JP2021112426A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of deterring game balls shot into a game area to contact one another.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine is configured so as to shoot game balls into a game area PA along a guide passage 44 by a shooting device and to allow the game balls to flow down in the game area PA, and includes a first passage surface 811 for forming a first connection passage part 901 between an outer rail 41 and itself and a second passage surface 812 for forming a second connection passage part 902 having narrower passage width than that of the first connection passage part 901 between the outer rail 41 and itself on an extension of the guide passage 44, a first projection 814 is provided in an inlet part of the first connection passage part 901, a second projection 815 is provided in an inlet part of the second connection passage part 902, and the tip of the second projection 815 points upward as compared with the tip of the first projection 814.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 42

Description

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

In general, pachinko gaming machines acquire random numbers for lottery when a gaming ball launched into the gaming area through a guide rail on the gaming board enters the starting port, and this is used. Temporarily stores up to a predetermined maximum number of balls as operation hold balls. Each time such a predetermined start condition is satisfied, such an operation holding ball is sequentially digested one by one, and a hit / fail determination of whether or not it corresponds to a big hit is executed. If the result of the winning / failing judgment is a big hit, the decorative symbol consisting of multiple rows is displayed in a variable manner, the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning mode, and the large winning opening, which is normally closed, is opened. A special game (big hit game) to be in a state is established.

In this type of pachinko gaming machine, a connecting passage connecting the left side area and the right side area on the game board is provided above the central structure (center accessory) provided in the substantially center of the game area, and guidance is provided. A protrusion having a convex shape on the exit opening side of the passage is formed so that a part of the game balls driven into the game area are brought into contact with the protrusion and the game ball is bounced toward the left side of the game area. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2016-015982

However, when the game ball collides with the protrusion and is largely bounced off, there is a problem that the bounced game ball comes into contact with the subsequent game ball launched next and obstructs the course of the subsequent game ball. ..

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing contact between gaming balls launched in a gaming domain.

In order to achieve such an object, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a gaming board in which a predetermined gaming area is formed, a decorative member provided in the gaming area, and a launching handle that can be operated by the player. A game ball is provided between the outer rail provided on the game board and the inner rail provided inside the outer rail provided with a launching device for launching the game ball with a firing intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the firing handle. A game machine configured to form a guide passage through which the game ball can pass, to drive a game ball into the game area along the guide passage by the launching device, and to let the game ball flow down in the game area. The decorative member has a passage forming portion for forming a specific passage through which the game ball can pass between the decorative member and the outer rail, and the passage forming portion is an extension of the guide passage to form the outer rail. A first passage forming portion forming a first specific passage between the two, and a second passage forming portion forming a second specific passage having a passage width narrower than that of the first specific passage between the outer rail and the first specific passage. A first protrusion with which the game ball can come into contact is provided at the entrance of the first specific passage, and a second protrusion with which the game ball can come into contact is provided at the entrance of the second specific passage. The tip of the second protrusion is provided and is characterized in that the tip of the second protrusion is directed upward from the tip of the first protrusion.

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the gaming balls launched in the gaming area from coming into contact with each other.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a rear view of the said pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the state which the glass frame was removed in the said pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view of a game board. It is a front view of the main control display device. It is a control block diagram of the said pachinko gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram of the main control board and the effect control board of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows the special symbol winning / failing lottery table. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a first special symbol jackpot symbol table, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing a second special symbol jackpot symbol table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the variation pattern table 1 of a special symbol. It is a schematic diagram which shows the variation pattern table 2 of a special symbol. It is a schematic diagram which shows the variation pattern table 3 of a special symbol. It is a schematic diagram which shows a decorative pattern. It is a flowchart which shows the main process on the main control side. It is a flowchart which shows the control process which follows FIG. 14 of the main control side main process. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing of a main control side. It is a flowchart which shows the prize-winning monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows the start port monitoring control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change start monitoring control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change start monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol control general-purpose processing. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change start processing. It is a flowchart which shows the process during special symbol change. It is a flowchart which shows the process of displaying a special symbol stop symbol. It is a flowchart which shows the special electric accessory control process. It is a flowchart which shows the control process which follows FIG. 26 of the special electric accessory control process. It is a flowchart which shows the reset start processing. It is a flowchart which shows the production control side main processing. It is a flowchart which shows the command analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows the prize production content determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the effect control command reception interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing on the effect control side. It is a flowchart which shows the image control command transmission interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows the device control data output processing. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization operation process at the time of power-on. (A) is an error recovery process when the number of steps is exceeded, (B) is an error recovery process when a position check error occurs, and (C) is a flowchart showing an error recovery process when a time monitoring check error occurs. It is a front view of a game board (a state in which a movable body accessory is movable). It is a schematic diagram which shows the relationship of the passage width between a guide passage and a connecting passage. It is a front view of the game board (the state which added the center line in the width direction of a game area). It is a schematic diagram which provides the explanation of the rotation operation amount of a firing handle. It is a schematic diagram which provides the explanation of the directing direction of a 1st protrusion and a 2nd protrusion. It is a front view of the 1st movable production apparatus. It is an exploded perspective view of the 1st movable production apparatus. It is a front view which shows the internal structure of the 1st movable body accessory. It is a schematic diagram provided for the explanation of the production operation of the 1st movable body accessory. It is a schematic diagram which provides the explanation of the basic structure of the character notice production. It is a time chart which shows the execution timing of the character advance notice production. It is a schematic diagram which shows the production example of the character rehearsal production. It is a time chart which shows the 1st modification of the execution timing of the character advance notice effect. It is a time chart which shows the 2nd modification of the execution timing of the character advance notice effect. It is a time chart which shows the operation period of the movable body accessory and the light emission period of the accessory lamp. It is a time chart which shows the operation period of a movable body accessory and the display period of an effect image. It is a time chart which shows the operation period of a movable body accessory and the output period of a movable production sound. It is a time chart which shows the execution period of the character advance notice effect and the variable display period of a decorative symbol. It is a time chart for comparing the execution mode at the time of the effect operation of the movable body accessory, and the execution mode at the time of the initialization operation of the movable body accessory. It is a time chart when an operation error of a movable body accessory occurs. It is a schematic diagram which conceptually shows the layer structure of an effect display device. It is a front view which shows the modification of the movable body accessory, (A) shows the state which the movable body accessory is in the 1st form, (B) is the state which the movable body accessory is in a 2nd form. show.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The front view and the rear view of the pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. First, the overall configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be outlined with reference to this drawing. The pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment is a model in which two functions equivalent to those of the conventional first-class pachinko gaming machine are mixed, and the first game (first special symbol game) and the second game (first special symbol game) and the second game. It is possible to develop a game (second special symbol game).

<Basic configuration of pachinko game machines>
First, the basic structure of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine PM (also simply referred to as “gaming machine PM”) is fitted to the front surface of the opening of the outer frame 1 forming the vertical fixed holding frame configured in the outer square frame size. The front frame 2 which is configured in the size of a square frame and forms an opening / closing mounting frame is attached by the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3a and 3b arranged on the front left edge of each other so that it can be opened / closed and detached sideways. It is always held in a closed state in which it is engaged and connected to the outer frame 1 by using a locking device 4 called a double lock provided in the portion.

A square glass frame 5 that matches the upper front area of the front frame 2 is attached to the front frame 2 so as to be openable and closable and detachable by using the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3, and the locking device 4 is used. It is always held in a closed state that covers the front surface of the front frame 2. The game board 20 is detachably set and held in the front frame 2, and the game area PA in front of the game board 20 is visible through the double glazing 5a of the glass frame 5 which is always closed and held. ing.

On the front side of the glass frame 5, a frame lamp (LED lamp) 11 that emits light according to the development status of the game and a speaker 8 that generates a sound effect according to the development status of the game are provided. At the bottom of the glass frame 5, upper and lower ball plates (upper ball plate 6 and lower ball plate 7) for storing game balls are provided. The lower ball plate 7 is arranged closer to the left side with respect to the left and right centers of the glass frame 5, and in the empty space formed on the front right side of the lower ball plate 7, a predetermined effect operation is performed. An effect operation device (effect button) 12 is attached.

A launch handle 9 for launching a game ball is provided at the lower right of the front frame 2. At the lower part of the front frame 2, as shown in FIG. 3, an auxiliary mechanism portion called a game auxiliary board 25 is formed behind the glass frame 5 at a position capable of vertically aligning with the game board 20. A ball feeding mechanism 26 that sends out the game balls stored in the upper ball plate 6 one by one to each part of the game auxiliary board 25, a launching mechanism 27 that launches the game balls sent out from the ball feeding mechanism 26 toward the game area PA, and the like. Is provided.

The game board 20 is constructed based on a substrate formed in a rectangular flat plate shape using a synthetic resin material such as an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, or an ABS resin. As shown in FIG. 4, the outer rail 41 and the inner rail 42 are fixed in an arc shape on the front surface of the game board 20, and a substantially circular game area PA on which the game ball can roll is formed as a section. Further, the outer rail 41 and the inner rail 42 form a guide passage 44 for guiding the game ball to the game area PA, and the position near the exit opening of the game ball in the guide passage 44 (at the tip of the inner rail 42). ), A ball return prevention device 47 is provided to prevent the game ball released from the exit opening into the game area PA from returning to the guide passage 44 again. In this game area PA, along with a windmill 97 and a large number of game nails 95, various types such as a first starting port 51, a second starting port 52, an operating gate 53, a large winning opening 54, and a general winning opening 55, 56, 57 are provided. In addition to the winning opening, a main control display device 60 for which the main control board 100, which will be described later, independently controls lighting is arranged. A center decoration 80 is arranged substantially in the center of the game area PA, and the screen of the effect display device 70 is visibly provided through the central opening of the center decoration 80. At the lower end of the game area PA, an out port 29 is provided to discharge the game ball that has rolled down without entering each winning port to the back side of the game board 20. Hereinafter, each component provided on the game board 20 will be described in order.

The first starting port 51 is provided as a starting winning opening corresponding to the first special symbol game, and includes a first starting opening switch 511 for detecting the entry of a game ball. The first starting port 51 is a constantly open type winning opening that is opened upward, and is a game ball (left-handed game ball) that flows down a board surface area (left side area PA2 described later) mainly corresponding to left-handed hitting. ) Can be entered. The entry of the game ball into the first starting port 51 triggers the first special symbol lottery. In the present embodiment, the special symbol that is variablely displayed or stopped displayed on the first special symbol display device 61 (see FIG. 5) is referred to as a "first special symbol".

The second starting port 52 is provided as a starting winning opening corresponding to the second special symbol game, and includes a second starting opening switch 521 for detecting the entry of the game ball. The second starting port 51 is arranged in a board surface area (right-handed area PA2 described later) corresponding to right-handed hitting, and a game ball (right-handed game ball) that mainly flows down the right-handed area PA3 can enter. There is. The entry of the game ball into the second starting port 52 triggers the second special symbol lottery. In the present embodiment, the special symbol that is variable-displayed or stopped-displayed on the second special symbol display device 62 (see FIG. 5) is referred to as a "second special symbol". The second starting port 52 includes an ordinary electric accessory 522, which is generally called an electric chew, and an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 523 for opening and closing the ordinary electric accessory 522. The ordinary electric accessory 522 is provided with an opening / closing member 524 that is swingably provided around a support shaft substantially orthogonal to the board surface to open and close the second starting port 52, and is accompanied by the drive of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 523. Therefore, the game ball can be changed into an open state in which the ball can enter the second starting port 52 or is easily entered, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the second starting port 52 or is difficult to enter. That is, the ordinary electric accessory 522 has a structure in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting port 52 unless it is displaced in the open state, and at a predetermined opportunity described later (an opportunity to win the ordinary symbol lottery). When it is in the open state, the ease of entering the game ball increases.

The actuating gate 53 is provided as a start winning opening corresponding to a normal symbol game, and includes an actuating gate switch 531 for detecting the passage of a game ball. The actuating gate 53 is arranged on the upper side of the second starting port 52, and a game ball (right-handed game ball) that flows down the board surface area (right-hand area PA3 described later) mainly corresponding to right-handed hitting is inserted. It is possible to play a ball. The passage of the game ball through the operating gate 53 triggers a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to open the second starting port 52.

The large winning opening 54 is formed as a horizontal rectangular winning opening that is opened when the winning / failing lottery result of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is a big hit or a small hit. The large prize opening 54 is a large winning opening switch 541 for detecting the entry of a game ball, a special electric accessory 542 generally called an attacker, and a large prize for opening and closing the special electric accessory 542. It is equipped with a mouth solenoid 543. The special electric accessory 542 is variable between an open state in which the game ball can enter or is easy to enter, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the large winning opening 54 or is difficult to enter. In this example, the big winning opening 54 is provided in the right side area PA3 in the game area PA. Therefore, in the special game (big hit game, small hit game), it is easy to enter the big winning opening 54 by performing a so-called right-handed hit when launching the game ball.

The general winning openings 55 to 57 are arranged in a board surface area (left side area PA1 described later) corresponding to left-handed hitting, and a game ball flowing down the left side area PA2 can enter the ball. The general winning opening 55-57 includes a general winning opening switch 551 for detecting the entry of a game ball. From the viewpoint of cost reduction and the like, the general winning opening switch 551 is configured as a common sensor (single sensor) for the three general winning openings 55 to 57, and the game ball can be inserted into any of the general winning openings 55 to 57. Spheres can also be detected. The entry of a game ball into each general winning opening 55-57 does not trigger a lottery for a special symbol or a normal symbol, but it does trigger the acquisition of a winning ball like other winning openings (excluding the operating gate 53). .. As a modification, a general winning opening may be provided in the board surface area (right side area PA3 described later) corresponding to right-handed striking.

The main control display device 60 is an LED display device whose lighting is controlled by the main control board 100, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 5, the main control display device 60 includes a first special symbol table device 61, a second special symbol display device 62, a first special symbol hold lamp 63, a second special symbol hold lamp 64, and a normal symbol. Various display means such as a display device 65, a normal symbol hold lamp 66, a round indicator lamp 67, a status indicator lamp 68, a right-handed indicator lamp 69, and an error indicator lamp Er are provided.

The first special symbol display device 61 performs variable display and definite display of the first special symbol when the game ball enters the first starting port 51. The first special symbol display device 61 is composed of eight LED segments G to N, and the variation display of the first special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the LED segment, and the blinking of the lamp is stopped and the lighting display is performed. The first special symbol is confirmed and displayed by switching to.

The second special symbol display device 62 performs variable display and definite display of the second special symbol when the game ball enters the second starting port 52. The second special symbol display device 62 is composed of eight LED segments Q to X, and the variation display of the second special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the LED segment, and the blinking of the LED segment is stopped and lights up. By switching to the display, the second special symbol is confirmed and displayed.

The first special symbol holding lamp 63 is composed of two LED segments O and P, and represents the number of operation holding balls (maximum four) of the first special symbol by the lighting / blinking display of the LED segment. Similarly, the second special symbol holding lamp 64 is composed of two LED segments Y and Z, and the number of operation holding balls (maximum four) of the second special symbol is expressed by the lighting / blinking display of the LED segment. The number of balls on hold for operation of the first special symbol is a number related to a random number value acquired based on the entry of balls into the first starting port 51 while the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing or the special game is being executed. Yes, the acquired random number value is withheld, that is, the number for which the hit / fail judgment is temporarily suspended until the hit / fail judgment permission condition (variation start condition) is satisfied for the acquired random number value is shown. Similarly, the number of balls on hold for operation of the second special symbol is a random number value acquired based on the entry into the second starting port 52 during the fluctuation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of the special game. This is the number to which the acquired random number value is suspended, that is, the number for which the hit / fail judgment is temporarily suspended until the hit / fail judgment permission condition (variation start condition) is satisfied for the acquired random number value. There is.

The ordinary symbol display device 65 is composed of one LED segment C, and performs variable display and definite display of the ordinary symbol.

The normal symbol hold lamp 66 is composed of two LED segments A and B, and the number of operation hold balls (up to 4) of the normal symbol is expressed by the lighting / blinking display of the LED segment.

The round indicator light 67 is composed of a left indicator light 67a and a right indicator light 67b, and displays the number of round games (unit games) in the special game (specified number of rounds: the number of times the special electric accessory is continuously operated). .. The left indicator light 67a is composed of two LED segments, and the right indicator light 67b is composed of seven LED segments, and the lighting display of the LED segment expresses the specified number of rounds of the special game.

The status indicator 68 is composed of two LED segments D and E, and the lighting display of the LED segment expresses the operating state of the probability variation function of the special symbol and the operating state of the probability variation function of the normal symbol. ..

The right-handed indicator light 69 is composed of one LED segment F, and is in a game state in which a game ball should be launched aiming at the right side of the game area PA by the lighting display of the LED segment (a game state in which the right-handed indicator light should be hit). Express whether or not there is.

The error indicator light Er is composed of one LED segment B, and the lighting display of the LED segment expresses the error occurrence status of the gaming machine PM.

The effect display device 70 mainly includes a variation effect of a decorative symbol that is variablely displayed / stopped in conjunction with the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and a notice effect that suggests or informs the expectation of a big hit in advance. In addition to displaying the image, the hold display corresponding to the operation hold ball of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed. As shown in FIG. 4, the effect display device 70 synchronizes with the decorative symbol display area 700 on which variable display of the decorative symbol is executed, the first special figure hold lamp 63, and the second special figure hold lamp 64. A reserved image display area 710 on which the reserved image of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is displayed, and a variable image display area 720 on which the changing image corresponding to the variable display is displayed are provided. In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is adopted as the effect display device 70. In the decorative symbol display area 700, three rows of display areas (left symbol display area Z1, middle symbol display area Z2, right symbol display area Z3), which are variable display areas of decorative symbols, are displayed on a predetermined effective line (not shown). ) Is provided, the left symbol of the decorative symbol corresponds to the left symbol display area Z1, the middle symbol of the decorative symbol corresponds to the middle symbol display area Z2, and the right of the decorative symbol corresponds to the right symbol display area Z3. Each symbol is stopped and displayed. In the hold image display area 710, a hold image (hold icon) corresponding to the operation hold ball of the first special symbol and a hold image (hold icon) corresponding to the operation hold ball of the second special symbol are displayed. The reserved images are displayed in order according to the order of occurrence of the activated reserved balls of the special symbol (entry order), and the maximum of 4 reserved images of the 1st special symbol and the maximum 4 reserved images of the 2nd special symbol are displayed. It can be displayed. Further, in the changing image display area 720, a changing image (changing icon) corresponding to the currently executing variable display is displayed.

The center decoration 80 is installed around the effect display device 70, and has functions such as a flow path for a game ball, protection of an effect screen, and decoration. The center decoration 80 is provided with a plurality of movable effect devices 600, 640, and 650 that execute the effect operation according to the development status of the game. Each movable effect device 600, 640, 650 includes a stepping motor as a drive source. The drive source of the movable effect devices 600, 640, and 650 is not limited to the stepping motor, and other electric actuators such as a servomotor and a solenoid may be applied.

The first movable effect device 600 includes a first movable body accessory 601 that is slidably supported in the vertical direction across the left and right ends of the center decoration 80, and a drive mechanism for driving the first movable body accessory 601. It is configured to have (consisting of a stepping motor, a gear mechanism, etc.). The first movable body accessory 601 is a so-called logo accessory that is a design of the title name of the gaming machine, and is provided by an LED substrate (not shown) arranged inside (the accessory lamp 603 described later: see FIG. 6). It is configured to be able to display light emission. The first movable body accessory 601 slides upward (moves ascending) and retracts to the upper side of the center decoration 80 (referred to as the "first initial position" to distinguish it from other initial positions) and downward. It is possible to slide (moving downward) to and from the movable position superimposed on the front of the screen of the effect display device 70. The configuration of the first movable effect device 600 will be described in detail later.

The second movable effect device 640 is a second movable body accessory 641 that is swingably supported in the vertical direction with the upper portion of the center decoration 80 as a fulcrum, and a drive mechanism for driving the second movable body accessory 641. It is configured to have (consisting of a stepping motor, a gear mechanism, etc.).
The second movable body accessory 641 is formed in a shape imitating a human head (skeleton), and is configured to be capable of displaying light emission by an LED substrate (an accessory lamp 603 described later) arranged inside. The second movable body accessory 641 has an initial position (referred to as a "second initial position" to distinguish it from other initial positions) that swings upward around the fulcrum and retracts behind the center decoration. It can swing up and down with the movable position (referred to as the "second movable position" to distinguish it from other movable positions) that swings downward around the fulcrum and appears in front of the screen of the effect display device 70. be.

The third movable effect device 650 is a drive for driving a third movable body accessory 651 that is swingably supported in the left-right direction with the lower right portion of the center decoration 80 as a fulcrum, and the third movable body accessory 651. It is configured to have a mechanism (composed of a stepping motor, a gear mechanism, etc.).
The third movable body accessory 651 is formed in a shape imitating a pistol, and is configured to be capable of displaying light emission by an LED substrate (not shown) arranged inside. The third movable body accessory 651 swings to the right around the fulcrum and retracts to the rear of the center decoration 80 (referred to as a "third initial position" to distinguish it from other initial positions). And a movable position that swings to the left around the fulcrum and appears in front of the screen of the effect display device 70 (referred to as a "third movable position" to distinguish it from other movable positions). It is possible.

Further, the game board 20 has a board lamp (LED lamp) 2 that emits light according to the development status of the game.
5 is provided. In the following description, for convenience, the frame lamp 11, the panel lamp 25, and the accessory lamp 603 are also collectively referred to as “directing lamp LP” (see FIG. 6). The detailed board surface configuration of the game board 20 will be described in detail later.

Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 2, the basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, a back set board 30 having a front-rear communication window in the center and formed in a rectangular frame shape slightly smaller than the front frame 2 is attached to the back side of the front frame 2. There is. Each part of the back set board 30 has a storage tank 33 for storing a large number of game balls supplied from the game facility side, a gutter member 34 for flowing down the game balls from the storage tank 33, and a game guided by the gutter member 34. A prize ball payout unit 35 for paying out balls, a back passage member 36 for allowing game balls paid out from the prize ball payout unit 35 to flow down to the upper ball plate 6 or the lower ball plate 7 are provided.

On the back side of the game board 20, a main control board 100 that comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko gaming machine PM, a production control board 200 that controls the overall production, image display according to the game development, and sound effect control. An image control board 300 or the like is attached. In the present embodiment, the effect control board 200 and the image control board 300 form the liquid crystal unit 28 in an assembled state integrated with the effect display device (liquid crystal display device) 70. On the other hand, on the back side of the back set board 30, there is a payout control board 400 that controls the payout of game balls, and a power supply that receives power from the game facility side and supplies power to various control boards and electric / electronic components. An external information terminal board 500 (see FIG. 6) that outputs an external information signal (outer end signal) is attached to the outside of the board (not shown) and the gaming machine PM. In order to prevent unauthorized modification, these control boards are housed in a transparent resin board case having a caulking structure and a sealing seal structure at predetermined positions on the back of the game board 20 or the back of the back set board 30. Arranged. These control boards and the electrical and electronic components of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PM are connected to each other via a harness (connector cable) to enable the pachinko gaming machine PM to operate.

<Control configuration of pachinko game machines>
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, each control board mounted on the pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a control block diagram showing a control configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM.

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

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

Further, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first starting port switch 511, the second starting port switch 521, the operating gate switch 531 and the large winning opening switch 541, the general winning opening switch 551, and the like, and I / Detection signals from various switches are input to the main CPU 101 via the O port circuit 104. Further, the main control board 100 includes a first special symbol display device 61, a second special symbol display device 62, a first special symbol hold lamp 63, a second special symbol hold lamp 64, a normal symbol display device 65, and a normal symbol hold lamp. In addition to being electrically connected to 66, it is also electrically connected to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 523 and the special electric accessory solenoid 543, and various control signals from the main CPU 101 are transmitted via the I / O port circuit 104. It is transmitted to the display means and various solenoids. Further, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the external information terminal board 500, and transmits a game information signal from the main CPU 101 to the external terminal board 500 via the I / O port 104. The external information terminal board 500 transmits various external information signals to an external device (data display, hall computer, etc.) installed outside the game machine PM based on the game information signal transmitted from the main control board 100. Send. The game information signal transmitted from the main control board 100 may be input to the external information terminal board 500 via, for example, the payout control board 400.

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

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

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

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

Further, the effect control board 200 is electrically connected to a plurality of motor drivers 92, and a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92 is transmitted to the motor driver 92 via the I / O port circuit 204. Send. The motor driver 92 switches the switch in the circuit on / off based on the drive control signal for driving the accessory transmitted from the effect control board 200, thereby, for the stepping motor 623 and the like of the movable effect devices 600, 640, 650. The drive current is supplied or cut off to control the operation of the movable effect devices 600, 640, and 650. A parallel communication method is adopted for data transmission to the motor driver 92.

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

The payout control board 400 is mainly composed of a payout CPU 401, a ROM 402, and a RAM 403. The payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and controls for driving the prize ball payout unit 34 to pay out the prize balls based on the payout control command from the main control board 100. Is executed, and the ball feed mechanism 26 and the launch mechanism 27 are synchronously driven based on the operation amount (rotation operation amount) of the launch handle 9 to control the launch of the game ball. Although not shown, the launch handle 9 has an angle detector (potentiometer) that detects the amount of rotation of the launch handle 9 and detects whether or not the player is in contact with the launch handle 9. It has a built-in touch detector. The payout control board 400 determines whether or not the player is touching the launch handle 9 based on the detection information from the touch detector, and determines the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 9 based on the detection information from the angle detector. Then, the ball feeding mechanism 26 and the launching mechanism 27 are synchronously controlled based on these detection information.

Although not shown in detail, the power supply board includes a normal power supply circuit for generating a normal power supply used in each control board and a backup power supply based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island. It is configured with a backup power supply circuit for generation and a power supply disconnection monitoring circuit for monitoring power supply disconnection due to voltage drop, and supplies the power supply required for electronic and electrical parts such as each control board and gaming equipment. Supply. A power switch for activating the power circuit is connected to the power supply board, and on the premise that the primary power is supplied from the power supply device of the game island, when the power switch is turned on, the power supply board A predetermined power supply is usually supplied from the power supply circuit to each control board or the like. It is configured so that it can detect that the power supply from the power supply board and the power supply device of the game island has been cut off, and when a power failure is detected, a power supply disconnection signal (NMI signal) that notifies that fact is generated by the main control board 100. It is transmitted to the control board 200 and the payout control board 400. The backup power supply circuit is charged when power is supplied from the power supply device of the game island to the pachinko gaming machine PM. Further, a RAM clear switch (not shown) for temporarily erasing the temporary storage contents of the RAM 103 of the main control board 100 and setting an initial value is connected to the power supply board when the power of the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned on. There is. The RAM clear switch may be connected to, for example, the main control board 100 instead of the power supply board 500.

The external information terminal board 500 outputs an external information signal (outer end signal) to the outside of the gaming machine PM based on the gaming information signal from the main control board 100. The external information signals that the external information terminal plate 500 outputs as external information to an external device outside the machine include, for example, a jackpot signal, a continuous villa signal, a symbol confirmation signal, a prize ball signal (also referred to as a prize ball information signal), and a door. It includes a frame opening signal, a security signal (also referred to as a security information signal), a magnetic sensor abnormality signal, a disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, an abnormality sensor detection (ball entry passage time abnormality, etc.) signal and the like. Further, external devices installed outside the gaming machine PM include a data display, a hall computer, and the like. The data display is a device installed above the gaming machine PM and displaying data (game information) related to the operating state of the gaming machine PM based on an external information signal output from the gaming machine PM. The game information displayed on the data display is useful for the player to select a game machine. The hall computer aggregates the operating states of each gaming machine (this gaming machine PM is one of them) based on the external information signal output from each gaming machine installed in the hall inside the gaming store, and each game It is a device that manages the operating status of machines. This hall computer may be electrically connected to the game machine PM via a data display, or may be electrically connected to the game machine PM without going through a data display.

<Basic operation of pachinko game machines>
In the pachinko gaming machine PM configured as described above, the outer frame 1 is fixedly installed on the game island of the game facility, and the front frame 2, the glass frame 5, etc. are closed and locked before being used for the game. The game is started by storing the game balls in the plate 6 and rotating the firing handle 9. When the launch handle 9 is rotated, the game balls stored in the upper ball plate 6 are sent out to the launch mechanism 27 one by one by the ball feed mechanism 26 arranged on the back side of the glass frame 5. It is launched into the game area PA by the launch mechanism 27.

When a game ball flowing down the game area PA enters any of the first starting port 51, the second starting port 52, the large winning opening 54, and the general winning opening 55-57, a prize is given according to the type of the winning opening. The ball is paid out to the upper ball plate 6 or the lower ball plate 7 by the prize ball payout unit 34. In the present embodiment, as the number of prize balls (referred to as "unit number of prize balls") to be paid out when one game ball enters each winning opening, the first starting port 51 is "4" and the second. The starting port 52 is set to "1", the general winning openings 55 to 57 are set to "3", and the large winning opening 54 is set to "15". The number of unit prize balls in each winning opening is not limited to that illustrated in the present embodiment, and other unit prize balls may be applied. For example, as the number of unit prize balls, the first starting port 51 may be "1" instead of "4". Further, the second starting port 52 may be "3" instead of "1". Further, the general winning openings 55 to 57 may be "5" instead of "3". Further, the large winning opening may be "10" instead of "15".

When the game ball enters the first starting port 51 or the second starting port 52, a lottery random number value of the special symbol is acquired, and the random number value is temporarily stored as an operation holding ball of the special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number. Then, when a predetermined start condition (a change start condition of a special symbol described later) is satisfied, a hit / fail determination, a symbol determination, and a variation pattern determination of the special symbol are performed on the lottery random number value related to the earliest operation holding ball. In the mode according to this determination result, the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol display device 62, and the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the effect display device 70. The variable display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is synchronously stopped and displayed after the lapse of the variable time according to the selected variable pattern.

When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is confirmed and displayed in a stop mode indicating a big hit, the game shifts to a special game (big hit game) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game. In each round game (unit game) of this big hit game, an opening / closing operation is performed in which the big winning opening 54 is changed to the open state only once or a plurality of times. When a specified number of game balls enter the large winning opening 54, or when the opening time of the large winning opening 54 reaches the opening time limit, the round game being executed ends. Here, the stop mode of the decorative symbol indicating the big hit is, for example, an embodiment in which three types of symbols match. In the present embodiment, when the special symbol and the decorative symbol are confirmed and displayed in the stop mode indicating the jackpot, a plurality of round games (unit games) are executed as the jackpot games.

In the present embodiment, when a predetermined jackpot is won, the probability variation function of the special symbol may be activated from the end of the jackpot game until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches the predetermined final number of times. When the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is activated, the jackpot probability of the special symbol lottery shifts from the normal low probability state to the high probability state, so that a new jackpot (big hit game) will occur relatively early. Become. The probability fluctuation function of the special symbol may be continued until the next big hit occurs. Further, as the predetermined final number of times, "10000 times" may be set, which substantially corresponds to the number of variable display times until the next big hit occurs.

In addition, after the jackpot game is completed, the function for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol may be activated in association with or independently of the probability variation function of the special symbol. When the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function is activated, the average fluctuation time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol tends to be shorter than usual, and the number of special symbol lottery per unit time is improved (the jackpot per unit time). Ease of acquisition can be increased).

