If the determination in step S126 is YES, the process proceeds to step S127, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S128.

In step S127, the CPU 401 instructs the image and sound control unit 500 and the like to end the round effect of the big hit game effect. The instruction to the image/sound control unit 500 and the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. After that, the process proceeds to step S128.

In step S128, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the ending command set in the process of step S631 of FIG. 22 has been received. If the determination in step S128 is YES, the process proceeds to step S129, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S129, the CPU 401 gives an ending effect instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image and sound control unit 500 to start the ending effect of the big hit game effect. Here, the ending effect is an effect of notifying the end of the big hit game, and is typically an effect of displaying the mark of the maker of the gaming machine 1. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 and the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. After that, the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, the CPU 401 sets whether or not the small hit game start notification command set in the process of step S414 of FIG. 16 has been received. If the determination in step S130 is YES, the process proceeds to step S131, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S132.

In step S131, the CPU 401 sets the content of the small hitting game effect executed by the image display unit 6 and the like, and performs a small hitting game effect setting process for instructing the image sound control unit 500 to start the small hitting game effect. To do. This small hit game effect setting process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. After that, the process proceeds to step S132.

In step S132, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the customer waiting command and the game state notification command set in the process of step S416 of FIG. 16 have been received. If the determination in step S132 is YES, the process proceeds to step S133, and if the determination is NO, the command receiving process is terminated and the process proceeds to step S12 of FIG.

In step S133, the CPU 401 instructs the audiovisual control unit 500 to start the stopped state process based on the customer waiting command and the game state notification command received in step S132. Then, the command reception process ends, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG. Here, the stopped state process is a process started when a so-called customer waiting state is started, and the CPU 501 of the image and sound control unit 500 instructed to start the stopped state process determines a predetermined state according to the game state. A stop effect (for example, an effect in which all the decorative patterns are stopped and displayed) is displayed on the image display unit 6. If a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) has elapsed from the start of the above stop effect and the CPU 401 does not receive an instruction for another effect from the CPU 401, the CPU 501 starts the customer waiting effect. The customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect of displaying an image related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 on the image display unit 6, or a predetermined effect executed during the game (for example, reach effect). ) Is displayed on the image display unit 6. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 is performed by setting the command in the RAM 403. However, when the CPU 501 is notified of the information indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 25 and the information indicating that the game ball has won the normal winning opening, the CPU 501 continues without stopping the stopped state process. ..

[Notification effect setting process]
FIG. 27 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the notification effect setting process in step S115 of FIG. The notification effect setting process in step S115 of FIG. 25 will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, in step S1150, CPU 401 performs effect state setting processing. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image and sound control unit 500 to perform the mode effect in the effect state according to the game state indicated by the received game state notification command (see step S409 in FIG. 16). Here, this effect state setting process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

In step S1151, the CPU 401 analyzes the notification effect start command received in step S114 of FIG. 25, and acquires the setting information included in the notification effect start command. After that, the process proceeds to step S1152.

In step S1152, the CPU 401 determines an effect pattern to be executed in the notification effect of this time based on the setting information acquired in step S1151. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, the effect pattern (or the effect pattern type) is defined in association with the change pattern (special symbol change time) indicated by the setting information. When the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is "90.03", the effect pattern type "per 3rd SPSP" is determined, and when the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is "13.50 seconds", the reach is not reached. The effect pattern type "immediate loss" for notifying the loss is determined. After that, the process proceeds to step S1153.

In step S1153, the CPU 401, the fluctuation of this time, the final fluctuation is controlled to a short-time state after the big hit game (details will be described later, fluctuation that is controlled to the probability variation game state (time-saving state) after the big hit game based on the big hit symbol) The remaining number of times (remaining number Rc) is 0), and it is determined whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery is a loss. If the determination in step S1153 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1154, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1155.

In step S1154, CPU 401 determines to display the jackpot history display at a predetermined timing. The big hit history display is a display of the number of consecutive big hits and the total number of prize balls obtained by winning the game balls in the big winning opening 23 during the big hit or the small hit. Then, the process proceeds to step S1155.

In step S1155, the CPU 401 instructs the audiovisual control unit 500 and the like to execute the notification effect of the effect contents set in step S1150 to step S1154. The instruction to the image/sound control unit 500 and the like is performed by setting a fluctuation start command in the RAM 403. Then, the notification effect setting process ends, and the process proceeds to step S116 in FIG.

