JP2023077746A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve interest of a game.SOLUTION: In a game machine including display means having a display screen, for performing a lottery based on ball entrance into a start port, and, in notification of a lottery result, for executing variable display performance which is a series of performances in one variation from start of variation of a drawing pattern until stop of it on the display screen, a ball entrance time performance for suggesting information related to the lottery result can be executed at a timing based on entrance of the game ball, when the game ball enters a specific ball entrance port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a gaming machine that performs a lottery upon winning a prize in a starting slot, and performs various effects when announcing the result of the lottery.

Among such gaming machines, there is one that executes an effect such as a cut-in effect at the timing when the operation button is operated by the player (see Patent Document 1, for example).

JP 2020-146587 A

However, even with the gaming machines described above, there is still room for improvement in terms of techniques for enhancing the interest in games.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the enjoyment of games.

The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above problems, and can be implemented as the following application examples.

[Application example 1]
A display means having a display screen,
A lottery is held based on the ball entering the starting port, and when notifying the result of the lottery, a variable display performance is a series of performances in one variation from the start to the stop of the pattern variation on the display screen. A gaming machine that executes
When a game ball enters a specific ball entrance, at the timing based on the entry of the game ball, it is possible to execute a ball-entry effect that suggests information related to the result of the lottery.
A gaming machine characterized by:
[Application example 2]
The gaming machine according to Application Example 1,
The effect at the time of ball entry can be executed when a game ball enters the specific ball entrance and when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
A gaming machine characterized by:
[Application Example 3]
The gaming machine according to Application Example 2,
The predetermined condition is satisfied by winning a lottery to determine whether or not to execute the effect at the time of entering the ball.
A gaming machine characterized by:
[Application example 4]
The gaming machine according to Application Example 2 or Application Example 3,
The predetermined condition is satisfied when the variable display effect is being executed.
A gaming machine characterized by:
[Application example 5]
The gaming machine according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 4,
The effect at the time of entering the ball includes a jackpot confirmation effect executed when the result of the lottery is a big win,
A gaming machine characterized by:
[Application example 6]
The gaming machine according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 5,
The ball-entering effect can be executed using the display screen of the display means.
A gaming machine characterized by:
[Application example 7]
The gaming machine according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6,
The ball-entering effect can be executed using a specific light-emitting lamp,
A gaming machine characterized by:

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

1 is a front view of a game machine; FIG. It is an enlarged view of display devices. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board side of the gaming machine. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board side of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a main ROM and a main RAM; FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a sub-ROM and a sub-RAM; FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a big-hit determination table. It is explanatory drawing of a jackpot classification determination table. It is explanatory drawing of the fluctuation pattern determination table at the time of a non-time-saving state. It is explanatory drawing of the variation pattern determination table at the time of a time saving state. 4 is a flowchart of main control main processing; 10 is a flowchart of main-side timer interrupt processing; 4 is a flowchart of special action processing; It is a flowchart of a special symbol standby process. It is a flowchart of special design decision processing. It is a flowchart of a game state management process. It is a flowchart of special electric accessary product processing. It is a flowchart of a game state setting process. 9 is a flowchart of sub-control main processing; 9 is a flowchart of sub-side timer interrupt processing; 8 is a flowchart of received command analysis processing; 10 is a flowchart of interrupt effect processing; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an interrupt effect pattern determination table; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a general prize-winning interrupt effect A; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a general winning interrupt effect B; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a general winning interrupt effect C; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a general prize-winning interrupt effect D; FIG.

<First embodiment>
1. Structure of Gaming Machine FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 1 as one embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the left-right direction of the gaming machine 1 corresponds to the left-right direction viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 1 . Also, the front direction of the gaming machine 1 will be described as the direction from the gaming machine 1 to the player, and the rearward direction of the gaming machine 1 will be described as the direction from the player to the gaming machine 1 .

The game machine 1 is a pachinko game machine that shoots game balls based on a player's shooting operation, and pays out a predetermined number of game balls to the player based on the winning when the game balls win in a specific winning device. be. The game machine 1 includes a game machine frame 50 and a game board 2, and the game board 2 is attached inside the game machine frame 50.例文帳に追加The game machine frame 50 includes a front frame (front frame portion) 53, an outer frame (base frame portion) that forms the outer shell of the game machine, and an inner frame to which the game board 2 is attached inside the outer frame. I have. The front frame (front frame portion) 53 is a vertically rectangular unit arranged on the front side of the outer frame and the inner frame. ) 62 , an effect button 63 , a sword member 64 , a sword button 65 , a frame lamp 66 , a speaker 67 , a select button 68 and a frame movable body 600 . An opening is formed in the center of the front frame 53, and the game area 3 of the game board 2 can be viewed through the opening.

The handle 60 is arranged at the lower end on the right side of the front frame 53, and shoots the game ball with a shooting intensity corresponding to the rotation angle. A batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 is provided below the front frame 53 and stores game balls. The surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 is arranged below the hit ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 and stores game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hit ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 . The production button 63 is an operation unit arranged near the batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61, and is operated (pressed) by the player at the time of production performed as the game progresses. The sword member 64 is a sword-shaped operation unit, and can be pushed downward by the player during effects that are executed as the game progresses. The sword button 65 is an operation unit provided at the upper end portion of the sword member 64, that is, at the end of the hilt of the sword, and is operated (pressed) by the player during effects that are executed as the game progresses. be. The sword member 64 is configured to be able to perform two different operations: a first operation of pushing the entire sword member 64 downward, and a second operation of pressing the sword button 65 at the tip. The frame lamp 66 is arranged around the opening of the front frame 53, and performs light emission effect during a game or the like. The speakers 67 are arranged on the upper left and upper right sides of the front frame 53, and produce sound during a game or the like. The select button 68 is a so-called cross key and is composed of a left button, a right button, an up button, and a down button, and enables various inputs. The frame movable body 600 is a movable so-called gimmick provided on the upper portion of the front frame 53 . The frame movable body 600 is configured to be displaceable from a retracted state in which it is stored inside the front frame 53 to an exposed state in which it protrudes upward from the front frame 53 .

The game board 2 includes a game area 3, a rail member 4, a board lamp 5, an image display device 7, a center decoration 10, a fixed winning device (navel) 19, and a normal variable winning device (electric chew) 22. , a gate (through chucker) 28 , a big prize winning device (attacker) 31 , a general prize winning port 27 (normal prize winning port 27 ), an out port 16 and indicators 40 .

The game area 3 is an area where the game ball shot by the operation of the handle 60 flows down, and a plurality of game nails for guiding the game ball are protruded. The rail member 4 is arranged at the left end of the game area 3 and guides the game ball shot by operating the handle 60 upwards of the game area 3 . The board lamp 5 is arranged on the back side of the game area 3 and emits light from the back side of the game area 3 .

The image display device 7 is provided near the center of the game area 3 and has a display screen 7a. The image display device 7 may be a liquid crystal display device, or may be another image display device such as an organic EL display device, a plasma display, a projector, or a dot matrix. The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 includes a production pattern display area in which production patterns (decorative patterns) 8L, 8C, and 8R are variably displayed (also referred to as variable display), and a reserved image display in which reserved images 9A and 9B are displayed. and a pending digested image display region in which the pending digested image 9C is displayed. The pending images 9A and 9B are images representing pending and are also called pending icons 9A and 9B. The pending digest image 9C is an image representing the pending, and is also called the pending image 9C or the pending icon 9C. Furthermore, strictly speaking, the pending digest image 9C does not indicate pending, so it is also called the variation image 9C or the variation icon 9C.

The performance symbol display area includes three symbol display areas of "left", "middle" and "right". A left effect pattern (left decorative pattern) 8L is displayed in the left pattern display area. A medium effect pattern (middle decorative pattern) 8C is displayed in the middle pattern display area. A right effect pattern (right decorative pattern) 8R is displayed in the right pattern display area. The production patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are composed of a plurality of patterns representing numbers "1" to "9", for example. The variable display of the effect symbols 8L, 8C, 8R is synchronized with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol which will be described later. The image display device 7 displays the first special symbol and the The result of variable display of the second special symbol (big hit lottery result) can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner for the player.

For example, when a jackpot is won, the production pattern is stopped and displayed with double numbers such as "777". In the case of a miss, the production pattern is stopped and displayed with a loose pattern such as "637". This makes it easier for the player to grasp the progress of the game. The player can grasp the jackpot lottery result by the image display device 7 in addition to the first special symbol display device 41a and the second special symbol display device 41b. The position of the pattern display area may not be fixed. Moreover, as a mode of the variable display of the effect symbols, a mode of scrolling in the vertical direction may be used, or a mode other than that may be used. It is not limited to the above, and can be arbitrarily set as to what combination of performance symbols to stop display according to each lottery result. Hereinafter, the effect of displaying the effect symbols 8L, 8C, 8R is also called "variation effect of effect pattern", "variation effect of decorative symbol", or simply "variation effect". In addition, in this decorative symbol variation effect, the effect in the period from when the special symbol starts to change until it stops (also called a special symbol variation period) is counted as one variation effect. Therefore, even if there is a case in which the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped during the period from when the special symbols start to fluctuate until they stop, the performance of the temporary stop is included in the variable performance of the decorative symbols.

The image display device 7 can display, on the display screen 7a, a big win performance performed in parallel with a big win game (an example of a special game), a demonstration performance for waiting for customers, etc., in addition to the performance symbol variation performance. In the production design variation production, production images such as a background image and a character image may be displayed in addition to the production design. In addition to the effect pattern, the image display device 7 also provides an identification display (fourth pattern, not shown) that can suggest that the special pattern is changing, or that the special pattern lottery result can be suggested. may be displayed on the display screen 7a. The identification display (fourth pattern) may be displayed by a light emitter such as an LED provided in the game area 3 .

The reserved image display area is a first reserved display area that displays a reserved image 9A according to the number of memories of the first special figure reservation described later, and a reserved image 9B according to the number of memories of the second special figure reservation that will be described later. and a second reserved display area. By the display of the pending images 9A and 9B, the storage number of the first special figure suspension displayed on the first special figure suspension display 43a described later, and the second special figure suspension displayed on the second special figure suspension display 43b can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner for the player. The pending digest image display area includes a pending digest display area that displays a pending digest image 9C. The reserved digested image 9C corresponds to the effect symbols (effect symbols 8L, 8C, 8R) that are currently changing on the display screen 7a, and depending on the display of the suspended digested image 9C, the first special figure suspension or the second special figure suspension It is possible to display in an easy-to-understand manner for the player that is digested ("digestion of special figure reservation" described later).