Further, after the jackpot game is completed, the electric chew support function (also simply referred to as "electric support") may be activated in association with or independently of the function of shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol. The electric chew support function enhances the ease of entering the second starting port 52 by operating the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol, the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol, and the opening extension function of the normal electric accessory 522. It is a state (also referred to as a "easy-to-enter state"). When the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol is activated, the winning probability of the normal symbol becomes higher than that in the normal state. When the function for shortening the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is activated, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened. When the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 522 is activated, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 522 is extended from the normal state. In this easy-to-enter state, the number of fluctuations of the normal symbol per fixed time is more likely to increase than usual, and the ease of entering the second starting port 52 is also increased. It also increases the possibility that the number of balls entered will increase. Therefore, by operating the electric chew support function, the chances of obtaining a prize ball by entering the second starting port 52 during that period increase, and as a result, it is possible to continue the game with almost no reduction in the number of balls held. Become. That is, the "base", which is the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of launched balls of the game ball, becomes high. Hereinafter, the state in which the electric chew support function is operating is also referred to as a “high base state”, and the state in which the electric chew support function is not operating is also referred to as a “low base state”.

<Main functional configurations of pachinko machines>
Next, various functions of the pachinko gaming machine PM (mainly the main control board 100 / effect control board 200) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine PM (mainly the main control board 100 / effect control board 200).

As shown in FIG. 7, the main control board 100 includes a ball entry determination means 110, a game lottery random number generation means 120, a hold control means 130, a preliminary determination means 135, a special symbol lottery processing means 140, and a normal symbol lottery processing means 145. The special game control means 150, the symbol display control means 155, the electric accessory control means 160, the game state control means 165, the error monitoring control means 170, the main information storage means 180, and the command transmission / reception means 190 are included. Each of the above-mentioned means on the main control board 100 is composed of hardware such as a main CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, and an electronic circuit provided on the main control board 100, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 102 and the like. It is a functional representation of something.

The ball entry determination means 110 connects to each winning opening based on detection signals from the first starting opening switch 511, the second starting opening switch 521, the operating gate switch 531 and the large winning opening switch 541, the general winning opening switch 551, and the like. Judge the entry of the game ball. When the ball entry determination means 110 detects the entry of a game ball by the first start port switch 511, the ball entry determination means 110 generates an effect control command (referred to as “first start port winning command”) to that effect, and the first 2 When the entry of the game ball is detected by the start port switch 521, an effect control command (referred to as "the second start port winning command") indicating that fact is generated, and the operation gate switch 531 of the game ball When the passage is detected, an effect control command (referred to as "operation gate winning command") indicating that fact is generated, and when the large winning opening switch 541 detects the entry of the game ball, it indicates that fact. When a production control command (referred to as a "large winning opening winning command") is generated and a game ball entry is detected by the general winning opening switch 551, a directing control command ("general winning opening winning command") indicating that fact is generated. ”) Is generated, and this is temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

The game lottery random number generating means 120 is used for a winning / losing lottery of a special symbol by taking in a built-in random number generated by the random number generation circuit of the main control microcomputer 110 by software and adding a soft random number per special symbol described later to the built-in random number. Generate a random number per special symbol. Further, the game lottery random number generation means 120 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers by the program processing of the main CPU 101. These random number counters play a role as random number generation means for generating random numbers by software. As this software random number, the initial value for a new update after one cycle of the special symbol soft random number added to the above-mentioned built-in random number for the hit random number generation and the special symbol soft random number update is completed. Soft initial value random number per special symbol for determining, special symbol stop symbol random number used to determine the hit symbol (combination of symbols that activates the condition device) as the stop symbol of the special symbol, special symbol stop symbol random number Special symbol stop symbol initial value random number for determining the initial value for new update after one cycle of update is completed, special symbol variation pattern random number for use in selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol, Random numbers per ordinary symbol to be used for winning / failing lottery of ordinary symbols, initial value random numbers per ordinary symbol to determine the initial value for new updates after one cycle of random numbers per ordinary symbol is completed, Ordinary symbol variation pattern Random numbers for use in selecting the variation pattern of the ordinary symbol are included. These software random numbers are updated once each time a timer interrupt process occurs (increment, decrement, addition of prime numbers, etc.), and the initial value random numbers are updated while the timer interrupt process is not executed (while the timer interrupt process is not executed). (During loop processing) is also updated using the remaining time of the interrupt cycle.

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

The special symbol holding control means 131 is a lottery random number value related to the special symbol game, which is a random number value per special symbol, per special symbol, triggered by the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 51 or the second starting port 52. The symbol random value and the special symbol fluctuation pattern random value are acquired, and the random value is managed as the operation holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special symbol holding control means 131 is a main information storage means in which the operation holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is combined with the entry order of the holding balls up to a predetermined upper limit number (4 pieces). Temporarily stored in the first special symbol holding storage area or the second special symbol holding storage area of 180.

In the first special symbol hold storage area and the second special symbol hold storage area, the hold 1 storage area (first hold storage area) and the hold 2 storage area (2) are in the order of entry into the starting ports 51 and 52. A third reserved storage area), a reserved 3 storage area (third reserved storage area), and a reserved 4 storage area (fourth reserved storage area) are provided, respectively. Each hold storage area can store a random number per special symbol, a random number per special symbol, and a random number of special symbol variation patterns as a set of operation hold ball information. The operation hold ball information is stored in the order of hold 1 storage area, hold 2 storage area, hold 3 storage area, hold 4 storage area, while hold 1 storage area, hold 2 storage area, hold 3 storage area, hold 4 storage. It is digested in the order of areas (first-in, first-out principle). When the reserved ball information in the reserved 1 storage area is digested, the reserved ball information stored in the reserved 2 storage area, the reserved 3 storage area, and the reserved 4 storage area is shifted to the lower numbered storage area, respectively. Hold 4 Clear the contents of the storage area to zero.

Further, the special symbol holding control means 131 has a first special symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of operating holding balls of the first special symbol, and a second special symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of operating holding balls of the second special symbol. It has a special symbol hold ball number counter. The special symbol holding control means 131 adds 1 to the corresponding counter every time one of the special symbol's operation-holding balls is acquired as an update process of the number of operation-holding balls of the special symbol, and one operation-holding ball is digested. The corresponding counter is subtracted by 1 for each.

Further, when the special symbol hold control means 131 updates (adds or subtracts) the number of operation hold balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect control command including the update information of the hold ball number (“symbol memory”). A number command) is generated and temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This one command includes information on both the number of balls on hold for operation of the first special symbol and the number of balls on hold for operation of the second special symbol. As a general rule, the operation-holding balls of each special symbol are digested in the order in which they are entered, but in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed over the first special symbol. , So-called priority digestion is adopted, so that while the operation holding ball related to the second special symbol game exists, the operation holding related to the second special symbol game is held regardless of the existence of the operation holding ball related to the first special symbol game. It is configured to preferentially digest the sphere. Under this priority digestion, when the operation-holding ball of the second special symbol exists, even if the operation-holding ball of the first special symbol exists, the operation-holding ball of the first special symbol is digested. It will be put on hold.

The normal symbol hold control means 132 is a lottery random number value related to the normal symbol game, which is a random number value per normal symbol, a symbol random value value per normal symbol, and a normal symbol variation pattern, triggered by the entry of the game ball into the operating gate 53. A random number value is acquired, and the random number value is managed as operation holding ball information of a normal symbol. The normal symbol hold control means 132 stores the normal symbol operation hold ball information up to a predetermined upper limit number (4 pieces) in the normal symbol hold storage area of the main information storage means 180 in the form of being combined with the ball entry order of the hold balls. Temporarily memorize. Further, the normal symbol holding control means 132 has a normal symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of operating holding balls of the normal symbol. The normal symbol hold control means 132 adds 1 to the corresponding counter every time one of the normal symbol's hold balls is acquired as an update process of the number of hold balls of the normal symbol, and one action hold ball is digested. The corresponding counter is subtracted by 1 for each.

When the pre-determination means 135 acquires an operation-holding ball with a special symbol at a predetermined pre-determination timing, the pre-determination means 135 executes a pre-determination for pre-reading notice for the operation-holding ball. As an example of the above-mentioned pre-judgment timing, when (1) waiting for a hit and when the operation holding ball of the first special symbol is acquired while the electric chew support function is not operating, (2) waiting for a hit and Either when the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired while the electric chew support function is operating, or when the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired during the big hit or the small hit. It is time to meet the conditions. The above-mentioned pre-judgment timing is an example, and the pre-judgment timing is changed according to the specifications of the gaming machine (for example, it has a start port related to the second special symbol that does not have an ordinary electric accessory, and eight are reserved at normal times. For models that can store, the above (1) can be applied not only to the first special symbol but also to the second special symbol, etc.), or even if a specification that makes a preliminary judgment at any time without setting a pre-judgment timing is adopted. good. Further, in each game state, only the operation-holding ball of the special symbol that is the subject of the game may be the target of the pre-judgment. Therefore, in the time-saving game state, the latent probability change game state, and the probability change game state, it is preferable that only the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is the target of the preliminary determination. Specifically, the pre-determination means 135 reads the random number value corresponding to the operation hold ball acquired this time from the first special symbol hold storage area or the second special symbol hold storage area of the main information storage means 180, and determines whether or not the result is correct. Pre-judgment (pre-judgment of hit / fail), pre-judgment of symbol (pre-judgment of symbol), and pre-judgment of fluctuation pattern (pre-judgment of fluctuation pattern) are sequentially executed. Although the pre-judgment table used in each pre-judgment is not shown, the area corresponding to the total number of random numbers in each of the hit / fail pre-judgment table, the symbol pre-judgment table, and the variation pattern pre-judgment table is divided into a plurality of areas. A lottery ID (a number indicating the result of the pre-judgment (also referred to as a "pre-judgment number")) is assigned to each of these areas (determination number). Therefore, the result of this preliminary determination is based on the result of the main lottery by the special symbol lottery processing means 140 described later (result of winning / failing determination, result of symbol determination, result of variation pattern determination). The winning / failing pre-determination table, the symbol pre-determining table, and the like may be the same as the winning / failing lottery table and the symbol lottery table used for the lottery when the fluctuation is actually started. Here, in the fluctuation pattern pre-determination table, there is a possibility that the game status at the start of fluctuation (whether or not there is a probability change, whether or not there is a time reduction, whether or not it is during a limited frequency period that refers to a special table, the number of reserved balls, etc.) may change. Therefore, as described above, it is desirable to determine which of the plurality of regions is included. Further, as a modification, it is configured to predetermine a random value such as a register on the main CPU 101 that is temporarily stored before being stored in the first special symbol hold storage area or the second special symbol hold storage area. You may. Then, the pre-determination means 135 sequentially generates an effect control command (referred to as a "pre-determination command") including information on the result of the pre-determination (pre-determination number), and stores this in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. Store in.

The special symbol lottery processing means 140 includes a special symbol winning / failing determination means 141, a special symbol stop symbol determining means 412, and a special symbol variation pattern determining means 143. When the change start condition of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is satisfied, the special symbol lottery processing means 140 is set in the earliest storage area (hold 1 storage area) of the special symbol hold storage area in the main information storage means 180. The stored random value per special symbol, random value per special symbol, and special symbol variation pattern random value are read out and used as the special symbol hit / fail determination area, special symbol symbol determination area, and special symbol variation pattern of the main information storage means 180. Store each in the judgment area. Here, "the condition for starting the fluctuation of the first special symbol is satisfied" means that (A1) the jackpot is not in progress, (A2) the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for fluctuation, and (A3). ) When all the conditions that the operation holding ball of the first special symbol exists is satisfied. In addition, "the condition for starting the fluctuation of the second special symbol is satisfied" means that (B1) the jackpot is not in progress, (B2) the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for fluctuation, and (B3). It is when all the conditions that the operation holding ball of the second special symbol exists is satisfied. When the fluctuation start condition of the first special symbol and the fluctuation start condition of the second special symbol are satisfied at the same time, the fluctuation start condition of the second special symbol is preferentially processed under the above-mentioned priority digestion. do.

The special symbol winning / failing determination means 141 reads a random number value per special symbol from the special symbol winning / failing determination area of the main information storage means 180, executes a winning / failing determination, and the determination result corresponds to any of a big hit, a small hit, and a miss. Decide if you want to. The result of this hit / fail judgment is temporarily stored in the special symbol judgment flag of the main information storage means 180 (for example, big hit data "55H", small hit data "33H", miss data "00H"), and is used in the subsequent processing. After that, it is cleared when the fluctuation of the special symbol stops. The special symbol winning / failing determination means 141 holds a special symbol winning / failing lottery table that is referred to at the time of this winning / failing determination.

Here, FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a special symbol winning / failing lottery table. FIG. 8 (A) is referred to in a gaming state (low probability state) in which the probability variation function of the special symbol is not activated, and FIG. 8 (B) is a gaming state (high probability) in which the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated. State). In the special symbol winning / failing lottery table, the random number range of the random number value per special symbol and the result of the winning / failing determination of the special symbol (big hit, miss) are associated with each other. As shown in FIG. 8, in the winning / failing determination of the special symbol, in the gaming state (low probability state) in which the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is not activated, the random number value per special symbol corresponds to the range of "0 to 204". In the game state (high probability state) in which the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is activated, a big hit is obtained when the random number value per special symbol falls in the range of "0 to 1506". That is, when the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is activated, the winning probability of the big hit changes from the low probability "1 / 319.69" to the high probability "1 / 43.49". In this way, the jackpot winning probability changes according to the gaming state, but the jackpot winning probability is set equally between the winning / failing determination of the first special symbol and the winning / failing determination of the second special symbol. In the present embodiment, "small hit" is not set as the result of the hit / fail judgment of the special symbol, but "small hit" may be set as the result of the hit / miss judgment of the special symbol. The winning probability of a small hit is set to the same winning probability regardless of the gaming state (low probability state, high probability state).

The special symbol stop symbol determining means 142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the result of the winning / failing lottery of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. As shown in FIG. 9, the special symbol stop symbol determining means 142 uses the first special symbol jackpot symbol table and the second special symbol jack symbol table and the second, which are referred to when determining the jackpot symbol (big hit type) of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It has a special symbol jackpot symbol table. In the present embodiment, the "specific jackpot" means a jackpot (probability variation jackpot) that triggers the activation of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol after the jackpot game ends, and the "normal jackpot" means the special symbol after the jackpot game ends. It means a big hit (non-probable variable big hit) that does not trigger the activation of the probability fluctuation function of.

In the present embodiment, a normal game state, a time-saving game state, and a probabilistic game state are set as a plurality of types of game states. As the types of the game state, (1) the game state in which the special symbol probability fluctuation function, the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function are activated is called a "probability change state" or a "probability change game state", and ( 2) The gaming state in which the special symbol's fluctuation time shortening function and the electric chew support function are activated without the special symbol's probability fluctuation function operating is called the "time saving state" or "time saving gaming state", and (3) all The state in which the function is not operating is referred to as a "normal state" or a "normal gaming state". Here, it can be said that the "probability variation game state" and the "time saving game state" are more advantageous game states for the player than the "normal game state". Therefore, in the following, the probabilistic gaming state and the time-saving gaming state are also referred to as "advantageous gaming states" as the gaming states that are more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state.

In addition, each game state is determined by the combination of the operating state of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol (high probability state / low probability state) and the operating state of the electric chew support function (high base state / low base state) (1). ) Probability variation game state can be expressed as "high probability high base state", (2) time saving game state can be expressed as "low probability high base state", and (3) normal game state can be expressed as "low probability low base state".
In addition, the operating state of the probability fluctuation function is a high probability state, while the operating state of the electric chew support function is a low base state (a gaming state that is more advantageous for the player than the "normal gaming state"). One) may be provided, such a gaming state may be referred to as a latent gaming state, and this latent gaming state may be referred to as a “high probability low base state”. This latent game state (“high probability low base state”) is a game state suitable for playing a game mainly with a small hit, and the details will be described later. Regarding these states (combination state of low probability / high probability and low base / high base), unless otherwise specified, the game state (hit / fail judgment and fluctuation display are possible) in a state during which the jackpot is not in progress or in the small hit. (State), but during the big hit, it is a low probability low base state, and during the small hit, it is the same game state as the game state at the time of winning the small hit. At this time, the function for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol is in a state in which the fluctuation time of the special symbol of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, which is at least the main player of the game in the game state, is shortened. Means that. That is, in the present embodiment, when the function for shortening the variation time of the special symbol is activated, at least the variation time of the first special symbol (normal game state) in the game state in which the variation display of the first special symbol is the main game (normal game state) In the game state (probability variation game state, latent probability game state, time-saving game state) in which the variation display of the second special symbol is the main body of the game, the variation time (average variation time) of at least the second special symbol is shortened. Time) is shortened.

In the present embodiment, when the result of the winning / failing determination of the special symbol is a big hit, the game states after the end of the big hit game are (1) big hit type (type of symbol group) and (2) game at the time of big hit winning. Determined according to the condition. The number of times each game state continues (the number of times the special symbol changes are displayed) is the number of times the special symbol probability variation function is activated (referred to as the "probability variation number") and the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated. It is set according to the number of times (referred to as the "number of times of shortening the fluctuation time") and the number of times the electric chew support function is activated (referred to as the "number of times of electric support"). In the present embodiment, the fluctuation time shortening function and the electric chew support function of the special symbol start the operation at the same time and end the operation at the same time. Therefore, the "variation time reduction number" and the "electric support number" are the same number of times. (Therefore, in FIG. 9, the "number of times of shortening the fluctuation time" and the "number of times of electric support operation" are described in the same column).

FIG. 9A is a diagram schematically showing the first special symbol jackpot symbol table. In this first special symbol jackpot symbol table, for the symbol random value per special symbol, the symbol group, the jackpot type, the number of probability fluctuations, the number of fluctuation time reductions (the number of electric support), the specified number of rounds of the jackpot game, each round The opening time (maximum opening time) of the large winning opening 54 is associated with each other (in this example, the description of the stop symbol is omitted for convenience). In the first special symbol jackpot table, two types of jackpot types are set corresponding to each symbol group. Specifically, the two types of jackpots (symbol group) are divided into 4R specific jackpot (symbol group A) and 4R normal jackpot (symbol group B).

(4R specific jackpot: symbol group A)
When the first special symbol "4R specific jackpot (symbol group A)" is won, the probability fluctuation count "10000 times", the fluctuation time shortening count "10000 times", and the electric support count "10000 times" are set, and the jackpot game The probabilistic game state is set as the game state after the end of. In this probabilistic game state, a huge number of times of continuation (probability fluctuation number, fluctuation time shortening number, electric support number) is set as "10000 times", and the jackpot is not won until the continuation number is reached. Is not probabilistic (winning at about 1/44), so it will continue until the next big hit occurs. In addition, when the first special symbol "4R specific jackpot (symbol group A)" is won, the specified number of rounds of the jackpot game is "4 rounds", and the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 54 in one round game is It is "29 seconds".

(4R normal jackpot: symbol group B)
When the first special symbol "4R normal jackpot (symbol group B)" is won, the probability fluctuation count "0 times", the fluctuation time shortening count "100 times", and the electric support count "100 times" are set, and the jackpot game The time-saving game state is set as the game state after the end of. This time-saving game state continues until the number of times the special symbol changes is displayed reaches 100 times, or until the next big hit occurs within the 100 times. When the time-saving gaming state ends when the number of times of variation display of the special symbol reaches 100 times, the game shifts to the normal game state from the next variation display of the special symbol. In addition, when the first special symbol "4R normal jackpot (symbol group B)" is won, the specified number of rounds of the jackpot game is "4 rounds", and the maximum opening time of the jackpot 54 in one round game is It is "29 seconds".

FIG. 9B is a diagram schematically showing a second special symbol jackpot symbol table. In this second special symbol jackpot symbol table, for the symbol random value per special symbol, the symbol group, the jackpot type, the number of probability fluctuations, the number of fluctuation time reductions (the number of electric support), the specified number of rounds of the jackpot game, and each round. The opening time (maximum opening time) of the large winning opening 54 is associated with each other (in this example, the description of the stop symbol is omitted for convenience). In the second special symbol jackpot table, three types of jackpot types are set corresponding to each symbol group. Specifically, the three types of jackpots (symbol group) are divided into 16R specific jackpot (symbol group C), 4R specific jackpot (symbol group D), and 4R normal jackpot (symbol group E).

(16R specific jackpot: symbol group C)
When the second special symbol "16R specific jackpot (symbol group C)" is won, the probability fluctuation count "10000 times", the fluctuation time shortening count "10000 times", and the electric support count "10000 times" are set, and the jackpot game The probabilistic game state is set as the game state after the end of. As described above, this probabilistic game state is set to a huge number of times of "10000 times" as the number of times of continuation, and continues until the next big hit occurs substantially. In addition, when the second special symbol "16R specific jackpot (symbol group C)" is won, the specified number of rounds of the jackpot game is "4 rounds", and the maximum opening time of the jackpot 54 in one round game is It is "29 seconds". In addition, this 16R specific jackpot may be a specification that wins even the first special symbol, and in that case, it is harder to win than the second special symbol (for example, 5% of all jackpot symbols is used, and the first In 1 special symbol, it is preferable that the 16R specific jackpot is 5%, the 4R specific jackpot is 60%, and the 4R normal jackpot is 35%).

(4R specific jackpot: symbol group D)
When the second special symbol "4R specific jackpot (symbol group D)" is won, the probability fluctuation count "10000 times", the fluctuation time shortening count "10000 times", and the electric support count "10000 times" are set, and the jackpot game The probabilistic game state is set as the game state after the end of. As described above, this probabilistic game state is set to a huge number of times of "10000 times" as the number of times of continuation, and continues until the next big hit occurs substantially. In addition, when the second special symbol "4R specific jackpot (symbol group D)" is won, the specified number of rounds of the jackpot game is "4 rounds", and the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 54 in one round game is It is "29 seconds".

(4R normal jackpot: symbol group E)
When the second special symbol "4R normal jackpot (symbol group E)" is won, the number of probability fluctuations is "0", the number of fluctuation time reductions is "100", and the number of electric support is "100". The time-saving game state is set as the game state after the end of. This time-saving game state continues until the number of times the special symbol changes is displayed reaches 100 times, or until the next big hit occurs within the 100 times. When the time-saving gaming state ends when the number of times of variation display of the special symbol reaches 100 times, the game shifts to the normal game state from the next variation display of the special symbol. In addition, when the second special symbol "4R normal jackpot (symbol group E)" is won, the specified number of rounds of the jackpot game is "4 rounds", and the maximum opening time of the jackpot 54 in one round game is It is "29 seconds".

Here, in the present embodiment, three types of jackpot types are provided: 16R specific jackpot (symbol group C), 4R specific jackpot (symbol groups A and D), and 4R normal jackpot (symbol groups B and E). Has been done. The expected value of winning a prize ball in a special game (referred to as "expected value of winning a prize ball") is 16R specific jackpot> 4R specific jackpot = 4R normal jackpot. Here, the actual number of rounds of the special game when the first special symbol is a big hit is "4 rounds", while the actual number of rounds of the special game when the second special symbol is a big hit is "16 rounds". Therefore, there is a higher possibility of shifting to a special game with a large number of rounds when a big hit occurs in the second special symbol than in the case where a big hit occurs in the first special symbol, and a large number of balls are obtained. It is advantageous for the player in that it can be done. The actual number of rounds of this special game corresponds to the number of executions of the "long open round game" set for the special game. In the present embodiment, the maximum opening time of each round of the jackpot game is a fixed time of 29 seconds (although all rounds are referred to as "long opening round games"), but a predetermined round during the same jackpot game. Alternatively, in all rounds, a "short open round game" is provided in which the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 54 is shortened to 2 seconds, so that even if the number of rounds of the big hit game is the same, the balls are substantially released. A configuration having a jackpot with a different number of rounds that can be obtained (a jackpot with a different number of actual rounds) may be adopted. In the long opening round game, the opening time (maximum opening time) of the large winning opening 54 is set so that a specified count number (full count = 10 balls) of game balls can be inserted into the large winning opening 54 or easily entered. It is a round game. In the short open round game, the opening time (maximum opening time) of the large winning opening 54 is set so that the specified number of game balls (full count = 10 balls) cannot be entered or it is difficult to enter the large winning opening 54. It is a game.

The special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the special symbol variation pattern random value. Here, the special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 holds a plurality of types of variation pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation pattern of the special symbol. The special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 selects any variation pattern table from a plurality of types of variation pattern tables based on the current variation pattern selection state. The relationship between the fluctuation pattern selection state and the fluctuation pattern table will be described later. In each fluctuation pattern table, a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns are defined. In each figure, "selectivity" is shown for convenience of explanation, but in reality, a judgment value (range of random values) for determining the fluctuation pattern is set according to the special symbol fluctuation pattern random value. The fluctuation pattern is determined based on which determination value the fluctuation pattern random value belongs to. It is premised that the various fluctuation patterns are associated with the fluctuation time for each fluctuation pattern as the end condition of the fluctuation display of the special symbol, and that the fluctuation display of the decorative symbol is also executed at the fluctuation time.

Here, the fluctuation pattern selection state will be described. The variation pattern selection state is one of the selection conditions referred to when selecting the variation pattern (variation pattern table). In this example, a "normal selection state", a "time saving selection state", and a "probability variation selection state" are set as a plurality of types of fluctuation pattern selection states. The normal selection state is a variation pattern selection state set in response to a gaming state (normal gaming state) in which none of the special symbol probability variation function, the variation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function is activated. In the time saving selection state, the variation set according to the gaming state (time saving gaming state) in which the special symbol probability variation function is not activated, but the special symbol variation time shortening function and the electric chew support function are activated. The pattern is selected. The probability variation selection state is a variation pattern selection state that is set corresponding to the gaming state (probability variation game state) in which all of the probability variation function, the variation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function of the special symbol are operating.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the special symbol variation pattern table has different columns to be referred to for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and the same special symbol variation pattern random value is acquired. Even so, different variation patterns can be selected. Here, the number of operation-holding balls ("hold 0", "hold 1-2", "hold 3") described in each figure is the variation pattern lottery of the first special symbol. It means the number of operation-holding balls of the first special symbol (the number of operation-holding balls after hold-digestion), and in the case of the variation pattern lottery of the second special symbol, the number of operation-holding balls of the second special symbol (after hold-digestion). It means the number of operation holding balls). The number of operation-holding balls is the number of operation-holding balls existing at the time of lottery of the fluctuation pattern (at the start of the variation display / after the hold-digestion) (excluding the operation-holding balls digested by the variation display). .. As a modification thereof, the total value of the number of balls on hold for operation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be used.

The variation effect of the decorative symbol performed in conjunction with the variation display of the special symbol is determined based on the type (variation time) of the variation pattern of the special symbol. As a reference, FIGS. 10 to 12 also describe the contents of the fluctuation effect set corresponding to each fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time). In the figure, "ultra-shortening fluctuation", "shortening fluctuation", and "normal fluctuation" are effects in which the three rows of decorative symbols fluctuate and become "off" in so-called disjointed eyes without going through the reach state even once. Is. In the following, ultra-shortening fluctuations, shortening fluctuations, and normal fluctuations are collectively referred to as "non-reach outliers". The non-reach out-of-reach types differ from each other in that the variation display stops in a shorter time for the shortened variation than for the normal variation and for the ultra-shortened variation than for the shortened variation.

"N reach (normal reach)" is a state in which the same decorative symbol is stopped in two rows (generally the left column and the right column) of the three rows of decorative symbols (reach state), and the remaining one row (general). If different decorative symbols stop in the middle row), it will be "missing", and if the same decorative symbol stops in the remaining one row (generally, the middle row), it will be a "big hit".

"SP Reach (Super Reach)" is a reach production with a relatively higher expectation of big hits than the above N Reach, and evolved from N Reach after the establishment of the reach, for example, still images and videos such as animation and live-action. Etc. are displayed. In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of SP reach A to C are prepared as the types of SP reach. The SP reach A is a reach effect executed when the currently executing gaming state is the normal state. The SP reach B is a reach effect executed when the currently being executed gaming state is a time-saving gaming state. SP reach C is a reach effect executed when the currently executing gaming state is a probabilistic gaming state. In the variation pattern type of the present embodiment, the jackpot expectation is set to be higher in the order of "non-reach" <"N reach" <"SP reach". As a modification, the effect content of the SP reach may be the same (SP reach A) in the normal state and the time-saving gaming state, and a different SP reach (SP reach C) may be set in the probabilistic gaming state. Further, as another modification, a variation pattern including a pseudo-ream may be prepared. Pseudo-ream means that the decorative symbol is temporarily stopped (pseudo-stop, temporarily stopped) and re-variated during the one-time variable display of the decorative symbol, so that the variable display is performed a plurality of times in a pseudo manner. (Pseudo-continuous production, pseudo-variation effect, pseudo-continuous variation effect, re-variation effect). That is, the pseudo-ream is an effect of executing the pseudo-variation in which the temporary stop or the fixed stop is executed a plurality of times after all the decorative symbols in the three rows start to change or re-change. It is shown that the larger the number of pseudo-reams (the number of pseudo-variations), the higher the possibility of developing SP reach with high expectation of big hits.

(Variation pattern table 1)
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the variation pattern table 1. The variation pattern table 1 is a variation pattern table that is set when the variation pattern selection state during the current stay is the normal selection state. The contents of the variation pattern table 1 are different depending on the result (big hit, miss) of the hit / fail judgment of the special symbol.

The fluctuation pattern table 1 for deviation shows the fluctuation patterns PH1-1 (shortened fluctuation) and PH.
1-2 (normal fluctuation), PH1-3 (N reach), and PH1-4 (SP reach A) are set. Here, when the result of the hit / fail judgment of the first special symbol is "missing", the fluctuation patterns PH1-1 (shortening fluctuation), PH1-2 (normal fluctuation), PH1-3 (N reach), PH1-4 One of (SP reach A) is selected. In the present embodiment, when the result of the hit / fail judgment of the first special symbol is "missing", the reference destination is according to the number of operation-holding balls (0 / 1-2 / 3) of the first special symbol. The table contents of are set to be different, and different fluctuation patterns can be selected even if the acquired special symbol fluctuation pattern random value is the same. Specifically, the larger the number of balls on hold for operation of the first special symbol, the easier it is to select a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is set to be relatively short, and the number of balls on hold for operation of the first special symbol increases. The smaller the number, the easier it is to select a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is set to be relatively long. On the other hand, when the result of the hit / fail judgment of the second special symbol is "missing", the fluctuation time is relative without depending on the number of pending balls (0 / 1-2 / 3) of the second special symbol. The variation pattern PH1-1 (shortened variation) or PH1-2 (normal variation) set to be short is selected. As a modification, when the result of the hit / fail judgment of the second special symbol is "missing", only the main fluctuation pattern PH1-2 of the shortened fluctuation is selected regardless of the number of pending operations of the second special symbol. Alternatively, the variation pattern PH1-2 of the shortened variation may be configured to be the easiest to select (preferably, the selection ratio is the same regardless of the number of operation-holding balls of the second special symbol).