[Production state setting process]
FIG. 28 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the effect state setting process in step S1150 of FIG. The effect state setting process in step S1150 of FIG. 27 will be described below with reference to FIG.

In step S2001, the CPU 501 of the image and sound control unit 500, which receives the instruction from the effect control unit 400, changes the game state from a time saving state (probability variation game state in this embodiment) to a non-time saving state (normal game state in this embodiment). ) Is determined. Specifically, the CPU 501, while the current game state is controlled in the time saving state, the game state notification command received via the effect control unit 400 (the game state notification received by the CPU 401 in step S409 of FIG. 16). It is determined whether the game state indicated by the command) is a non-time saving state. In the present embodiment, the gaming state is switched from the time saving state to the non-time saving state at 81th rotation after the big hit game of the big hit A, big hit B, big hit D or big hit E shown in FIG. 7 is completed. In addition, as will be described later in detail, in the present embodiment, the remaining number of remaining variable displays (remaining number Rc) that is controlled to a time saving state after the big hit game is updated and stored in the RAM 503. Therefore, when the remaining number Rc is updated to 0, the CPU 501 may determine that the game state has been switched from the time saving state to the non-time saving state at the timing of receiving the next notification effect start command. If the determination in step S2001 is YES, the process proceeds to step S2007, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S2002.

In step S2002, the CPU 501 determines whether the game state is a non-time saving state (latent game state or normal game state in this embodiment). Specifically, the CPU 501 determines whether the gaming state indicated by the gaming state notification command (the gaming state notification command received by the CPU 401 in step S409 of FIG. 16) received via the effect control unit 400 is the non-time saving state. To judge. In the present embodiment, the big hit A, big hit B, big hit D or big hit E shown in FIG. 7 changes after the 81st rotation after the big hit game ends, fluctuation after the big hit C big hit game, or until the first big hit. In the fluctuation of, the game state is controlled in the non-time saving state. If the determination in step S2002 is YES, the process proceeds to step S2009. If the determination is NO (that is, the gaming state is controlled in the time saving state), the process proceeds to step S2003.

In step S2003, the CPU 501 sets a time saving background as a background image. As a result, a time saving background (not shown) is displayed as the background image, so that the mode effect of the time saving mode is executed. The background image is an image (moving image or still image) displayed as the background of the notification effect, and displaying the time-saving background suggests that the current gaming state is the time-saving state. In this embodiment, the time saving state does not coexist in the low certainty state, so the time saving background suggests the certainty variation game state. After that, the process proceeds to step S2004.

In step S2004, the CPU 501 sets the display of the history information stored in the RAM 503 to ON. Here, the history information is history information relating to a game, and is based on, for example, the number of consecutive big hits, the number of small hits in a time-saving state, a game ball winning the big winning opening 23 during a big hit or a small hit. It is history information indicating the total number of award balls paid out as a total of the number of award balls paid out. In the present embodiment, the history information is stored in the RAM 503. In the present embodiment, the number of consecutive big hits is stored in the RAM 503 by the processing of the opening effect of the big hit game, and the total number of prize balls obtained by the game balls winning the big winning opening 23 during the big hit is the big hit. The number of small hits in the time saving state is stored in the RAM 503 by the game round effect processing, and is stored in the RAM 503 by the small hit game effect processing started in the time saving state. Then, by setting the display of the history information to ON, in the history information, for example, the number of consecutive big hits, the number of small hits in a time saving state, the big winning opening 23 during a big hit or a small hit is played. The total number of prize balls obtained by winning the balls is displayed on the image display unit 6. Specifically, the image display unit 6 displays a big hit count history image H1, a small hit count history image H2, and a prize ball history image H3 (see (1) in FIG. 32 described later). The display contents of the big hit count history image H1 and the prize ball history image H3 are updated and displayed after the big hit game, and the small hit count history image H2 is updated and displayed at the start of the small hit game. After that, the process proceeds to step S2005.

In step S2005, the CPU 501 performs an update process of subtracting 1 from the remaining number of times Rc stored in the RAM 503. Here, the remaining number of times Rc is the number of times that is initially set in the RAM 503 by the ending effect processing of the big hit game, and in the present embodiment, "80" indicating the number of times saved after the big hit game is initially set. After that, the process proceeds to step S2006.