Below the image display device 7, a first board movable body 14 (also referred to as a first movable accessory 14), which is a movable so-called gimmick, is provided. The first movable accessory 14 is configured such that a plate-like member can move up and down. The first movable accessory 14 normally rests at the retracted position (FIG. 1) below the image display device 7, and can move (advance) upward from the retracted position and rest at the advanced position. . The first movable accessory 14 covers part of the image display device 7 when stopped at the advanced position.

The center decorative body 10 is arranged near the center of the game area 3 and in front of the image display device 7 . A second board movable body 15 (also referred to as a second movable accessory 15), which is a movable so-called gimmick, is attached to the center decorative body 10. - 特許庁A stage portion 11 is formed below the center decorative body 10 . The stage portion 11 has a shape capable of guiding a game ball rolling on the upper surface of the stage portion 11 to a first starting port 20 which will be described later. A warp portion 12 is provided on the lower left side of the center decorative body 10 . The warp part 12 has an entrance part into which the game balls flow in and an exit part from which the game balls flow out, and the game balls flowing in from the entrance part flow out to the stage part 11 from the exit part.

A fixed prize winning device (navel) 19 is arranged below the image display device 7 in the game area 3, and is a first start opening (first start winning opening, first ball entry opening) in which the ease with which a game ball enters is always unchanged. port, fixed starting port) 20. Winning of the game ball to the first starting port 20 triggers a first special symbol lottery (jackpot lottery). In other words, the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 20 is a trigger for the acquisition of the jackpot random number and the like and the jackpot determination and the like.

A normal variable winning device (electric chew) 22 is arranged below the first starting port 20 in the game area 3, and has a second starting port (second starting winning port, second ball entrance, variable starting port) 21. ing. Winning of the game ball to the second starting port 21 triggers a second special symbol lottery (jackpot lottery). The electric chew 22 has a movable member 23 in front of the second starting port 21 , and the second starting port 21 is opened and closed by the operation of the movable member 23 . The movable member 23 is driven by an electric tuning solenoid 24 (FIG. 3). A game ball can enter the second starting port 21 when the movable member 23 is in an open state. It is sufficient for the electric chew 22 that it is easier for the ball to enter the second starting port 21 when the movable member 23 is in the open state than when it is in the closed state. It may be possible to enter the ball into.

The gate (through chucker) 28 is arranged above the big winning device (attacker) 31 in the game area 3, and is configured to allow game balls to pass through. Passage of the game ball to the gate 28 triggers a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to open the electric chew 22.例文帳に追加In other words, the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 triggers acquisition of a normal symbol random number (hit random number), hit determination, and the like.

Here, the "lottery of special symbols" means that when a game ball wins in the first start port 20 or the second start port 21, a random number for special symbol determination is obtained, and the obtained random number is determined in advance. It is a process of determining whether or not a big win is made by comparing with the value corresponding to the "big win". The lottery result of this "jackpot" is not immediately notified to the player, but the variable display of special symbols is performed on the first special symbol display device 41a or the second special symbol display device 41b, which will be described later, and the predetermined variation is performed. When the time elapses, the special symbol corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed (determined display), and the player is notified of the lottery result. In the image display device 7, a pattern matching game for variably displaying performance patterns is performed in synchronism with the variable display of the special patterns, and the result of the lottery of the big win is reported to the player more effectively by the pattern matching game.

In addition, the "lottery of normal symbols" means that when a game ball passes through the gate 28, a random number for normal symbol determination is obtained, and the obtained random number is compared with a value corresponding to a predetermined "hit". By doing so, it means the process of judging whether or not it is a hit. As for the lottery result of this normal pattern, the game ball passes through the gate 28 and the lottery result is not immediately reported, but the normal pattern is displayed in a normal pattern display device 42 to be described later, and a predetermined fluctuation is performed. When the time elapses, the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result is fixedly displayed (lighted or extinguished), and the player is notified of the lottery result.

The big winning device (attacker, special variable winning device) 31 is arranged on the upper right side of the first starting port 20 in the game area 3 and includes a big winning port (special winning port) 30 . The big winning opening 30 has an opening/closing member (first special winning opening opening/closing member) 32 that permits or inhibits reception of game balls by a swing-type opening/closing operation. The opening/closing member 32 is driven by a big winning opening solenoid 33 (FIG. 3). A game ball can enter the big winning opening 30 when the opening/closing member 32 is in an open state.

The big winning hole sensor 30 a ( FIG. 3 ) detects the winning of a game ball into the big winning hole 30 . The big winning device 31 of this embodiment further includes a big winning device discharge sensor (not shown) that counts the number of game balls discharged from the big winning device 31 .

The general winning opening 27 is provided in the lower part of the game area 3 . The out port 16 is provided in the lower part of the game area 3, and discharges out of the game area 3 game balls that have not won any prize winning openings. The display devices 40 are arranged near the center on the right side of the game board 2 . The details of the display devices 40 will be described later.

The game area 3 includes a left game area 3A on the left side of the center in the horizontal direction and a right game area 3B on the right side. A hitting method of shooting a game ball so that the game ball flows down the left game area 3A is called "left hitting". On the other hand, the hitting method of shooting the game ball so that the game ball flows down the right game area 3B is called "right hitting". In the game machine 1, it is possible to aim for a prize at the first start hole 20 by hitting to the left. On the other hand, it is configured so that it is possible to aim for passing through the gate 28 and winning the second starting opening 21 and the big winning opening 30 by hitting to the right.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the indicators 40. As shown in FIG. The display devices 40 include a first special symbol display device 41a, a second special symbol display device 41b, a normal symbol display device 42, a first special symbol reservation display device 43a, and a second special symbol reservation display device 43b. , and a normal map holding display 44 . The first special symbol display 41a variably displays the first special symbol. The second special symbol display 41b variably displays the second special symbol. The normal symbol display 42 variably displays normal symbols. The 1st special figure reservation indicator 43a displays the number of memory of operation reservation (1st special figure reservation) of the 1st special design indicator 41a. The 2nd special figure reservation indicator 43b displays the number of memory of operation reservation (2nd special figure reservation) of the 2nd special design indicator 41b. The normal pattern holding display 44 displays the number of memory of operation holding (normal pattern holding) of the normal pattern display 42 . The variable display of the first special symbol is triggered by the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 20. - 特許庁The variable display of the second special symbol is performed with the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 21 as a trigger. Below, the 1st special design and the 2nd special design are named generically, and it is also called a "special design." Also, the first special symbol display device 41a and the second special symbol display device 41b are collectively referred to as "special symbol display device 41". Further, the first special figure reservation display 43a and the second special figure reservation display 43b are also collectively referred to as "special figure reservation display 43".

The special symbol display device 41 variably displays (variable display) the special symbol (identification information), and then displays it in a stopped state, so that a lottery (lottery per special symbol) based on winning the first start port 20 or the second start port 21 is displayed. , jackpot lottery) results. A special symbol to be stopped and displayed (a stop symbol, a special symbol derived and displayed as a display result of variable display) is one special symbol selected from a plurality of types of special symbols by a special symbol lottery. When the stop pattern is a special pattern (jackpot pattern) of a predetermined jackpot stop mode, the big prize opening 30 is opened with an opening pattern corresponding to the type of the stopped jackpot pattern (type of jackpot won). A special game (jackpot game) is performed. The opening pattern of the big winning opening 30 in the special game will be described later.

The special symbol display device 41 is composed of eight LEDs arranged side by side, and displays a special symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol winning lottery according to the lighting mode thereof. For example, if you win a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described later), you can say ``○○●●○○●●'' (○: lit, ●: unlit). , 5th and 6th LEDs light up to display the jackpot symbols. If the game is lost, a lost pattern is displayed in which only the rightmost LED lights up, such as "●●●●●●●○". A mode in which all the LEDs are extinguished may be adopted as the lost pattern. Before the special symbols are stopped and displayed, the special symbols are variably displayed (variably displayed) for a predetermined variation time. As for the aspect of the variable display, for example, each LED may light so that the light repeatedly flows from left to right. The mode of the variable display is not limited to the above mode, and any lighting mode can be used as long as each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (lighting display in a specific mode). For example, all LEDs may blink simultaneously in the variable display mode.

In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball enters the first start port 20 or the second start port 21 (enters a ball), the values (numerical information) of various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers acquired for the win are , It is temporarily stored in the special figure reservation storage area 84e (FIG. 5). Specifically, if it is a prize to the first start port 20, it is stored in the first special figure reservation storage area (FIG. 5) as a first special figure reservation, and if it is a prize to the second start opening 21, It is stored in the second special figure reservation storage area (FIG. 5) as the second special figure reservation. There is an upper limit to the number of special figure reservations that can be stored in each special figure reservation storage area 84e, and the upper limit in this embodiment is the first special figure reservation storage area and the second special figure reservation storage area. It has become. The special figure reservation stored in the special figure reservation storage area 84e is consumed when the variable display of the special symbol based on the special figure reservation becomes possible. "Digestion of special figure reservation" means to determine a jackpot random number or the like corresponding to the special figure reservation and execute variable display of special symbols for showing the determination result. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, when the variable display of the special symbols based on the winning of the game ball to the first start port 20 or the second start port 21 cannot be performed immediately after the winning, that is, the execution of the variable display of the special symbols. Even if a prize is won during execution of a special game, the right of a jackpot lottery for the prize can be reserved with a predetermined number as the upper limit. The number of special figure reservations is displayed on the special figure reservation indicator 43 . The 1st special figure reservation indicator 43a and the 2nd special figure reservation indicator 43b are each constituted by four LEDs, for example. Each special figure reservation indicator 43 displays the number of special figure reservations by turning on LEDs corresponding to the number of special figure reservations.

The variable display of normal symbols is performed when the game ball passes through the gate 28 as a trigger. The normal symbol display device 42 notifies the result of the normal symbol lottery based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 by displaying the normal symbols variably (variably displaying) and then stopping the display. A normal pattern to be stopped and displayed (a normal pattern stop pattern, a normal pattern derived and displayed as a display result of variable display) is one normal pattern selected from a plurality of types of normal patterns by a normal pattern lottery. When the normal pattern stop pattern is a predetermined specific normal pattern (a normal pattern of a predetermined stop mode, that is, a normal winning pattern), an auxiliary game that opens the second start port 21 with an opening pattern according to the current game state. is done. The opening pattern of the second starting port 21 will be described later.