Fluctuation patterns PA1-1 (N reach) and PA1-2 (SP reach A) are set in the variation pattern table 1 for big hits. Here, when the result of the hit / fail determination of the first special symbol is a big hit, the fluctuation pattern PA1-1 (N reach) or PA1-2 (SP reach A) is selected regardless of the big hit type. Similarly, when the result of the hit / fail determination of the second special symbol is a big hit, the fluctuation pattern PA1-1 (N reach) or PA1-2 (SP reach A) is selected regardless of the big hit type.

(Variation pattern table 2)
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the variation pattern table 2. The variation pattern table 2 is a variation pattern table that is set when the variation pattern selection state during the current stay is the time saving selection state. The contents of the variation pattern table 2 are different depending on the result (big hit, miss) of the hit / fail judgment of the special symbol.

Fluctuation patterns PH2-1 (ultra-shortening variation), PH2-2 (normal variation), PH2-3 (N reach), and PH2-4 (SP reach B) are set in the variation pattern table 2 for deviation. .. Here, if the result of the hit / fail judgment of the first special symbol is incorrect, the fluctuation pattern PH2- One of 2 (normal variation), PH2-3 (N reach), and PH2-4 (SP reach A) is selected. That is, when the result of the hit / fail judgment of the first special symbol is wrong, the fluctuation pattern PH2-1 (ultra-shortening fluctuation) is selected regardless of the number of operation-holding balls of the first special symbol. There is no such thing. On the other hand, when the result of the hit / fail judgment of the second special symbol is "missing", the fluctuation patterns PH2-1 (ultra-shortening fluctuation), PH2-2 (normal fluctuation), PH2-3 (N reach), PH2-4 One of (SP reach B) is selected. In the present embodiment, when the result of the hit / fail judgment of the second special symbol is "missing", the reference destination is based on the number of balls on hold for operation of the second special symbol (0 / 1-2 / 3). The table contents of are set to be different, and different fluctuation patterns can be selected even if the acquired special symbol fluctuation pattern random value is the same. Specifically, when the operation holding ball of the second special symbol does not exist, the fluctuation pattern PH2-1 (ultra-shortening variation) is not selected, and the operation holding ball of the second special symbol exists. In this case, the larger the number of balls on hold for operation of the second special symbol, the easier it is for the fluctuation pattern PH2-1 (ultra-shortening fluctuation) to be selected.

The fluctuation pattern table 2 for big hits includes fluctuation patterns PA2-1 (N reach) and PA.
2-2 (SP reach B) is set. Here, when the result of the hit / fail determination of the first special symbol is a big hit, the fluctuation pattern PA2-1 (N reach) or PA2-2 (SP reach B) is selected regardless of the big hit type. Similarly, when the result of the hit / fail determination of the second special symbol is a big hit, the fluctuation pattern PA2-1 (N reach) or PA2-2 (SP reach B) is selected regardless of the big hit type.

(Variation pattern table 3)
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the variation pattern table 3. The variation pattern table 3 is a variation pattern table that is set when the variation pattern selection state during the current stay is the probability variation selection state. The contents of the variation pattern table 3 are different depending on the result (big hit, miss) of the hit / fail judgment of the special symbol.

Fluctuation patterns PH3-1 (ultra-shortening variation), PH3-2 (normal variation), and PH3-3 (SP reach C) are set in the variation pattern table 3 for deviation. Here, when the result of the hit / fail judgment of the first special symbol is "missing", the fluctuation pattern PH3- does not depend on the number of pending balls (0 / 1-2 / 3) of the first special symbol. 2 (normal variation) or PH3-3 (SP reach C) is selected. That is, when the result of the hit / fail judgment of the first special symbol is incorrect, the fluctuation pattern PH3-1 (ultra-shortening fluctuation) is selected regardless of the number of operation-holding balls of the first special symbol. There is no such thing. On the other hand, if the result of the hit / fail judgment of the second special symbol is incorrect, one of the fluctuation patterns PH3-1 (ultra-shortened fluctuation), PH3-2 (normal fluctuation), and PH3-3 (SP reach C) is selected. Will be done. At this time, if the result of the hit / fail judgment of the second special symbol is incorrect, the reference destination is according to the number of operation-holding balls of the second special symbol (for details, depending on the presence or absence of the operation-holding ball of the second special symbol). The table contents of are set to be different, and different fluctuation patterns can be selected even if the acquired special symbol fluctuation pattern random value is the same. Specifically, when the operation holding ball of the second special symbol does not exist, the fluctuation pattern PH3-1 (ultra-shortening variation) is not selected, and the operation holding ball of the second special symbol exists. Since the variation pattern PH3-1 (ultra-shortening variation) can be selected only when the second special symbol is present, the operation-holding ball of the second special symbol is present rather than the operation-holding ball of the second special symbol is not present. This tends to make it easier to select a fluctuation pattern with a relatively short fluctuation time.

The fluctuation pattern PA3-1 (SP reach C) is set in the fluctuation pattern table 3 for big hits. Here, when the result of the hit / fail determination of the first special symbol is a big hit, the fluctuation pattern PA3-1 (SP reach C) is selected without depending on the big hit type (4R specific big hit, 4R normal big hit). Similarly, when the result of the hit / fail judgment of the second special symbol is a big hit, the fluctuation pattern PA3-1 (SP reach C) does not depend on the big hit type (16R specific big hit, 4R specific big hit, 4R normal big hit). Be selected.

As described above, the variation pattern tables 1 to 3 specify the variation time of the special symbol for each variation pattern, but regardless of which variation pattern is selected, the determination stop time (determination) of the special symbol is specified. The display time) is set to "0.5 seconds". The fixed stop time (fixed display time) of the special symbol is the time when the special symbol is definitively stopped and displayed (the time when the completely stopped state is maintained). In the present embodiment, the fluctuation time and the fixed stop time of the decorative symbol are also set corresponding to the fluctuation time and the fixed stop time of the special symbol. Further, in the fluctuation pattern tables 1 to 3, the same effect content and fluctuation time may be obtained at the time of the big hit and at the time of the loss, but it is preferable that the final effect content is different between the time of the big hit and the time of the loss. In other words, even if the N reach is the same, the decorative pattern will be doublet (example: "7, 7, 7") at the time of big hit, while the decorative pattern will be out of reach (example: "7.8") at the time of off.・ 7 ”), or even if the SP reach A to C are the same, at the time of a big hit, the final production content will be the production content indicating success, and the decorative pattern will be doublet (example: ally character wins over enemy character) ,after that"
7 ・ 7 ・ 7 ”is displayed), but when it is off, the final production content becomes the production content indicating failure and the decorative pattern is out of reach (example: ally character is defeated by the enemy character) After that, "7, 8, 7" is displayed). Further, it is preferable that the fluctuation time (production time) is longer than that at the time of big hit, even if the production content is the same (when the same SP reach is developed), as an example. It is preferable that the SP reach A to C at the time of a big hit has a fluctuation time (effect time) that is 10 seconds longer than that of the SP reach A to C at the time of a miss.

Since the special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 instructs the effect control board 200 to start the variation of the decorative symbol after selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol, is communication with the effect control board 200 performed normally? Effect control command (communication inspection command) to confirm whether or not, effect control command (variation addition information specification command) including variation addition pattern of special symbol (information for adding and subtracting variation time), variation pattern of special symbol Generate production control commands (variable pattern specification commands) that include information, effect control commands (symbol specification commands) that include information on character production numbers (symbols and game states), etc. (Referred to as "variation start command"), which is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

The normal symbol lottery processing means 145 includes a normal symbol winning / failing determination means 146, a normal symbol stop symbol determination means 147, and a normal symbol variation pattern determination means 148. When the normal symbol fluctuation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol lottery processing means 145 reads out the normal symbol per normal symbol value and the normal symbol fluctuation pattern random value stored in the earliest storage area in the normal symbol hold storage area. It is stored in the normal symbol hit / miss determination area and the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180, respectively. Here, the "conditions for starting the fluctuation of the normal symbol" are (1) waiting for the fluctuation of the normal symbol, and (2) the existence of the operation holding ball of the normal symbol. When all of these conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the normal symbol is in a state in which the fluctuation can be started (a state in which the fluctuation start condition is satisfied).

The normal symbol hit / fail determination means 146 reads a random value per normal symbol from the normal symbol hit / fail determination area of the main information storage means 180, executes a hit / fail judgment of the normal symbol, and the determination result is either "hit" or "miss". Determine if this is the case. The result of the hit / fail determination of the normal symbol is temporarily stored in the normal symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180, used in the subsequent processing, and then cleared when the fluctuation of the normal symbol is stopped. The ordinary symbol winning / failing determination means 146 holds a non-illustrated ordinary symbol winning / failing lottery table that is referred to when determining whether or not the ordinary symbol is correct. The hit probability of the normal symbol is set to "1/3001" when the electric chew support function (probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol) is not activated, and the electric chew support function (probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol) is activated. If so, it is set to "2999/3001".

The normal symbol stop symbol determination means 147 refers to a normal symbol stop symbol table (not shown), and when the result of the hit / fail determination of the normal symbol is a hit, the predetermined hit symbol (the trigger for the normal electric accessory 522 to operate). On the other hand, if the result of the hit / fail judgment of the normal symbol is incorrect, a predetermined missing symbol (a stop symbol that does not trigger the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 522) is selected. In the present embodiment, the symbol A and the symbol B are assigned as the hit symbols of the normal symbol, while the symbol C is assigned as the outlier symbol of the normal symbol.

The ordinary symbol variation pattern determining means 148 reads the ordinary symbol variation pattern random value from the ordinary symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180, and also refers to the ordinary symbol variation pattern table (not shown) to refer to the ordinary symbol variation pattern table. Determine (variation time). The fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set to "0.6 seconds" when the electric chew support function (function to shorten the fluctuation time of the normal symbol) is not activated, and the electric chew support function (function to shorten the fluctuation time of the normal symbol). Is set to "0.2 seconds" when is operating. Regardless of which normal symbol variation pattern is selected, the fixed stop time (fixed display time) of the normal symbol is set to "0.1 seconds". The fixed stop time (fixed display time) of the normal symbol is the time when the normal symbol is definitively stopped and displayed (the time when the completely stopped state is maintained). In the control of the normal symbol, in order to reduce the processing load of the main control board 100, when the electric chew support function is not operating, the hit probability of the hit / fail judgment of the normal symbol is set to "0", and the normal symbol is controlled. It is also conceivable to adopt a specification in which the fluctuation time is a single one.

Further, the ordinary symbol lottery processing means 145 determines the opening pattern (opening time) of the ordinary electric accessory 522 according to the result of the hit / fail determination of the ordinary symbol. The ordinary symbol lottery processing means 145 holds an ordinary electric accessory opening pattern table that is referred to when determining an opening pattern (opening time) of the ordinary electric accessory 522. The opening pattern (opening time) of the ordinary electric accessory 522 is set to "0.2 seconds" when the electric chew support function (opening extension function) is not operating, and the electric chew support function (opening extension function) is set. If it is operating, "5.8 seconds" is set. The opening pattern of the ordinary electric accessory 522 may be different depending on the type of the hit symbol of the ordinary symbol. For example, when the electric chew support function (opening extension function) is operating as the opening pattern of the ordinary electric accessory 522, if the hit symbol of the ordinary symbol is symbol A, "3 seconds open x 1 time → 2. 8 seconds open x 1 time (total open time 5.8 seconds) ", and if the hit symbol of the normal symbol is symbol B," 2.8 seconds open x 1 time → 3 seconds open x 1 time (total open time 5) .8 seconds) ".

When the result of the hit / fail determination of the special symbol is a jackpot, the special game control means 150 determines the execution time (demo time) of the jackpot start demo and the jackpot end demo according to the determined jackpot type (symbol group). Determine the execution time (round time) of the round game. Then, the special game control means 150 instructs the effect control board 200 side to execute the effect control command (referred to as "big hit start demo command") and the jackpot end demo effect. An effect control command (referred to as a “big hit end demo command”) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. The jackpot start demo command is also an opportunity for the effect control board 200 side to determine the content of a series of jackpot medium effects (big hit start demo effect, round effect, big hit end demo effect) developed during the big hit game. Become. Further, the special game control means 150 generates an effect control command (referred to as a “round effect designation command”) for instructing the start of the round effect corresponding to each round game in each round game during the big hit game. , This is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This round effect designation command includes information on the current number of rounds and information on opening and closing of the grand prize opening 54.

The symbol display control means 155 includes a special symbol display control means 156 and a normal symbol display control means 157. The special symbol display control means 156 causes the first special symbol display device 61 to variably display the first special symbol according to the fluctuation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol, and confirms and displays the first special symbol after the fluctuation display. Let me. Further, the special symbol display control means 156 causes the second special symbol display device 62 to variably display the second special symbol according to the fluctuation pattern (variation time) of the second special symbol, and displays the second special symbol after the fluctuation display. Confirm display. The special symbol display control means 156 has a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variable time, fixed display time) related to the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The operating states of the first special symbol display device 61 and the second special symbol display device 62 are monitored based on the special symbol game status of the main information storage means 180. The special symbol display control means 156 requests the effect control board 200 to confirm the decorative symbol when the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped (that is, at the timing when the value of the special symbol game timer becomes "0"). Generates an effect control command (referred to as "fluctuation stop command"). The normal symbol display control means 157 causes the normal symbol display device 65 to variably display the normal symbol according to the fluctuation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol, and confirms and displays the normal symbol after the fluctuation display. The normal symbol display control means 157 has a normal symbol game timer for managing the time (variable time, fixed display time) related to the display of the normal symbol. The operating state of the normal symbol display device 65 is monitored based on the normal symbol game status of the main information storage means 180.

Further, the special symbol display control means 156 issues an effect control command (referred to as "standby demo command") that triggers the execution of the standby demo effect (customer waiting demo effect) when the game is interrupted for a predetermined time or longer. It is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. "The suspended state of the game continues for a predetermined time or longer" means that the period during which the operation holding ball of the special symbol does not exist and the variation display of the special symbol is not performed continues for a predetermined time or longer. If the period in which the game ball is not fired continues for a predetermined time or longer, or if the period in which the game ball is not entered in all the winning openings continues for a predetermined time or longer, the game is interrupted for a predetermined time or longer. It may be a continuous specification.

When the result of the hit / fail determination of the special symbol is a big hit, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 543 as a big hit game process after confirming the special symbol, and outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 543. The object 542 is controlled to open and close according to a predetermined operation pattern. In the jackpot game, one opening / closing operation of the special electric accessory 542 is set as one round game (unit game), and the round game is continuously executed for a predetermined number of rounds. The electric accessory control means 160 holds a large winning opening opening counter for storing the number of operations of the special electric accessory 542 (that is, the number of rounds being executed). Here, the operation end condition (end condition of the unit game) of the special electric accessory 542 in the big hit game is that a specified count number (“10” in this embodiment) of game balls enters the big winning opening 54. That is, or the opening time of the large winning opening 54 has reached the maximum opening time (“29 seconds” in this embodiment).

Further, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 523 when the result of the hit / fail determination of the ordinary symbol corresponds to a hit, and the ordinary electric accessory 522 (No. 1) for a predetermined opening time. 2 Opening and closing control of the starting port 52) is performed. Here, as described above, the electric accessory control means 160 opens the normal electric accessory 522 for 0.2 seconds in the low base state in which the electric chew support function (opening extension function) is not operating. Then, in the high base state in which the electric chew support function (opening extension function) is operating, the normal electric accessory 522 is opened for 5.8 seconds. Here, the operation termination condition of the ordinary electric accessory 522 is that a predetermined number (“10” in this embodiment) of game balls have entered the second starting port 52, or that the second starting port 52 has a predetermined number of game balls. The opening time has reached the maximum opening time (“0.2 seconds” or “5.8 seconds” in this embodiment).

When the result of the hit / fail determination of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is a big hit, the game state control means 165 is based on the big hit type (type of symbol group) and the game state at the time of winning the big hit. The game state after the end of the jackpot game is determined, and the game state after the end of the jackpot game is switched. In the present embodiment, as described above, as a plurality of types of gaming states, a normal gaming state (low probability low base state), a time-saving gaming state (low probability low base state), and a probability variation gaming state (high probability high base state) are used. It is set, and one of a plurality of types of gaming states is selectively set. Since each game state has already been described in detail, duplicate description will be omitted here.

Further, the game state control means 165 determines the variation pattern selection state after the end of the jackpot game based on the jackpot type (type of symbol group) when the jackpot game is executed, and after the end of the jackpot game. Switch the variable pattern selection state of. In the present embodiment, a normal selection state, a time saving selection state, and a probability variation selection state are set as a plurality of types of variation pattern selection states, and the game state, the jackpot type, the number of variation display times of the special symbol, and the like determined above are set. Therefore, one of a plurality of types of variation pattern selection states is selectively set. Since each fluctuation pattern selection state has already been described in detail, duplicate description will be omitted here.

Further, the game state control means 165 generates an effect control command (referred to as a “game state designation command”) including the current game state information and the variation pattern selection state information, and stores the command of the main information storage means 180. Store in the area.

The error monitoring control means 170 monitors the input information of the I / O port circuit 104, and inspects the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, the radio wave detection signal by the radio wave sensor, the door / frame opening signal, and the like. , Determine whether the gaming machine is in an error state. In the case of an error state, an effect control command (“error effect designation command”) including the error information is requested to the effect control board 200 in order to indicate the error state effect. Although the description is omitted in FIG. 6 and the like, the door opening switch is a means for detecting whether or not the glass frame 5 is open, and the frame opening switch is for detecting whether or not the front frame 2 is open. The back set release switch is a means for detecting whether or not the back set board 30 is open. Further, the magnetic sensor and the radio wave sensor are detection means for detecting so-called fraudulent gaming activities.

The main information storage means 180 includes random number value information acquired in the special symbol game and the normal symbol game, operation holding ball information of the special symbol and the normal symbol, and a game state (probability fluctuation function, fluctuation time) related to the special symbol game and the normal symbol game. Information on shortening function, electric chew support function), information on variable pattern selection status, result information of hit / fail judgment of special symbols and ordinary symbols (big hit, miss), stop symbols related to special symbols and ordinary symbols (including symbol group) Information, information on variation patterns (including variation addition patterns) of special symbols and ordinary symbols, information on jackpot games (number of rounds, opening time, opening mode (number of openings per round game), etc.), special symbol display device 61, It is configured to temporarily store status information indicating the operating state of 62, status information indicating the operating state of the special electric accessory 542, information of effect control command data, and the like, and is a predetermined storage for storing each information. It has an area.

When a command transmission request is made, the command transmission / reception means 190 is configured to transmit various effect control command data stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 to the effect control board 200 by a parallel transmission method. Has been done. Each effect control command has a 2-byte configuration including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data. In order to distinguish MODE and EVENT, Bit7 of MODE data is "1". Bit7 of EVENT data is set to "0". When this information is transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output at each transmission timing of MODE and EVENT. As a general rule, the effect control command generated in each process is transmitted as one command for each interrupt cycle according to the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

As shown in FIG. 7, the effect control board 200 includes the effect lottery random number generation means 210, the effect control means 220, the lamp control means 230, the accessory control means 240, the error effect control means 250, the sub-main information storage means 260, and the command. The transmission / reception means 270 is included. Each of the above-mentioned means on the effect control board 200 is composed of hardware such as a sub-main CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, and an electronic circuit arranged on the effect control board 200, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 202. It is a functional representation of something.

The effect lottery random number generation means 210 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers (effect lottery random numbers) by the program processing of the sub-main CPU 201. These random number counters play a role as random number generation means for generating random numbers by software. The software random numbers include a look-ahead lottery random number used for the lottery of the look-ahead effect, a decorative symbol random number used for the lottery of the stop symbol of the decorative symbol, a variable effect pattern random number used for the lottery of the variable effect pattern of the decorative symbol, and a notice effect. The notice lottery random number used for the lottery, the big hit effect pattern random number used for the lottery of the big hit effect pattern, the stage lottery random number used for the transition lottery of the effect stage, and the like are included. These random numbers are updated using the remaining time when the command analysis is not performed in the main processing on the production control side, which will be described later (when the production control command is not received from the main control board 100). do.

The effect controlling means 220 includes the effect mode control means 221, the hold information display control means 222, the look-ahead notice control means 223, the variable effect control means 224, the decorative symbol control means 225, the notice effect control means 226, and the special game effect control means 227. include.

The effect mode control means 221 is based on a game state designation command from the main control board 100, and is consistent with the game state and the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side. (Also referred to as "game production mode") is controlled. In the present embodiment, "normal effect mode", "time saving effect mode", and "probability variation effect mode" are set as a plurality of types of effect modes, and the gaming state (or fluctuation pattern) managed on the main control board 100 side is set. One of a plurality of types of effect modes is selectively set according to the selected state), the number of times the variation of the special symbol is displayed, and the like, and the variation effect according to the set effect mode is executed. In the present embodiment, when the game state is the normal game state, the "normal effect mode" is set, and when the game state is the time-saving game state, the "time-saving effect mode" is set, and the game state is the probabilistic game state. In some cases, the "probability change effect mode" is set. When any of the effect modes is set, as an effect (variable effect) suggesting that the user is staying in the effect mode, a background image dedicated to the effect mode (a background image that is displayed on the back of the decorative pattern) is displayed on the screen. ) Is displayed, and the BGM dedicated to the effect mode is output from the speaker 8. Since the background image and the BGM are set to be different from each other for each effect mode in this way, the player can recognize which effect mode is currently staying from the type of the background image or the BGM. ing.

The hold information display control means 222 provides a first hold ball number counter for counting the number of operation hold balls of the first special symbol, and a second hold ball number counter for counting the number of operation hold balls of the second special symbol. Have. When the hold information display control means 222 receives the symbol storage number command from the main control board 100, the hold information display control means 222 updates (adds) the value of the corresponding counter based on the information on the number of operation hold balls included in this command. On the other hand, when the hold information display control means 222 receives the fluctuation start command from the main control board 100, that is, when the operation hold ball is digested, the value of the corresponding counter is updated (subtracted). Further, the hold information display control means 222 has the number of operation hold balls of the first special symbol in the hold image display area 710 of the effect display device 70 based on the values of the first hold ball number counter and the second hold ball number counter. Control is performed to display the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol. Further, the hold information display control means 222 digests the operation hold ball (the earliest operation hold ball) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol into the changing image display area 720 of the effect display device 70. , Controls to display the changing image displayed by switching to the holding image corresponding to the operation holding ball. In the present embodiment, unless explicitly mentioned, the reserved image of the first special symbol and the reserved image of the second special symbol are simply referred to as a "pending image" without distinction, and are referred to as a changing image of the first special symbol. It may be simply referred to as a "changing image" without distinguishing it from the changing image of the second special symbol.

The look-ahead notice control means 223 executes a look-ahead determination (referred to as "look-ahead lottery") with respect to the operation-holding ball that is the target of the look-ahead notice effect. The look-ahead notice effect is a so-called continuous advance notice effect that announces the possibility of a big hit or a high expectation effect (for example, reach effect) over one or more variable displays before the operation hold ball to be read ahead is digested. It occurs as one aspect. At this time, the pre-reading lottery is performed based on the information of the pre-determination result included in the pre-determination command from the main control board 100. Here, when the pre-reading advance notice control means 223 receives the pre-determination command from the main control board 100, it distinguishes between the pre-determination result information of the first special symbol and the pre-determination result information of the second special symbol, respectively. Up to a predetermined upper limit number (4 pieces) is temporarily stored in the look-ahead information storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 in a form combined with the entry order of the operation holding balls. This look-ahead information storage area has the same configuration as the hold storage area of the main control board 100, and the hold 1 storage area (first hold storage area), in the order of entry into each of the starting ports 51 and 52, A hold 2 storage area (second hold storage area), a hold 3 storage area (third hold storage area), and a hold 4 storage area (fourth hold storage area) are provided, respectively. Each reserved storage area can store information on the result of pre-determination of success / failure, information on the result of pre-determination of symbols, and information on the result of pre-determination of fluctuation patterns as a set. The information of the preliminary determination result is stored in the order of hold 1 storage area, hold 2 storage area, hold 3 storage area, hold 4 storage area, while hold 1 storage area, hold 2 storage area, hold 3 storage area, hold 4 It is digested in the order of storage area (first-in first-out principle). Further, when the information of the preliminary determination result of the reserved 1 storage area is digested, the information of the preliminary determination result stored in the reserved 2 storage area, the reserved 3 storage area, and the reserved 4 storage area is stored in the lower numbered storage area, respectively. At the same time as shifting, the contents of the hold 4 storage area are cleared to zero.

The variation effect control means 224 is based on the information (variation pattern information, variation addition information, etc.) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100, and the variation process (effect process) from the variation start to the stop in the variation display of the decorative symbol. ) Is determined by lottery. The variation effect control means 224 holds a plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables that are referred to when selecting the variation effect pattern of the decorative symbol, and the variation pattern of the special symbol from the plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables. A variation effect pattern table corresponding to (variation time) is selected. Here, while the main fluctuation pattern of the special symbol (for example, "SP reach A" or "SP reach B") is determined on the main control board 100 side, the effect control board 200 side is based on the main fluctuation pattern. Sub-variable patterns of decorative patterns (for example, "SP reach A1, A2 ...", "SP reach A2, A3 ...", etc.) that define the scenario of the effect display process in detail are determined. The decorative pattern variation effect pattern defines a variation display mode of the decorative pattern, that is, a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the start of the variation of the decorative pattern to the end of the variation, and a notice is given at each stage in the display process. The timing of generating the production is also defined as the time schedule. In addition, regarding the variation effect pattern of this decorative symbol, even if the variation pattern of the special symbol is the same (even if the variation start command of the same information is received), if the effect modes during the stay are different, they are produced mutually. Variable production patterns with different contents can be selected. That is, the variable effect pattern table is prepared for each effect mode during the stay.

Further, the variation effect control means 224 receives the standby demo command from the main control board 100, and receives the standby demo command until the variation display of the special symbol is started (the next variation start). During the customer waiting period (until the command is received), for example, a standby demo effect (customer waiting demo effect) for reproducing a moving image for demonstration is executed.

The decorative symbol control means 225 is decorated based on the information (stop symbol information, game state information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100 and the above variation effect pattern determined by the variation effect control means 224. The final combination of stop symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) is determined by lottery. In this example, three symbol rows including a plurality of types of decorative symbols are configured, and the decorative symbols are formed by, for example, identification elements composed of numbers and the like. Further, the decorative symbol control means 225 holds a plurality of types of stop symbol pattern tables that are referred to when a combination of stop symbols of decorative symbols (also referred to as "stop symbol pattern") is determined by lottery. Examples of the plurality of types of tables include a stop symbol pattern table for big hits, a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach loss, and a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach loss. The stop symbol of the decorative symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols, and includes a "stop symbol indicating a big hit (big hit symbol)" and a "stop symbol indicating a missed symbol (missing symbol)". The jackpot symbol indicating the specific jackpot (probability variation jackpot) is a combination of stop modes (for example, "7, 7, 7") in which three identical odd-numbered symbols are aligned. The jackpot symbol indicating a normal jackpot (non-probability variation jackpot) is a combination of stop modes (for example, "2.2.2") in which three identical even-numbered symbols are aligned. The out-of-order symbol is a combination of stop modes (for example, "1.3.8") in which at least one of the three symbols is a symbol having a number different from the other numbers. Here, among the out-of-reach symbols, the out-of-reach symbol is a combination of stop modes (for example, "3.1.3") in which only the middle symbol is shifted back and forth by several frames while the left symbol and the right symbol match. Become. In the case of a small hit symbol or a 2R big hit symbol even if it is a big hit symbol, it may be a combination of predetermined stop modes such as "3, 5, 7". In addition, when the lottery result is out of reach, a specific result called a so-called "chance eye" (for example, "1 ・ 2 ・ 3" or "5 ・ 6 ・ 7" as the order), etc. "2, 2, 3", "5, 5, 6", etc.) may be selected as the deviation. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned pseudo-continuous effect, when a temporary stop display and a re-variable display are performed before the final stop symbol is confirmed and displayed, a special symbol (a special symbol as a temporary stop symbol suggesting the occurrence of a pseudo-ream) ( Pseudo-continuous pattern) is selected. When displaying a temporary stop symbol that suggests the occurrence of a pseudo-ream, at least one stop symbol (typically a middle symbol) of the three rows of decorative symbols is displayed with characters such as "NEXT". There is a case (for example, "2, NEXT, 3", etc.) in which a special symbol (pseudo-continuous symbol) is replaced and displayed. The stop order for stopping the decorative symbols is predetermined for each of the following variable effect patterns. In this embodiment, in principle, the decorative symbols are stopped in the order of left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol. However, if the fluctuation time is set to be extremely short, the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol are stopped almost at the same time, and if it is a special variation effect pattern, the right symbol → It is also possible to stop in the order of the middle symbol → the left symbol, and in this case, the jackpot expectation tends to be relatively high. In addition, regardless of the stop order, it is desirable that the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol start to change at the same time when the change starts. However, as a special variation effect pattern, the variation may be started in the order of the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol.

Here, FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the symbol attributes of the decorative symbol in the present embodiment. The decorative pattern is formed by a combination of an identification element composed of numbers and a color (display color) attached to the identification element. In the present embodiment, all nine types of numbers "1" to "9" are set as identification elements (that is, there are all nine types of decorative symbols). Each decorative symbol is arranged in the order of "1" to "9" according to the arrangement of the symbol row, and is in the order of "1" to "9" (or the order of "9" to "1") on the effect display device 70. In each display area Z1, Z2, Z3, it is cyclically displayed or scrolled, and after "9", it returns to "1" again (or after "1", it returns to "9" again). .. This specification is the same in other embodiments. The symbol attribute of each decorative symbol is determined by the type of color attached to the identification element. That is, even if a plurality of decorative symbols are composed of different identification elements, they are grouped into the same symbol attribute by being given the same color. In this example, three types of colors of the decorative pattern are set: "blue", "red", and "gold". In the drawing, the display modes of the three types of decorative patterns of "blue", "red", and "gold" are expressed by "white", "diagonal line", and "filled". Specifically, the decorative symbols "2", "4", "6", and "8" are classified into blue symbol attributes (blue attributes), and the decorative symbols "1", "3", "5", and "9" are classified. Is classified into a red symbol attribute (red attribute), and the decorative symbol "7" is classified into a golden symbol attribute (gold attribute). In the present embodiment, as the symbol attribute of the decorative symbol, the expectation of the ball output and the expectation of the probability change transition are increased by one step in the order of "blue" <"red" <"gold". Hereinafter, for convenience, the decorative symbol having a blue attribute is also referred to as a "blue symbol", the decorative symbol having a red attribute is also referred to as a "red symbol", and the decorative symbol having a golden attribute is also referred to as a "gold symbol".