In step S2006, the CPU 501 displays the residual number Rc stored in the RAM 503 on the image display unit 6. As a result, the image display unit 6 displays a residual count image H4 indicating the residual count Rc (see (1) of FIG. 32 described later). That is, each time the notification effect execution process is executed in the time saving state (probability variation game state) (that is, each time the notification effect start command is received), the remaining number of times Rc subtracted by 1 is indicated, whereby the time saving state ( The remaining number of fluctuations controlled by the probability variation game state) is suggested. Then, the CPU 501 ends the effect state setting process. In the next notification effect execution process of the notification effect in which the remaining number Rc is 0, the game state is controlled in the non-time saving state, and therefore, the processes in steps S2003 to S2006 are not performed, and the remaining number is set. Rc disappears. That is, when the remaining number Rc becomes 0, the remaining number Rc is not displayed from the next notification effect execution process.

In step S2007, the CPU 501 sets a normal background as the background image. As a result, the normal background (not shown) is displayed as the background image, so that the mode effect of the normal mode is executed. In addition, by displaying the normal background as the background image, it is suggested that the current game state is not the time saving state (that is, the normal game state or the latent game state). After that, the process proceeds to step S2008.

In step S2008, the CPU 501 sets the display of the history information stored in the RAM 503 to OFF. The setting information is set in the RAM 503 as a command, and the command is output to the image and sound control unit 500, whereby the history information stored in the RAM 503 by the image and sound control unit 500 (the number of consecutive big hits, The number of small hits in the time saving state, the total number of prize balls obtained by winning the game balls into the special winning opening 23 during the big hit or the small hit) is not displayed on the image display unit 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S2009.

In step S2009, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the current variation is a variation based on the second special symbol lottery. If the determination in step S2009 is YES, the effect state setting process is ended, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S2010.

In step S2010, the CPU 501 erases (resets) the history information stored in the RAM 503. Then, the effect state setting process ends.

By the processing of step S2009 to step S2010, when the game state is changed from the time saving state to the non-time saving state, when the big hit in the second special symbol lottery held in the time saving state, the history information is erased. Since there is no history information, it will be inherited.

[Small hit game effect setting process]
FIG. 29 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the small hit game effect setting process in step S131 of FIG. The small hitting game effect setting process in step S131 of FIG. 26 will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, in step S1311, the CPU 401, based on the small hit game start notification command received in step S130 of FIG. 26, this small hit game, the result of the special symbol lottery is small hit A or small hit B It is determined whether or not this is executed. If the determination in step S1311 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1312, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1313.

In step S1312, the CPU 401 determines that the small hit game of this time is a small hit game executed because the result of the special symbol lottery is the small hit A or the small hit B, and the small hit game is determined as a small hit game. It is determined to execute one effect (see FIG. 8). In addition, the CPU 401 instructs the image and sound control unit 500 to start the first effect. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 and the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Then, the small hit game effect setting process is ended, and the process proceeds to step S132 of FIG.

In step S1313, the CPU 401 executes the small hit game this time based on the small hit game start notification command received in step S130 of FIG. 26 because the result of the special symbol lottery is the small hit C. Or not. If the determination in step S1313 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1314, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1315.

In step S1314, the CPU 401 determines that the present small hit game is a small hit game executed because the result of the special symbol lottery was a small hit C, and executes the second effect as a small hit game. Then, it is determined (see FIG. 8). Further, the CPU 401 instructs the audiovisual control unit 500 to start the second effect. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 and the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Then, the small hit game effect setting process is ended, and the process proceeds to step S132 of FIG.

In step S1315, the CPU 401 determines that the small hit game of this time is a small hit game executed by the result of the special symbol lottery being the small hit D or the small hit E, and the small hit game is determined as a small hit game. It is decided to execute three effects (see FIG. 8). Further, the CPU 401 instructs the audiovisual control unit 500 to start the third effect. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 and the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Then, the small hit game effect setting process is ended, and the process proceeds to step S132 of FIG.