The normal symbol display device 42 is composed of two LEDs, and displays a normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery according to the lighting mode thereof. For example, when the lottery result is a win, a normal win pattern with both LEDs lit up is displayed, such as "○○" (○: lights up, ●: lights out). When the lottery result is a loss, a normal losing pattern in which only the right LED lights up is displayed, such as "●○". A mode in which all the LEDs are extinguished may be employed as a normal losing pattern. Before the normal symbols are stop-displayed, the normal symbols are varied and displayed for a predetermined variation time. As for the aspect of the variable display, for example, both LEDs may alternately light up. The mode of the variable display is not limited to the above mode, and any lighting mode can be used as long as each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (lighting display in a specific mode). For example, all LEDs may blink simultaneously in the variable display mode.

In the gaming machine 1, when the game ball passes through the gate 28, the value of the normal symbol random number (hit random number) acquired for the passage is stored in the normal pattern reservation storage area 84f (Fig. 5) as the normal pattern reservation. memorized once. There is an upper limit to the number of normal pattern reservations that can be stored in the general pattern reservation storage area 84f, and the upper limit value in this embodiment is four. The normal pattern reservation stored in the normal pattern reservation storage area 84f is extinguished when the variable display of the normal pattern based on the normal pattern reservation becomes possible. The digestion of the normal pattern reservation means that the normal design random number (hit random number) corresponding to the normal pattern reservation is determined, and the normal design variable display is performed to show the determination result. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, when the variable display of the normal symbols based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 28 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, during the execution of the variable display of the normal symbols or during the execution of the auxiliary game, a prize is won. Even if there is, it is possible to reserve the right of the normal symbol lottery for the passage, with a predetermined number as the upper limit. The number of normal map reservations is displayed on the normal map reservation display 44 . The normal map hold indicator 44 is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of normal map reserves by lighting the LEDs by the number of normal map reserves.

2. Electrical Configuration of Gaming Machine The electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board side of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board side of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. The gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 80 (FIG. 3), a sub control board 90 (FIG. 4), an image control board 100 (FIG. 4), a lamp control board 107 (FIG. 4), and an audio control board 106 ( 4) and a payout control board 110 (FIG. 3). The main control board 80 is a game control board that controls game profits such as jackpot lottery and game state transition, and constitutes a main control unit. The sub-control board 90 is an effect control board that controls effects to be executed as the game progresses, and constitutes a sub-control section together with the image control board 100, the lamp control board 107, and the sound control board 106. It should be noted that the sub-control section can be configured as long as it includes at least the sub-control board 90 .

The main control board 80 includes a game control microcomputer 81 and an input/output circuit 87 . The game control microcomputer 81 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the main control board 80, and controls the progress of the game of the gaming machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a main ROM 83 that stores programs for controlling the progress of the game, a main RAM 84 that is used as a work memory, and a main CPU 82 that executes the programs stored in the main ROM 83. contains. Details of the data stored in the main ROM 83 and details of the storage areas provided in the main RAM 84 will be described later. The main ROM 83 may be configured as an external ROM. The game control microcomputer 81 transmits and receives data to and from other boards and the like via an input/output circuit (I/O port section) 87 . The input/output circuit 87 may be built in the game control microcomputer 81 .

Various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87 and a relay board 88 . The main control board 80 receives signals output from each sensor and outputs signals to each solenoid. The sensors connected via the relay board 88 include the first start sensor 20a, the second start sensor 21a, the gate sensor 28a, the big prize sensor 30a, the general prize sensor 27a, and the discharge sensor 25. exemplified. Examples of the solenoids connected via the relay board 88 include the electric tuning solenoid 24 and the big winning opening solenoid 33 . The first starting hole sensor 20 a is provided inside the first starting hole 20 and detects a game ball that has entered the first starting hole 20 . Second starting port sensor 21
A is provided inside the second starting port 21 and detects a game ball that has entered the second starting port 21 . The gate sensor 28 a is provided inside the gate 28 and detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 28 . The big winning hole sensor 30 a is provided inside the big winning hole 30 and detects a game ball that has won the big winning hole 30 . The general winning hole sensor 27 a is provided inside the general winning hole 27 and detects a game ball that has entered the general winning hole 27 . The discharge sensor 25 is provided at the most downstream side of the game board 2 and detects all game balls launched into the game area 3 . The electric chew solenoid 24 drives the movable member 23 of the electric chew 22 . The big winning opening solenoid 33 drives the opening/closing member 32 of the big winning device 31 .

The display devices 40 are connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87 . The game control microcomputer 81 includes a first special symbol display device 41a, a second special symbol display device 41b, a normal symbol display device 42, a first special symbol reservation display device 43a, a second special symbol reservation display device 43b, and a general pattern reservation. Display control for the display device 44 is performed.

An external terminal board 70 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87 . The main control board 80, for the external terminal plate 70, the winning ball information, the opening information of the door or frame, the number of fluctuations of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first start port 20, the second start port 21 It outputs a winning game ball, whether or not a jackpot is in progress, a security signal, and the like.

A setting change device 71 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87 . The setting change device 71 allows the jackpot probability of the gaming machine to be set in a maximum of six stages.

A payout control board 110 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87 . The main control board 80 transmits various commands to the payout control board 110 and receives signals from the payout control board 110 for payout monitoring. The payout control board 110 is connected with a prize ball payout device 120 , a rental ball payout device 130 and a card unit 135 , and is connected with a launcher 112 via a launch control circuit 111 . The prize ball payout device 120 pays out prize balls. The payout control board 110 drives the prize ball motor 121 of the prize ball payout device 120 based on the signal from the game control microcomputer 81 to pay out the prize balls. Prize balls to be dispensed are detected by a prize ball sensor 122 for counting. The rental ball dispensing device 130 discharges the rental balls. The payout control board 110 drives the rented ball motor 131 of the rented ball payout device 130 based on the signal from the card unit 135 connected to the gaming machine 1 to pay out the rented balls. The rented balls to be paid out are detected by a rented ball sensor 132 for counting. The card unit 135 is arranged adjacent to the gaming machine 1, and outputs information regarding ball lending based on information such as the inserted prepaid card. Firing device 112 includes handle 60 ( FIG. 1 ), firing motor 113 , touch switch 114 , and firing volume 115 . When the player operates the handle 60 , the shooting device 112 detects the contact of the handle 60 with the touch switch 114 and detects the amount of rotation of the handle 60 with the shooting volume 115 . Then, the shooting motor 113 is driven so that the game ball is shot with strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal of the shooting volume 115 .

A sub control board 90 ( FIG. 4 ) is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87 . The main control board 80 transmits various commands to the sub control board 90 . The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub control board 90 is a unidirectional communication connection that allows only transmission of signals from the main control board 80 to the sub control board 90 . That is, between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90, a unidirectional circuit (for example, a circuit using a diode) (not shown) is interposed as communication direction control means.

The sub-control board 90 includes a production control microcomputer 91 and an input/output circuit 96 . The effect control microcomputer 91 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the sub-control board 90, and controls the game effect of the game machine 1 according to a program. The effect control microcomputer 91 includes a sub ROM 93 that stores programs and the like for controlling effects as the game progresses, a sub RAM 94 that is used as a work memory, and a sub ROM 93 that executes the programs stored in the sub ROM 94. It includes a CPU 92 and an RTC 95 that enables timekeeping. Details of the data stored in the sub-ROM 93 and details of the storage areas provided in the sub-RAM 94 will be described later. The sub ROM 93 may be configured as an external ROM. The effect control microcomputer 91 transmits and receives data to and from other boards and the like via an input/output circuit (I/O port section) 96 . The input/output circuit 96 may be incorporated in the effect control microcomputer 91 . An image control board 100 , an audio control board 106 , a lamp control board 107 and a relay board 108 are connected to the sub control board 90 via an input/output circuit 96 .

The image control board 100 includes an image control microcomputer 101, an input circuit 105a, and an output circuit 105b. The image control microcomputer 101 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the image control board 100, and performs display control of the image display device 7 according to a program. The image control microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102 , a ROM 103 and a RAM 104 . In the ROM 103, in addition to programs for performing display control, still image data and moving image data to be displayed on the image display device 7, specifically, characters, items, graphics, characters, numbers, symbols, etc. ) and image data such as background images are stored. A RAM 104 is used as a memory for developing image data. The CPU 102 executes programs stored in the ROM 103 . The effect control microcomputer 91 causes the image control microcomputer 101 to control the display of the image display device 7 based on the command received from the main control board 80 . The image control microcomputer 101 reads out image data from the ROM 103 based on a command from the effect control microcomputer 91, and performs display control based on the read image data.

A speaker 67 is connected to the audio control board 106 , and based on commands received from the main control board 80 , the effect control microcomputer 91 outputs sounds, music, and sound effects from the speaker 67 via the audio control board 106 . and so on. Acoustic data such as voice output from the speaker 67 is stored in the sub ROM 93 of the sub control board 90 . Note that the audio control board 106 may have a CPU mounted thereon, and the CPU may execute audio control based on commands. Furthermore, the audio control board 106 may be implemented with a ROM, and the audio data may be stored in the ROM. Alternatively, the speaker 67 may be connected to the image control board 100 to cause the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 to perform voice control. Furthermore, the sound data may be stored in the ROM 103 of the image control board 100. FIG.

The frame lamp 66, the board lamp 5, the first movable accessory 14, and the second movable accessory 15 are connected to the lamp control board 107 to control them. The effect control microcomputer 91 performs lighting control of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the board lamp 5 via the lamp control board 107 based on the command received from the main control board 80 . In other words, the production control microcomputer 91 creates light emission pattern data (data for deciding on/off and emission color, also referred to as lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of the lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the board lamp 5, and creates light emission patterns. Light emission of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the board lamp 5 is controlled according to the data. Data stored in the sub-ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90 is used to create the light emission pattern data. The effect control microcomputer 91 operates the first movable accessory 14 and the second movable accessory 15 based on the command received from the main control board 80 . The first movable accessory 14 is a movable so-called gimmick provided below the image display device 7 . The second movable accessory 15 is a movable so-called gimmick provided on the center decorative body 10 . The performance control microcomputer 91 creates motion pattern data (driving data) that determines the motion mode of each of the first movable role product 14 and the second movable role product 15, and controls the first movable role product 14 and the second movable role product 15 according to the motion pattern data. 2 Control the operation of the movable accessory 15 . Data stored in the sub ROM 93 is used to create the operation pattern data. Note that the lamp control board 107 may have a CPU mounted thereon, and the CPU may execute lighting control of the lamp and operation control of the movable accessories 14 and 15 based on commands. In this case, the lamp control board 107 may be mounted with a ROM, and the ROM may store data relating to light emission patterns and operation patterns.