The advance notice effect control means 226 draws a notice effect pattern that defines the contents of the advance notice effect to be executed at each stage of the change process of the decorative symbol according to the scenario of the change effect pattern determined by the change effect control means 224. decide. The notice effect pattern includes an effect pattern that temporarily or stepwise displays an image of a specific character, an animation, etc., an effect pattern that outputs a specific sound, an effect pattern that emits an effect lamp LP, and a movable body role. An effect pattern or the like for operating an object 601 or the like is included. The notice effect is executed in parallel with the variable display of the decorative symbol, and suggests that the jackpot reliability is high, in which the symbol variation stops in the jackpot mode. The notice effect includes a notice effect that is executed before the reach state occurs (including the time when the reach occurs) in the variable display process of the decorative symbol, and a notice effect that is executed after the reach state occurs. Each notice effect has a different jackpot reliability, and basically, the notice effect displayed after the reach occurs has a relatively higher expectation of a big hit than the notice effect displayed before the reach occurs. It's getting higher. The advance notice effect control means 226 holds the advance notice lottery table referred to when selecting the advance notice effect pattern for each type of advance notice effect, and the advance notice according to the type of the advance notice effect generated according to the scenario of the variable effect pattern. The lottery table is selected. As specific types of notice effects, for example, comment notice effects, background notice effects, SU (step-up) notice effects, logo notice effects, mini character notice effects, group notice effects, character notice effects, etc. are prepared. ing. This advance notice effect is basically performed by synthesizing the display of one or a plurality of advance notice effects with the variable display of the decorative symbol on the effect display device 70. Therefore, even if the decorative pattern is variablely displayed by the same variable effect pattern, it is possible to generate various effect modes by combining with one or a plurality of advance notice effects.

The special game effect control means 227 determines the content of the jackpot effect (big hit effect pattern) for notifying that the jackpot game is in progress. The jackpot middle production includes a jackpot start demo production that notifies the start of the jackpot game, a round production that notifies that the round game is in progress, and a jackpot end demo production that notifies the end of the jackpot game. When the special game effect control means 227 receives the jackpot start demo command from the main control board 100, the special game effect control means 227 has a jackpot start demo effect pattern (big hit start demo effect pattern) based on the jackpot type information stored in the sub-main information storage means 260. , Round production pattern, jackpot end demo production pattern) is decided. In this jackpot production pattern, a jackpot start demo production time, a round production time (a production time according to the opening pattern of the jackpot 54), and a jackpot end demo production time are set, and along the time axis. A series of production contents are set. Further, the special game effect control means 227 executes the jackpot start demo effect when the jackpot start demo command is received from the main control board 100 according to the jackpot effect pattern, and receives the round effect designation command as a trigger. Each round production is executed, and the jackpot end demo production is executed when the jackpot end demo command is received. In the jackpot start demo production, for example, the characters "big hit start" are displayed on the screen to notify the start of the jackpot game. Further, in the round effect, for example, the number of rounds currently being executed and the number of winning prize balls are displayed on the screen, and various images (animation images, etc.) that excite the jackpot game are displayed. Then, in the jackpot end demo effect, for example, the characters "big hit end" are displayed on the screen to notify the end of the jackpot game, and an effect indicating the game state (mode) to be shifted thereafter is displayed.

As described above, the effect controlling means 220 generates image control commands related to images and sounds based on the determined effect contents (look-ahead effect pattern, variable effect pattern, notice effect pattern, stop symbol pattern, jackpot effect pattern, etc.). This is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

The lamp control means 230 controls the lighting of the effect lamp LP, the emission color, and the like according to the effect content set by the effect control means 220. The lamp control means 230 holds a plurality of types of lamp data (lamp pattern data) for controlling the lighting of the effect lamp LP, reads out the lamp data corresponding to the determined effect pattern, and reads the lamp control signal (the lamp control signal (lamp pattern data). Lamp data) is transmitted to the lamp connection board 91.

The accessory control means 240 controls the drive of each movable accessory 24 according to the effect content set by the effect control means 220. The accessory control means 240 holds a plurality of types of drive data for driving and controlling the movable accessory 601, 641, 651, and drives a drive control signal (drive data) according to the determined effect pattern to the motor. It is transmitted to the driver 92.

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

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

The command transmission / reception means 270 is configured to receive the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100 and store the effect control command in the effect control command buffer of the sub-main information storage means 260. The command transmission / reception means 270 generates an interrupt based on the input of the above-mentioned strobe signal from the main control board 100, executes reception interrupt processing (details will be described later) of the effect control command, and executes various effect control commands in this interrupt process. It is supposed to get. When the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the strobe signal, the command transmission / reception means 270 preferentially performs the reception interrupt processing of this effect control command over other interrupt processing (interrupt processing of priority level 7 or less, which will be described later). ing.

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

<Processing on the main control board side>
Next, the procedure of the operation processing on the main control board 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 to 27. The processing on the main control board 100 side includes a main control side main processing and a main control side timer interrupt processing.

<< Main processing on the main control side >>
14 to 15 are flowcharts showing main processing on the main control side of the main control board 100. In this main control side main process, after the security check of the main CPU 101 is performed by resetting when the power is turned on, the program is started and the processes after S1 are started.

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

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

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

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

Subsequently, a transmission request for an effect control command (“power off / return command”) at the time of power failure / recovery between the main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 is performed (S15). This power off / return command includes information on the communication line inspection, the operating state of the special symbol, the number of probability fluctuations, the number of time reductions, the number of easy entry states, the fluctuation pattern selection state, and the error state. The untransmitted command request before the power is turned off is cleared. Next, in the symbol storage number command request processing, the information on the number of operation-holding balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the power is turned off is read, and an effect control command including the information on the number of operation-holding balls is requested ( S16).

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

Next, in order to determine the occurrence of the power outage, the value of the power outage confirmation flag is read, and it is determined whether or not the power outage has occurred (S23). If the power is not cut off, the initial value random number update process is executed (S24). In this initial value random number update process, in this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each counter is added by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value "0".

Next, interrupt permission is set to allow the occurrence of timer interrupt processing (S25), the process returns to the above-mentioned interrupt prohibition processing (S21), and the loop processing of S21 to S25 is repeatedly executed. Here, the timer interrupt processing is periodically executed at predetermined intervals, but the remaining time between the completion of the previous interrupt processing and the occurrence of the next interrupt processing is used to utilize the remaining time from S21 to S25. Repeat the process up to. Then, when an interrupt request is made in the interrupt disabled state, the timer interrupt process is started when the interrupt is enabled in S25. On the other hand, when the power-off confirmation flag is turned on in S23, that is, when the power-off has occurred, the process proceeds to S26 and the power-off processing described below is executed.

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

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

<< Main control side timer interrupt processing >>
Next, the timer interrupt processing on the main control side of the main control board 100 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing of the main control board 100. This timer interrupt process is activated by a clock pulse at regular time intervals (for example, 4 ms) from the CTC circuit of the game control microcomputer 110, and is executed in the form of interrupting the above-mentioned main control side main process.

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

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

Next, the input process is executed (S53). In this input process, information on switches other than the RAM clear switch is read as various switches connected to the main control board 100. That is, the first start port switch 511, the second start port switch 521, the operation gate switch 531 and the large winning opening switch 541, the general winning opening switch 551, the door opening switch, the frame opening switch, the back set opening switch, the magnetic sensor, and the radio wave. After reading the input information of the sensor, etc. and determining their status, these detection information is stored.

Next, various random number update processes are executed (S54). In this various random number update process, the normal symbol variation pattern random number, the special symbol variation pattern random number, and the special symbol variation addition pattern random number are updated. For the normal symbol fluctuation pattern random number, the numerical value of the random number counter is added by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value "0". On the other hand, for the special symbol variation pattern random number and the special symbol variation addition pattern random number, a predetermined value (for example, 3511) is subtracted from the previous random number. If the subtracted result is less than 0, a predetermined value (for example, 50,000) is added to the subtracted result.

Next, the initial value update type random number update process is executed (S55). In this initial value update type random number update process, a random number per normal symbol, a soft random number per special symbol, and a symbol random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is added by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to "0" which is the minimum value. When the value of the counter goes around once, the value of the corresponding initial value random number is set as the initial value.

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

Next, the timer subtraction process is executed (S57). In this timer subtraction process, the values of various timers used for the game operation control of the pachinko gaming machine PM are subtracted and updated. For example, the values of various timers are subtracted by interrupt period (4 ms in this example). The various timers include a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the fluctuation display and the stop display by the special symbol display devices 61 and 62. A predetermined fluctuation time is set in the special symbol game timer at the start of the variation display of the special symbol, and is subtracted as the time elapses. If a small hit game of the other special symbol is executed during the variable display of one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, one of the small hit games is being executed. The timekeeping of the variable display of the special symbol is interrupted.

Next, the second start port validity period setting process is executed (S58). In this second starting port valid period setting process, the winning valid period and the winning invalid period of the second starting port 51 are determined, and as the determination result, the valid period data or the invalid period data of the second starting port 51 is set.

Next, the winning monitoring process is executed (S59). In this winning monitoring process, based on the detection information of the first starting port switch 511, the second starting port switch 521, the operating gate switch 531 and the large winning port switch 541, and the general winning port switch 551 in the input process (S53). When the switch passage inspection of the game ball is performed and it is determined that the game ball has passed each switch as a result, the information indicating that the game ball has passed each switch is temporarily stored in the winning information storage area of the main information storage means 180. In addition to memorizing, a request for transmission of an effect control command including information indicating that the game ball has passed each switch is performed. The details of this winning monitoring process (S59) will be described later with reference to FIG.

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

Next, the normal symbol operation gate monitoring process is executed (S61). In this normal symbol operation gate monitoring process, the passage of the game ball to the operation gate 53 is monitored, and when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the operation gate 53, a random number related to the normal symbol lottery is acquired as operation hold ball information. , The number of balls on hold is updated up to a maximum of 4, and the random numbers related to the normal symbol lottery are stored.

Next, the normal symbol control process is executed (S62). In this normal symbol control process, since a series of processes related to the normal symbol display device 65 or the normal electric accessory 522 is performed, the normal symbol changing process and the normal symbol stop symbol display process are performed according to the value of the normal symbol game status. , Ordinary electric accessory operation end processing, normal electric accessory operation end demonstration processing, etc. are executed. In the processing during the change of the normal symbol, the display pattern number data of the normal symbol is created (updated) in order to display the normal symbol in a variable manner or to confirm the display.

Next, the normal symbol change start monitoring process is executed (S63). In this normal symbol fluctuation start monitoring process, when the operating state of the normal symbol is monitored and it is determined that the fluctuation start condition of the normal symbol is satisfied, one normal symbol operation pending ball number is digested and the normal symbol is activated. The hit / fail judgment, the symbol judgment, the fluctuation pattern judgment, the fluctuation time setting, and the like are performed in order.

Next, the start port monitoring control process is executed (S64). In this start port monitoring control process, the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 51 and the second starting port 52 is monitored, and if the game ball is won, the number of reserved balls is updated and the special symbol lottery is related. Random number storage, pre-reading notice effect judgment, command request for the number of symbol storage, etc. are performed in order.

Next, the special symbol control process is executed (S65). In this special symbol control process, as a series of processes related to the special symbol display devices 61 and 62, the special symbol change start process (S420) and the special symbol change process (S430), which will be described in detail later, are processed according to the value of the special symbol game status. ), Processing during special symbol stop symbol display (S440), and the like are executed.

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

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

Next, the special symbol change start monitoring control process is executed (S68). In this special symbol change start monitoring control process, when there is an operation holding ball of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the number of reserved balls is digested by one, a command request for the number of symbol storage numbers, and a judgment as to whether the special symbol is correct or not. , Design determination of special symbol, determination of probability fluctuation function, determination of time reduction function, setting of operation pattern of special electric accessory, setting of demo production time, etc. are performed in order.

Next, the abnormality detection process is executed (S69). In this abnormality detection process, based on the input information in the input process (S53), the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, the radio wave detection signal by the radio wave sensor, the door / frame opening signal, etc. are inspected in order. , Determine whether the game machine is in an error state. In the case of an error state, an effect control command (“error effect designation command”) including the error information is generated in order to request the effect control board 200 to display an error.

Next, the ball entry passage time abnormality detection process is executed (S70). In this ball entry passage time abnormality detection process, when the on signal of the winning detection switch is continuously detected for a predetermined time or longer, the ball entry passage time abnormality is set and the effect control command (“error”) including the error information is set. In addition to requesting the effect designation command "), it also requests the output of a security signal to be output to the external terminal.

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

Next, the LED output process is executed (S72). In this LED output process, the above-mentioned special symbol control process (S65), in order to display a special symbol and a normal symbol, display the number of reserved balls, the number of times the special electric accessory operates continuously, display an error, and the like. The display data created by the abnormality detection process (S69), the game status display process (S71), etc. is used as the special symbol display devices 61, 62, the normal symbol display device 65, the special symbol hold lamps 63, 64, and the normal symbol hold. The data is output to the lamp 66, the status indicator lamp of the main control board 100, and the like, and the display on these various display devices is initialized.

Next, the launch control signal output process is executed (S73). In this launch control signal output process, when a communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or a short-circuit power supply abnormality is not detected, a launch permission signal is output to the payout control board 400 to allow the game ball to be launched. do. On the other hand, when a communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or a short-circuit power supply abnormality is detected, a launch prohibition signal is output to the payout control board 400 to prohibit the launch of the game ball.

Next, the solenoid output process is executed (S74). In this solenoid output process, in the above-mentioned ordinary symbol control process (S62) and special electric accessory control process (S66) in order to operate each electric accessory 522,542. Based on the acquired control data, an excitation signal is output to each electric accessory solenoid 522,542.

Next, the effect control command transmission process is executed (S75). In this effect control command transmission process, the effect control command specified by the pointer is read from the effect control commands stored in the command storage area (ring buffer) of the main information storage means 180 in the above process, and this effect is produced. A control command is transmitted to the effect control board 200.

Next, the external information output process is executed (S76). In this external information output processing, the game information related to the game machine PM is output as an external information signal to an external device such as a hall computer via the external information terminal plate 500. Examples of the external information signal include a prize ball signal, a door frame opening signal, a magnetic sensor abnormality signal, a disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, an abnormality sensor detection (ball entry passage time abnormality, etc.) signal, a jackpot signal, and a continuous villa signal. There is a symbol confirmation signal and so on.

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

When the main control board 100 detects a power outage (a decrease in the supply voltage based on a predetermined threshold value) during the main control side main processing or interrupt processing, a non-masqueradable interrupt is generated and the power outage confirmation flag is turned on. do. Then, after returning to the original processing, the above-mentioned power off processing (S)
26 to S32) will be executed.

≪Winning monitoring process≫
Next, the winning monitoring process (S59) will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of the winning monitoring process (S59).

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

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

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

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

Subsequently, the general winning opening switch process is executed (S105). In the general winning opening switch input process, it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the general winning opening switch 551 has been input. When the detection signal from the general winning opening switch 551 is input, the general winning opening winning data indicating that the game ball has entered any of the general winning openings 55 to 57 is stored in the winning data storage area of the main information storage means 180. In addition to temporarily storing the information, a general winning opening winning command is generated and temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. On the other hand, if there is no input of the detection signal from the general winning opening switch 551, the winning monitoring process this time is terminated.

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

(Starting port monitoring control process)
First, the start port monitoring control process (S64) will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of the start port monitoring control process (S64).

First, it is determined whether or not the winning of the game to the first starting port 51 is detected (S201). When the winning of the first starting port 51 is detected (S201: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of balls on hold for operation of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit of 4 (S202).

When the number of balls on hold for operation of the first special symbol is less than 4 (S202: YES), the lottery random number values related to the first special symbol game include a random value per special symbol, a random value per symbol, and a special symbol. The fluctuation pattern random value is acquired, and each random value is stored in the first special symbol hold storage area (hold n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the ball entry order (S203). Then, as an update of the number of balls on hold for operation of the first special symbol, the value of the number of balls on hold for the first special symbol is added by 1 (S204), and the winning check of the first starting port 51 is completed.

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

Subsequently, whether or not the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been updated, that is, whether or not the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been added in S204 or S208. (S209). When the number of operation-holding balls is updated (S209: YES), a symbol storage number command including information on the number of operation-holding balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is generated, and this is used as the main information storage means. It is stored in the command storage area of 180 (S210).

Next, the state of the gaming machine is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not it is the pre-determination timing (S211). In the case of the pre-judgment timing (S211: YES), in order to generate pre-reading judgment information based on various random numbers acquired at the time of winning the start opening, a special symbol hit disorder is generated from the hit random number buffer (hold n storage area or register, etc.). A numerical value is read out and a pre-determination of success or failure is performed (S212). Then, a pass / fail pre-determination command including the information of the pre-determination result (pre-determination number) is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (S213).

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

(Special symbol change start monitoring control processing)
Next, the special symbol change start monitoring control process (S68) will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol change start monitoring control process (S68).

In this special symbol change start monitoring control process (S68), the special symbol change start monitoring process described later is performed on the special symbol side of the first special symbol and the second special symbol that satisfies the fluctuation start condition. (S310) is executed. When both the first special symbol and the second special symbol satisfy the fluctuation start condition, the processing on the second special symbol side is preferentially executed as described above.

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

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol is "0" (S303), and if the number of reserved balls is not "0" (S303: NO), the second special It is considered that the symbol variation start condition is satisfied, and the address of the second special symbol variation start monitoring table (addresses of various tables used in the subsequent processing and addresses of the RAM storage area) is set (S304). , The process shifts to the special symbol change start monitoring process (S310) on the second special symbol side. That is, in the present embodiment, when the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is present, the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is given priority regardless of the presence or absence of the operation holding ball of the first special symbol. It is supposed to be digested. The details of this special symbol change start monitoring process (S310) will be described later with reference to FIG.

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

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

(Special symbol change start monitoring process)
Next, the special symbol change start monitoring process (S305, S309) will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol change start monitoring process (S305, S309).

In this special symbol change start monitoring process (S305, S309), the change start of this time is started by referring to the first special symbol change start monitoring table or the second special symbol change start monitoring table set in S304 or S308 described above. The processing on the target special symbol side will be executed, but since the processing method is the same for the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, except for special cases, the processing method on the first special symbol side It will be described collectively without distinguishing whether it is the processing or the processing on the second special symbol side.

First, the number of pending balls on the special symbol side, which is the target of the start of this fluctuation, is subtracted by 1 (S311). Then, a symbol storage number command including information on the number of operation-holding balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after subtraction is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (S312). Subsequently, the special symbol hold storage area on the special symbol side that is the target of this fluctuation start is accessed, and the random value per special symbol and the special symbol per special symbol stored in the earliest reserved storage area (hold 1 storage area). The symbol random value and the special symbol variation pattern random value are read out in order, and these random values are used for the special symbol hit / fail determination process (S320), the symbol determination process (S330), and the variation pattern selection process (S423), which will be described later. The information is transferred to the special symbol hit / miss determination area, the special symbol symbol determination area, the special symbol variation pattern determination area, and the special symbol variation addition pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180 (S313). Further, as the update of the hold storage area, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area to the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower hold storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is cleared to zero (S314).

Subsequently, the special symbol hit / miss determination process is executed (S320). In the special symbol winning / failing determination process (S320), first, the special symbol winning / failing lottery table is acquired. At this time, if the game state is the special symbol probability change state, the high-probability winning / losing lottery table is acquired, and if the gaming state is the normal state, the low-probability winning / losing lottery table is acquired. Next, the random value per special symbol is read from the special symbol hit / miss determination area of the main information storage means 180. Then, with reference to the special symbol winning / failing lottery table, the winning / failing determination of the special symbol is executed based on the random number value per special symbol. Further, the values corresponding to the hit / fail determination result (big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, loss data “00H”) are stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180.

Subsequently, the symbol determination process is executed (S330). In the symbol determination process (S330), the stop symbol and the character effect number (variable additional symbol information) of the special symbol are determined according to the result of the hit / fail determination. Then, the stop symbol (symbol group) and the character effect number of the special symbol determined this time are stored in the symbol storage area of the main information storage means 180. The character effect number is the type of the determined stop symbol (symbol group) and the operating state of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol and the normal symbol (probability change on of the special symbol / probability change off of the special symbol / probability change on of the normal symbol). / Determined based on the combination with (4 patterns of probabilistic change off of normal symbols). If the result of the hit / fail judgment is wrong, the character effect number "0" is determined.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the result of the hit / fail determination of the special symbol corresponds to a big hit (S342). If the result of the hit / fail determination of the special symbol is incorrect (S342: NO), the process proceeds to S351.

When the result of the winning / failing determination of the special symbol is a big hit (S342: YES), after the big hit game is completed, based on the type of the symbol group (big hit type) determined in S330 above and the game state at the time of winning the big hit. The number of probability fluctuations is determined as the number of times the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated (S345). Further, based on the type of symbol group (big hit type) determined in S330 and the game state at the time of winning the big hit, the number of times the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol is activated after the end of the big hit game is the number of times the fluctuation time is shortened. Is determined (S346). Further, based on the type of the symbol group (big hit type) determined in S330 and the game state at the time of winning the big hit, the number of electric support is determined as the number of times the electric chew support function is activated after the big hit game is completed ( S347). The determination result (number of probability fluctuations, number of times of shortening of fluctuation time, number of times of electric support) is stored in the time reduction number storage area and the electric support number storage area of the main information storage means 180. Subsequently, based on the type of symbol group (big hit type) determined in S330, the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 542 during the big hit game (round game) is set (S348). Specifically, as the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 542, the specified number of rounds of the big hit game, the opening pattern (maximum opening time) of the big winning opening 54 in each round, and the like are set.

Next, based on the type of the symbol group determined in S330 and the current gaming state, the variation pattern selection state after the end of the big hit game or after the small hit game is set (S349). Subsequently, based on the type of the symbol group determined in S330, the demo production time (hit start demo time and hit end demo time) of the special game (big hit game or small hit game) is set (S350). Next, the special symbol hit / miss determination area and the special symbol symbol determination area of the main information storage means 180 used in the above-mentioned special symbol hit / miss determination process (S320) and symbol determination process (S330) are cleared (S351). Then, the special symbol game status on the special symbol side to be changed this time is changed from "00H (standby)" to "01H (start of fluctuation)" (S352).

(Special symbol control processing)
Next, the special symbol control process (S65) will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol control process (S65).

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

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

In the special symbol control general-purpose processing (S410) described below, the first special symbol control table or the second special symbol control table set in the above-mentioned S403 or S404 is used, and the special subject to this change is used. The processing on the symbol side will be executed, but since the processing method is the same for the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, is it the processing on the first special symbol side except in special cases? , The second special symbol side processing will be described collectively without distinguishing whether it is the processing. The details of this special symbol control general-purpose processing (S410) will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Special symbol control general-purpose processing)
Subsequently, the special symbol control general-purpose processing is executed (S404, S407). Here, FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol control general-purpose processing (S404, S407).

In this special symbol control general-purpose processing (S404, S407), branch processing (S411 to S414) for shifting to processing according to the value of the special symbol game status ("01H", "02H", "03H") is executed. do. First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status on the special symbol side that is the target of this change is not 0 (S411). When the special symbol game status is not "00H" (S411: YES), it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "01H (start of fluctuation)" (S412). When the special symbol game status is "01H" (S412: YES), the process proceeds to the special symbol variation start process (S420). The details of this special symbol change start processing (S420) will be described later with reference to FIG. 23. On the other hand, if NO in S412, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "02H (changing)" (S413). When the special symbol game status is "02H" (S413: YES), the process proceeds to the special symbol changing process (S430). The details of this special symbol change processing (S430) will be described later with reference to FIG. 24. If NO in S413, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "03H (stop symbol is being displayed)" (S414). When the special symbol game status is "03H" (S414: YES), the process proceeds to the process of displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S440). The details of this special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440) will be described later with reference to FIG. 25.

(Special symbol change start processing)
Next, the special symbol variation start processing (S420) will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol variation start processing (S420).

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

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

Subsequently, the content of the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180 used for determining the variation pattern is cleared (S427). Then, the special symbol game status is changed from "01H (start of fluctuation)" to "02H (during fluctuation)" (S428).

(Processing during special symbol change)
Next, the processing during special symbol change (S430) will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol changing process (S430).

First, in order to perform variable display of the special symbol, the display pattern number switching process of the special symbol is executed (S431). In this display pattern number switching process (S431), display pattern number data of a special symbol is generated at each predetermined switching time. This display pattern number data is output to the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol display device 62 in the LED output process (S73) in order to display the special symbol in a variable manner or a definite display.

Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has reached "0 (timeout)", that is, whether or not the fluctuation time of the special symbol has expired (S432). When the fluctuation time of the special symbol ends (S432: YES), the stop symbol of the special symbol to be confirmed and displayed on the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol display device 62 is set (S433). Subsequently, a fluctuation stop command for instructing the effect control board 200 to confirm and display the decorative symbol is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (S434).

Next, "500 (ms)" is stored as the fixed display time in the special symbol game timer (S435). The "fixed display time" is a time for definitively stopping and displaying the stopped symbol when the special symbol is stopped fluctuating. Then, the special symbol game status is changed from "02H (during change)" to "03H (during stop symbol display)" (S436).

(Processing during special symbol stop symbol display)
Next, the special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440) will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440).

First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has reached "0 (timeout)", that is, whether or not the final display time of the special symbol (stop symbol) has expired (S441). Here, when the final display time of the special symbol ends (S441: YES), the special symbol game status is changed from "03H (stop symbol display)" to "00H (standby)" (S442).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the hit / fail determination data stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180 is the jackpot data “55H” (S443). When the hit / fail judgment data is jackpot data (S443: YES), the operation of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is stopped (S444), the operation of the function for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol is stopped (S445), and the electric chew support function is activated. Stop (S446) is performed in order. Specifically, "00H (off)" is set in the probability change flag, and "00H" is set in the probability fluctuation count counter, the fluctuation time shortening count counter, and the ball entry easy state count counter to clear zero.

Next, as the start demo setting process of the special game, the start demo display time is set and an effect control command (big hit start demo command) for instructing the start of the start demo effect is generated (S447). Subsequently, the number of executions of the fluctuation pattern selection state (variation pattern selection state count counter) is cleared to zero (S448). In addition, the special electric accessory game status is changed from "00H (waiting for hit)" to "01H (special game)" (S449). Then, "00H" is set in order to clear the contents of the pass / fail determination flag (S450).

On the other hand, when the hit / fail determination data is not the jackpot data (S443: NO), it is determined whether or not the probability variation function of the special symbol is operating (S451). When the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is operating (S451: YES), the probability fluctuation counter of the main information storage means 180 is decremented by 1 as the digestion of the number of fluctuations of the special symbol this time (step S452). .. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the probability fluctuation number counter is zero (step S453). When the probability fluctuation number counter is zero (S453: YES), the operation of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is stopped (S454). If the probability fluctuation counter after subtraction is not zero (S453: NO), S454 is skipped and the process proceeds to S455.

Next, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol is operating (S455). When the function for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol is operating (S455: YES), the time reduction counter of the main information storage means 180 is decremented by 1 as the digestion of the number of fluctuations of the special symbol this time (step S456). .. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time reduction count counter is zero (step S457). When the fluctuation time reduction count counter is zero (S457: YES), it is considered that the number of terminations of the special symbol time reduction state has been reached, and the operation of the fluctuation time reduction function of the special symbol is stopped (S458). If the fluctuation time reduction count counter after subtraction is not zero (S457: NO), S458 is skipped and the process proceeds to S459.

Next, it is determined whether or not the electric chew support function is operating (S459). When the electric chew support function is operating (S459: YES), the electric support number counter of the main information storage means 180 is decremented by 1 as the digestion of the number of fluctuations of the special symbol this time (step S460). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the electric support count counter is zero (step S461). When the electric support count counter is zero (S461: YES), the operation of the electric chew support function is stopped (S462), assuming that the number of times the end of the ball entry easy state has been reached. If the number of times of electric support after subtraction is not zero (S461: NO), S462 is skipped and the process proceeds to S463.

Next, the fluctuation pattern selection state count counter of the main information storage means 180 is decremented by 1 (S463). Then, the fluctuation pattern selection state is updated (S464). Specifically, the number of times of the fluctuation pattern selection state of the main information storage means 180 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the current fluctuation pattern selection state has reached the preset number of ends, and the number of ends is set to the number of ends. If it has been reached, it switches to the fluctuation pattern selection state specified next. On the other hand, if the number of ends has not been reached, the current fluctuation pattern selection state is maintained.

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

(Special electric accessory control process)
Next, the special electric accessory control process (S66) will be described. 26 to 27 are flowcharts showing the details of the electric accessory control process (S66).

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

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

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

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

Subsequently, the fluctuation time reduction count information set in S346 is stored in the fluctuation time reduction counter (S512). Further, the electric support count information set in S347 is stored in the electric support counter (S513).

Subsequently, with reference to the content of the probability fluctuation determination flag set in S343, it is determined whether or not the operation of the condition device is an operation by a specific symbol (so-called probability variation symbol) (S514). When the condition device is operated by the specific symbol (S514: YES), the probability fluctuation number counter (operating data) set in S345 is stored in the probability fluctuation number counter of the main information storage means 180, and the special symbol is stored. The operation of the probability fluctuation function of (S515) is started. On the other hand, when the condition device is not operated by the specific symbol (S514: NO), the non-operating data “00H” is stored in the probability fluctuation number counter and S515 is skipped.

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

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the electric support number information stored in the electric support number counter is the electric chew support function operation data (data other than "00H") (S518). In the case of the electric chew support function operation data (S518: YES), the operation of the electric chew support function is started (S519 to S521). That is, the start of operation of the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol (S519), the start of the operation of the function for shortening the fluctuation time of the normal symbol (S520), and the start of the operation of the opening extension function of the normal electric accessory 522 (S521) are executed in order. On the other hand, if it is not the electric chew support function operation data, S519 to S521 are skipped.

Then, it switches to the fluctuation pattern selection state determined in S347 (S522). Subsequently, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the game state information after the special game and the variation pattern selection state information set in S512 to S522 described above is generated, and this is used by the main information storage means 180. It is stored in the command storage area (S523). The effect control board 200 side sets the effect mode after the special game based on the information of the game state designation command. Then, the special electric accessory game status is changed from "01H (special game)" to "00H (waiting for hit)" (S524).

<Processing on the production control board side>
Next, the procedure of the operation processing on the effect control board 200 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 28 to 37. The processing on the effect control board 200 side includes a reset start process (including the effect control side main process) that is executed when the sub-main CPU 201 is reset, such as after the power is turned on, and an effect control side timer interrupt that is activated at regular intervals. The lamp is activated when the processing, the reception interrupt processing of the effect control command activated by the strobe signal from the main control board 100, and the arrival of the predetermined occurrence time specified in the time schedule of the variation effect pattern. It is configured to include an effect interrupt process and a transmission interrupt process for an image control command that is activated at regular intervals.

For each interrupt processing (exception processing), a priority level indicating the priority when a plurality of interrupt processing occurs is set. In this example, "Reset start processing by power reset: Top priority", "Reset start processing due to various abnormalities: Top priority" → "Reception interrupt processing of production control command: Level 7" → "WDT (when runaway is detected) The priority levels are ranked in the order of "reset start processing: level 3" → "image control command transmission interrupt processing: level 2" → "effect control side timer interrupt processing: level 1". The "reset start process due to various abnormalities" is, for example, DMA (Direct Memory) when the sub-main CPU 201 executes an illegal instruction, or when the sub-main CPU 201 tries to access an illegal area or an illegal method. Access) Starts when an error occurs during transfer. In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned plurality of types of interrupt processing are illustrated, but in reality, other interrupt processing also exists.