[Characteristic operation according to this embodiment]
Next, the characteristic operation according to the present embodiment executed by the control described using the above flowchart will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the result of the first special symbol lottery is a small hit, the main display unit 4h is lit and displayed in a display mode for notifying that the small hit has occurred. In some cases, the main display unit 4h may not be illuminated. Further, the gaming machine 1, when the result of the first special symbol lottery is a small hit, whether it is a small hit that lights the main display 4h or does not light the main display 4h. Accordingly, different effects can be executed during the small hit game. These examples will be described with reference to FIG. Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, in the time saving state (probability variation game state), when the result of the second special symbol lottery is a small hit, a small hit game is performed, and in the notification effect in the time saving state. , It is possible to display the number of small hits in the time saving state. These examples will be described with reference to FIG. Further, in the present embodiment, in the notification effect, when all the decorative symbols that have been variably displayed on the image display unit 6 are stopped (fixed stop display), the special symbol drawn as “special training” as the decorative symbol is stopped. By doing so, it is assumed that the result of the first special symbol lottery is notified that either the big hit C is won or the small hits A to C are displayed, and in the notification effect, it is variably displayed on the image display unit 6. When all the decorative symbols that had been stopped (fixed stop display), the special symbols simulating a bell as three decorative symbols are stopped, and the result of the second special symbol lottery is a small hit D or a small hit. It shall be notified that it is E.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining an example of a characteristic effect in the present embodiment. In the gaming machine 1, a special symbol lottery is performed, and three decorative symbols DI are variably displayed to inform the result, and then all the decorative symbols DI are stopped and displayed, so that one special symbol lottery result is obtained. In order to notify, a notification effect that matches the variable display of the special symbol is executed. In FIG. 30, when the result of the first special symbol lottery is a small hit (small hit A to small hit C), an effect executed in the image display unit 6 and an example of lighting display of the main display 4h will be described. ..

First, when the variation of the first special symbol is started, as shown in FIG. 30(1), the variable display of the three decorative symbols DI (DIL, DIC, DIR) is started on the image display unit 6.

Next, as shown in FIG. 30(2), as the left decorative design DIL, a design in which the number "5" is drawn is temporarily displayed, and as the right decorative design DI2, the same number "5" as the left decorative design DIL is displayed. The symbol "" is temporarily stopped and displayed, and an effect of reaching the reach state is executed (that is, the reach is established).

Next, as shown in FIG. 30(3), the left and right decorative symbols DIL and DIR are stopped and displayed as the symbol "5" is drawn, and "special training" is drawn as the medium decorative pattern DIC. When the special symbol is permanently stopped (the variation of the decorative symbol DI is completely stopped), the player is informed that the result of the special symbol lottery is small hit A to small hit C or big hit C.

Next, when the result of the first special symbol lottery is a small hit A or a small hit B, the first effect is executed in the image display unit 6 as shown in FIG. 30(4-1). At the same time, the main display 4h is lit and displayed in the lit display mode of the lit display pattern PA5 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the result of the first special symbol lottery is the small hit C, as shown in FIG. 30(4-2), the second effect is executed in the image display unit 6, and the main display 4h is Does not light up. When the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit C, as shown in FIG. 30 (4-3), in the image display unit 6, a big hit game effect similar to the first effect or the second effect. And the main display 4h is lit and displayed in the lit display mode of the lit display pattern PA4 shown in FIG.

Next, FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining another example of the characteristic effect in the present embodiment. In FIG. 31, in the time saving state (probability variation game state in the present embodiment), a display example of history information in the notification effect, and the result of the second special symbol lottery is a small hit (small hit D or small hit E). In the case of the display, an example of the effect executed on the image display unit 6 and the lighting display example of the main display 4h will be described.

As shown in FIG. 31(1), on the image display unit 6 in the time saving state, an image showing history information (a big hit number history image H1, a small hit number history image H2 in a time saving state, an award ball history image H3), a residual While the remaining number of times image H4 indicating the number of times Rc is displayed, when the variation of the second special symbol lottery is started, the variation display of the three decorative symbols DI (DIL, DIC, DIR) is started.

Next, as shown in FIG. 31(2), all three decorative symbols DI are displayed as a special symbol imitating a bell, which is permanently stopped (variation of the decorative symbol DI is completely stopped), so that the player can It is informed that the result of the second special symbol lottery is a small hit D or a small hit E.