A performance button 63 , a select button 68 , and a frame movable body 600 are connected to the relay board 108 . The effect button 63 outputs a switch signal to the sub-control board 90 via the relay board 108 when pressed (depressed) by the player. Also, the effect control microcomputer 91 operates the effect button 63 based on the command received from the main control board 80 . The production button 63 is not only pressable, but also position-changeable between a normal position (recessed position) in which the upper surface of the button body part slightly protrudes, and a protruding position in which most of the button body part protrudes. It's becoming That is, the production button 63 is raised as one of the productions. The production control microcomputer 91 creates position change data (driving data) for changing the position of the production button 63, and controls the operation of the production button 63 according to the position change data. Data stored in the sub ROM 93 is used to create position change data. The select button 68 outputs a switch signal to the sub-control board 90 via the relay board 108 when pressed (depressed) by the player.

The effect control microcomputer 91 operates the frame movable body 600 based on the command received from the main control board 80 . The frame movable body 600 is a movable so-called gimmick provided on the upper portion of the front frame 53 (FIG. 1). The effect control microcomputer 91 creates motion pattern data (driving data) that determines the motion mode of the frame movable body 600, and controls the motion of the frame movable body 600 according to the motion pattern data. Data stored in the sub ROM 93 is used to create the operation pattern data. The relay board 108 may be connected to a touch sensor or the like provided on the front frame 53 and outputting a detection signal upon contact with a human body.

3. Data Configuration of Gaming Machine The data configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining the main ROM 83. FIG. FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining storage areas provided in the main RAM 84. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining the sub ROM 93. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining storage areas provided in the sub-RAM 94. As shown in FIG.

The main ROM 83 (FIG. 5A) is provided with a program storage area 83a and a table storage area 83b. The table storage area 83b contains a jackpot determination table, a reach determination table, a normal symbol hit determination table, a normal symbol variation pattern determination table, a jackpot type determination table, a variation pattern determination table, an electronic chew opening pattern determination table, and a large winning opening pattern. determination table, etc. are stored. These determination tables are referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in main control main processing (described later) executed by the game control microcomputer 81 .

The main RAM 84 (FIG. 5(B)) includes a command set area 84a, a flag set area 84b, a counter set area 84c, a special action status set area 84d, a special figure pending storage area 84e, and a normal figure pending storage. An area 84f and a setting information storage area 84g are provided. The command set area 84a is an area (output buffer) in which a command to be output from the main control unit side to the sub control unit side is set in the main control main processing (described later), and is a pre-determining command, a pending pitch command, A variation start command, a variation stop command, an opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a game state designation command, a customer waiting command, a general winning command, etc. are set. Flag set area 84
b is an area where a flag indicating the state of the game machine or the game state is set in the main control main processing (described later), and the jackpot flag, jackpot end flag, probability variable flag, time saving flag, ceiling flag, etc. are set. . The counter set area 84c is an area in which counters used in main control main processing (described later) are set, such as a random number counter, a round counter, a variable probability counter, a short time counter, a game counter, and a ceiling counter. The special action status set area 84d is an area in which a status is set for special action processing, which will be described later. The special figure reservation storage area 84e includes a first special figure reservation storage area in which the first special figure reservation is stored and a second special figure reservation storage area in which the second special figure reservation is stored. In the first special figure reservation storage area, a random number group (reservation information) such as a random number per special symbol corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth of the first special figure reservation is stored. A first storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area are provided for this purpose. In the second special figure reservation storage area, the first memory for storing the random number group (reservation information) corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth of the second special figure reservation A second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area are provided. The general pattern reservation storage area 84f stores a random number group (reservation information) such as a general pattern random number (per random number) corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth general pattern reservation. A first storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area are provided. The setting information storage area 84g is an area for storing the setting information of the gaming machine set by the setting change device 71 (FIG. 3). The setting information is numerical information that is set in six stages of setting 1 to setting 6. FIG.

The sub-ROM 93 (FIG. 6A) is provided with a program storage area 93a and a table storage area 93b. The table storage area 93b stores a look-ahead effect pattern determination table, a basic effect pattern determination table, a chance-up effect pattern determination table, a stop symbol pattern determination table, an interrupt effect pattern determination table, and the like. These determination tables are referred to by the effect control microcomputer 91 in sub-control main processing (described later) executed by the effect control microcomputer 91 .

The sub-RAM 94 (FIG. 6B) is provided with a command storage area 94a, an effect command set area 94b, a counter set area 94c, and a setting information storage area 94d. The command storage area 94a is an area (input buffer) in which commands input from the main control unit side are stored in the sub-control main process (described later), and is a pre-determination command, a pending ball number command, a variation start command, a variation A stop command, an opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a game state designation command, a customer waiting command, etc. are stored. The effect command set area 94b is an area ( It is an output buffer), and a variable production start command, a command before the end of fluctuation, a variable production end command, an opening production start command, a round production start command, an ending production start command, etc. are set. The counter set area 94c is an area where the counter used in the sub-control main process (described later) is set, and includes a random number counter, a first special figure pending effect counter, a second special figure pending effect counter, a general figure pending effect counter. , Probability variation production counter, time saving production counter, etc. are set. The setting information storage area 94d is an area in which setting information output from the main control unit is stored.

Various random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the gaming machine 1 will now be described.
The game control microcomputer 81 acquires a "jackpot random number", a "jackpot type random number", a "reach random number", a "fluctuation pattern random number", and a "normal symbol random number (hit random number)" at the timing described later. is configured as Both are acquired as the value of the random number counter in the counter set area 84 c of the main RAM 84 . A plurality of random number counters are prepared corresponding to each.
The “jackpot random number” is a random number used for lottery (jackpot determination) to determine whether or not a jackpot will be won, and takes a value ranging from 0 to 65,535.
The “jackpot type random number” is a random number used for the lottery (jackpot type determination) of the type of the winning jackpot, and takes a value in the range of 0-127.
"Reach random number" is a random number used to determine whether or not to generate a reach in the effect symbol variation effect that indicates the result when the big hit determination is a loss, and is a value in the range of 0 to 127. take. Reach is a state in which only one of the plurality of production patterns (decorative patterns) that is variably displayed remains. It is a state (for example, the state of "7↓7") that is a combination of performance symbols indicating a jackpot winning. In addition, the effect symbol that is stopped and displayed in the ready-to-win state may be displayed as if it is shaking within the display screen 7a.

“Variation pattern random number” is a random number used to determine a variation pattern including variation time, and takes a value in the range of 0-127.
“Normal symbol random number (hit random number)” is used for a lottery (normal symbol lottery) for determining whether or not to perform an auxiliary game for opening the electric chew 22 . The normal symbol random number takes a value in the range of 0-255.
The "jackpot random number", "jackpot type random number", "reach random number", and "fluctuation pattern random number" are obtained based on the ball entering the starting port (first starting port 20 or second starting port 21). The random value group obtained based on the entry into the first start port 20 is stored in the first special figure reservation storage area, and the random value group obtained based on the entry into the second start port 21 is stored in the first 2 It is stored in the special figure reservation storage area. “Normal symbol random number (hit random number)” is acquired based on passing through the gate 28 . The acquired normal symbol random number value is stored in the normal symbol reservation storage area 84f.

Next, various random numbers acquired by the effect control microcomputer 91 in the gaming machine 1 will be described.
The effect control microcomputer 91 is configured to acquire a "read-ahead effect random number", a "chance-up random number", an "interrupt effect execution random number", and an "interrupt effect determination random number". Both are acquired as the value of the random number counter in the counter set area 94c of the sub-RAM94. A plurality of random number counters are prepared corresponding to each.

``Random number for look-ahead effect'' is a random number used for determining the look-ahead effect at the time of variable effect, and takes a value in the range of 0-127. The "read-ahead effect random number" is acquired based on the output of a pre-determination command from the main control section to the sub-control section. The acquired random value group is stored in the sub-RAM 94 .

The “chance-up random number” is a random number used for determining the chance-up effect during the variable effect, and takes a value in the range of 0-127. The "chance-up random number" is acquired based on the output of a variation start command from the main control section to the sub-control section. The acquired random number value is stored in the sub-RAM 94 .

The “random number for execution of interrupt effect” is a random number used for determining whether or not to execute an interrupt effect, and takes a value in the range of 0-127. The "interruption effect execution random number" is obtained based on the general winning command being output from the main control section to the sub control section. The acquired random number value is stored in the sub-RAM 94 .

The “interruption effect determination random number” is a random number used for determining the interrupt effect during the variable effect, and takes a value in the range of 0-127. The "interruption effect determination random number" is acquired based on the output of a general winning command from the main control section to the sub control section. The acquired random number value is stored in the sub-RAM 94 .

4. Explanation of Various Tables FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a big hit determination table.
The jackpot determination table determines whether the jackpot random number (one of 0 to 65535) acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) corresponds to a "jackpot" or a "loss". This table is referenced to The big win determination in the big win determination table is performed based on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 and the setting information stored in the setting information storage area 84g (FIG. 5). For example, if the setting information is "setting 1" in the "normal probability state", if the jackpot random value is "0 to 409", it is determined as a "jackpot", and the jackpot random value is a number other than "0 to 409" (410 to 65535)” is determined to be “losing”. Also, for example, if the setting information is "setting 1" in the "high probability state", if the jackpot random value is "0 to 936", it is determined as a "jackpot", and the jackpot random value is "0 to 936 other than Numeric value (937 to 65535)” is determined to be “losing”. The same applies to other setting information.

The reach determination table indicates whether the reach random number (one of 0 to 127) acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) corresponds to "with reach" or "without reach". It is a table referred to for determining. The reach determination in the reach determination table is performed based on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. FIG. In this embodiment, in the "non-time saving state", if the reach random number is "0 to 13", it is determined that there is a reach, and the reach random number is a number other than "0 to 13 (14 to 127) , it is determined that there is no reach. Also, in the "time saving state", if the reach random number is "0 to 5", it is determined that there is reach, and if the reach random number is "a number other than 0 to 5 (6 to 127)" is determined to be "no reach".