In the main process on the effect control side, basically, the process proceeds after being set to either the all interrupt disabled state or the interrupt disabled state other than the effect control command reception interrupt. Then, when the effect control side main process is in the interrupt enabled state, each interrupt process is started in the form of interrupting the main process. In each interrupt process, when another interrupt process is requested (multiple interrupts occur) during the execution of the interrupt process, in principle, the interrupt process has a higher priority level than the interrupt process being executed. The interrupt request is permitted, but the interrupt request is prohibited when the interrupt processing has a lower priority level than the interrupt processing being executed or the interrupt processing has the same priority level. That is, each interrupt process is processed in a state in which other interrupts having the same priority level or a lower priority level are disabled. Then, each interrupt process returns to the effect control side main process with all interrupts enabled. The priority order (priority level) of such an interrupt factor is defined by the register setting of the effect control microcomputer 210 (interrupt controller).

<< Reset start processing >>
First, the reset start process of the effect control board 200 will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a reset start process of the effect control board 200. In this reset start process, the reset is started by any of reset when the power is turned on, reset due to various abnormalities, and reset due to WDT (when runaway is detected), and after the security check of the sub-main CPU 201 is performed. , The program starts, and the processing after S601 is started.

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

Subsequently, as a basic setting related to hardware, an initial value is set in the built-in register provided in the sub-main CPU 201, and the I / O port circuit 204 is initialized (S603). Further, the memory area in the RAM 203 of the effect control microcomputer 210 is initialized (S604). Here, the initial value is set for the variable with the initial value, and the variable without the initial value is initialized by clearing 0. Further, the sub-main CPU 201 appropriately expands the control program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203.

Subsequently, interrupts other than the reception interrupt processing of the effect control command are prohibited (S605). Next, among various errors set in advance for each model, a process of setting the type of error to be valid for the model is performed (S606). Further, a request to turn off the effect lamp LP (frame lamp 11, board lamp 25, accessory lamp 603) is made to turn off all the lights (S607). Then, the watchdog timer is activated to monitor the runaway of the sub-main CPU 201 (S608).

Subsequently, the effect control side main process is executed as the main process of the game effect (S609). The details of this effect control side main process (S609) will be described later with reference to FIG. 29. When shifting to the main process on the production control side in S609, it is usually impossible to return from the main process to the reset start process, but in the unlikely event that the process returns to this process due to a program bug or the like. In a small power consumption mode (power consumption is reduced compared to normal operation)
Transition to sleep mode).

<< Main processing on the production control side >>
Next, the effect control side main process (S609) of the effect control board 200 will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the effect control side main process (S609).

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

Next, the device initialization operation is executed (S613). This initialization operation is an operation mode that is executed only once when the power of the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned on (at the start of reset), and the movable body accessory 601, 641, 651 is operated by a device such as a motor or a solenoid. It is executed for the purpose of confirming the position information required to control the operation. At the end of the initialization operation, the movable accessory 601, 641, 651 returns to the preset initial position (reference position). The details of the initialization operation process (S613) at the time of turning on the power will be described later with reference to FIG. 36.

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

Subsequently, the input port check process is executed (S615). In this input port check process, the reading of the I / O port circuit 204 (input port) in the port input / output process S912 in the timer interrupt process described later is monitored for each interrupt occurrence, and is monitored a plurality of times (for example, 4 times). When all the input port states are "1", the signal level is set to "1 (H level)", when all are "0", the signal level is set to "0 (L level)", and in other cases, the signal level is set. Do not change (this confirms the input signal).

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

Subsequently, the effect button monitoring control process is executed (S617). In this effect button monitoring control process, when the button notice effect is incorporated during the fluctuation of the symbol, the input state of the effect button 12 is monitored within the predetermined operation effective time, and the information regarding the input state of the effect button 12 is displayed. Hold.

Subsequently, the advance notice lottery management process is executed (S618). In this advance notice lottery management process, a advance notice effect pattern that defines the contents of the advance notice effect that occurs at each stage of the change process of the decorative pattern is generated according to the scenario of the change effect pattern selected in the subsequent command analysis process (S620). It will be decided by lottery. The advance notice effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the advance notice effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. Further, an image control command for designating the advance notice effect pattern number on the image control board 300 side is generated, and this is set in the image control command buffer of the sub-main information storage means 260. At this time, when the accessory advance notice effect pattern is selected as the advance notice effect pattern, an accessory request is generated, and the movable body accessory 601, 641, 651 is driven in the subsequent device management process (S619). The pattern is identified. In this example, all of the plurality of types of notice effects (notice effect patterns) that occur within one variation of the decorative pattern are not drawn by lottery within one main loop process, but the efficiency of the main loop processing is improved. In order to make the notice effect occur, the lottery is performed over a plurality of main loop processes by dividing it into each time when the advance notice effect occurs (for example, the fluctuation start stage, the reach generation stage, and the fluctuation stop stage). At that time, regarding the advance notice effect that occurs at the start stage of the change of the decorative symbol, it is necessary to synchronize with the start of the change of the decorative symbol (the image control command is transmitted immediately), so the lottery is performed in the starting main loop process. It is supposed to do.

Next, the device management process is executed (S619). In this device management process, when there is an operation request (lamp request, accessory request) of various devices in the command analysis process (S620) described later, a plurality of types of pattern data (lamp pattern, drive pattern) stored in the ROM 203 are stored. ), The pattern data corresponding to the effect number (lamp effect number, accessory notice effect number) is specified, and the control of the target device is started. In the lamp pattern data of the effect lamp LP, the lamp data associated with each frame time (time required to update the image frame once: 16 ms) is stored as schedule data. In this example, the one-frame time corresponds to the time required for the drawing process of one frame when drawing at about 60 frames per second (= about 60 fps) on the effect display device 70. Similarly, in the drive pattern data of the movable body accessory 601, 641, 651, the drive data associated with each interrupt period (1 ms) is stored as schedule data. As a result, each control data (lamp data, drive data, etc.) is output to the target device at regular intervals in the effect control side timer interrupt process described later, and the operation of the target device is started. On the other hand, when all the output of a series of control data (lamp data, drive data) is completed in the effect control side timer interrupt process described later, the effect lamp LP is turned off or the movable body accessory 601, 641, 651. Stops the operation of and ends the control of the target device.

Subsequently, the command analysis process (S620) is executed. In this command analysis process, it is monitored whether or not the effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and if the effect control command is stored, this command is read and the read effect control command is read. Executes the effect control process corresponding to the type of. The details of this command analysis process (S620) will be described later with reference to FIG.

Then, it is determined whether or not the command analysis (analysis of the effect control command) is executed during the loop processing this time (S621). Immediately after the command analysis (S621: YES), the process returns to S614 and the process proceeds to the next loop process. On the other hand, when the command analysis is not executed (S621: NO), that is, when the command buffer is empty, the effect lottery random number update process is executed until a predetermined time elapses (S622). In the present embodiment, the predetermined time is set to "16 ms", which is half the time of the minimum unit (32 ms) of the switching control of the effect lamp LP. In this effect lottery random number update process, various effect lottery random numbers such as a look-ahead advance notice lottery random number, a decorative symbol random number, a variable effect pattern random number, and a notice effect pattern random number are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is added by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value.

(Command analysis processing)
Next, the command analysis process (S622) will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the details of the command analysis process (S622). In this command analysis process, it is monitored whether or not the effect control command from the main control board 100 is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and the effect corresponding to the type of the stored effect control command is monitored. Execute control processing.

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

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the hold-related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S633). Here, the hold-related commands include a symbol memory number command and a pre-determination command. When this hold-related command is stored (S633: YES), the process proceeds to the hold information management process (S634). In this hold information management process (S634), the symbol storage number command or the advance determination command is read from the sub-main information storage means 260, the look-ahead determination is executed based on the information of the advance determination result, and the hold image of the effect display device 70 is executed. A process for updating the number of reserved images displayed in the display area 710 and the display mode (display color, etc.) is performed.

Next, it is determined whether or not the symbol variation-related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S635). Here, the symbol fluctuation-related commands include a fluctuation start command and a fluctuation stop command. When the symbol variation-related command is stored (step S635: YES), the process proceeds to the variation effect content determination process (S636). In this variation effect content determination process (S636), when the received symbol variation-related command is a variation start command, a process for starting the variation effect of the decorative symbol is executed, and the received symbol variation-related command stops variation. If it is a command, the process for ending the variation effect of the decorative pattern is executed.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the jackpot effect-related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S637). Here, the jackpot production-related commands include a jackpot start demo production command, a round production designation command, and a jackpot end demo production command. When the jackpot effect-related command is stored (step S637: YES), the process proceeds to the jackpot effect content determination process (S638). In this jackpot effect content determination process (S638), a process for executing a start demo effect, a round effect, and an end demo effect is performed.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a command related to the small hit effect is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S639). Here, the small hit effect related commands include a small hit start demo effect command and a small hit end demo effect command. When the command related to the small hit effect is stored (step S639: YES), the process proceeds to the small hit effect content determination process (S640). In this small hit effect content determination process (S640), processing for executing the small hit start demo effect and the small hit end demo effect is performed.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the winning opening winning-related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S641). Here, the winning opening winning-related commands include a first starting opening winning command, a second starting opening winning command, an operation gate winning command, a large winning opening winning command, a general winning opening winning command, and the like. When this winning opening winning-related command is stored (S641: YES), the process proceeds to the winning effect content determination process (S642). The details of the winning effect content determination process (S642) will be described later with reference to FIG. 31.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the error effect designation command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-information storage means 280 (S643). When this error effect specification command is stored (S643: YES), the process proceeds to the error effect content determination process (S644). In this error effect content determination process (S644), the error effect specification command is read from the sub-information storage means 280, and the error state is notified by the image display of the liquid crystal display device 70, the lighting of the effect lamp LP, the sound of the speaker 11, and the like. Determine the error effect pattern for.

When the effect control command is not stored in the command storage area of the sub-information storage means 280 (S631: NO, S633: NO, S635: NO, S637: NO, S639: NO, S641: NO, S643: NO). Ends the command analysis process without doing anything.

(Prize production content determination process)
Next, the winning effect content determination process (S642) will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the details of the winning effect content determination process (S642).

First, the first start opening winning effect control process is executed (S701). In this first start opening winning effect control process (S701), it is determined whether or not the first starting opening winning command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and the first starting opening winning command is issued. If it is stored, the first start opening winning effect for notifying that the game ball has entered the first starting opening 51 is executed on condition that the predetermined effect execution condition is satisfied.

Subsequently, the second start opening winning effect control process is executed (S702). In this second start opening winning effect control process (S702), it is determined whether or not the second starting opening winning command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and the second starting opening winning command is issued. If it is stored, the second start opening winning effect for notifying that the game ball has entered the second starting opening 52 is executed on condition that the predetermined effect execution condition is satisfied.

Subsequently, the operation gate winning effect control process is executed (S703). In this operation gate winning effect control process (S703), it is determined whether or not the operation gate winning command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and if the operation gate winning command is stored, it is determined. On condition that the predetermined effect execution condition is satisfied, the operation gate winning effect for notifying that the game ball has passed through the operation gate 53 is executed.

Subsequently, the large winning opening winning effect control process is executed (S704). In this large winning opening winning effect control process (S704), it is determined whether or not the large winning opening winning command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and the large winning opening winning command is stored. Then, on condition that the predetermined effect execution condition is satisfied, the large prize opening winning effect for notifying that the game ball has entered the large winning opening 54 is executed.

Subsequently, the general winning opening winning effect control process is executed (S705). In this general winning opening winning effect control process (S705), it is determined whether or not the general winning opening winning command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and the general winning opening winning command is stored. Then, on condition that the predetermined effect execution condition is satisfied, the general winning opening winning effect for notifying that the game ball has entered any of the general winning openings 55 to 57 is executed.

<< Reception interrupt processing of production control command >>
Next, the reception interrupt processing of the effect control command will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the reception interrupt processing of the effect control command. As described above, the reception interrupt processing of this effect control command is started by generating an interrupt based on the input of the strobe signal from the main control board 100, and various effect control commands are acquired in this interrupt processing. It has become like. The effect control command has a configuration including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data, and is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200 in the order of MODE data and EVENT data. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the MODE data will be referred to as a “first command”, and the EVENT data will be referred to as a “second command”.

First, when an interrupt based on the strobe signal from the main control board 100 occurs, it is determined whether or not the input value of the effect control command is fixed (S901). Specifically, the input value is fixed when the command data is read up to 5 times and the same value is read twice in a row. This is because the reading of the effect control command may fail due to noise or the like, and the input value is not fixed until the same value is read twice in succession.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the command received this time is the first command (MODE), in other words, whether it is the first command (MODE) or the second command (EVENT) (S902). When the command received this time is the first command (S902: YES), the first command is temporarily stored in the temporary area (S903). Then, the production lottery random number is acquired from the production lottery random number generation means 210, and this random number information is temporarily stored in the production lottery random number storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S904). It should be noted that the production lottery random number is acquired when the production control command is received, because the production control command is transmitted at a physically irregular timing such as when the game ball starts winning a prize or when the special symbol changes. Therefore, by taking this as an opportunity, it is necessary to prevent the periodicity from appearing at the acquisition time. By making the acquisition time of the random number of the production lottery irregular in this way, inconveniences such as the same production being unnaturally and repeatedly selected in various production lottery are less likely to occur.

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

<< Effect control side timer interrupt processing >>
Next, the timer interrupt processing on the effect control side will be described. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the effect control side timer interrupt processing. This timer interrupt process is activated by a clock pulse at regular time intervals and is executed in the form of interrupting the above-mentioned effect control side main process.

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

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

Subsequently, the device control data output process is executed (S913). In this device control data output process, the drive data for a predetermined time is read from the drive pattern data specified in the device management process (S619) and set in the drive data storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. The drive data set in this process is data indicating control for 1 ms corresponding to the interrupt cycle. When the drive data is set in this process, the drive data is output from the I / O port circuit 204 (output port) to the motor driver 92 in the next timer interrupt process. Therefore, in this device control data output process, the drive data is switched every interrupt cycle (1 ms) according to the drive pattern data. The details of this device control data output process (S913) will be described later with reference to FIG. 35.

Next, the effect timer update process is executed (S914). In this effect timer update process, the values of various effect timers used for the effect operation control are subtracted and updated by interrupt period (1 ms in this embodiment). The effect timer includes a timer for managing the fluctuation time of the decorative symbol, a timer for managing the occurrence timing of the advance notice effect, and the like. The effect timer manages the time schedule in the variable effect pattern, and manages the drive timing of the movable accessory 601, 641, 651 and the lighting timing of the effect lamp LP on the time axis. The effect timer is also used in the device control data output process (S913) and the lamp data update process (S917) in the effect control timer interrupt process.

Subsequently, the button control timer update process is executed (S915). The value of the effective time management timer for managing the operation effective time of the effect button 12 is subtracted and updated by the interrupt cycle (1 ms in this embodiment). The operation effective time is a time during which the operation input of the effect button 12 is effective.

Subsequently, the task control counter update process is executed (S916). In this task control counter update process, the task counter values (“0” to “15”) are updated for each timer interrupt. Specifically, if the value of the task counter is "0" to "14", it is incremented by 1, and if the value of the task counter becomes "15", it is returned to "0". That is, this task counter can have a circulation cycle of 16 ms. Then, various tasks (task processing) are assigned according to the value of the task counter updated this time, and the lamp control task (lamp data update processing of S917) and runaway monitoring are assigned according to the value of the task counter. Each process such as a task (image CPU runaway monitoring process of S9189) and an error management task (error management timer update process of S919) is executed. In this example, one of the task counter values ("0" to "15") is assigned to the lamp control task, and the other two values (values that are 8 ms apart from each other) are for runaway monitoring. It is assigned to a task and one other value is assigned to the error management task (the description of the other tasks is omitted). As described above, the reason why the circulation cycle of the task counter is set to 16 ms is to match with the minimum unit (16 ms) of the switching control of the effect lamp LP. The minimum unit (16 ms) of the switching control of the effect lamp LP corresponds to one frame time of the image frame, and the synchronization between the image effect and the lamp effect is realized.

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

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

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

<< Transmission interrupt processing of image control command >>
Next, the transmission interrupt processing of the image control command will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the transmission interrupt processing of the image control command. The transmission interrupt process of this image control command occurs at preset fixed intervals (500 μs).

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

(Device control data output processing)
Next, the device control data output process (S913) will be described. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the details of the device control data output process.

First, the sensor input check process is executed (S941). In this sensor check input process, all the movable effect devices 600, 640, and 650 are based on the input information of the position detection sensor stored in the port input / output process (S912) for each timer interrupt cycle (1 ms). Check the status of the position detection sensor (initial position detection sensor, movable position detection sensor).

Subsequently, the first movable body accessory control is executed (S942). In this first movable body accessory control process, when the operation of the first movable body accessory 601 is requested, the process of updating the drive data of the stepping motor which is the drive source of the first movable body accessory 601 is performed.

Subsequently, the second movable body accessory control is executed (S943). In this second movable body accessory control process, when the operation of the second movable body accessory 641 is requested, the process of updating the drive data of the stepping motor which is the drive source of the second movable body accessory 641 is performed.

Subsequently, the third movable body accessory control is executed (S944). In this third movable body accessory control process, when the operation of the third movable body accessory 651 is requested, the process of updating the drive data of the stepping motor which is the drive source of the third movable body accessory 651 is performed.

Subsequently, the error determination process is executed (S945). In this error determination process, a determination process for over-step error, a determination process for position check error, and a determination process for time monitoring check error are performed. In the step number over error determination process, it is detected that each movable body accessory 601, 641, 651 is located at the initial position or the movable position based on the detection information of the position detection sensor (initial position detection sensor, movable position detection sensor). Instead, it is determined whether or not the counter value (number of steps) of the operation pulse of the stepping motor or the like exceeds the error determination value. If this counter value (number of steps) exceeds the error determination value, it is determined that the error is over the number of steps. Further, in the position check error determination process, it is determined whether or not each movable body accessory 601, 641, 651 is located at the initial position at the timing of the turning point of the game. The timing of the turning point of the game is, for example, the timing of the customer waiting demonstration, the timing when the result of the hit / fail judgment of the special symbol is a big hit, the timing of the start of the variable display of the special symbol (or the decorative symbol), and the special symbol ( Or the timing of the end of the variable display of the decorative symbol), the timing of the start of the special game, the timing of the end of the special game, and the like. If each movable body accessory 601, 641, 651 is not located at the initial position at the timing of the turning point of this game, it is determined that a position check error has occurred. Further, in the time monitoring check error determination process, the state of the position detection sensors (initial position detection sensor, movable position detection sensor) corresponding to each movable object accessory 601, 641, 651 is set to a predetermined monitoring time (for example, 5 seconds). During the above, it is determined whether or not the detection state is not detected. If the state of the position detection sensor is a non-detection state for a predetermined monitoring time or longer, it is determined that a time monitoring check error has occurred. If it is determined in this error determination process (S945) that it is a step number over error, a position check error, or a time monitoring check error, error recovery processing (details will be described later) corresponding to each error is executed.

≪Initialization operation process when the power is turned on≫
Next, the initialization operation process at the time of turning on the power will be described. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an initialization operation process when the power is turned on.

First, when the power of the gaming machine PM is turned on, the initial position return process is executed (S951). In this initial position return process, control is performed to return all the movable body accessories 601, 641, 651 to the initial position.

Subsequently, the accessory initialization process is executed (S952). In this accessory initialization process, control is performed to operate each movable accessory 601, 641, 651 in the maximum movable range (range between the initial position and the movable position).

If this initialization operation process (S951 to S951) fails a plurality of times (for example, 10 times) in succession, it is determined that a motor error has occurred, and stepping of all the movable body accessories 601, 641, 651. The motor is stopped to control the operation pattern so that it does not accept requests, and the effect display device 70 displays an image, the speaker 8 displays a voice, and the effect lamp LP lights up, resulting in an external notification that an error has occurred. I do.

≪Error recovery processing when the number of steps is over error≫
Next, the error recovery process when the number of steps is exceeded will be described. FIG. 37 (A) is a flowchart showing an error recovery process when the number of steps is exceeded.

First, in the error determination process (S945), if it is determined that the error is over the number of steps, the initial position return process is executed (S961). This initial position return process (S961) is the same as the initial position return process (S951) at the time of turning on the power, except that the movable body accessory determined to have an error of exceeding the number of steps is controlled to return to the initial position. It is a process.

Subsequently, the accessory initialization process is executed (S962). This accessory initialization process (S962) is described above, except that the movable accessory that is determined to have an error of exceeding the number of steps is controlled to operate in the maximum movable range (range between the initial position and the movable position). This is the same as the accessory initialization process (S952) when the power is turned on.

If the error recovery process at the time of the step number over error fails a plurality of times (for example, three times) in succession, it is determined that the motor error has occurred, and the stepping motors of all the movable body accessories 601, 641, 651 are determined. Is stopped and the operation pattern request is not accepted.

≪Error recovery processing at the time of position check error≫
Next, error recovery processing at the time of a position check error will be described. FIG. 37B is a flowchart showing an error recovery process when a position check error occurs.

First, in the error determination process (S945), if a position check error is determined, the initial position return process is executed (S971). This initial position return process (S971) is the same process as the initial position return process (S951) at the time of turning on the power, except that the movable body accessory determined to have a position check error is returned to the initial position. Is.

If the error recovery process at the time of the position check error fails a plurality of times (for example, 10 times) in succession, it is determined that the motor error occurs, and the stepping motors of all the movable body accessories 601, 641, 651 are used. It is stopped and controlled so that it does not accept requests for operation patterns.

≪Error recovery processing when time monitoring check error occurs≫
Next, error recovery processing at the time of time monitoring check error will be described. FIG. 37C is a flowchart showing an error recovery process when a time monitoring check error occurs.

First, in the error determination process (S945), if a time monitoring check error is determined, the initial position return process is executed (S981). This initial position return process (S981) is the same as the initial position return process (S951) at the time of power-on, except that it controls to return the movable body accessory determined to have a time monitoring check error to the initial position. It is a process.

If the error recovery process at the time of the time monitoring check error fails a plurality of times (for example, 10 times) in succession, it is determined that the motor error occurs, and the stepping motors of all the movable body accessories 601, 641, 651 are determined. Is stopped and the operation pattern request is not accepted.

In this embodiment, since there is a high possibility that the step number over error, the position check error, and the time monitoring check error are abnormalities (errors) during the game, the abnormality notification is basically not performed (power is turned on). The abnormality notification to the outside may be more conservative than the abnormality notification performed during the initialization operation process of the time), and the visibility of the effect during the variable display is ensured. However, as a modification, the abnormality notification in the step number over error, the position check error, and the time monitoring check error may be executed in the same manner as the abnormality notification performed in the initialization operation process at the time of turning on the power.

[Characteristic configuration of this embodiment]
Next, the main feature configuration of the present embodiment will be described. In the following, as the main feature configurations of the present embodiment, (1) the board surface configuration of the game board 20 and (2) the character effect (character notice effect) of the first movable effect device 600 will be mainly described. In the present specification, when comparing one number with the other number (for example, "more", "less", "different", etc.), one number or the other number is "0". It may include that there is. Also, when comparing the probability (ratio) of one execution with the probability (ratio) of the other execution (for example, "high", "low", "different", etc.), the probability (ratio) of one execution. ) Or the probability (ratio) of the other execution is "0%", and the probability (ratio) of one execution or the probability (ratio) of the other execution is 100%. Similarly, if one is more likely to be executed than the other, it includes that the other is not executed at all (ie, the probability or percentage of execution of the other is 0%). Conversely, if one is less likely to be executed than the other, it includes that one is not executed at all (ie, the probability or percentage of execution of one is 0%).

<Board composition>
First, the board surface configuration of the game board 20 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 38 to 42. Note that both FIGS. 4 and 38 show a front view of the game board 20, but FIG. 4 shows a state in which each movable body accessory 601, 641, 651 is in the initial position, and FIG. 38 shows each movable body combination. It shows a state in which objects 601, 641, 651 are in a movable position. The movable body accessory 601, 641, 651 is driven from the initial position to the movable position when the accessory advance notice effect is executed or the initialization operation is executed when the power is turned on, and then from the movable position to the initial position. It is configured to drive towards. Further, on the drawings (FIGS. 40 and 42), the game ball is represented by the reference numeral “B”.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 38, the game board 20 is configured based on a board face plate 21 formed in a rectangular flat plate shape in a front view using, for example, a synthetic resin material. On the front side of the game board 20, an arc-shaped outer rail 41 arranged from the lower left to the upper right, and an arc-shaped inner rail 42 arranged inside the outer rail 41 from the lower left to the upper left. A curved rail decoration 43 that is arranged between the upper right portion of the outer rail 41 and the lower part of the board surface and opens inward is attached, and the outer rail 41, the inner rail 42, and the rail decoration 43 are attached. A substantially circular game area PA is formed inside the enclosure. Further, a guide passage 44 for guiding the game ball launched by the launch mechanism 27 to the game area PA is formed between the outer rail 41 and the inner rail 42.

The guide passage 44 is partitioned between the inner surface of the outer rail 41 and the outer surface of the inner rail 42, and is formed in an arc shape (bow shape) having a convex shape on the left side when viewed from the front. On the lower end side of the guide passage 44, a ball introduction port 45 for introducing the game ball launched by the launch mechanism 27 into the guide passage 44 is formed. A ball ejection port 46 for ejecting a game ball passing through the guide passage 44 into the game area PA is formed on the upper end side of the guide passage 44. In other words, the ball introduction port 45 is formed on the lower end side of the inner rail 42, and the ball injection port 46 is formed on the upper end side of the inner rail 42. At this time, as shown in FIG. 39, the width (passage width) of the guide passage 44 is configured to gradually become narrower from the ball introduction port 44 toward the ball ejection port 45. Here, the "width of the guide passage 44 (passage width)" is the width in the direction orthogonal to the tangent line of the outer rail 41 (arc curve) or the width in the direction orthogonal to the tangent line of the inner rail 42 (arc curve). Means. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, the width d2 of the ball ejection port 46 of the guide passage 44 is set to be narrower than the width d1 of the ball introduction port 45 of the guide passage 44 (width d2). <Width d1). Here, it is preferable that the width d2 of the ball ejection port 46 is half or less of the width d1 of the ball introduction port 45.

At the upper end position of the inner rail 42, a ball return prevention device 47 is attached to prevent the game ball discharged from the ball ejection port of the guide passage 44 into the game area PA from returning to the guide passage 44 again. The ball return prevention device 47 is arranged in the vicinity of the ball ejection port 46 of the guide passage 44, and opens and closes the ball ejection port 46.

The ball return prevention device 47 swings and displaces in a plane (substantially vertical plane) parallel to the board surface, pivotally connected to a support 47a provided at the upper end of the inner rail 42, and the ball. It has an on-off valve 47b that opens and closes the injection port 46. The on-off valve 47b is formed with its front surface side as a launch-side contact surface for contacting a game ball that has passed through the guide passage 44, and its back surface side contacts a game ball that returns from the game area PA toward the guide passage 44. It is formed as a return contact surface for allowing the vehicle to move. The return-side contact surface of the on-off valve 47b can come into contact with a regulating portion (not shown) formed at the tip of the support 47a, and the return-side contact surface comes into contact with the regulating portion to cause the on-off valve 47b to come into contact with the regulating portion. It is designed so that it does not swing further in the open direction (clockwise in the figure) (swing in the closed direction is allowed). Further, the on-off valve 47b is provided with a weight portion for swinging and urging the on-off valve 47b in the closing direction (counterclockwise direction in the figure) by its own weight, and the on-off valve 47b is always the ball injection port. It will be held in a substantially vertical posture (closed position) that closes the 46. When the on-off valve 47b is in the closed position, the weight portion abuts on a part of the support 47a so that the on-off valve 47b does not swing further in the closing direction (counterclockwise in the figure). (Swing in the open direction is allowed). As a result, the game ball that has passed through the guide passage 44 can flow into the game area PA by pushing up the on-off valve 47b in the opening direction against the urging by the weight portion and opening the ball ejection port 46. It becomes. On the other hand, in the game ball that is about to return from the game area PA to the ball ejection port 46, the on-off valve 47b that has returned to the closed position due to the urging by the weight portion closes the ball ejection port 46 (even if it is not completely closed, the outer rail). By setting the distance between 41 and the on-off valve 47b to be less than the diameter of the game ball), the return to the guide passage 44 is prevented.

A center accessory 80 is arranged substantially in the center of the game area PA. The center accessory 80 is mounted in a center accessory mounting hole (not shown) that penetrates substantially in the center of the board 21 and is arranged so as to project forward from the board 21 (glass frame 5 side). There is.

The center accessory 80 is formed of, for example, a transparent synthetic resin. A substantially rectangular window opening is formed in the substantially center of the center accessory 80 through the front and rear, and the screen of the effect display device can be visually recognized from the front side of the gaming machine PA through the window opening. A plurality of movable body accessories 601, 641, 651 are attached to the center accessory 80 around the window opening (screen), and the operating positions (movable positions) of each movable body accessory 601, 641, 651. Depending on the situation, it may be superimposed on the screen (a state in which at least a part of the screen is hidden).

The center accessory 80 has an upper wall portion 81 forming an upper edge portion of the center accessory 80 and a left wall portion 82 forming a left edge portion of the center accessory 80 as peripheral portions of the center accessory 80. It has a right wall portion 83 forming a right edge portion of the center accessory 80. Of the peripheral edges, the upper wall 81 faces the outer rail 41 in the vertical direction, the left wall 82 faces the inner rail 42 in the left-right direction, and the right wall 83 faces the rail decoration 43 in the left-right direction. There is a positional relationship. The wall portions 81, 82, and 83 are formed so that the game ball can come into contact with or roll.

Further, the center accessory 80 includes a warp port 85 that opens to the left wall portion 82, and a warp passage 86 that guides the game ball that has flowed into the warp port 85 downward along the inner circumference of the center accessory 80. A stage 87 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the lower edge of the center accessory 80 so that the game ball guided by the warp passage 86 can roll in substantially the left-right direction.

The game area PA is based on the center accessory 80 at the center, the upper region PA1 which is the upper region of the center accessory 80, the left region PA2 which is the left region of the center accessory 80, and the center accessory 80. It is divided into a right side region PA3 which is a region on the right side of the center and a lower region PA4 which is a lower region of the center accessory 80.

≪Upper area≫
The upper region PA1 is formed between the outer rail 41 and the upper wall portion 81 of the center accessory 80. In the present embodiment, the region from the first protrusion 814 to the cushioning member 98 between the outer rail 41 and the upper wall portion 81 of the center accessory 80 is referred to as an upper region PA1. The upper region PA1 is provided with a connecting passage 90 formed on the extension of the guide passage 44 (on the extension along the extension direction of the outer rail 41) through which the game ball can pass, and is provided with the left region PA2. It is in contact with the right area PA3. In the present embodiment, only the game ball that has passed through the connecting passage 90 can reach the right side region PA3.

The connecting passage 90 includes a first connecting passage portion 901 formed between the outer rail 41 and the left half portion of the upper wall portion 81 (the first passage surface 811 described later), and the outer rail 41 and the upper wall portion 81. It is composed of a second connecting passage portion 902 formed between the right half portion (second passage surface 812 described later). More specifically, the first connecting passage portion 901 is a passage portion between the outer rail 41 and the upper wall portion 81 extending from the first protrusion 814 described later to the rebound surface 813 described later. On the other hand, the second connecting passage portion 815 is a passage portion extending from the rebound surface 813, which will be described later, to the vicinity of the cushioning member 98 between the outer rail 41 and the upper wall portion 81. The passage width of the first connecting passage portion 901 is formed to be the width of two or more and less than three game balls. The passage width of the second connecting passage portion 902 is formed to have a width equal to or more than one game ball and less than two game balls (a width through which the game balls can pass only in one row). That is, the passage width of the second connecting passage portion 902 is formed to be narrower than the passage width of the first connecting passage portion 901. Here, the "width of the connecting passage 90 (passage width)" means the width in the direction orthogonal to the tangent line of the outer rail 41 (arc curve). In the present embodiment, the connecting passage 90 is composed of the first connecting passage portion 901 and the second connecting passage portion 902, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the connecting passage 90 is a substantially uniform passage. It may be composed of only one connecting passage portion having a width (corresponding to the second connecting passage portion 902). In that case, the entrance portion of the connecting passage 90 corresponds to the ball diving port (corresponding to the ball diving port 816 described later).