Next, when the result of the second special symbol lottery is a small hit D, as shown in FIG. 31(3-1), the third effect is executed in the image display unit 6, and the small amount in the time saving state is executed. The display of the hit count history image H2 is updated, and the main display 4h is lit and displayed in the lit display mode of the lit display pattern PA6 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the result of the first special symbol lottery is a small hit E, as shown in FIG. 31 (3-2), the third effect is executed on the image display unit 6, and the small hit in the time saving state is performed. The display of the number-of-times history image H2 is updated, and the main display 4h is lit and displayed in the lit display mode of the lit display pattern PA7 shown in FIG.

Next, when the small hit game ends, as shown in FIG. 31(4), the next variation of the special symbol lottery is started.

Next, when the final variation (variation in which the residual number Rc is shown to be 0) is started in the time saving state and the fact that the final variation is a loss is notified, as shown in FIG. 31(5). The final result indicating the number of consecutive big hits and the total number of prize balls obtained by winning the game balls in the big winning hole 23 during the big hit or the small hit is displayed as a big hit history on the image display unit 6, The three decorative symbols are permanently stopped and displayed as a lost symbol (for example, "261"), so that the player is notified that the result of the special symbol lottery is lost.

In the embodiment described above, as the big hit history, the final result indicating the number of consecutive big hits and the total number of award balls obtained by winning the game balls into the big winning hole 23 during the big hit or the small hit is displayed. However, in addition to these, the final result indicating the number of small hits in the time saving state may be displayed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the result of the second special symbol lottery is the small hit D or the small hit E is notified by stopping the special symbol simulating a bell as the three decorative symbols DI. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even when the result of the second special symbol lottery is a small hit E, you may stop the lost symbol string (for example, “534”) as the three decorative symbols DI. Further, in the above embodiment, when the result of the second special symbol lottery is the small hit D or the small hit E, the same third effect as the small hit game is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this. .. For example, when the result of the second special symbol lottery is a small hit E, a fourth effect different from the third effect may be performed as a small hit game.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit, the main display 4h is turned on and turned on based on the type of the small hit (small hit symbol). It may not be displayed. As a result, in the present embodiment, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit C (latent big hit) instead of a small hit, the main display 4h is not illuminated and the special symbol lottery result is a latent big hit. In the case where the player can expect the main display 4h to be lit and displayed, if the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit (for example, a small hit A or B) in which the main display 4h is lit and displayed. It is possible to effectively give the player a sense of expectation that a latent big hit has occurred. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the player's interest can be attracted.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, depending on the type of small hit (small hit pattern), there may be a case where the main display 4h is lit and a case where the main display 4h is not lit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be set such that the main display unit 4h is lit and displayed depending on the game state. Specifically, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a normal gaming state or a latent gaming state, the main display 4h is lit and displayed when the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 When the probability variation game state or the time saving game state, the main display 4h may not be lit and displayed when the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the result of the first special symbol lottery is a type of small hit (small hit A or small hit B) that causes the main display 4h to light up, or a small not to light up the main display 4h. Different effects are executed during the small hit game depending on whether the type is a small hit (small hit C). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and regardless of whether or not the main display 4h is lit and displayed, different small hit game effects may be executed depending on the type of small hit (small hit pattern). Good. Specifically, in the above embodiment, when the result of the first special symbol lottery is a small hit B, an effect different from the first effect and the second effect may be executed, or a special effect may be executed. If the result of the symbol lottery is a small hit B, the second effect may be executed. With such a configuration, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit, whether or not the main display 4h is lit and displayed and the variation of the combination of effects executed as a small hit game effect are increased. Since it is possible to make it difficult for the player to predict that the result of the first special symbol lottery is a small hit rather than a latent big hit, the player can effectively expect a latent big hit. Can be given.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the main display for notifying the number of round games executed during the big hit game and the fact that the small hit has been made, and for notifying the opening/closing pattern of the opening/closing operation of the special winning opening 23 performed during the small hit game. Although the device 4h is an LED display device in which eight devices are arranged in a row, the number is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. The main display device 4h may be provided with two LED lamps in total in the vertical and horizontal directions, that is, four LED lamps. Even in such a case, by combining which of the four LED lamps is turned on/off, it is possible to show 15 different lighting modes except for a pattern in which all four LED lamps are turned off. In addition, as shown in FIG. 32(2), the main display 4h has an LED lamp in which "2", "4", "8" or "16" indicating the number of rounds is drawn and an LED in which nothing is drawn. It may be composed of a lamp (for example, three lamps). In this case, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the LED display device drawn as "2", "4", "8" or "16" when notifying the number of rounds according to the kind of big hit If the result of the special symbol lottery is lit and displayed, when the small hit is notified according to the kind of the small hit, the LED lamp in which nothing is drawn is displayed according to the kind of the small hit. It is only necessary to turn on the display. Further, as shown in FIG. 32(3), the main display 4h may be a 7-segment display device. In this case, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, it is lit and displayed in a display mode according to the number of rounds based on the type of big hit, and when the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit, a small hit depending on the type of a small hit When notifying that it has been done, the display may be turned on in a display mode according to the type of small hit.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, when the game state is changed from the time saving state to the non-time saving state, when the big hit in the second special symbol lottery held in the time saving state, the history information is not erased and is succeeded. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The history information is deleted (reset) when the game state changes from the time saving state to the non-time saving state, and the history information is not inherited when the game state changes from the time saving state to the non-time saving state. May be.