In the normal symbol hit determination table, the normal symbol random number value (one of 0 to 255) acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) corresponds to "win" or "loss". This table is referenced to determine whether Determination in the normal symbol hitting determination table is performed based on the game state of the gaming machine 1 . In this embodiment, in the "non-time saving state", if the normal symbol random number is "0 to 2", it is determined to be "hit", and the normal symbol random number is a numerical value other than "0 to 2 (3 to 255 )”, it is determined as “losing”. Also, in the "time saving state", if the normal symbol random number is "0 to 254", it is determined as "hit", and if the normal symbol random number is "a number other than 0 to 254 (255)" , is determined to be "losing".

In the normal symbol variation pattern determination table, the game control microcomputer 81 determines how many seconds the normal symbol variation time is according to the game state (whether it is a non-time saving state or a time saving state) in the main control main process (described later). is a table referenced for In this embodiment, the variation time of normal symbols is determined to be "30 seconds" in the "non-time-saving state", and the variation time of normal symbols is determined to be "1 second" in the "time-saving state".

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a jackpot type determination table. The jackpot type determination table is referred to in order to determine the “jackpot type” according to the jackpot type random number value (any of 0 to 127) acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later). It is a table where

In FIG. 8, when winning in the lottery of the first special symbol (special figure 1), if the jackpot type random number is "0 to 77", the jackpot type is determined as "4R probability variable jackpot", and the jackpot type random When the numerical value is "78-115", the jackpot type is determined as "8R normal jackpot", and when the jackpot type random number is "116-127", it is determined as "2R probability variable jackpot". In addition, the "2R probability variable jackpot" is a mode in which the jackpot is not notified. Hereinafter, it is also called “latency probability variable jackpot”.
On the other hand, when winning in the lottery of the second special symbol (special figure 2), if the jackpot type random number is "0 to 89", the jackpot type is determined to be "8R probability variable jackpot", and the jackpot type random number is In the case of "90 to 127", the jackpot type is determined as "8R normal jackpot". In addition, in the jackpot type determination table, the special game "opening (OP) command", "round designation command", and "ending (ED) command" may also be specified.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the variation pattern determination table in the non-time saving state. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the variation pattern determination table during the time saving state. The variation pattern determination table is a table that is referred to for determining the variation pattern according to the variation pattern random number value (0 to 127) acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later).

In FIG. 9, for example, the first start port 20 is won in a non-time saving state, it is determined as "losing" in the jackpot determination table, it is determined as "with reach" in the reach determination table, and the number of pending balls is "1 to 2 ”, and when the fluctuation pattern random number value is “0 to 60”, the fluctuation pattern is determined to be “P7”. In FIG. 10, for example, the second start port 21 is won in the time saving state, it is determined as "jackpot" in the jackpot determination table, it is determined as "8R probability variable jackpot" in the jackpot type determination table, and the fluctuation pattern random value is "0 ~10", the variation pattern is determined to be "P61". As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, once the variation pattern is determined, the variation time is also determined. In addition, when it becomes reach, it is also determined whether the reach becomes normal reach or super reach (SP reach). Super reach is a reach production with a longer fluctuation time after reach than normal reach. Here, three types of super reach (SP1, SP2, SP3) with different fluctuation times are set. In SP1-3, it is executed progressively through normal reach. The difference between SP1-3 may be, for example, the presence or absence of pseudo-reams.

The electric chew opening pattern determination table is referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) in order to determine the opening pattern of the electric chew 22 according to the game state (whether it is a non-time saving state or a time saving state). It is a table where In this embodiment, the opening pattern of the electric tube 22 is determined as "opening pattern 11" in the "non-time saving state", and the opening pattern is determined as "opening pattern 12" in the "time saving state". In the opening pattern 11, the power tube 22 is opened once for 0.2 seconds. In the opening pattern 12, the electric tube 22 is opened three times, with an opening time of 2.0 seconds per time, and an interval (opening interval) of 1.0 second. However, the opening of the electric chew 22 is closed even if the opening time remains when a predetermined number of game balls have won a prize (prescribed number of winning prizes, maximum 10).

The large winning opening opening pattern determination table is a table that the game control microcomputer 81 refers to in order to determine the opening pattern of the large winning opening 30 in the main control process (described later). In this embodiment, in the case of "4R jackpot", it is determined as "open pattern 21". In the "opening pattern 21", in the 1st to 4th rounds, the big winning port 30 is opened once for 29.5 seconds (long opening). Also, in the case of "8R jackpot", it is determined as "open pattern 22". In the "opening pattern 22", the large winning opening 30 is opened (long opening) with the number of times of opening being 1 and the opening time being 29.5 seconds in the 1st to 8th rounds. In the case of "2R jackpot", it is determined as "open pattern 23". In "open pattern 23", 1 to 2R
The large winning opening 30 is opened (short opening) with the eye opening once and the opening time of 0.1 second.

5. Explanation of Big Wins, etc. In the gaming machine 1, there are "big wins" and "losses" as a result of a big win lottery (special symbol lottery). In the case of "big win", the special symbol display 41 stops displaying "big win". In the case of "losing", the special symbol display 41 stops and displays "losing". When a jackpot is won, a "jackpot game" is executed to open a jackpot (jackpot 30) in an opening pattern corresponding to the type of jackpot. A jackpot game is an example of a special game. The jackpot game includes multiple round games (unit open games), an opening (OP) before the first round game starts, and an ending (ED) after the final round game ends. there is Each round begins with the end of the opening or the end of the previous round and ends with the beginning of the next round. The closing time (interval time) of the big winning opening between round games is included in the open round game before closing.

There are multiple types of jackpots. There are four types of jackpots: "4R variable variable jackpot", "8R normal jackpot", "2R variable variable jackpot", and "8R variable variable jackpot". "Probability variable jackpot" becomes a high probability short-time state (high probability high base state) after the jackpot game. On the other hand, the “normal jackpot” becomes a low-probability short-time state (low-probability-high base state) after the jackpot game. It should be noted that the "2R probability variable jackpot" is executed without notifying the jackpot clearly, and since the jackpot (big jackpot 30) is short-opened, it is a jackpot that cannot be expected to win a game ball. After the jackpot game, it becomes a high-probability non-time-saving state (high-probability low base state).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the distribution ratio of the jackpot in the lottery of the first special symbol (special figure 1) is 78/128 (about 60%) for the 4R probability variable jackpot and 38/128 (about 60%) for the 8R normal jackpot. 30%), and the 2R probability variable jackpot is 11/128 (about 10%). On the other hand, the distribution rate of the jackpot in the lottery of the second special pattern (special drawing 2) is 90/128 (about 70%) for the 8R probability variable jackpot and 38/128 (about 30%) for the 8R normal jackpot. ing. As described above, in the gaming machine 1, the jackpot lottery (lottery of the first special symbol) is performed by winning a game ball in the first start port 20, and the jackpot is performed by winning a game ball in the second start port 21. The lottery (lottery for the second special symbol) is set to be more advantageous for the player.

6. Explanation of Game State The game state of the gaming machine 1 will be explained. The game control microcomputer 81 can execute "probability variation control" and "variation time shortening control" for the special symbols displayed on the special symbol display device 41 and the normal symbols displayed on the normal symbol display device 42, respectively. is. Here, the state in which the game control microcomputer 81 is controlling the probability variation with respect to the special symbols of the special symbol display device 41 is called "high probability state", and the state in which the probability variation is not controlled is simply "normal probability state ( non-high-probability state, low-probability state). The game control microcomputer 81 uses a jackpot determination table (FIG. 7) in which the number of jackpot random numbers determined to be jackpots is larger in the high probability state than in the normal probability state as the probability fluctuation control of the special symbols. A high-probability state is realized by performing Therefore, in the high-probability state, the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than in the normal-probability state. That is, when the game control microcomputer 81 is executing the probability variation control for the special symbols of the special symbol display device 41, compared with the case where the probability variation control is not performed, the special symbol display device 41 The probability that the display result (stopped pattern) of the variable display of the special pattern becomes a jackpot pattern increases.

In addition, the state in which the game control microcomputer 81 performs variable time shortening control on the special symbols of the special symbol display 41 is referred to as a "time saving state", and the state in which the variable time shortening control is not performed is simply a "non-time saving state". It says. In the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the special symbol (the time from the start of the fluctuation display to the time of derivation display of the display result) is shorter than the non-time saving state. The game control microcomputer 81 uses a variation pattern determination table (FIGS. 9 and 10) that is determined so that a variation pattern with a short variation time is selected more frequently in the time saving state than in the non-time saving state. The variation pattern is determined. That is, when the game control microcomputer 81 is executing the variation time shortening control for the special symbols of the special symbol display device 41, the special symbols are variable compared to the case where the variation time shortening control is not performed. A short variation time is likely to be selected as the display variation time. As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of digestion of the special figure reservation becomes faster, and the effective winning to the starting opening (the winning that can be stored as the special figure reservation) is likely to occur. As a result, it is possible to aim for a big hit under the smooth progress of the game. Incidentally, the game control microcomputer 81 may simultaneously execute the probability fluctuation control and the fluctuation time shortening control for the special symbols on the special symbol display 41, or may execute only one of them.