The upper wall portion 81 has a first passage surface 811 forming a first connecting passage portion 901 with the outer rail 41 and a second passage surface 812 forming a second connecting passage portion 902 with the outer rail 41. And a bounce surface 813 that continuously connects the first passage surface 811 and the second passage surface 812. The first passage surface 811 is an inclined surface that gently inclines downward to the left and extends. The second passage surface 812 is an arc surface extending upward and gently curved downward to the right. The bounce surface 813 is an inclined surface extending upward from the right end of the first passage surface 811 toward the left end of the second passage surface 812. The first passage surface 811 may be formed by a curved surface (arc surface) that curves downward to the left. Further, the second passage surface 812 may be formed by an inclined surface inclined downward to the right. Further, the bounce surface 813 may be formed by a curved surface (arc surface) that curves upward to the right.

The upper wall portion 81 is formed with a plurality of protrusions (first protrusion 814, second protrusion 815) on which the game ball driven into the upper region PA1 can collide. Each of the protrusions 814 and 815 collides with a part of the game balls driven into the upper region PA1 and functions as a ball return portion capable of bouncing back toward the left region PA2.

The first protrusion 814 is a portion formed at the left end of the first passage surface 811 and projecting convexly toward the ball ejection port 46 side of the guide passage 44. The first protrusion 814 is connected to the left end of the first passage surface 811 and has an upward bounce surface 814a which is inclined downward to the left with a gradient larger than that of the first passage surface 811 and an "ku" from the lower end of the upward bounce surface 814a. It is formed so as to be sandwiched between the downward bounce surface 814b that bends in a shape and inclines downward to the right, and the sandwiching angles of the upper and lower bounce surfaces 814a and 814b forming the first protrusion 814 are substantially acute angles. ing. The game ball bounced off at the first protrusion 814 is basically flowed down toward the left side region PA2.

The second protrusion 815 is a portion formed in a stepped shape between the first passage surface 811 and the second passage surface 812 and projectes convexly into the connecting passage 90. The second protrusion 815 is connected to the right end of the first passage surface 811 and is connected to the bounce surface 813 which is inclined upward to the right with a gradient larger than that of the first passage surface 811 and is connected to the upper end of the bounce surface 813 and is curved downward to the right. It is formed so as to be sandwiched between the second passage surface 812, and the sandwiching angle between the two surfaces 812 and 813 forming the second protrusion 815 is an obtuse angle.

As shown in FIG. 40, the second protrusion 815 is arranged at a position substantially center in the left-right direction of the game area PA (a position slightly to the right of the center in the left-right direction). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 40, the second protrusion 815 is arranged at a position slightly to the right of the center line CL in the width direction of the game area PA. The second protrusion 815 forms the top (uppermost end) of the center accessory 80, and the first passage surface 811 is inclined downward to the left and the second passage surface 812 is to the right with reference to this top. It is sloping down. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the game ball driven into the upper region PA1 will flow down the left region PA2 unless it exceeds the second protrusion 815 (top), and the second protrusion 815 (top) will flow down. If it exceeds, it will flow down the right side region PA3. The game ball bounced off by the second protrusion 815 is basically flowed down toward the left side region PA2.

Further, a ball diving port 816 forming an entrance of the second connecting passage portion 902 is formed substantially directly above the second protrusion 815. The width of the ball diving port 816 is formed to be slightly wider than that of one game ball. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, the width d3 of the ball diving port 816 is formed to be narrower than the width d2 of the ball ejection port 46 (width d3 <width d2).

The ball diving port 816 is arranged at the position of the top (top) of the upper wall portion 81, and when the game ball passes through the ball diving port 816, it is guided by the second passage surface 812 that descends to the right and is in the right area. If the game ball cannot pass through the ball diving port 812, it will be guided by the first passage surface 811 that descends to the left and will flow down to the left region PA2. That is, depending on whether or not the game ball can pass through the ball diving port 816, it is determined whether the game ball flows down the left side region PA2 or the right side region PA3. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to appropriately distribute the game ball to the left side region PA2 or the right side region PA3, the firing intensity of the game ball is set based on the ball diving port 816 as the arrival point of the game ball.

Here, FIG. 41 is a schematic view showing the relationship between the amount of rotation of the launch handle 9 and the launch intensity of the game ball. The firing intensity of the game ball is configured to be arbitrarily adjustable according to the amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the firing handle 9. In the present embodiment, the operable range in which the firing handle 9 can be rotated is set in the range of "0 degrees to 100 degrees". In the following, for convenience of explanation, the level of the firing intensity of the game ball set according to the operable range (0 to 100 degrees) of the firing handle 9 is defined in the range of “0 to 100”.

When the amount of rotation of the firing handle 9 is "0 degrees", the firing intensity level is "0". Until the amount of rotation of the firing handle 9 reaches "9 degrees", the level of firing intensity is maintained at "0" as the play operation range (0 to 9 degrees), and this play operation is performed. The game ball is not launched until the range (0 to 9 degrees) is exceeded (the launch mechanism 27 is not activated). When the rotation operation amount of the firing handle 9 becomes "10 degrees", the firing intensity level becomes "10", and thereafter, the firing intensity level increases by "1" for each rotation operation. Then, when the amount of rotation of the firing handle 9 reaches "100 degrees", the level of firing intensity becomes "100", which is the maximum intensity.

In the present embodiment, when the launch handle 9 is rotated in the first operation range (0 to 30 degrees), the launch intensity of the game ball becomes a weak level (0 to 30), and most of the game balls are in the game area. It cannot reach the PA (it cannot cross the on-off valve 47b) and returns as a foul ball. That is, this first operating range (0 to 30 degrees) is an operating range that is not suitable for games.

Further, when the launch handle 9 is rotated in the second operation range (31 to 80 degrees), the launch intensity of the game ball becomes a medium level (31 to 80), and most of the game balls exceed the on-off valve 47b. Although it reaches the game area PA, it cannot pass through the ball diving port 816 of the connecting passage 90 and flows down the left side area PA2. That is, this second operation range (31 degrees to 80 degrees) is an operation range suitable for left-handed striking. If the firing intensity level is "50" or less, which is half the maximum intensity (when the operation amount is half the maximum operation amount), the game ball cannot pass through the ball entry port 816 with a 100% probability. Is set to.

Further, when the launch handle 9 is rotated in the third operation range (81 degrees to 100 degrees), the launch intensity of the game ball becomes a strong level (81 to 100), and most of the game balls are balls in the connecting passage 90. It will pass through the entrance 816 and flow down the right side region PA3. That is, this third operation range (81 degrees to 100 degrees) is an operation range suitable for right-handed striking. When the level of the firing intensity is the maximum intensity of "100" (when the maximum amount of operation is achieved), the game ball is set so that it can pass through the ball diving port 816 with a 100% probability. In this way, unless the launching handle 9 launches the game ball with a firing intensity corresponding to the third operating range (near the maximum operating amount), the gaming ball cannot pass through or easily pass through the ball diving port 816. By doing so, when the subject of the game is the left area PA2, it is suppressed from accidentally hitting the game ball into the right area PA3, while when the subject of the game is the right area PA3, the game ball is suppressed. Can surely reach the right side region PA3. In addition, the player can easily adjust left-handed and right-handed (switching between left-handed and right-handed), and can easily perform a hitting method suitable for the current gaming state.

In the present embodiment, the passage width of the second connecting passage portion 902 is formed substantially evenly over the entire surface, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the entrance of the second connecting passage portion 902 (ball diving). By forming the exit side narrower than the mouth 816) side, even if the game ball passing through the second connecting passage portion 902 is configured to collide uniformly with the cushioning member 98 without variation. good.

≪Left area≫
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 38, the left side region PA2 is formed between the inner rail 42 and the left wall portion 82 of the center accessory 80. In the present embodiment, the region from the first protrusion 814 to the wind turbine 97 between the inner rail 42 and the left wall portion 82 of the center accessory 80 is referred to as a left side region PA2. The left side region PA2 includes an upstream portion PA2a facing the ball ejection port 46 of the guide passage 44, a midstream portion PA2b located on the downstream side of the upstream portion PA2a, and a downstream portion PA2c located on the downstream side of the midstream portion PA2b. have. Further, in the left side region PA2, a plurality of game nails 95, obstacle blocks 96 (96a to 96e), a windmill 97, and the like are arranged, and a flow downstream for causing the game ball to flow down toward the lower region PA4. The road is formed.

The upstream portion PA2a of the left side region PA2 is an region (so-called) in which the player is relatively likely to enter a predetermined winning opening (first starting opening) by hitting the game ball aiming at the position. This is the area called the "bump position"). In the upstream portion PA2a of the left side region PA2, a plurality of protruding obstacle blocks (two in the illustrated example) projecting in a direction substantially orthogonal to the board surface between the ball return prevention device 47 and the upper wall portion 81. 96a and 96b are arranged. The obstacle blocks 96a and 96b are arranged below the virtual line connecting the tip of the on-off valve 47b and the tip of the first protrusion 814 (the virtual line connecting both tips in a plane parallel to the board surface). ing. The obstacle blocks 96a and 96b are resin portions integrally formed with the board surface plate 21 of the game board 20, and have an outer shape larger than that of the game nail 95. The obstacle blocks 96a and 96b are obstacle members that collide with or come into contact with the game ball to change the flow direction of the game ball. The obstacle blocks 96a and 96b are formed in an outer shape suitable for their respective arrangements (outer shapes different from each other). As a modification of the present embodiment, the obstacle blocks 96a and 96b are formed separately from the board surface plate 21, and the obstacle blocks 96a and 96b are fixed to the board surface plate 21 using screws, nails, an adhesive or the like. You may do so.

The obstacle block 96a is arranged diagonally above the right side of the ball return prevention device 47, and has a space larger than the diameter of one game ball (a distance through which the game ball can pass) with respect to the ball return prevention device 47. Is arranged. The obstacle block 96b is arranged diagonally upward to the right of the obstacle block 96a, and has a distance larger than the diameter of one game ball (game ball) with respect to the obstacle block 96a and the upper wall portion 81 (first protrusion 814). Are arranged at intervals (passable intervals).

Here, the ball return prevention device 47 and the upper wall portion 81 (first protrusion 814) are separated by two obstacle blocks 96a and 96b, and three upstream flow paths through which the game ball can pass. 91a, 91b, 91c are formed. Specifically, an upstream flow path 91a is formed between the ball return prevention device 47 and the obstacle block 96a on the left side, and an upstream flow path 91b is formed between the two obstacle blocks 96a and 96b, and the upstream flow path 91b is formed on the right side. An upstream flow path 91c is formed between the obstacle block 96b and the upper wall portion 81. Of these three upstream flow paths 91a, 91b, 91c, the right upstream flow path 91c has a relatively higher probability of entering the first starting port 51 than the other upstream flow paths 91a, 91b. It is a high left-handed target area. In the present embodiment, when the game ball collides with the first protrusion 815, the game ball easily flows into the upstream flow path (target region) 91c on the right side. As a modification of the present embodiment, when the game ball collides with the first protrusion 815, the game ball may easily flow into the central or left upstream flow paths 91a and 91b.

In the upstream portion PA2a of the left side region PA2, two obstacle blocks 96a and 96b are arranged, but no game nail 95 is arranged. That is, the upstream portion PA2a is formed as a nailless region in which the game nail 95 is not planted. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the game ball flowing down the left side region PA2 is configured to easily come into contact with the obstacle blocks 96a and 96b before coming into contact with the game nail 95. In other words, the obstacle blocks 96a and 96b are arranged at positions where the game ball ejected into the left side region PA2 is likely to come into contact with the game nail 95 before it comes into contact with the game nail 95. However, as a modification of this embodiment, the left side region PA2
One or more game nails may be planted in the upstream portion PA2a of the above.

The midstream portion PA2b of the left region PA2 is formed with a flow path width (flow path width at which the game balls can flow down in two rows) that is at least twice the diameter of the game ball. Therefore, the game ball flowing down the middle stream portion PA2b of the left side region PA2 can move a distance of one game ball or more in the left-right direction (including the left-right diagonal direction). A plurality of projecting obstacle blocks 96c, 96d, 96e (three in the illustrated example) projecting in a direction substantially orthogonal to the board surface are arranged in the middle stream portion PA2b of the left side region PA2. The obstacle blocks 96c, 96d, 96e are resin portions integrally formed with the board surface plate 21 of the game board 20, and have an outer shape larger than that of the game nail 95. The obstacle blocks 96c, 96d, 96e are obstacle members that collide with or come into contact with the game ball to change the flow direction of the game ball. The obstacle blocks 96c, 96d, 96e are formed in outer shapes suitable for their respective arrangements (outer shapes different from each other). As a modification of the present embodiment, the obstacle blocks 96c, 96d, 96e are formed separately from the board surface plate 21, and the obstacle blocks 96c, 96d, 96e are formed on the board surface plate using screws, nails, adhesives, or the like. It may be fixed to 21.

The obstacle blocks 96c, 96d, 96e are arranged at substantially the center in the width direction of the middle stream portion PA2b of the left side region PA2 (positions are arranged at positions that substantially divide the middle stream portion PA2a of the left side region PA2 in the width direction. ). The left obstacle block 96c is arranged substantially directly below the ball return prevention device 47, and is arranged in a posture inclined slightly downward to the left. The obstacle block 96d is arranged at a position below the obstacle block 96c in a slightly inclined downward position to the left. The obstacle block 96e is arranged below the obstacle block 96d in a posture extending substantially in the vertical direction.

By partitioning the middle flow portion PA2b of the left region PA2 into a plurality of obstacle blocks 96c, 96d, 96e, two middle flow portions 92a, 92b parallel to each other in the substantially left-right direction are formed. The midstream flow paths 92a and 92b are both formed to have a flow path width larger than that of one game ball (flow path width at which the game ball can flow down). Here, the obstacle blocks 96c, 96d, 96e are arranged at intervals equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the obstacle blocks 96c, 96d, 96e have a width that allows the game ball to pass between the obstacle blocks 96c, 96d, 96e. There is a gap. Therefore, the game ball flowing down the middle stream portion PA2a of the left side region PA2 can move back and forth between the two middle stream portions 92a and 92b through the gap between the obstacle blocks 96c, 96d and 96e.

The downstream portion PA2c of the left side region PA2 is formed with a flow path width (flow path width at which the game balls can flow down in two rows) that is at least twice the diameter of the game ball. A plurality of game nails 95, a windmill 97, and the like are arranged in the downstream portion of the left side area PA2, and the flow path of the game ball is a path toward the warp port 85 (stage 87) and a path of the lower area PA4. It is divided into a flow route to the nail 95m and a route to the general winning opening 55-57.

≪Right area≫
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 38, the right region PA3 is formed between the rail decoration 43 and the right wall portion 83 of the center accessory 80. In the present embodiment, the region from the cushioning member 98 to the second starting port 52 between the rail decoration 43 and the right wall portion 83 of the center accessory 80 is referred to as a right side region PA3. The right side region PA3 has an upstream portion PA3a facing the exit side of the connecting passage 90, a middle flow portion PA3b located on the downstream side of the upstream portion PA3a, and a downstream portion PA3c located on the downstream side of the middle flow portion PA3b. is doing. Further, in the right side region, a plurality of game nails 95, obstacle blocks 99 (99a, 99b) and the like are arranged, and a flow flow path for flowing the game ball toward the lower region PA4 is formed. ing. At the boundary between the upper region PA1 and the right region PA3, a cushioning member 98 capable of colliding with a game ball that has passed through the upper region PA1 and reached the right region PA3 is fixed by a screw or the like. The cushioning member 98 is made of an elastic body such as rubber or urethane, and is configured to appropriately reduce the momentum of the game ball driven into the right region PA3.

The upstream portion PA3a of the right region PA3 is formed with a flow path width (flow path width at which the game balls can flow down in two rows) that is at least twice the diameter of the game ball. A plurality of (two in the illustrated example) obstacle blocks 99a and 99b formed in a protruding shape are arranged in the upstream portion PA3a of the right side region PA3. The obstacle blocks 99a and 99b are resin portions integrally formed with the board surface plate 21 of the game board 20, and have an outer shape larger than that of the game nail 95. The obstacle blocks 99a and 99b are obstacle members that collide with or come into contact with the game ball to change the flow direction of the game ball. The obstacle blocks 99a and 99b are formed in an outer shape suitable for their respective arrangements (outer shapes different from each other). As a modification of the present embodiment, the obstacle blocks 99a and 99b are formed separately from the board surface plate 21, and the obstacle blocks 99a and 99b are fixed to the board surface plate 21 using screws, nails, an adhesive or the like. You may do so.

The obstacle blocks 99a and 99b are arranged substantially in the center of the upstream portion PA3a of the right side region PA3 in the width direction (the obstacle blocks 99a and 99b are arranged at positions that substantially divide the upstream portion PA3a of the right side region PA3 in the width direction). The obstacle block 99a is arranged below the cushioning member 98, and is arranged in a posture extending substantially in the vertical direction. The obstacle block 99b is arranged at a position below the obstacle block 99a, and is arranged in a posture extending substantially in the vertical direction.

By partitioning the upstream PA3a of the right region PA3 into a plurality of obstacle blocks 99a and 99b, two upstream flow paths 93a and 93b parallel to each other in the substantially left-right direction are formed. The upstream flow paths 93a and 93b are both formed to have a flow path width larger than that of one game ball (flow path width at which the game ball can flow down). Here, the obstacle blocks 99a and 99b are arranged at intervals equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball, and there is a gap between the obstacle blocks 99a and 99b having a width through which the game ball can pass. There is. Therefore, the game ball flowing down the upstream PA3a of the right region PA3 can move back and forth between the two upstream channels 93a and 93b through the gap between the obstacle blocks 99a and 99b.

In the upstream portion PA3a of the right side region PA3, two obstacle blocks 99a and 99b are arranged, but no game nail 95 is arranged. That is, the upstream portion PA3a is formed as a nailless region in which the game nail 95 is not planted. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the game ball flowing down the right side region PA3 is configured to easily come into contact with the obstacle blocks 99a and 99b before coming into contact with the game nail 95. In other words, the obstacle blocks 99a and 99b are arranged at positions where the game ball ejected into the right side region PA3 is likely to come into contact with the game nail 95 before it comes into contact with the game nail 95. However, as a modification of the present embodiment, one or more game nails may be planted in the upstream portion PA3a of the right region PA3.

A plurality of game nails 95 are planted in the middle stream portion PA3b to the downstream portion PA3c of the right side region PA3, and an operating gate 53 and a second starting port 52 are arranged below the game nails 95. The game ball flowing down the middle stream portion PA3a of the right region PA3 is divided into either a path passing through the operating gate 53 and a path not passing through the operating gate 53 by a plurality of game nails 95. The game ball that has passed through the operating gate 53 flows down toward the second starting port 52 arranged below the operating gate 53, and can easily enter the ball if the second starting port 52 is in the open state. .. On the other hand, when the game ball does not enter the operating gate 53 or the second starting port 52, it flows down toward the large winning opening 54 of the lower region PA4, and the large winning opening 54 is in an open state. It is easy to enter the ball.

≪Lower area≫
The lower region PA4 is formed between the inner rail 42 and the stage 87 of the center accessory 80, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 38. In the present embodiment, the region between the inner rail 42 and the stage 87 from the wind turbine 97 to the grand prize opening 54 is referred to as a lower region PA4. In the lower region PA4, a first starting port 51, a large winning opening 54, a general winning opening 55 to 57, an out opening 29, etc. are arranged together with a plurality of game nails 95 (including a road nail 95 m). The game balls that have flowed down from the left side region PA2 or the right side region PA3 have the first start port 51, the second start port 52, and the grand prize opening according to the flow path distributed in the left side region PA2 or the right side region PA3. 54, while the ball can be entered in any of the general winning openings 55 to 57, if the ball is not entered in any of the winning openings, the ball is flowed down to the out opening 29.

Subsequently, as characteristic actions in the board surface configuration of the present embodiment, (a) the flow of the game by left-handed hitting and (b) the flow of the game by right-handed hitting will be described.

≪Left-handed game≫
When the current gaming state is the normal gaming state (low probability / low base state), the frequency of entering the game ball into the first starting port 51 is greater than the frequency of entering the game ball into the second starting port 52. Is set high, so the game ball is made to enter the first starting port 51 by left-handed (launching the game ball aiming at the left area PA2), and the hit / fail judgment of the first special symbol (first special). It is a game that independently executes the variable display of the symbol).

When hitting left, the amount of rotation of the firing handle 9 is adjusted to the second operating range, and the hitting position of the game ball is set to the left side of the ball diving port 816 (second protrusion 815). When the firing handle 9 is rotated in the second operating range, the inertial force of the game ball differs according to the rotation operation amount (launching strength), and the falling point of the game ball changes according to the firing strength.

When the amount of rotation of the firing handle 9 is relatively small within the second operation range and the game ball is hit weakly (referred to as "choro hit"), most of the game balls have the first protrusion. Without reaching 814, it flows from the upstream PA2a of the left region PA2 into any of the upstream channels 91a to 91c (except when it becomes a foul ball).

On the other hand, when the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 9 is relatively large within the second operation range, most of the game balls are driven into positions within the range from the first protrusion 814 to the second protrusion 815. For example, when the game ball is hit weakly, the game ball collides with the first protrusion 814 and is bounced off, and flows into any of the upstream flow paths 91a, 91b, and 91c. Further, when the game ball is hit harder than this, most of the game balls can exceed the first protrusion 814, but most of them are in front of the second protrusion 816 (on the first passage surface 811). ), Bounced off the bounce surface 813, or flows down the first passage surface 811 toward the left side region PA2 as it is, and flows into any of the upstream flow paths 91a, 91b, 91c. (There is a high possibility that it will flow into the upstream flow path 91c on the right side). When the game ball is hit more strongly, most of the game balls collide with the second protrusion 815 and are bounced off, and then flow down the first passage surface 811 toward the left side region PA2, and the upstream flow path. It flows into any of 91a, 91b, and 91c (there is a high possibility that it flows into the upstream flow path 91c on the right side).

At this time, as shown in FIG. 42, the direction of the tip of the second protrusion 815 (arrow Y2 in the figure) is higher than the direction of the tip of the first protrusion 814 (arrow Y1 in the figure). It is formed facing. Therefore, the impact is alleviated and the momentum of rebound is diminished when the game ball collides with the second protrusion 815 than when the game ball collides with the first protrusion 814. As a result, when the game ball driven into the upper region PA1 collides with the second protrusion 815 (including the bounce surface 813), the impact is alleviated and the game ball does not oppose the flow of the subsequent game ball. Since it can be guided in the direction, it is possible to prevent contact with the subsequent game ball launched next. Specifically, if the previously launched game ball (referred to as "game ball 1") rebounds strongly, immediately after the later launched game ball (referred to as "game ball 2") enters the game area PA. It becomes easy to collide with the game ball 1, and the collision may cause the game ball 2 to bounce further and return to the guide passage 44. Then, the game ball 2 may collide with the subsequently launched game ball (referred to as “game ball 3”) in the guide passage 44, resulting in ball clogging. However, in the present embodiment, the momentum of the bounce when the game ball 1 collides with the second protrusion 815 is diminished, so that the collision with the subsequent game balls (game ball 2, game ball 3) is avoided. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of ball clogging. To put it the other way around, since the first protrusion 814 is oriented laterally (leftward) rather than the second protrusion 815, the game ball is vigorously repelled toward the ball ejection port 46 side. However, since a plurality of obstacle blocks 96a and 96b are arranged between the first protrusion 814 and the ball ejection port 46, the repelled game ball is the obstacle block 96a, It comes into contact with the 96b and is easily dropped, so that contact with the subsequent game ball is avoided.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, in terms of the passage width from the guide passage 44 to the connecting passage 90, the width of the ball ejection port 46 is larger than the width d1 of the ball introduction port 45 of the guide passage 44. d2 is narrower, and the width d3 of the ball entry port 816 of the connecting passage 90 is narrower than the width d2 of the ball ejection port 46 of the guide passage 44 (that is, the width d1 <. Width d2 <width d3). In this way, by narrowing the width d3 of the ball diving port 816 from the width d2 of the ball ejection port 46, the design value of the firing intensity for the game ball to pass through the ball diving port 816 becomes relatively high. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball from easily reaching the right side region PA3 in the game state in which the left-handed hit is the main game, and to proceed with the appropriate game according to the current game state. Further, by narrowing the width d3 of the ball diving port 816 from the width d2 of the ball ejection port 46, it is possible to suppress the fluttering of the game ball passing through the connecting passage 90.

The game ball that has flowed into any of the upstream flow paths 91a, 91b, and 91c thus flows down the middle flow portion PA2b of the left region PA2. In the midstream portion PA2b, the game balls can move back and forth between the midstream portion passages 92a and 92b substantially partitioned to the left and right by the plurality of left side blocks 96c, 96d and 96e. The game ball that has passed through the midstream passages 92a and 92b flows down the downstream PA2c of the left side region PA2. The downstream portion PA2c is for allocating the flow path to the lower region PA4 of the game ball. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed into the downstream PA2c has a path toward the warp port 85 (stage 87), a flow path toward the road nail 95 m in the lower region PA4, and a general winning opening 55 by the game nail 95 or the windmill 97. It is distributed to the route to ~ 57.

Specifically, whether or not the game ball moved to the right side of the downstream portion PA2c flows into the warp opening 85 opened in the left wall portion 82 of the center accessory 80 by a plurality of game nails 95 is sorted. Be done. The game ball that has flowed into the warp opening 85 passes through the warp passage 86 and is guided to the stage 87. The game ball guided to the stage 87 is guided to the vicinity directly above the first starting port 51 while rolling on the stage 87. In this way, the game ball that has entered the warp opening 85 can easily enter the first starting port 51 via the warp passage 86 and the stage 87.

On the other hand, the game balls that were not distributed to the warp port 85 or the game balls that were brought to the center of the downstream PA2c were guided by the game nails 95 arranged in substantially two rows above the wind turbine 97, and the game balls were guided by the game nails 95. It comes into contact with the wind turbine 97 and is distributed to either the left or right side of the wind turbine 97. The game balls distributed to the right side of the wind turbine 97 flow down on a plurality of game nails 95 (road nails 95 m) linearly arranged diagonally downward to the right, so that the lower region PA4 is approximately in the center of the left and right sides. It is guided toward the first starting port 51 arranged in the above, and either enters the first starting port 51, enters any of the general winning openings 55 to 57, or any of the winning openings 51, It flows into the out port 29 without entering the ball at 55 to 57. In addition, the game ball distributed to the left side of the windmill 97, or the downstream portion P.
The game ball moved to the left side of A2c enters any of the general winning openings 55 to 57, or flows into the out opening 29 without entering the general winning opening 55 to 57.

In this way, when playing a game by hitting the left side, the rotation operation amount of the firing handle 9 (launching intensity of the game ball) is adjusted according to the skill of the player himself, and the driving position of the game ball is changed. , The flow path of the game ball can be changed. At that time, it can be expected that the ball entry rate to the first starting port 51 will be improved by causing not a little regularity in the flow path of the game ball according to the driving position of the game ball. As a result, there is more room for the player's skill to intervene, and the interest of the game can be improved.

≪Right-handed game≫
When the current gaming state is the specific gaming state, the ease of entering the gaming ball into the second starting port 52 is increased, so the gaming ball is launched by right-handed (launching the gaming ball aiming at the right area PA3). It is a game playability in which the ball is entered into the second starting port 52 and the hit / fail determination of the second special symbol (variation display of the second special symbol) is independently executed. The specific gaming state means at least a gaming state in which the electric support function is activated (probability variation gaming state or time-saving gaming state). Further, even when the current gaming state is a special gaming state (big hit gaming state), the big winning opening 54 is opened in each round game, so that the big winning opening 54 is aimed at and the game is performed by right-handed. ..

In the case of right-handed striking, the amount of rotation of the firing handle 9 is adjusted to the third operating range, and the striking position of the game ball is switched to the right side of the ball diving port 816 (second protrusion 815).
When the firing handle 9 is rotated in the third operating range, most of the game balls pass through the specific passage 90 (ball diving port 816) and reach the right side region PA3. The game ball that has flowed into the upstream PA3a of the right region PA3 flows down any of the upstream channels 93a and 93b and heads toward the middle PA3b below it.

The game ball that has flowed down to the middle stream portion PA3b is divided by a plurality of game nails 95 into either a path that passes through the actuating gate 53 or a path that does not pass through the actuating gate 53. The actuating gate 53 is arranged directly below the gap between the pair of game nails 54, and the game ball can be passed through the gap between the game nails 95. A second starting port 52 is arranged below the operating gate 53. In the present embodiment, as long as the game ball passes through the operating gate 53, the game ball will flow down toward the second starting port 52, and at that time, the second starting port 52 is in an open state (opening / closing member is to the right). If it is in a rocking state), the game ball enters the second starting port 52.

On the other hand, the game ball that has not passed through the operating gate 53 flows down the right side of the second starting port 52 and flows down to the lower region PA4 as it is. In the lower region PA4, a large winning opening 54 is arranged below the right region PA3. That is, the large winning opening 54 is provided at a position where a right-handed game ball (a game ball flowing down the right region PA3) can easily enter. At this time, unless the game ball enters the second starting port 52 in the process of flowing down the right side region PA3, it will flow down toward the large winning opening 54, and if the large winning opening 54 is in the open state, it will flow down. The game ball will enter the large winning opening 54. As described above, when the second starting port 52 is in the open state in the specific game state and when the large winning opening 54 is in the open state in the special game state, the generation of waste balls is suppressed.

In this way, when playing a right-handed game, in order to enable rapid progress of the game in a specific game state or a special game state, the right area PA3 has more game nails 95 and obstacle blocks 96,99 than the left area PA2. The number of obstacle members such as is small. Therefore, the game ball launched into the right area PA3 is less likely to be interfered with the flow path by the obstacle member, and can reach the second starting port 52 or the grand prize opening 54 quickly, and the game in the consecutive villa can be smoothly advanced. It becomes possible.

In the present embodiment, the number of game nails 95 arranged in the left side area PA2 is larger than the number of game nails 95 arranged in the right side area PA3. Similarly, the right side area PA3 The number of obstacle blocks 96 (96a to 96e) arranged in the left side region PA2 is larger than the number of obstacle blocks 99 (99a, 99b) arranged in. That is, more obstacle blocks 96 are arranged in the game area (left side area PA2) having the larger number of game nails 95 among the left side area PA2 and the right side area PA3. This is because the more the game nails 95 are arranged, the more the flow path of the game ball is likely to vary. It is possible to suppress the variation in the flow path of the game ball. FIG. 40 shows the above-mentioned relationship that "the number of obstacle blocks 96 arranged in the left side region PA2 is larger than the number of obstacle blocks 99 arranged in the right side region PA3". As described above, the number of obstacle blocks 96 arranged on the left side of the center line CL is larger than the number of obstacle blocks 99 arranged on the right side of the center line CL with reference to the center line CL of the game area PA. In other words, the number is larger.