In the above-described embodiment, the time saving signal is output to the board external information terminal board 117 together with the big hit signal only when the big hit game is started in the time saving state. Therefore, the time saving state is changed to the non-time saving state. When the game state is changed to, when a big hit in the second special symbol lottery that was held in the time saving state, it is not displayed by incrementing by 1 by taking over the "number of consecutive chan" in the game history display However, it is not limited to this. When the game state is changed from the time saving state to the non-time saving state, even when a big hit occurs in the second special symbol lottery held in the time saving state, just before the start of the big hit game, the time with the big hit signal A short signal may be controlled to be output to the board external information terminal board 117, and the "history chan count" may be taken over and displayed by incrementing by 1 on the game history display.

Further, the shape, number, installation position, etc. of each component provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above are merely examples, and other shapes, numbers, and installation positions are also within the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that the present invention can be realized without departing from the above. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized even if the numerical values and the like used in the above-mentioned processing are merely examples and other numerical values are used.

Although the present invention has been described in detail above by using the embodiments, the above description is merely an example of the present invention in all respects, and is not intended to limit the scope thereof. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the terms used in the present specification have meanings commonly used in the art, unless otherwise specified. Therefore, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

1... Gaming machine 2... Gaming board 4... Display 5... Frame member 6... Image display 7... Movable accessory 8... Board lamp 20... Gaming area 21... First starting port 22... Second starting port 23... Big prize Mouth 24... Normal winning hole 25... Gate 26... Discharge port 27... Electric tulip 31... Handle 32... Lever 33... Stop button 34... Ejection button 35... Speaker 36... Frame lamp 37... Performance button 38... Performance key 39... Dish 43 ...Lock unit 100...Main control units 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601... CPU
102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602... ROM
103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603... RAM
111a... 1st starting opening switch 111b... 2nd starting opening switch 112... Electric tulip opening/closing part 113... Gate switch 114... Special winning opening switch 115... Special winning opening opening/closing part 116... Ordinary winning opening switch 200... Launch control part 211... Launching device 300...Payout control unit 311...Payout driving unit 400...Direction control unit 404...RTC
500... Image sound control section 600... Lamp control section DI... Decorative pattern

Claims (1)

When the start condition is satisfied, a determining means for determining whether to perform a big hit game advantageous to the player or a small hit game advantageous to the player different from the big hit game,
Game control means for controlling the game based on the determination result by the determination means,
A normal game state and a game state control means capable of controlling the game in a specific game state which is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state,
And a production control means for executing a variation production for notifying a determination result by the determination means by displaying a plurality of decorative symbols in a variable manner on the production display means, and then displaying the stop.
The game control means,
The profit obtained when the small hit game is judged by the judgment means when the game state is controlled to the specific game state than when it is controlled to the normal game state by the game state control means Easy to get more,
The effect control means,
When it is determined that the jackpot game is performed by the determination means, it is possible to stop and display the decorative symbol with a predetermined uniform symbol that is aligned with the same symbol,
In the specific game state, when it is determined by the determination means that the small hit game is to be performed, it is possible to stop and display the decorative symbol with a specific uniform symbol different from the predetermined regular symbol and aligned with the same symbol. There is a game machine.

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