The game control microcomputer 81 executes probability variation control and variation time shortening control for the normal symbols of the normal symbol display 42 in parallel with variation time shortening control for the special symbols of the special symbol display 41 . That is, the game control microcomputer 81 normally executes the probability fluctuation control and the fluctuation time shortening control for the symbol in the case of the time saving state, and does not execute it in the case of the non-time saving state. The game control microcomputer 81 uses a normal symbol hit determination table in which the number of normal symbol random numbers (hit random numbers) determined to be hit is larger in the time saving state than in the non-time saving state as the normal symbol probability fluctuation control. Then, hit judgment (ordinary design judgment) is performed. Therefore, in the time saving state, the probability of winning is higher than in the normal symbol normal probability state. That is, when the game control microcomputer 81 is performing the probability variation control on the normal symbols of the normal symbol display device 42, compared with the case where the probability variation control is not performed, the normal symbol display device 42 The probability that the display result (stopped pattern) of the variable display of the normal pattern becomes a winning pattern increases. In the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is shorter than the non-working time saving state. Here, the variation time of the normal pattern is 30 seconds in the non-time saving state, but is 1 second in the time saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chew 22 in the auxiliary game is longer than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 is executing opening time extension control for the electric chew 22 . In addition, in the time-saving state, the number of times the electric chew 22 is opened in the auxiliary game is greater than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 is executing the control for increasing the number of times of opening the electric chew 22 . game control microcomputer 81, the probability variation control and variation time shortening control for the normal symbol of the normal symbol display 42, and the opening time extension control and opening frequency increase control for the electric chew 22, Compared to the case where these controls are not executed, the electric chew 22 is opened more frequently, and the game balls enter the second starting hole 21 more frequently. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of balls awarded to the number of balls fired, increases. Therefore, the state in which these controls are executed is called the "high base state", and the state in which they are not executed is called the "low base state". In the high base state, you can aim for a big hit without greatly reducing the number of game balls you have. Note that the high base state is a state in which so-called electric support control (control for supporting winning to the second starting port 21 by the electric chew 22) is being executed. The high base state (electric sapo control state) does not have to execute all of the above controls. That is, the probability variation control for the normal pattern of the normal symbol display device 42, the variation time shortening control for the normal symbol of the normal symbol display device 42, the opening time extension control for the electric chew 22, and the opening frequency increase control for the electric chew 22 By executing one or more controls, it is sufficient that the electric chew 22 is more likely to be opened than when the controls are not executed. Further, the high base state (electrical support control state) may be independently controlled without accompanying the time saving state.

In the gaming machine 1, the game state after the jackpot game by winning the 4R probability variable jackpot and the 8R probability variable jackpot is a high probability state and a time saving state. This game state is particularly referred to as a "high probability high base state" or a "high probability short working time state". The high-probability-high base state ends when the variable display of the special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (here, 30 times), or when a big win is won and the big win game is executed.
In addition, the game state after the jackpot game by winning the 8R normal jackpot is a normal probability state (non-high probability state, ie, low probability state) and a time saving state (high base state). This game state is particularly referred to as "low probability high base state" and "low probability time saving state". The low-probability-high base state ends when the variable display of the special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (here, 30 times), or when a big win is won and the big win game is executed.
Furthermore, the game state after the jackpot game by winning the 2R probability variable jackpot is a high probability state and a non-time saving state. This game state is particularly referred to as "high probability low base state", "high probability non-time saving state", "latency probability variable state", "latency probability state". The high-probability-low base state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (here, 30 times), or when a big win is won and the big win game is executed.
When the game machine 1 is played for the first time, the game state after the power is turned on is the normal probability state and the low base state (non-electric support control state). This game state is particularly referred to as a "low probability low base state". The low-probability low base state may be referred to as "normal game state" or "low-probability non-time-saving state (simply referred to as non-time-saving state)". Also, the state during execution of the special game (jackpot game) is referred to as "special game state (jackpot game state)". Furthermore, the state controlled to at least one of the high probability state and the high base state is referred to as a "specific game state".

In high-base states such as high-probability-high base state and low-probability-high base state, it is possible to advance the game more advantageously by entering the game ball into the right game area 3B (FIG. 1) by hitting to the right. Due to the electric sapo control, it is easier to open the electric tube 22 than in the low base state, and it is easier to win the second start opening 21 than the first start opening 20. be. From this, in the high base state, while passing the game ball to the gate 28 which triggers the normal symbol lottery, the game ball is struck to the right to win the game ball to the second start port 21.例文帳に追加As a result, it is possible to obtain a larger number of starting prizes (winning at the starting opening) than when hitting left. In addition, in the gaming machine 1, the game is played by hitting to the right even during the jackpot game. On the other hand, in the low base state, it is possible to advance the game more advantageously by entering the game ball into the left game area 3A (FIG. 1) by hitting to the left. Since the electric sapo control is not executed, it is difficult to open the electric chew 22 compared to the high base state, and it is easier to win the first start opening 20 than the second start opening 21. This is because For this reason, in the low base state, left-handed hitting is performed in order to win the game ball to the first start hole 20. - 特許庁This allows you to get more starting prizes than hitting right.

7. Operation of Game Control Microcomputer 81 The operation of the game control microcomputer 81 provided on the main control board 80 (FIG. 3) will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 19. FIG. Counters, flags, statuses, buffers, etc. appearing in the description of the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 are provided in the main RAM 84 .

[Main control main processing]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of main control main processing. When the game machine 1 is powered on, the game control microcomputer 81 reads a program for executing main control main processing from the main ROM 83 . In the main control main process, the game control microcomputer 81 first performs an initialization process (step S001). In the initialization process, for example, settings of the main CPU 82, resetting of various flags, statuses, counters, and the like are performed. The initial value of the flag is "0" or "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Note that the initialization process is executed only once after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

After the initialization process, the game control microcomputer 81 prohibits the interruption of the interruption process (step S002), and performs normal design/special design main random number update process (step S003). In this normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 sets various random number counter values (jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, fluctuation pattern random number, normal symbol random number) to 1. Add and update. When each random number counter value reaches the set upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added again. The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", or may be changed randomly. Also, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generating circuit such as a counter IC.

After the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 permits the interruption of the interruption process (step S004). While interrupts are enabled, it is possible to execute main-side timer interrupt processing (step S005). The main-side timer interrupt processing is executed based on interrupt pulses that are repeatedly input to the main CPU 82 at a predetermined cycle (for example, a 4 msec cycle). That is, the main-side timer interrupt processing is executed at predetermined intervals (for example, 4 msec intervals). Then, after the main side timer interrupt processing is finished, until the next main side timer interrupt processing is started, the update processing of various counter values by the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing is repeatedly executed. . If an interrupt pulse is input to the main CPU 82 while interrupts are disabled, the main-side timer interrupt processing is not started immediately, but is started after interrupts are enabled.

[Main-side timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 12 is a flow chart of main-side timer interrupt processing (FIG. 11: step S005). In the main timer interrupt process, the game control microcomputer 81 first performs random number update process (step S101). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 updates various random number counter values. This random number update process is the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process performed in the main control main process (FIG. 11) described above. That is, the processing for updating the various random number counter values consists of the execution period of the main-side timer interrupt processing and the other period (the period from the end of the main-side timer interrupt processing to the start of the next main-side timer interrupt processing). and both.

After the random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs an input process (step S102). FIG. 13 is a flow chart of input processing. In the input process, the game control microcomputer 81 reads detection signals detected by various sensors attached to the game machine 1 . In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 stores payout data for paying out prize balls corresponding to the winning openings, that is, the first starting opening 20, the second starting opening 21, the big winning opening 30, and the normal winning opening 27, into the main RAM 84. output buffer.

After the input process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs general winning hole sensor detection process (step S103). In the general winning hole sensor detection process, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the ball has entered the general winning hole with the general winning hole sensor 27a, and sets a general winning command in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84.

After the general winning opening sensor detection process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a starting opening sensor detection process (step S104). In the starting opening sensor detection process, the game control microcomputer 81 determines the passage of the game ball through the gate 28, acquires the value of the normal symbol random number counter, stores the acquired random number in the normal symbol reservation storage area 84f of the main RAM 84. Among the first to fourth storage areas, it is stored in a storage area corresponding to the current number of normal symbol reserved balls. In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 determines the winning of the game ball to the first start port 20, the value of the jackpot random number counter, the value of the jackpot type random number counter, the value of the reach random number counter, and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter. get. The game control microcomputer 81 stores the obtained random value group in a storage area corresponding to the current special figure 1 reserved ball number among the first to fourth storage areas of the first special figure reserved storage area. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 81 determines the winning of the game ball to the second start port 21, the value of the jackpot random number counter, the value of the jackpot type random number counter, the value of the reach random number counter, and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter. to get The game control microcomputer 81 stores the acquired random value group in a storage area corresponding to the current special figure 2 reservation ball number among the first to fourth storage areas of the second special figure reservation storage area.

The game control microcomputer 81 performs a jackpot prior determination in the starting opening sensor detection process. Based on the above-described random number group, it is determined in advance whether or not it is a jackpot, and if it is a jackpot, the type of jackpot and the variation pattern. Then, a pre-determination command is created from the pre-determination result and set in the command set area 84 a of the main RAM 84 .

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs normal operation processing (step S105). In normal operation processing, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the operation of the electric chew 22 . Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the number of reserved balls of normal symbols is "0". Make a hit judgment. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 selects a variation pattern with reference to the normal symbol variation pattern determination table. The game control microcomputer 81 sets the selected normal symbol variation pattern to start the normal symbol variation display. After that, the variable display is stopped, and in the case of "hit", the electric chew opening pattern determination table is referred to, the electric chew opening pattern is set, and the electric chew 22 is operated.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special operation processing (step S106). This special action process will be described later.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a reserved ball number process (step S107). The game control microcomputer 81 first reads out the special figure 1 reserved ball number, the special figure 2 reserved ball number, and the normal symbol reserved ball number stored in the main RAM 84 . Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets a reserved ball number command in the command set area (output buffer) 84a of the main RAM 84. FIG. The number of reserved balls command is a command for notifying the number of reserved balls to the sub-control board 90, and includes information on the number of special figure 1 reserved balls, the number of special figure 2 reserved balls, and the number of normal symbol reserved balls. .

After the reserved ball number processing, the game control microcomputer 81 performs output processing (step S108). In the output process, the game control microcomputer 81 outputs to the sub-control board 90 the commands set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 in each process described above. After the output process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs other processes (step S109). In other processing, for example, based on the number of special-figure 2 reserved balls to be described later, the second special-figure reservation display 43b is controlled to a display mode indicating the number, and the first special-figure based on the number of special-figure 1 reserved balls The pending indicator 43a is controlled to display the number.