Further, in the above embodiment, a configuration in which the second protrusion 815 (ball diving port 816) is provided at a position closer to the right side of the center line CL in the width direction of the game area PA is illustrated, but the configuration is limited to this configuration. The second protrusion 815 (ball diving port 816) may be provided at a position on the center line CL line in the width direction of the game area PA. According to this configuration, the second protrusion 815 (ball diving port 816), which is the boundary point between left-handed and right-handed hits, is arranged at the center position in the width direction of the game area PA, so that the left and right hits of the game ball are hit. It will be easier to divide. The center line CL in the width direction of the game area PA does not have to be the center line in a strict sense (the center line that divides the game area PA into two in the width direction), and is generally in the width direction of the game area PA. The center line CL may be determined based on the one arranged substantially in the center (for example, the first starting port 51 and the out port 29). That is, the second protrusion 815 (ball diving port 816) is arranged on the line segment (center line) passing through the left and right centers of the first starting port 51, or the line segment passing through the left and right centers of the first starting port 51 (center line). It is preferable to arrange the second protrusion 815 (ball entry port 816) on the right side of the center line). Further, the second protrusion 815 (ball diving port 816) is arranged on the line segment (center line) passing through the left and right centers of the out port 29, or from the line segment (center line) passing through the left and right centers of the out port 29. It is also preferable to arrange the second protrusion 815 (ball entry port 816) on the right side. Further, instead of arranging the second protrusion 815 (ball diving port 816) on the center line CL line in the width direction of the game area PA or on the right side of the center line CL, the second protrusion 815 (ball diving port) The mouth 816) may be arranged on the center line in the width direction of the game board 20 (board surface plate 21) or on the right side of the center line.

<Movable production device>
Next, the configuration of the first movable effect device 610 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 43 to 45. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions are defined with reference to the directions in the state of being attached to the gaming machine PM, and the directions of the arrows shown in FIG. 44 are defined as front-back, left-right, and up-down directions, respectively. It will be referred to as top and bottom.

≪Basic structure of movable production device≫
The first movable effect device 600 can raise and lower the first movable body accessory 601 and the first movable body accessory 601 that are slidably (elevated) in the vertical direction on the front side of the screen of the effect display device 70. The accessory support body 610 that supports the first movable body accessory 601 and the accessory drive mechanism 620 that drives the first movable accessory 601 are mainly configured.

The first movable body accessory 601 is a logo accessory formed in a horizontally long rectangular parallelepiped shape using a translucent resin material. A logo-shaped decorative portion 602, which is a design of the title name of the gaming machine PM, is provided on the front side of the first movable body accessory 601. Inside the first movable body accessory 601 is an accessory lamp 603 for emitting light of the decorative portion 602 formed on the front surface side. The accessory lamp 603 is configured to include, for example, a plurality of light emitters arranged in a matrix. As the light emitting body, a full-color LED having a light emitting element capable of emitting light in R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is preferably used. In the first movable body accessory 601, the accessory lamp 603 emits light in a predetermined light emitting pattern, so that the entire decorative portion 602 is emitted and displayed.

The accessory support 610 includes the first to fourth left side base members 611 to 614 fixed to the left side of the back surface of the game board 20, the slide rail 615 fixed to the second left side base member 612, and the back surface of the game board 20. It includes first and second right base members 616 and 617 fixed to the right side, and movable base members 618 that are supported up and down across the left base members 611 to 614 and the right base members 616 and 617. Has been done.

The first and second left side base members 611 and 612 are formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending vertically in the vertical direction, and the left side guides extending diagonally downward to the left on the right side of each base member 611 and 612. Parts 611a and 612a are provided. The second left base member 612 is formed with a left cushion mounting portion 612b located on the lower end side of the left guide portion 612a, and the shock absorber mounting portion 612b is formed with a left cushion made of an elastic body such as rubber or urethane. Tool 612c is attached.

The slide rail 615 is a metal rail member that is formed in a U-shaped cross section that opens rearward and extends substantially in the vertical direction. The slide rail 615 is attached to the rear surface side of the second left side base member 612 in a state of being inclined substantially parallel to the left side guide portion 612a.

The first and second right base members 616 and 617 are formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending vertically in the vertical direction, and right guides extending obliquely downward to the left on the left side of each base member 616 and 617. Parts 616a and 617a are provided. The right side guide portions 616a and 617a are arranged substantially parallel to the left side guide portions 611a and 612a and the slide rail 615 at predetermined intervals. The second right base member 617 is formed with a right cushion mounting portion 617b located on the lower end side of the right guide portion 617a, and the right cushion mounting portion 617b is formed with a right cushion made of an elastic body such as rubber or urethane. Tool 617c is attached.

The movable base member 618 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending horizontally in the left-right direction, and a first movable body accessory 601 is attached to a substantially central portion on the front surface side thereof. The left and right ends of the movable base member 618 are formed in a shape corresponding to the left side guide portions 611a, 612a and the right side guide portions 616a, 617a (a shape inclined diagonally downward to the left), and the left and right guide portions 611a. , 612a, 616a, 617a, the movable base member 618 is guided and moved.

A substantially rectangular parallelepiped left sliding portion 618a is integrally formed on the left end side of the movable base member 618. A slider 618b that can be engaged with the slide rail 615 is fixed to the front surface side of the left sliding portion 618a. The slider 618b is a metal slide member that is formed in a U-shaped cross section that opens forward and extends substantially in the vertical direction. The slider 618b is engaged inside the slide rail 615 and is slidably supported along the slide rail 615.

A substantially rectangular parallelepiped right sliding portion 618c is integrally formed on the right end side of the movable base member 618. The right side connecting portion 618c is sandwiched between the first and second right side base members 616 and 617 and is slidably supported. In this way, the movable base member 618 is the left sliding portion 6
The 18a is slidably supported by the slide rail 615 via the slider 618b, and the right side sliding portion 618c is slidably supported between the right side base members 616 and 617.

The accessory drive mechanism 620 rotates the spiral shaft 621 provided on the front side of the fourth left base member 614, the nut member 622 that meshes with the spiral shaft 621, and the spiral shaft 621 around the axis (both forward and reverse directions). It is configured to include a stepping motor 623.

The spiral shaft 621 is a rotary shaft member having a spiral groove engraved on its surface. The upper and lower ends of the spiral shaft 621 are rotatably supported by a pair of upper and lower bearings (not shown) provided on the fourth left base member 614. The nut member 622 has a ball nut structure in which the spiral shaft 621 is meshed with a plurality of balls (not shown), and can move up and down according to the rotation of the spiral shaft 621. The nut member 622 is arranged so as to be in contact with the lower end surface of the left side sliding portion 618a of the movable base member 618, and is configured to be integrally movable up and down with the left side sliding portion 618a. That is, by mounting and holding the left sliding portion 618a of the movable base member 618 on the upper end surface of the nut member 622, the movable base member 618 also moves up and down according to the vertical movement of the nut member 622. There is. The stepping motor 623 can be rotationally driven in both forward and reverse directions based on the drive pulse signal from the effect control board 2000. A gear mechanism (not shown) for transmitting the rotational force (driving force) of the stepping motor 623 to the spiral shaft 621 is connected to the rotating shaft of the stepping motor 623. Then, when the spiral shaft 621 rotates in the first direction by driving the stepping motor 623, the movable base member 618 (first movable body accessory 601) moves downward, and the spiral shaft 621 moves in the second direction ( When rotated in the direction opposite to the first direction), the movable base member 621 (first movable body accessory 601) moves upward. As a result, the first movable body accessory 601 moves up and down between the first initial position located above the screen of the effect display device 70 and the first movable position located in front of the screen of the effect display device 70. (Round trip) is possible.

Here, on the fourth left base member 614, the first initial position detection sensor 631 for detecting that the first movable body accessory 601 is in the first initial position, and the first movable body accessory 601 are first. A first movable position detection sensor 632 for detecting that the vehicle is in the first movable position is attached. Each of the detection sensors 631, 632 is, for example, a photosensor having a light projecting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives light from the light projecting unit, and is arranged in a substantially U shape. On the other hand, the movable base member 618 is provided with an upper detection piece 618k that projects toward the first initial position detection sensor 631 side, and the nut member 622 projects toward the first movable position detection sensor 632 side. A lower detection piece 622k is provided. Then, when the upper detection piece 618k is interposed between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the first initial position detection sensor 631 (that is, the optical path of the first initial position detection sensor 631 is shielded by the upper detection piece 618k. When), the first initial position detection sensor 631 is turned on to detect the initial position of the first movable body accessory 601 and the lower detection piece 622k is used as the light projecting unit of the first movable position detection sensor 632. The first movable position detection sensor 632 is turned ON when it is interposed between the light receiving portion (that is, when the optical path of the first movable position detection sensor 632 is shielded by the lower detection piece 622k). The first movable position of the first movable body accessory 601 is detected. The detection signals (on / off signals) of the detection sensors 631 and 632 are transmitted to the effect control board 200, and the first movable body accessory 601 is the first on the effect control board 200 side. Whether or not it exists in the initial position or the first movable position is determined.

≪Directive action of movable body accessory≫
Next, the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 will be described. FIG. 46 is a schematic view for explaining the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601. The effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 is an operation mode performed according to a predetermined effect operation pattern. This effect operation is performed by operating or stopping the first movable body accessory 601 in cooperation with the variable display of the decorative symbol, etc., on the premise that the initialization operation (details will be described later) at the time of turning on the power is completed. , Mainly executed for the purpose of exerting a visual effect.

The effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 follows a predetermined effect pattern, (1) moves the first movable body accessory 601 downward from the initial position, and (2) moves the first movable body accessory 601 into the movable position. Each operation is performed in the order of holding for a predetermined time, (3) moving the first movable body accessory 601 upward from the movable position, and (4) stopping the first movable body accessory 601 at the initial position. , The operation is completed. In the effect operation pattern of the first movable body accessory 610, the operation content of the first movable body accessory 601 is defined by the number of steps, the driving speed, the rotation direction, the operation time, and the like of the stepping motor 623. Here, "holding" means that the rotor holds the current position in a state where the exciting mode is maintained without switching the exciting phase of the stepping motor 623 (a state in which the exciting current continues to flow through the same stator coil). say. On the other hand, "stop" means to stop the position of the rotor in a state where the excitation is turned off (a state in which the holding torque is not maintained). Further, in the ascending operation and the descending operation of the first movable body accessory 601, the motor acceleration period (10 steps) → the motor constant velocity period (150 steps) → the motor deceleration period (10 steps) can be changed by changing the pulse frequency. It is set.

If, for example, an error (step-out, etc.) of the stepping motor 623 occurs during the production operation of the first movable body accessory 601, the error is eliminated and the first movable body accessory 601 is in a normal state. Error recovery processing is performed to recover to. For example, even if the first movable body accessory 601 is operated by 170 steps between the two upper and lower detection sensors 631 and 632 during the effect operation (upward operation or lowering operation) of the first movable body accessory 601, each detection is performed. When the initial position or the movable position of the first movable body accessory 601 is not detected by the sensors 631, 632, it is determined that an error has occurred in the operation of the first movable body accessory 601 (stepping motor 623). When an error occurs in the operation of the first movable body accessory 601 (stepping motor 623) in this way, an error recovery process for restoring the first movable body accessory 601 to the normal operating state is executed. ..

≪Character notice production≫
Next, the character advance notice effect (character effect) of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 47 is a schematic diagram for explaining the basic configuration of the character advance notice effect.

The bonus effect notice effect is a notice effect that suggests or notifies the jackpot expectation level by executing the effect operation by the first movable body accessory 601 during the execution of the variation display. In the character advance notice effect of the present embodiment, the effect operation by the first movable body accessory 601 is displayed by the accessory lamp 603, the effect image 740 is displayed by the effect display device 70, and the sound effect is output by the speaker 8. It is configured to be executable in combination with. That is, this character advance notice effect includes the effect operation by the first movable body character 601 (the character movable effect), the light emission display by the character lamp 603 (the character light emission effect), and the display of the effect image 740 (effect effect). ) And the output of the sound effect (sound effect) by the speaker 8 are performed in a complex manner.

(Movable character production)
The accessory movable effect is an effect in which the first movable body accessory 601 executes an effect operation according to the above-mentioned effect operation pattern. That is, the accessory movable effect includes an effect of lowering the first movable body accessory 601 from the initial position to the movable position and an ascending operation of raising the first movable body accessory 601 from the movable position to the initial position. Is. In the present embodiment, the light emission timing of the accessory lamp 603, the display timing of the effect image 740, and the output timing of the sound effect are set based on the operation timing of the first movable accessory accessory 601. As a modification, the light emission timing of the accessory lamp 603, the display timing of the effect image 740, and the output timing of the sound effect are set based on the fluctuation start timing of the special symbol (the timing when the fluctuation start command is received). May be good.

(Character light emission production)
The accessory light emitting effect is an effect in which the accessory lamp 603 of the first movable body accessory 601 emits light in a predetermined light emitting pattern. In the present embodiment, light emission pattern 1 (blue light emission), light emission pattern 2 (green light emission), and light emission pattern 3 (red light emission) are set as the light emission patterns of the accessory lamp 603, and the plurality of types of light emission patterns 1 One light emission pattern from ~ 3 is determined by lottery. The light emission pattern of the accessory lamp is related to the high degree of expectation of big hit, and the degree of expectation of big hit is 1 in the order of light emission pattern 1 (blue light emission) <light emission pattern 2 (green light emission) <light emission pattern 3 (red light emission). It is set to increase step by step. The light emitting pattern of the accessory lamp 603 is merely an example, and one light emitting pattern may be configured to emit light in a plurality of types of colors, or the number of types of light emitting patterns may be changed.

(Effect production)
The effect effect is an effect in which a predetermined effect image 740 highlighting the first movable body accessory 601 is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 70. The effect image 740 is displayed in a display area corresponding to the periphery of the first movable body accessory 601 and is moved and displayed in the vertical direction in accordance with the effect operation (slide movement in the vertical direction) of the first movable body accessory 601. NS. That is, when the first movable body accessory 601 moves downward, the effect image 740 also moves downward on the screen in accordance with this movement, and the first movable body accessory 601 moves upward. When the operation is performed, the effect image 740 also moves upward on the screen in accordance with this movement. Since the effect image 740 is displayed in accordance with the movement of the first movable body accessory 601 in this way, it can be said that the effect image 740 is a display image that makes the first movable body accessory 601 feel that the operation is started. In the present embodiment, the display pattern 1 (blue display), the display pattern 2 (green display), and the display pattern 3 (red display) are set as the display patterns of the effect image 740. The display pattern of the effect image 740 is related to the high degree of expectation of big hit, and the degree of expectation of big hit is 1 in the order of display pattern 1 (blue display) <display pattern 2 (green light emission) <display pattern 3 (red light emission). It is set to increase step by step. The display pattern of the effect image 740 is just an example, and one display pattern may be configured to display a plurality of types of colors, or the number of types of display patterns may be changed.

(Sound production)
The sound effect is an effect in which a predetermined sound is output from the speaker 8. In the present embodiment, a specific sound (referred to as “movable effect sound”) is output in response to the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601. In the present embodiment, the voice pattern 1 (sound effect A), the voice pattern 2 (sound effect B), and the voice pattern 3 (sound effect C) are set as the voice patterns of the movable effect sound. The voice pattern of the movable production sound is related to the high degree of expectation of a big hit, and the expectation of a big hit is in the order of voice pattern 1 (sound effect A) <sound pattern 2 (sound effect B) <voice pattern 3 (sound effect C). The degree is set to increase by one step. It should be noted that each voice pattern 1 to 3 does not have to consist of sound data for all periods, and may include silence data for a part of the period. The voice pattern of the movable effect sound is just an example, and one voice pattern may be configured to output a plurality of types of sound effects, or the number of types of voice patterns may be changed.

It should be noted that the emission color of the accessory lamp 603 and the display color of the effect image 740 may have a predetermined relationship. For example, the emission color of the accessory lamp 603 and the display color of the effect image 740 may always be set to be the same color to harmonize the effects. In addition, the accessory lamp 603
Of the light emission and effect image 740 display, the color (emission color or display color) that starts the production later is better than the color (emission color or display color) that starts the production first. The color may have a high degree of expectation (it may be used as a rising effect). Further, in the symbol variation of 1, the display mode (display color) of the reserved image (changing image) may have a predetermined relationship with the emission color of the accessory lamp 603 and the display color of the effect image 740. .. For example, when the display color of the reserved image (changing image) is red, the accessory lamp 603 (or the effect image 740) may be configured to be red (may be likely to be).

(Execution timing of character notice production)
Next, the execution timing of the character advance notice effect (character movable effect, character light emission effect, effect effect, sound effect) of the present embodiment will be described. Here, FIG. 48 is a time chart showing the execution timing of the character advance notice effect. It should be noted that FIG. 48 is a time chart relating to the change in the symbol change in which the character advance notice effect is executed. Further, FIG. 49 is a schematic diagram showing an effect example corresponding to the time chart of FIG. 48. That is, (A) to (H) in FIG. 49 correspond to (A) to (H) in FIG. 48. In the figure, the light emitting state (lighting state) of the accessory lamp 603 is represented by hatching. Further, in FIG. 49, due to space limitations, the auxiliary symbol (fourth symbol) described later is omitted.

As shown in (A) in the figure, at the timing T1, the first movable body accessory 601 stands by at the initial position. When the first movable body accessory 601 is on standby at the initial position, the accessory lamp 603 is in the non-light emitting state, the effect image 740 is in the non-display state, and the movable effect sound is in the non-output state.

As shown in (B) in the figure, when the timing T2 is reached, the display of the effect image is started on the screen of the effect display device 70. That is, when the timing T2 arrives, the effect image 740 is first displayed around the first movable body accessory 601 to suggest or notify the start of the accessory advance notice effect.

As shown in (C) in the figure, at the timing T3, the light emission display of the accessory lamp 603 is started, and the output of the movable effect sound is started from the speaker 8. That is, the light emission display of the accessory lamp 603 and the output of the movable effect sound are started substantially at the same time.

As shown in (D) in the figure, at the timing T4, the first movable body accessory 601 starts the effect operation. The first movable body accessory 601 descends from the initial position toward the movable position in front of the screen.

As shown in (E) in the figure, at the timing T5, the first movable body accessory 601 reaches the movable position. The first movable body accessory 601 is held in the movable position until the timing T6 arrives, and when the timing T6 arrives, the first movable body accessory 601 rises from the movable position toward the initial position.

As shown in (F) in the figure, at the timing T7, the first movable body accessory 601 returns to the initial position and stops. When the first movable body accessory 601 returns to the initial position, the accessory lamp 603 is in the light emitting state, the effect image 740 is in the display state, and the movable effect sound is in the output state.

As shown in (G) in the figure, at the timing T8, the light emission display of the accessory lamp 603 ends, and the output of the movable effect sound from the speaker 8 ends. That is, the light emission display of the accessory lamp 603 and the output of the movable effect sound end almost at the same time.

As shown in (H) in the figure, the display of the effect image 740 ends at the timing T9. That is, when the timing T9 arrives, the effect image 740 is erased around the first movable body accessory 601 and the accessory notice effect ends. In the figure, the case where the decorative symbol is constantly displayed in a variable manner during the execution of the character advance notice effect is illustrated, but this is just an example, and the decorative symbol is temporarily stopped (pseudo) during the execution of the character advance notice effect. It may be configured to (pseudo-stop related to continuous fluctuation), or it may be configured to reduce the visibility of the decorative symbol during the execution of the character advance notice effect.

(Modification example 1 of execution timing of character advance notice production)
Next, a first modification example of the execution timing of the character advance notice effect will be described. FIG. 50 is a time chart showing a first modification example of the execution timing of the accessory advance notice effect. In the above embodiment, the light emission of the accessory lamp 603 and the output of the movable effect sound are performed at the same timing, but in the present modification 1, the light emission of the accessory lamp 603 and the output of the movable effect sound are different timings. It is done in.

Specifically, at the timing T11, the display of the effect image 740 is started, at the timing T12, the light emission of the accessory lamp 603 is started, and at the timing T13, the output of the movable effect sound is started. That is, at the start of execution of the accessory advance notice effect, the driving of each device is started in the order of the display start of the effect image 740 → the start of light emission of the accessory lamp 603 → the output of the movable effect sound. Then, at the timing T14 after the driving of each device is started, the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 is started.

On the other hand, at the timing T15, the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 ends. Then, at the timing T16, the output of the movable effect sound ends, at the timing T17, the light emission of the accessory lamp 603 ends, and at the timing T18, the display of the effect image 740 ends. That is, at the end of the execution of the accessory advance notice effect, each device ends the drive in the order of the end of the output of the movable effect sound → the end of the light emission of the accessory lamp 603 → the end of the display of the effect image 740.

In this modification 1, the timing of light emission of the accessory lamp 603 and the timing of output of the movable effect sound may be interchanged. That is, the output of the movable effect sound may be started after the output of the movable effect sound is started, and the light emission of the accessory lamp 603 may be started, and the output of the movable effect sound may be ended after the light emission of the accessory lamp 603 is completed.

(Modification example 2 of the execution timing of the character notice effect)
Next, a second modification of the execution timing of the character advance notice effect will be described. FIG. 51 is a time chart showing a second modification example of the execution timing of the character advance notice effect. In the second modification, the light emission of the accessory lamp 603, the display of the effect image 740, and the output of the movable effect sound are performed at the same timing.

Specifically, at the timing T21, the light emission display of the accessory lamp 603, the display of the effect image 740, and the output of the movable effect sound are started substantially at the same time. Then, at the timing T22 after the driving of each device is started, the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 is started.

On the other hand, at the timing T23, the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 ends. Then, at the timing T24, the output of the movable effect sound, the light emission of the accessory lamp 603, and the display of the effect image 740 are terminated substantially at the same time.

In the second modification, at least one of the light emission of the accessory lamp 603, the display of the effect image 740, and the output of the movable effect sound is set to the start timing of the first movable object accessory 6.
It may coincide with the start timing of the effect operation of 01. Similarly, even if the end timing of at least one of the light emission of the accessory lamp 603, the display of the effect image 740, and the output of the movable effect sound is made to coincide with the end timing of the effect operation of the first movable object 601. good.

<Relationship between the operating period of the movable body accessory and the light emission period of the accessory lamp>
Subsequently, the relationship between the operating period of the first movable body accessory 601 and the light emitting period of the accessory lamp 603 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 52 is a time chart showing the operating period of the first movable body accessory 601 and the light emitting period of the accessory lamp 603. In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 52 (A), after the accessory lamp 603 is started to emit light, the effect operation of the first movable accessory 601 is started, and the first movable accessory 601 is started. After the effect operation is completed, the light emission of the accessory lamp 603 is terminated, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and as shown in FIGS. The light emitting period of the accessory lamp 603 may be arbitrarily set with respect to the operating period of the object 601. The timings T4 and T7 in the figure correspond to the timings T4 and T7 in FIG. 48 described above.

First, as shown in FIGS. 52 (B) or 52 (D), after starting the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601, the light emission of the accessory lamp 603 may be started. According to this configuration, the first movable body accessory 601 suddenly starts the effect operation before the accessory lamp 603 emits light, so that the player can be surprised and surprised, and the first It is possible to prevent the player from being told that the movable body accessory 601 performs the effect operation (the character advance notice effect is performed).

Further, as shown in FIGS. 52 (C) or 52 (D), the effect operation of the first movable accessory 601 may be terminated after the emission of the accessory lamp 603 is terminated. According to this configuration, by turning off the accessory lamp 603 first, the player can gaze at the first movable accessory 601 and immediately after the first movable accessory 601 returns to the initial position. (Without waiting for the accessory lamp 603 to go out), it is possible to move to the next production development (for example, the final display of the decorative pattern), and the game can be advanced at a good tempo.

Further, as shown in FIG. 52 (D), a part of the operating period of the first movable body accessory 601 may coincide with the entire light emitting period of the accessory lamp 603. According to this configuration, the accessory lamp 603 does not emit light at the start and end of the effect operation of the first movable accessory 601. However, the main period of the operation period of the first movable accessory 601 is the accessory lamp. Since the 603 emits light, it is possible to produce a sharp effect.

Further, as shown in FIG. 52 (E), the entire operating period of the first movable body accessory 601 may coincide with the entire light emitting period of the accessory lamp 603. That is, the timing of the start and end of the operation of the first movable body accessory 601 and the timing of the start and end of the light emission of the accessory lamp 603 may be performed at the same time. According to this configuration, the character advance notice production becomes a unified effect (a production with a sense of unity), and the flow of the character advance notice effect becomes easy for the player to understand.

<Relationship between the operating period of the movable body and the display period of the effect image>
Subsequently, the relationship between the operation period of the first movable body accessory 601 and the display period of the effect image 740 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 53 is a time chart showing the operation period of the first movable body accessory 601 and the display period of the effect image 740. In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 53A, after the display of the effect image 740 is started, the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 is started, and the effect of the first movable body accessory 601 is started. Although the display of the effect image 740 is terminated after the operation is terminated, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and as shown in FIGS. 53 (B) to 53 (E), the first movable body accessory 601 is terminated. The display period of the effect image 740 may be arbitrarily set with respect to the operation period of. The timing T4 in the figure
, T7 correspond to the timings T4 and T7 of FIG. 48 described above.

First, as shown in FIG. 53B or D, the display of the effect image 740 may be started after the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 is started. According to this configuration, the first movable body accessory 601 suddenly starts the effect operation before the effect image 740 is displayed, so that the player can be surprised and surprised, and the first It is possible to prevent the player from being told that the movable body accessory 601 performs the effect operation (the character advance notice effect is performed).

Further, as shown in FIGS. 53 (C) or 53 (D), after the display of the effect image 740 is finished, the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 may be finished. According to this configuration, by ending the display of the effect image 740 first, the player can be made to pay attention to the first movable body accessory 601 and the first movable body accessory 601 is returned to the initial position. Immediately after that (without waiting for the display of the effect image 740 to finish), it is possible to move to the next production development (for example, the final display of the decorative pattern), and the game can be advanced at a good tempo.

Further, as shown in FIG. 53 (D), a part of the operation period of the first movable body accessory 601 may be made to match the entire display period of the effect image 740. According to this configuration, the effect image 740 is not displayed at the start and end of the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601. However, the effect image 740 is displayed during the main operation period of the first movable body accessory 601. Since it is displayed, it can be produced with sharpness.

Further, as shown in FIG. 53 (E), the entire operation period of the first movable body accessory 601 may be matched with the entire display period of the effect image 740. That is, the timing of the start and end of the operation of the first movable body accessory 601 and the timing of the start and end of the display of the effect image 740 may be performed at the same time. According to this configuration, the character advance notice production becomes a unified effect (a production with a sense of unity), and the flow of the character advance notice effect becomes easy for the player to understand.

<Relationship between the operating period of the movable body accessory and the output period of the movable production sound>
Subsequently, the relationship between the operation period of the first movable body accessory 601 and the output period of the movable effect sound in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 54 is a time chart showing the operation period of the first movable body accessory 601 and the output period of the movable effect sound. In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 54 (A), after starting the output of the movable effect sound, the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 is started, and the effect of the first movable body accessory 601 is started. Although the output of the movable effect sound is terminated after the operation is terminated, the output is not limited to this configuration, and as shown in FIGS. 54 (B) to 54 (E), the first movable body accessory 601 is terminated. The output period of the movable effect sound may be arbitrarily set with respect to the operation period of. The timings T4 and T7 in the figure correspond to the timings T4 and T7 in FIG. 48 described above.

First, as shown in FIGS. 54 (B) or 54 (D), after starting the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601, the output after the movable effect may be started. According to this configuration, the first movable body accessory 601 suddenly starts the directing operation before the movable directing sound is output, so that the player can be surprised and surprised, and the first It is possible to prevent the player from being told that the movable body accessory 601 performs the effect operation (the character advance notice effect is performed).

Further, as shown in FIGS. 54 (C) or 54 (D), the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 may be terminated after the output of the movable effect sound is completed. According to this configuration, by ending the output of the movable effect sound first, the player can be made to pay attention to the first movable body accessory 601 and the first movable body accessory 601 is returned to the initial position. Immediately after that (without waiting for the output of the movable effect sound to end), it is possible to move to the next effect development (for example, the final display of the decorative pattern), and the game can be advanced at a good tempo.

Further, as shown in FIG. 54 (D), a part of the operation period of the first movable body accessory 601 may be made to coincide with the entire output period of the movable effect sound. According to this configuration, the movable effect sound is not output at the start and end of the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601. However, the movable effect sound is generated during the main operation period of the first movable body accessory 601. Since it is output, it can be produced with sharpness.

Further, as shown in FIG. 54 (E), the entire operating period of the first movable body accessory 601 may coincide with the entire output period of the movable effect sound. That is, the timing of the start and end of the operation of the first movable body accessory 601 and the timing of the start and end of the output of the movable effect sound may be performed at the same time. According to this configuration, the character advance notice production becomes a unified effect (a production with a sense of unity), and the flow of the character advance notice effect becomes easy for the player to understand.

(Relationship between the character notice production and the variable display of decorative patterns)
Next, the relationship between the execution period of the character advance notice effect and the variable display period of the decorative symbol will be described. FIG. 55 is a time chart showing an execution period of the character advance notice effect and a variable display period of the decorative symbol. In addition, (a) to (c) in the figure exemplify the case where the execution start timing of the character advance notice effect is different. In addition, in the lower part of the drawing, in order to facilitate the understanding of the explanation, an example of the effect during the variable display of the decorative design is described (however, due to space limitations, the illustration of the auxiliary design described later is omitted. There is).

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 55, the execution period of the character advance notice effect is included in the variable display period of the decorative symbol without depending on the timing of the execution start of the character advance notice effect, and the character advance notice is included. The entire execution period of the effect and a part of the variable display period of the decorative pattern overlap. That is, within the variable display period of the decorative symbol, a non-execution period of the bonus notice effect is set before and after the execution period of the bonus notice effect, and the bonus is set at the start and stop of the variable display of the decorative symbol. The execution periods of the notice effects do not overlap. In addition to the period during the ascending operation and the descending operation of the first movable body accessory 601 during the execution period (moving period of the movable body accessory) of the accessory notice effect, the first movable body accessory 601 is used. It also includes the period during the standby operation that waits in the movable position.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the character advance notice effect is executed during the variable display of the decorative symbol, the character advance notice effect is not being executed (after the execution is completed) rather than the timing during which the character advance notice effect is being executed. The timing is configured so that the variable display of the decorative pattern is more likely to be stopped and displayed. That is, the stop symbol combination of the decorative symbols is more likely to be stopped and displayed when the first movable accessory 601 is stopped than when the first movable accessory 601 is operating. This is because the character advance notice effect is completed within the variable display period from the start to the stop of the variable display (scroll display) of the decorative symbol, and the stop symbol combination (so-called roll) of the decorative symbol is the first. This is to prevent an unfavorable situation for the player, which is difficult to see due to the effect operation of the movable body accessory 601. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is easy to execute or start the execution of the character advance notice effect during the scroll display of the decorative symbol. That is, in a situation where it is difficult for the player to identify each type of decorative symbol while scrolling the decorative symbol (so to speak, it is sufficient to know that the decorative symbol is being displayed in a variable manner), the first movable body accessory 601 is produced. By operating it, even if the movable body accessory during the production operation hides a part of the screen (scroll display of the decorative pattern), the player does not suffer any disadvantage, but rather plays a role in the player's interest. It is possible to pay attention to the object notice production. The scroll display of the decorative design may mean that the decorative design is actually scrolled, and it is possible for the player to recognize that it is difficult to identify each of the decorative symbols but it is changing. (The display is not actually scrolled, but it looks like it is scrolled).