[Special action processing]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of special operation processing (FIG. 12: step S106). Here, the processing relating to the special symbol display 41 and the big winning device (big winning device 31) is divided into four stages, and each stage corresponds to a "special operation status" of "1", "2", "3", and " 4”. When the "special action status" is "1" (step S1301: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 performs a special symbol standby process (step S1302). In the special symbol standby process, big hit determination, variation pattern selection, and the like are executed. When the "special action status" is "2" (step S1301: NO, step S1303: YES), special symbol fluctuation processing is performed (step S1304). In the special symbol fluctuation process, the output of the fluctuation stop command and the like are executed after the fluctuation time has elapsed. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether or not the fluctuation time of the special symbols has passed and ends. Set the status to "3". When the "special action status" is "3" (steps S1301, S1303: NO, step S1305: YES), special symbol confirmation processing is performed (step S1306). In the special symbol confirmation process, the output of the opening command and the like are executed at the time of the big hit. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first executes a game state management process. The game state management process is a process for managing the number of times of ST and the number of times of time saving. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special action status to "1" when the jackpot flag is OFF. On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is ON, a pattern for opening the jackpot is set according to the type of jackpot won. After setting the release pattern, the game control microcomputer 81 performs game state reset processing. The game state reset process is a process for resetting the probability variation flag and the time saving flag. After the game state reset process, a jackpot opening command is set to start the jackpot game. Then set the special action status to "4". When the "special action status" is "4" (steps S1301, S1303, S1305: NO), special electric accessory processing is performed (step S1308). In the special electric accessary product process, a jackpot game is executed. Specifically, the opening of the big winning opening 30 is controlled according to the opening pattern based on the round counter, and the round designation command and the ending command are set. Also, at the end of the jackpot, a time-saving counter and a variable-probability counter are set.

[Special symbol standby process]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the special symbol standby process (FIG. 13: step S1302). In the special symbol standby process, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether or not the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is "0" (step S1401). If the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is "0" (step S1401: YES), that is, the random value group acquired due to the winning of the second start port 21 is stored in the second special figure reservation storage area If not, the process moves to step S1407. When the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is "1" or more (step S1401: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 executes a jackpot determination process (step S1402). In the jackpot determination process, the number of games is incremented, and then the jackpot determination is performed. The jackpot determination is performed using a jackpot determination table. Then, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not it is a big win, and when it is determined that it is a big win, it turns on a big win flag, determines the kind of big win, and then ends the big win determination processing.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 executes variation pattern selection processing (step S1403). In the variation pattern selection process, with reference to the variation pattern determination table (FIGS. 9 and 10), the game state of the gaming machine 1 (whether it is a time saving state or a non-time saving state), the judgment result of the jackpot judgment processing (step S1402), the reserved ball Select a variation pattern based on the number. After the variation pattern selection process, to decrement the number of special figure 2 pending balls (step S1404). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 moves the storage location of the pending information (various random numbers) stored in the first to fourth storage areas of the second special figure pending storage area to the side where it is read from the current position. While shifting one, clear the pending information stored in the farthest place from the read side in the second special figure pending storage area (step S1405). For example, when pending information is stored in the first to third storage areas, the pending information stored in the third storage area is cleared, and pending information is stored in the first to fourth storage areas. If so, clear the pending information stored in the fourth storage area. By the above steps, the second special figure reservation is digested in the order in which it was reserved. In this case, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the reserved image 9B (of the four reserved images 9B, the leftmost reserved image 9B) corresponding to the first storage area of the second special figure reserved storage area is reserved. It shifts to the digested image display area side and is displayed as a pending digested image 9C. In addition, the reserved images 9B corresponding to the second to fourth storage areas of the second special figure reserved storage area (of the four reserved images 9B, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th reserved images 9B from the left) are each 1 on the left side (Fig. 1). Thereby, the player can recognize that one second special figure reservation has been consumed. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special figure 2 fluctuation start processing (step S1406). In the special figure 2 fluctuation start process, the fluctuation start command is set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84, the fluctuation display of the second special symbol is started, and the fluctuation time timer is set. The variable time timer is set with a variable time determined according to the variable pattern selected in the variable pattern selection process. In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special action status to "2". In addition, the variation start command (special figure 2 variation start command) set in the special figure 2 variation start process includes information on the special figure stop pattern data set in the big hit determination process (step S1402) and variation pattern selection process ( It contains information on the variation pattern set in step S1403) (including information on variation time).

In step S1401, when the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is "0" (step S1401: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is "0" ( step S1407). If the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is "0" (step S1407: YES), that is, the random value group acquired due to the winning of the first start port 20 is stored in the first special figure reserved storage area If not, the process moves to step S1413. When the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is "1" or more (step S1407: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 executes a jackpot determination process (step S1408). In the jackpot determination process, the number of games is incremented, and then the jackpot determination is performed. The jackpot determination is performed using a jackpot determination table. Then, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not it is a big win, and when it is determined that it is a big win, it turns on a big win flag, determines the kind of big win, and then ends the big win determination processing. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 executes variation pattern selection processing (step S1409). In the variation pattern selection process, with reference to the variation pattern determination table (FIGS. 9 and 10), the game state of the gaming machine 1 (whether it is a time saving state or a non-time saving state), the judgment result of the jackpot judgment processing (step S1408), the reserved ball Select a variation pattern based on the number. After the variation pattern selection process, the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is decremented (step S1410). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 shifts the storage location of various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage areas of the first special figure reservation storage area to the side where it is read from the current position by one. , Clear the pending information stored in the farthest place from the read side in the first special figure pending storage area (step S1411). By the above steps, the first special figure reservation is digested in the order it was reserved. In this case, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the reserved image 9A (of the four reserved images 9A, the rightmost reserved image 9A) corresponding to the first storage area of the first special figure reserved storage area is reserved. It shifts to the digested image display area side and is displayed as a pending digested image 9C. In addition, reserved images 9A corresponding to the second to fourth storage areas of the first special figure reserved storage area (out of the four reserved images 9A, the second, third, and fourth reserved images 9A from the right) are each 1 on the right side (Fig. 1). Thereby, the player can recognize that one first special figure reservation has been consumed. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special figure 1 fluctuation start processing (step S1412). In the special figure 1 fluctuation start process, the fluctuation start command is set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84, the fluctuation display of the first special symbol is started, and the fluctuation time timer is set. The variable time timer is set with a variable time determined according to the variable pattern selected in the variable pattern selection process. In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special action status to "2" (step S1412). In addition, the variation start command (special figure 1 variation start command) set in the special figure 1 variation start process includes information on the special figure stop design data set in the big hit determination process (step S1408) and variation pattern selection process ( It contains information on the variation pattern (including information on variation time) set in step S1409).

In step S1407, when the special figure 1 reserved ball number is "0" (step S1407: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets a customer waiting command (step S1413), and finishes this process. As described above, according to the special symbol waiting process of the present embodiment, the variable display of the special symbol based on the first special symbol reservation is executed only when the second special symbol reservation is "0". That is, digestion of the second special figure reservation is executed with priority over digestion of the first special figure reservation. Further, according to the jackpot type determination table (FIG. 8) of the present embodiment, the lottery based on the second special figure reservation wins a jackpot that is more profitable for the player than the lottery based on the first special figure reservation. It's like

[Special symbol confirmation process]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the special symbol determination process (FIG. 13: step S1306).
In the special symbol determination process, first, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a game state management process (step S1801). The game state management process will be described later.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (step S1802). The jackpot flag is stored in the flag set area 84b of the main RAM84. If it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (step S1802: YES), the process proceeds to step S1803. On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is not ON (step S1802: NO), that is, if the jackpot flag is OFF, the special operation status is set to "1" (step S1804), and the special symbol determination process is executed. finish.

In step S1803, the game control microcomputer 81 sets an opening pattern. The open pattern is as described above, and the open pattern 21 is set for the 4R jackpot, the open pattern 22 for the 8R jackpot, and the open pattern 23 for the 2R jackpot.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not it is a latent probability variable jackpot (step S1805). If it is determined that it is not a latent probability variable jackpot (step S1805: NO), that is, if it is one of "4R probability variable jackpot", "8R normal jackpot", or "8R probability variable jackpot", the process proceeds to step S1806. . On the other hand, if it is determined to be a latent probability variable jackpot (step S1805: YES), that is, if it is a "2R probability variable jackpot", the process proceeds to step S1809.

In step S1806, the game control microcomputer 81 executes game state reset processing. This process is a process of resetting the probability variation flag, the time saving flag, and the ceiling flag.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets an opening command (step S1807), sets the special action status to "4" (step S1808), and ends the special symbol determination process.

In step S1809, the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the probability variation flag. The probability variation flag is stored in the flag set area 84b of the main RAM84. In particular, when the time saving flag is ON, the time saving flag is turned OFF. At this time, the ceiling flag and ceiling counter are not reset.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the variable probability counter to "30" (step S1810), sets the special action status to "1", and ends the special symbol determination process.

[Game State Management Processing]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the gaming state management process (FIG. 15: step S1801).
In the game state management process, first, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the probability variation flag is ON (step S2001). If it is determined that the variable probability flag is ON (step S2001: YES), the variable probability counter is decremented (step S2002), and the process proceeds to step S2003. On the other hand, if it is determined that the variable probability flag is not ON (step S2001: NO), that is, if the variable probability flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S2010.

In step S2003, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the variable probability counter is "0". Here, when it is determined that the variable probability counter is "0" (step S2003: YES), the variable probability flag is turned OFF (step S2004), and the process proceeds to step S2005. On the other hand, when it is determined that the variable probability counter is not "0" (step S2003: NO), the process of step S2004 is not executed, and the process proceeds to step S2005.

In step S2005, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the time saving flag is ON. Here, when it is determined that the time saving flag is ON (step S2005: YES), the time saving counter is decremented (step S2006), and the process proceeds to step S2007. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time-saving counter is not ON (step S2005: NO), that is, if the time-saving counter is OFF, the process proceeds to step S2009.

In step S2007, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the time saving counter is "0". When it is determined that the time saving counter is "0" (step S2007: YES), the time saving flag is turned OFF (step S2008), and the process proceeds to step S2009. On the other hand, when it is determined that the time saving counter is not "0" (step S2007: NO), the process of step S2008 is not executed, and the process proceeds to step S2009.

In step S2010, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the ceiling flag is ON. If it is determined that the ceiling flag is ON (step S2010: YES), the ceiling counter is decremented (step S2011), and the process proceeds to step S2012. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ceiling flag is not ON (step S2010: NO), that is, if the ceiling flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S2005.

In step S2012, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the ceiling counter is "0". If it is determined that the ceiling counter is "0" (step S2012: YES), the process proceeds to step S2013. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ceiling counter is not "0" (step S2012: NO), the process proceeds to step S2005.

In step S2013, the game control microcomputer 81 turns ON the time saving flag. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets "350" to the time saving counter (step S2014), turns off the ceiling flag (step S2015), and proceeds to step S2009.
In step S2009, the game control microcomputer 81 sets a game state designation command, and ends the game state management process.