In addition, during one variable display of the decorative symbol (during scroll display), a low-speed scroll display in which the scroll speed of the decorative symbol is relatively low and a high-speed scroll display in which the scroll speed of the decorative symbol is relatively high. And may be enabled, and the execution of the character advance notice effect may be started during the high-speed scrolling, and the execution of the character advance notice effect may be ended during the low-speed scrolling. That is, the execution of the accessory advance notice effect may be terminated (the first movable accessory 601 is stopped at the initial position) during the low-speed scroll display performed immediately before the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed. The high-speed scroll display is a display form in which the number of times the decorative symbol is patrolled per unit time is relatively large, and the low-speed scroll display is a display form in which the number of times the decorative pattern is patrolled per unit time is relatively small. I can say.

≪Initialization operation of movable body accessory≫
Next, the initialization operation of the first movable body accessory 601 will be described. This initialization operation is an operation mode executed when the power of the gaming machine PM is turned on (when the power is restored), and is position information (sensor information) required to control the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601. ) Is performed for the purpose of confirming.

The initialization operation of the first movable body accessory 601 includes an initial position return process for returning the first movable body accessory 601 to the initial position (see S951 above) and a function of confirming the operation of the first movable body accessory 601. This is an operation in which the object initialization process (see S952) is performed. Specifically, (1) the first movable body accessory 601 is returned to the initial position, (2) the detection signal (on signal) of the first initial position sensor 631 is confirmed, and (3) the first movable body role. Move the object 601 downward, (4) Check the detection signal (on signal) of the first movable position sensor 632, (5) Move the first movable body accessory 601 up, (6) First initial position sensor Each operation is performed in the order of confirming the detection signal (on signal) of 631, and the initialization operation of the first movable body accessory 601 is completed. If the first movable body accessory 601 is present at the initial position at the start of the initialization operation, the process of (1) is skipped and the process is performed from the process of (2). That is, in this initialization operation, it differs depending on the position of the first movable body accessory 601 at the start of the initialization operation (depending on whether or not the first movable body accessory 601 exists in the initial position). The action can be performed.

Here, FIG. 56 is a time chart for comparing the execution mode of the first movable body accessory 601 during the effect operation and the execution mode of the first movable body accessory 601 during the initialization operation. In the figure (A), an execution mode at the time of the effect operation is shown, and in the figure (B), an execution mode at the time of the initialization operation is shown.

First, during the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 as described above, the accessory lamp 603 emits light, the effect image 740 is displayed, and the movable effect sound is output. At this time, the accessory lamp 603 emits light and displays in any one of a plurality of light emission patterns (blue light emission, green light emission, red light emission).

On the other hand, during the initialization operation of the first movable body accessory 601, the accessory lamp 603 emits light, but the effect image 740 is not displayed and the movable effect sound is not output. Further, at this time, the accessory lamp 603 emits light with a special emission pattern (white emission) different from the above emission pattern. That is, the light emitting pattern of the accessory lamp 603 during the initialization operation is configured as a special light emitting pattern different from the light emitting pattern of the accessory lamp 603 during the effect operation. This special light emitting pattern is not executed during the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the initialization operation at the time of turning on the power is mistaken for the effect operation in the accessory notice effect, and the first movable accessory 601 operates normally by this initialization operation (drive system). It is possible to accurately and efficiently check the operation to confirm that there is no failure in the above. The initialization operation of the first movable body accessory 601 is the same effect mode as the character advance notice effect (driving mode of the first movable body accessory 601, light emitting mode of the accessory lamp 603, display mode of the effect image 740). , And one or more of the output modes of the movable effect sound), or may be an effect mode different from the character advance notice effect.

≪Processing when an operation error of a movable body accessory occurs≫
Next, the process when an operation error of the first movable body accessory 601 occurs during the execution of the accessory notice effect will be described. FIG. 57 is a time chart when an operation error of the first movable body accessory 601 occurs. Normally, the first movable body accessory 601 starts the effect operation at the timing T4 and ends the effect operation at the timing T7 (see FIG. 48).

As shown in FIG. 57, in the timing Te, when an operation error occurs in the first movable body accessory 601 for some reason, the operation error flag is turned on and the stepping motor 623 is forcibly stopped. The operation error of the first movable body accessory 601 is the first due to, for example, stepping motor 623 step-out or failure, detection sensors 631, 632 failure, catching with an obstacle, disconnection, noise, or the like. It means that the movable body accessory 601 cannot operate normally. In the present embodiment, in the above-mentioned error determination process (S945), when a step number over error, a position check error, or a time monitoring check error is applicable, an error for restoring the first movable body accessory 601 to a normal state. A recovery process (retry process) is performed, but if the recovery of the first movable body accessory 601 fails even if this error recovery process (S945) is performed, an operation error of the first movable body accessory 601 occurs. Is determined.

Here, even if an operation error of the first movable body accessory 601 occurs, the light emission of the accessory lamp 603, the display of the effect image 740, and the output of the movable effect sound are under the same conditions as before the operation error occurred. It is designed to be continuously executed according to (contents specified in the character advance notice production pattern). That is, even when the first movable body accessory 601 (stepping motor 623) is forcibly stopped, the light emission of the accessory lamp 603, the display of the effect image 740, and the output of the movable effect sound are produced. By continuously performing the performance without interruption due to the operation error, it is possible to make the player recognize that the character advance notice effect is being executed (causing the player to feel uncomfortable or distrustful). It is possible to prevent the game from being spoiled.

If an error occurs in other devices (accessory lamp 603, effect display device 70, speaker 8) while the first movable body accessory 601 is normally executing the effect operation, the first The effect operation of the movable body accessory 601 is continuously executed under the same conditions (contents specified in the effect operation pattern) as before the error occurred. At this time, among the plurality of devices, for the device in which no error has occurred, the same conditions as before the error occurred (in the character advance notice effect pattern), as in the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601. It will be executed continuously according to the specified contents). The error of the accessory lamp 603, the effect display device 70, and the speaker 8 means that the device cannot operate normally due to a failure, disconnection, noise, or the like of each device.

Further, as a modification of the present embodiment, when an operation error of the first movable body accessory 601 occurs, the light emission pattern of the accessory lamp 603, the display pattern of the effect image 740, and the movable effect sound (sound effect) are displayed. At least one of the voice patterns may be changed to a special pattern (error notification pattern) to notify that the first movable body accessory 601 has an operation error.

Further, as a modification of the present embodiment, when an operation error of the first movable body accessory 601 occurs, the effect image 740 is continuously displayed on the effect display device 70, and the effect image 740 is more than the layer of the effect image 740. The error notification image may be displayed in the upper layer or the lower layer.

≪Visibility of auxiliary design≫
Next, the visibility of the auxiliary symbol (so-called fourth symbol) of the present embodiment will be described. The "auxiliary symbol" in the present embodiment is a fourth symbol following the special symbol, the ordinary symbol, and the decorative symbol. That is, in the present embodiment, as the variation display of the effect symbol that shows the variation display of the special symbol in a dramatic manner, the variation display of the auxiliary symbol is displayed small on the screen in addition to the variation display of the decorative symbol. The decorative symbol may be referred to as a main decorative symbol or a main effect symbol, and the auxiliary symbol may be referred to as a sub decorative symbol or a sub effect symbol.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 38, 47, etc., an auxiliary symbol display area 730 for variable display or stop display of the auxiliary symbol is provided in the upper right corner of the screen of the effect display device 70. .. The auxiliary symbol display area 730 is a display area relatively smaller than the decorative symbol display area 700. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the auxiliary symbol display area 730 is provided with three rows of display areas (left symbol display area, middle symbol display area, right symbol display area) which are variable display areas of the auxiliary symbol. The left symbol of the auxiliary symbol corresponds to the left symbol display area, the middle symbol of the auxiliary symbol corresponds to the middle symbol display area, and the right symbol of the auxiliary symbol corresponds to the right symbol display area. It has become. The auxiliary symbol is composed of, for example, a total of nine types of numerical identification elements of "1" to "9", like the decorative symbol. Then, the variable display of the auxiliary symbol is performed in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol and the variable display of the decorative symbol, and the stop display of the auxiliary symbol is synchronized with the stop display of the special symbol and the stop display of the decorative symbol. It is said.

In the present embodiment, regardless of whether each movable body accessory 601, 641, 651 is in the initial position or the movable position, the variation display and the stop display of the auxiliary symbol can be visually recognized on the screen of the effect display device 70. It is configured. That is, the auxiliary symbol displayed on the screen is not concealed by each movable body accessory 601, 641, 651 in the initial position or the movable position, and can be visually recognized from the front side of the screen. Specifically, when each movable body accessory 601, 641, 651 is in the initial position, as shown in FIG. 4, the auxiliary symbol display area 730 is the first movable body accessory 601 and the third movable body accessory. Arranged so as to be sandwiched between the 651 and the player, the auxiliary symbol can be visually recognized. On the other hand, when each movable body accessory 601, 641, 651 is in the movable position, as shown in FIG. 38, the auxiliary symbol display area 730 is arranged above the third movable body accessory 651, and the player assists. The design is visible. In this way, regardless of whether each of the movable body accessories 601, 641, 651 is present at either the initial position or the movable position, the auxiliary symbol is displayed in a variable manner or stopped in a state that can be visually recognized by the player. Even if the visibility of the decorative symbol is reduced, the player can appropriately grasp the current game situation (during variable display or stop display).

It should be noted that it is only necessary to recognize that the auxiliary symbol is mainly in the variable display and the stop display of the special symbol, and it is not always necessary to perform the variable display and the stop display in the combination of the three symbols as in the decorative symbol. A combination of two symbols or a variable display and a stop display with only one symbol may be used.

Further, the auxiliary symbol may be divided into a first auxiliary symbol corresponding to the first special symbol and a second auxiliary symbol corresponding to the second special symbol. This specification is particularly suitable for parallel specifications (small hit RUSH) in which the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol are performed at the same time. That is, even if only the decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol of the main player of the game is displayed in a variable manner among the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the first auxiliary symbol and the second auxiliary symbol When both are displayed in a variable manner, it can be easily recognized that both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are in the variable display.

≪Image priority≫
Next, the priority of each image at the time of executing the character advance notice effect will be described. FIG. 58 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the layer structure of the effect display device 70. In the present embodiment, as images that can be displayed during the execution of the character advance notice effect, there are decorative symbols, auxiliary symbols, reserved images (including changing images), effect images, background images, and the like.

The “layer” means each layer of a hierarchical structure that defines the display priority of each image constituting the whole image. The higher the display priority, the higher the layer (front side when viewed from the player), and the lower the display priority, the lower layer (rear side when viewed from the player). Will be done.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 58, the background image layer R101, the decorative symbol layer R102, the effect image 740 layer R103, the reserved image layer R104, and the auxiliary symbol layer R105 are arranged in ascending order of display priority. Etc. are displayed on the screen in a superposed state. That is, during the execution of the character advance notice effect, the display priority is higher in the order of background image <decorative symbol <effect image <hold image <auxiliary symbol.

Here, since the effect image 740 is preferentially displayed over the decorative symbol during the execution of the character advance notice effect, the layer R103 of the effect image 740 is assigned higher than the layer of the decorative symbol R102. The reason is that in the situation where the decorative symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, even if the identification display (number) of the decorative symbol cannot be clearly seen, it is sufficient if the player can be notified that the decorative symbol is being displayed in a variable manner. This is to prevent the effect image 740 from being hidden by the scroll display of. As described above, since the character advance notice effect (effect effect) is completed by the end of the scroll display of the decorative symbol, the stop symbol combination of the decorative symbol is displayed while the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed (fixed stop is in progress). The visibility is not reduced by the effect image 740.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the reserved image (changing image) is preferentially displayed over the effect image 740, the layer R104 of the reserved image is assigned higher than the layer R103 of the effect image 740. That is, by arranging the effect image 740 whose display area moves with the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 on the rear surface side of the reserved image, the reserved image ( It is possible to prevent a situation in which the fluctuating image) becomes invisible.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the auxiliary symbol is preferentially displayed over the effect image 740, the layer R105 of the auxiliary symbol is assigned higher than the layer R103 of the effect image 740. That is, the auxiliary symbol is set to have the highest priority among the images displayed on the screen, and is displayed on the front side for any of the images. As a result, even when the visibility of the variable display of the decorative symbol is lowered, the visibility of the auxiliary symbol can always be guaranteed. Further, by arranging the effect image whose display area moves with the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 on the rear surface side of the auxiliary symbol, the auxiliary symbol cannot be visually recognized according to the operation position of the movable body accessory. The situation can be prevented.

As a modification of the present embodiment, the layer R105 of the auxiliary symbol may be divided into a layer of the left auxiliary symbol, a layer of the middle auxiliary symbol, and a layer of the right auxiliary symbol. Further, the layer R102 of the decorative symbol may be divided into a layer of the left decorative symbol, a layer of the intermediate decorative symbol, and a layer of the right decorative symbol. Further, in the present embodiment, the layer of the reserved image and the layer of the changing image are composed of a common layer, but the layer of the reserved image and the layer of the changing image may be composed of separate layers. , And the layers of the four reserved images may be composed of separate layers.

Further, as a modification of the present embodiment, the priority of the layer may be switched between the variable display and the stop display of the decorative symbol. For example, during the variable display of the decorative symbol, the display priority (layer priority) increases in the order of background image <decorative symbol <effect image <hold image <auxiliary symbol. On the other hand, during the stop display of the decorative symbol, the display priority (layer priority) increases in the order of background image <effect image <decorative symbol <hold image <auxiliary symbol. That is, during the variable display of the decorative symbol, the display of the decorative symbol has a lower priority than the display of the effect image to ensure the effect of the character advance notice effect, and during the stop display of the decorative symbol, the decoration is displayed. The display of the symbol has a higher priority than the display of the effect image, and the visibility of the stop symbol combination (roll) of the decorative symbol is ensured.

(Modification example of movable body accessory)
In the above embodiment, the first movable body accessory 601 is configured to reciprocate in the vertical direction between the initial position and the movable position, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 59, in a state where the movable body accessory 660 is composed of a plurality of movable bodies 661 to 663 and the movable body accessory 660 is in the movable position, the movable body accessory 660 becomes the first form. The configuration may be such that the movable body accessory 660 is deformed between the first state and the second state in which the movable body accessory 660 becomes the second form. Specifically, the first movable body 661 is rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the board surface, and the second movable body 662 and the third movable body 663 are parallel to the board surface with respect to the first movable body 661. It is configured to be relatively movable in the plane. As shown in FIG. 59, regardless of whether the movable body accessory 660 is in the first form or the second form, the auxiliary symbol (auxiliary symbol display area 730) displayed on the screen is displayed. It is preferable that the movable body accessory 660 is visible from the front side of the gaming machine without being concealed by the presence of the movable body accessory 660. In that case, at least a part of the auxiliary symbol (auxiliary symbol display area 730) may be visible. That is, even if the entire auxiliary symbol (auxiliary symbol display area 730) cannot be visually recognized, the player can visually recognize that the auxiliary symbol is variablely displayed or that the auxiliary symbol is stopped and displayed. I hope I can.

The main effects achieved in this embodiment can be summarized as follows.

(1) According to the present embodiment, the passage width d3 of the ball diving port 816 of the connecting passage 90 is configured to be narrower than the passage width d2 of the ball ejection port 46 of the guide passage 44. It is possible to prevent the game ball from easily reaching the right side area PA3 in the game state in which the left-handed hit is the main body of the game, so that the game ball can be easily and accurately divided into the left side area PA2 or the right side area PA3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of so-called waste balls and reduce the disadvantage suffered by the player, and as a result, it is possible to improve the enjoyment of the game.

(2) According to the present embodiment, when the rotation operation amount of the launch handle 9 is the maximum operation amount, the game ball can pass through or easily pass through the ball diving port 816, while the launch handle 9 When the rotation operation amount of is an operation amount that is half of the maximum operation amount, the game ball cannot pass through or becomes difficult to pass through the ball diving port 816, so that the left-handed hit is the main game state. By preventing the game ball from easily reaching the right side area PA3 and easily and accurately hitting the game ball to the left side area PA2 or the right side area PA3, so-called waste balls are prevented from occurring. As a result, the disadvantage suffered by the player can be reduced, and as a result, the enjoyment of the game can be improved.

(3) According to the present embodiment, the obstacle blocks 96 and 99, which are less susceptible to deformation and breakage than the game nail 95, are placed in the game area (left side area PA2) on the side that is the main body of the game in the normal game state. It is possible to reduce the variation in the ball flow when the game ball flows down in the left side region PA2 where the flow path of the game ball is diversified and complicated as compared with the right side region PA3. Since it is possible to form a flow path (board surface design) that is not easily affected by the game nail 95, it is possible to stabilize the flow path of the game ball over the entire game area PA, and as a result, the game It is possible to improve the interest.

(4) According to the present embodiment, in the game area PA, the area where more game nails 95 are planted is more likely to be affected by the game nails 95 and the ball flow of the game ball is more likely to vary. By arranging a large number of obstacle blocks 96 and 99, which are less susceptible to deformation and breakage than the game nail 95, in the game area (left side area PA2) on the side where more game nails 95 are planted, In this left side region PA2, it is possible to reduce the variation in the ball flow when the game ball flows down (the effect of suppressing the variation can be enhanced), and to form a flow path that is not easily affected by the game nail 95 (board surface design). Therefore, it becomes possible to stabilize the flow path of the game ball over the entire game area PA, and as a result, it becomes possible to improve the interest of the game.

(5) According to the present embodiment, even if the game ball driven into the game area PA cannot pass through the ball diving port 816 and collides with the second protrusion 816 in the connecting passage 90, the second collision Since the part 816 is directed upward, the momentum of the bounce of the game ball is suppressed, so that contact with the subsequent game ball launched next is avoided and the course of the subsequent game ball is obstructed. It is possible to prevent the situation where the game is played, and as a result, it is possible to improve the fun of the game.

(6) According to the present embodiment, even if the game ball driven into the game area PA cannot pass through the ball diving port 816 and collides with the second protrusion 815 in the connecting passage 90, the second protrusion Since the bounce surface 813 that is inclined or curved diagonally upward to the right is formed on the 815, the momentum of the bounce of the game ball is suppressed, so that contact with the subsequent game ball that is launched next is avoided. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the course of the subsequent game ball is obstructed, and as a result, it is possible to improve the enjoyment of the game.

(7) According to the present embodiment, the player expects that the character advance notice effect (character effect) will be executed based on the fact that the character lamp 603 is emitted and displayed at a predetermined timing. By actually starting the operation of the first movable body accessory 601 after that, it is possible to accurately recognize that the accessory production was executed as expected by the player. It is possible to enhance the satisfaction and uplifting feeling of the player for the execution of the advance notice production (character production), and as a result, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

(8) According to the present embodiment, the player expects that the character advance notice effect (character effect) will be executed based on the effect display 740 being generated on the screen at a predetermined timing. By actually starting the operation of the first movable body accessory 601 after that, it is possible to accurately recognize that the accessory production was executed as expected by the player. It is possible to enhance the satisfaction and uplifting feeling of the player for the execution of the advance notice effect, and as a result, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

(9) According to the present embodiment, by setting the effect display to have a lower display priority than the hold display, the display area of the effect image 740 is linked with the operation of the first movable body accessory 601 on the screen. It is possible to prevent the player from being unable to see the hold display even if the player moves, and the effect display and the hold display can coexist without interfering with each other's effects. As a result, the game It is possible to improve the interest of the.

(10) According to the present embodiment, the effect display is executed during the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601 while the effect display is not executed during the initialization operation of the first movable body accessory 601. It is possible to prevent a situation in which the initialization operation at the time of throwing in is mistaken for the effect operation in the accessory advance notice effect, and this initialization operation causes the first movable object accessory 601 to operate normally (a failure occurs in the drive system, etc.). It is possible to accurately and efficiently check the operation to confirm that there is no such thing.

(11) According to the present embodiment, it is difficult for the player to identify each type of decorative symbol while the decorative symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (scrolling is being displayed). ), By causing the first movable body accessory 601 to perform the effect operation, even if the movable body accessory during the effect operation hides a part of the screen (scroll display of the decorative pattern), the player is disadvantaged. On the contrary, the player's interest can be focused on the character advance notice effect, and the character effect can be completed within the variable display period from the start to the stop of the variable display of the decorative pattern. , It is possible to prevent the situation where the stop symbol combination (so-called roll) of the decorative symbol becomes difficult to see due to the effect operation of the first movable body accessory 601. As a result, it is possible to improve the fun of the game. It becomes.

(12) According to the present embodiment, the player is expected to perform the character advance notice effect based on the output of the movable effect sound by the speaker 8 at a predetermined timing. After that, when the operation of the first movable body accessory 601 is actually started, it is possible to accurately recognize that the accessory advance notice effect has been executed as expected by the player. It is possible to increase the satisfaction and uplifting feeling of the player for what has been performed, and as a result, it is possible to improve the enjoyment of the game.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 48 to 49, the operation start timing of the first movable body accessory 601, the light emission start timing of the accessory lamp 603, and the display of the effect image 740. The start timings are different from each other, but this will be outlined. First, in the present embodiment, commands (processes) relating to the execution of the first movable body accessory 601 and the accessory lamp 603 and the effect display device 70 (effect image 740) are output from the effect control board 200 substantially at the same time. In response to this command, the first movable body accessory 601 and the accessory lamp 603 and the effect display device 70 start operation processing substantially at the same time, but the time required for exciting the motor, the processing time of the IC, and the program The rise time until each device (first movable body accessory 601, accessory lamp 603, effect display device 70) is actually driven differs depending on the length and the like. Therefore, even if the commands from the effect control board 200 are output almost at the same time, in reality (appearingly), the operation of the first movable body accessory 601 and the light emission of the accessory lamp 603 and the effect The display of the image 740 will be offset from each other. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the burden (load) on the gaming machine PM.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 52 and 53, the timing of starting the operation of the first movable body accessory 601, the timing of starting the light emission of the accessory lamp 603, and the timing of starting the display of the effect image 740 are abbreviated. When the timing is the same, from the effect control board 200 according to the rise time until each device (first movable body accessory 601, accessory lamp 603, effect display device 70) is actually driven. The output timing of the command may be shifted for each device. That is, a place where the timing of the operation of the first movable body accessory 601, the timing of the light emission of the accessory lamp 603, and the timing of the display of the effect image 740 are partially matched during the execution of the character advance notice effect. When there is, by shifting the output timing of the command from the effect control board 200 for each device, the operation timing of the first movable body accessory 601 and the light emission timing of the accessory lamp 603 appear to be present. And the display timing of the effect image 740 can be matched to create an effect of synchronizing each device (a unified effect). The relationship between the operation timing of the first movable body accessory 601 and the light emission timing of the accessory lamp 603 and the display timing of the effect image 740 is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 48 to 53 and the like. However, the operation timing of the first movable body accessory 601 illustrated in these figures, the light emission timing of the accessory lamp 603, and the display timing of the effect image 740 may be appropriately combined and configured.

[Common transformation example]
Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to this modification basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configuration, and the description thereof will be omitted. However, I will mainly explain the different parts.

<Common modification 1>
In the above embodiment, when the result of the hit / fail judgment of the special symbol is a big hit, a normal probabilistic gaming machine that determines the presence / absence of the probabilistic transition based on the stop symbol (big hit symbol) of the special symbol is adopted. It is not limited, and when the result of the hit / fail judgment of the special symbol is a big hit, it is judged whether or not there is a probability change transition depending on whether or not the game ball enters a specific area during the execution of the big hit game. A probabilistic gaming machine may be adopted. Further, as a modification of the gaming machine of the above embodiment, a probabilistic gaming state is given when a big hit is obtained with the first special symbol or the second special symbol, up to a preset limit number of times (upper limit number of times). Alternatively, a gaming machine having a limiter function for limiting the number of consecutive latent gaming states may be adopted. Further, in the above embodiment, the probability variation function of the special symbol is configured as a normal probability change machine that continues from the end of the jackpot game to the occurrence of the next jackpot, but the probability variation function of the special symbol has a specified number of STs. It may be configured as a number-cutting probability changer that continuously operates only (for example, 100 times).

<Common modification 2>
In the above embodiment, a model having only one large winning opening in the game area has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a model having a plurality of large winning openings in the game area is applied. You may. In addition, when adopting a model equipped with a plurality of large winning openings, the above-mentioned V-probability changing gaming machine is provided with a specific area (probability variation function operating area, V area) that triggers the operation of the probability variation function of a special symbol. It may be equipped with two or more large winning openings, that is, a first large winning opening and a second large winning opening that does not have this specific area (probability fluctuation function operating area, V area). As an example of the board surface arrangement, the first large winning opening and the second large winning opening may be arranged substantially vertically or substantially horizontally in the right side area of the game area, or the first large winning opening may be arranged. The board surface area to be created and the board surface area in which the second large winning opening is arranged may be different areas. In that case, the number of prize balls (unit number of prize balls) paid out when the game ball enters the first large winning opening and the number of prize balls paid out when the game ball enters the second large winning opening. The number of prize balls (unit number of prize balls) may be the same or different. Of the two major winning openings, the first major winning opening (or the second major winning opening) is for small hit games, and the second major winning opening (or first major winning opening) is for big hit games. It may be configured as a big winning opening. In that case, the number of prize balls (unit prize balls) of the big prize opening for small hit games may be 10, and the number of prize balls (unit prize balls) of the big prize openings for big hit games may be 15. good.

<Common modification 3>
In the above-described embodiment, the function of shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol is divided into the function of shortening the fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the function of shortening the fluctuation time of the second special symbol, and the latent probability variation game state is set to the probability of the special symbol. It may be defined as a gaming state in which the variation function and the variation time shortening function of the second special symbol are activated and the electric chew support function is not activated. In addition, even if the electric chew support function operates in synchronization with the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function (second special symbol fluctuation time shortening function), the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function (second special symbol fluctuation time) It may operate independently of the shortening function).

Next, in order to make it easier to clearly understand the technical significance of the above-described embodiment and the modified example, the problems corresponding to the above-described embodiment and the modified example will be outlined.

In conventional pachinko gaming machines, it is relatively advantageous to let the game ball flow down to the left area on the game board, and it is relatively advantageous to let the game ball flow down to the right area on the game board. It may be advantageous, and it is known that in a predetermined situation, a gaming ball is hit at the left side region, and in a specific situation, a gaming ball is hit at the right side region (for example, "Japanese Patent Laid-Open No." 2015-216989 ").

However, it is only disadvantageous for the player to shoot the game ball toward the right side area except in a specific situation, and it is desired to design the structure so that the game ball does not easily reach the right side area. It is rare.

Further, in this type of pachinko gaming machine, a plurality of game nails (also referred to as obstacle nails) are arranged to contact the game balls flowing down in the game area and change the flow path of the game balls. (For example, see "Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-33446").

However, if the game nail is deformed due to long-term use of the game machine, there is a problem that the flow path of the game ball tends to vary.

Further, in this type of pachinko gaming machine, a connecting passage for connecting the left side area and the right side area on the game board is provided above the central structure (center accessory) provided in the substantially center of the game area. , A protrusion having a convex shape on the exit opening side of the guide passage is formed so that a part of the game balls driven into the game area are brought into contact with the protrusion and the game ball is bounced toward the left side of the game area. (For example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-015982).

However, when the game ball collides with the protrusion and is largely bounced off, there is a problem that the bounced game ball comes into contact with the subsequent game ball launched next and obstructs the course of the subsequent game ball. ..

Further, it is known that this type of pachinko gaming machine is provided with a movable body accessory that executes a predetermined effect operation according to the development status of the game (for example, "Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-07332". See).

Since many pachinko gaming machines that adopt such a configuration already exist as conventional models, it is necessary to further improve the interest of the game in order to differentiate it from the conventional models.

Further, it is known that this type of pachinko gaming machine is provided with a movable body accessory that executes a predetermined effect operation according to the development status of the game. In such a model, it is common to execute the initialization operation of the movable body accessory when the power of the gaming machine is turned on (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-03326).

However, it is difficult to distinguish between the initialization operation and the effect operation of the movable body accessory at a glance, and in the operation check at the time of the initialization operation, the inspector at the time of shipment or the manager of the hall performs the initialization operation. There is a risk of misidentifying it as a directing operation.

Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine according to the above embodiment and the modified example, the above-mentioned configuration is adopted for the purpose of further improvement, and the above-mentioned action and effect are achieved.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications, and can be appropriately improved as long as it does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. In addition, each component described in the above-described embodiment and modified example is appropriately combined, or a part of each component described in the above-described embodiment and modified example is deleted or converted by a well-known / conventional technique or the like. This is also included in the scope of the present invention. Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine other than a pachinko gaming machine (for example, a slot machine).

PM Pachinko game machine PA Game area PA1 Upper area PA2 Left area PA3 Right area PA4 Lower area 1 Outer frame 2 Front frame 5 Glass frame 15 Direction button 20 Game board 41 Outer rail 42 Inner rail 43 Rail decoration 44 Ball introduction port 45 Ball Ejection port 51 1st starting port 52 2nd starting port 53 Acting gate 54 Grand prize opening 61 1st special symbol display device 62 2nd special symbol display device 70 Production display device 80 Center accessory 81 Upper wall part 82 Left wall part 83 Right wall 90 Communication passage 100 Main control board 200 Production control board 220 Production control means 300 Image control board 400 Payout control board 600 1st movable production device 601 1st movable body accessory 603 Accessory lamp 700 Decorative symbol display area 730 Auxiliary Design display area 740 Effect image 811 1st passage surface 812 2nd passage surface 813 Bounce surface 814 1st protrusion 815 2nd protrusion 816 Ball entry 901 1st connection passage 902 2nd connection passage

Claims (1)

A game board in which a predetermined game area is formed, a decorative member provided in the game area, a launch handle that can be operated by a player, and a game ball with a launch intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the launch handle. A launching device for launching is provided, and a guide passage through which the game ball can pass is formed between the outer rail provided on the game board and the inner rail provided inside the game board, and the launching device allows the game ball to be launched. A gaming machine configured to drive the gaming ball into the gaming area along the guide passage and allow the gaming ball to flow down in the gaming area.
The decorative member has a passage forming portion that forms a specific passage through which the game ball can pass between the decorative member and the outer rail.
The passage forming portion is a passage between the first passage forming portion forming the first specific passage with the outer rail and the outer rail more than the first specific passage on the extension of the guide passage. It has a second passage forming portion that forms a narrow second specific passage, and has a second passage forming portion.
At the entrance of the first specific passage, a first protrusion to which the game ball can come into contact is provided.
At the entrance of the second specific passage, a second protrusion to which the game ball can come into contact is provided.
A gaming machine characterized in that the tip of the second protrusion is directed upward from the tip of the first protrusion.

Images