[Special electric accessory processing]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of special electric accessary product processing (FIG. 13: step S1308).
In the special electric accessary product process, first, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the jackpot end flag is ON (step S1601). Here, when it is determined that the jackpot end flag is ON (step S1601: YES), ending processing is executed (step S1602), and the special electric accessary product processing ends. In the ending process, it is determined whether or not the ending time has passed, and if it has passed, the jackpot end flag is turned OFF, the jackpot flag is turned OFF, the special action status is set to "1", and the game state is set. After executing the process (step S1603), the special electric accessary product process is terminated. The game state setting process will be described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the jackpot end flag is not ON (step S1601: NO), that is, when the jackpot end flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S1604.

In step S1604, it is determined whether or not a prize has been won in the big prize winning opening. This process is a process of determining whether or not there is a prize in the big winning hole 30 based on the signal from the big winning hole sensor 30a. Here, if it is determined that the player has won the big winning opening (step S1604: YES), a big winning opening command is set (step S1605), and the process proceeds to step S1606. On the other hand, if it is determined that the player has not won the big winning slot (step S1604: NO), the process proceeds to step S1606 without executing the process of step S1605.

In step S1606, it is determined whether or not the big winning opening is open. This process is a process of determining whether or not the big winning opening 30 is open. Here, when it is determined that the large winning opening is open (step S1606: YES), the large winning opening closing process is executed (step S1607), and the special electric accessary product process ends. The large winning opening closing process is a process of determining whether or not a condition for closing the large winning opening is established, and closing the large winning opening when the closing condition is established. On the other hand, if it is determined that the big winning opening is not open (step S1607: NO), that is, if the big winning opening is closed, the process proceeds to step S1608.

In step S1608, it is determined whether or not it is the big winning opening open period. This process is a process of determining whether or not it is the opening period of the big winning opening 30 . Here, if it is determined that it is the large winning opening open period (step S1608: YES), the large winning opening opening process is executed (step S1610), the round designation command is set (step S1611), and the special electric accessory End the process. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not the big winning opening open period (step S1608: NO), round processing is executed (step S1609), and the special electric accessary product processing ends. In the round processing, it is determined whether or not the round is finished, and when the round is finished, the round counter is decremented, and when the round counter becomes "0", the ending command is set and the jackpot end flag is turned ON.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the game state setting process (FIG. 17: step S1603).
In the game state setting process, first, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not it is a probability variable jackpot (step S1901). If it is determined here that it is a probability variable jackpot (step S1901: YES), the probability variable flag is turned ON (step S1902), the probability variable counter is set to 30 (step S1903), and the process proceeds to step S1904. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a probability variable jackpot (step S1901: NO), the processing of steps S1902 and S1093 is not executed, and the process proceeds to step S1904.

In step S1904, the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the time saving flag. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets "30" to the time saving counter (step S1905).
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 turns ON the ceiling flag (step S1906), sets the ceiling counter (step S1907), sets the game state designation command (step S1908), and ends the game state setting process. .

8. Operation of Production Control Microcomputer 91 The operation of the production control microcomputer 91 provided on the sub-control board 90 (FIG. 4) will be described with reference to FIGS. Counters, flags, statuses, buffers, and the like that appear in the description of the performance control microcomputer 91 are provided in the sub-RAM 94 .

[Sub-control main processing]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing sub-control main processing. Production control microcomputer 91
reads a program for executing a sub-control main process from the sub-ROM 93 when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. In the sub-control main process, the effect control microcomputer 91 first performs an initialization process (step S4000). In the initialization process, for example, settings of the sub CPU 92, resetting of various flags, statuses, counters, and the like are performed. The initial value of the flag is "0" or "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Note that the initialization process is executed only once after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

After the initialization processing, the effect control microcomputer 91 prohibits interrupt processing (step S4001), and performs random number update processing (step S4002). In this random number update process, the effect control microcomputer 91 adds 1 to the random number counter value and updates it. When each random number counter value reaches the set upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added again. The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", or may be changed randomly. Moreover, the random number may be added by 2 or more instead of adding 1 each time. Each random number may be a so-called hardware random number.

After the random number update process, the effect control microcomputer 91 permits the interruption of the interruption process (step S4003). While interrupts are enabled, sub-side timer interrupt processing (step S4004) can be executed. The sub-side timer interrupt processing is executed based on interrupt pulses that are repeatedly input to the sub CPU 92 at predetermined intervals. That is, the sub-side timer interrupt processing is executed at predetermined intervals. After the sub-side timer interrupt processing ends, the random number update processing is repeatedly executed until the next sub-side timer interrupt processing is started.

[Sub-side timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart of sub-side timer interrupt processing (FIG. 19: step S4004). The effect control microcomputer 91 first performs received command analysis processing (step S4100). Details of the received command analysis processing will be described later. After the received command analysis process, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs the process during the variation effect (step S4110). The processing during the variable effect is a process for setting a pre-variation end command at a specific timing during the variable effect to cause the display screen 7a to execute a specific display effect. After the processing during the variation production, the production control microcomputer 91 performs switch processing (step S4120). In the switch process, the effect control microcomputer 91 sets the display contents of the display screen 7a based on the switch data (edge data and level data) output from the effect button 63, and the like. After the switch process, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs command transmission process (step S4130). In the command transmission process, the effect control microcomputer 91 transmits various commands set in the effect command set area 94b (output buffer) of the sub-RAM 94 in the received command analysis process, etc. , to the relay board 108 . The image control board 100 that has received various commands uses the image display device 7 to execute a display effect according to the received command. In addition, the audio control board 106 that has received various commands executes an audio effect of outputting audio from the speaker 67 in accordance with the received commands. Upon receiving various commands, the lamp control board 107 executes a lamp effect that controls light emission of the board lamp 5 and the frame lamp 66 according to the received command. After the command transmission process, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs other processes (step S4140), and ends this process. In other processing, random number update processing and the like are performed.

[Receive command analysis processing]
FIG. 21 is a flow chart of the received command analysis process (step S4100 in FIG. 20). The effect control microcomputer 91 first determines whether or not a pre-determination command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4180). If received (step S41
80: YES), prefetch effect determination processing is performed (step S4190). "Prefetching effect determination processing" is a process of determining whether or not to execute a prefetching effect, and determining a prefetching effect pattern in the case of execution. Specifically, the effect control microcomputer 91 acquires the counter value of the prefetch effect random number, and refers to the acquired random value and the prefetch effect pattern determination table stored in the sub ROM 93 to perform the prefetch effect. It determines whether or not, and the look-ahead effect pattern when performing the look-ahead effect. On the other hand, if not received (step S4180: NO), the above-described look-ahead effect determination process is skipped. The look-ahead effect is a effect suggesting that there is a high possibility that the reservation information newly stored in the special figure reservation storage area 84e contains a jackpot, and is executed during the variable effect.

Next, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a command for the number of pending balls is received from the main control board 80 (step S4200). If received (step S4200: YES), hold display processing is performed (step S4210). In the pending display process, based on the information on the special figure 1 reserved ball number, the special figure 2 reserved ball number, and the normal symbol reserved ball number included in the reserved ball number command, the counter set area 94c of the sub RAM 94 is provided. The values of the first special figure reservation effect counter, the second special figure reservation effect counter, and the general figure reservation effect counter are updated. As a result, not only the main control board 80 side but also the sub-control board 90 side can hold the information of each reserved ball number. In addition, the effect control microcomputer 91 is based on the values of the first special figure pending effect counter, the second special figure pending effect counter, and the general figure pending effect counter, the pending image 9A displayed on the display screen 7a, Update 9B. On the other hand, if the command for the number of pending balls has not been received (step S4200: NO), the above-described pending display processing is skipped.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a variation start command is received from the main control board 80 (step S4220). When receiving (step S4220: YES), change production start processing is performed (step S4230). "Variation production start processing" is a process of selecting a variation production pattern (contents) to be executed during special symbol fluctuation. The details of the fluctuation effect start processing will be described later. On the other hand, when it has not received (step S4220: NO), it skips the above-mentioned fluctuation production|presentation start processing.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not the fluctuation stop command is received from the main control board 80 (step S4240). If it is received (step S4240: YES), change effect end processing is performed (step S4250). "Variation effect end processing" is a process for stopping the variation effect that is executed during the special symbol variation. In the fluctuation production end processing, the production control microcomputer 91 sets a counter and the like based on the analysis result of the fluctuation stop command, and sets a fluctuation production end command for ending the fluctuation production. As a result, the effect symbol corresponding to the special figure 1 or the special figure 2 during fluctuation is stopped and displayed. In addition, when the fluctuation stop command is not received (step S4240: NO), the above-mentioned fluctuation production end processing is skipped.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a hit-related command is received from the main control board 80 (step S4260). Win-related commands include a jackpot opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a small prize opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, and the like. Here, if it is received (step S4260: YES), a hit related effect pattern determination process corresponding to each command is performed (step S4270). For example, when an opening command for a big win is received, an effect pattern for the opening effect preset corresponding to the type of the big win is selected, and an opening effect start command for starting the selected opening effect is stored in the sub-RAM 94. It is set in the effect command set area 94b. When the opening effect start command set in the effect command set area 94b is transmitted to the image control board 100 in the command transmission process (step S4130 in FIG. 18), the image control board 100 reads out a predetermined opening effect image, It is displayed on the display screen 7 a of the image display device 7 . The same is true for other commands. On the other hand, if not received (step S4260: NO), the process of step S4270 is skipped.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a general winning command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4280). If it is determined that the general winning command has been received (step S4280: YES), an interrupt effect process is executed (step S4290), and the process proceeds to step S4300. On the other hand, if it is determined that the general winning command has not been received (step S4280: NO), the process of step S4290 is skipped. In step S4300, the effect control microcomputer 91 executes other processes and terminates the received command analysis process.

[Interruption effect processing]
FIG. 22 is a flow chart of the interrupt effect process (FIG. 21: step S4290).
The effect control microcomputer 91 first determines whether or not to execute the effect (step S4400). This determination is made based on the interrupt effect execution random number stored in the sub RAM 94 . If it is determined here that the effect will be executed (step S4400: YES), the process proceeds to step S4401. On the other hand, when it is determined not to execute the effect (step S4400: NO), the interrupt effect process is terminated without executing the subsequent processes.

In step S4401, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not the variable effect is being performed. If it is determined that the variable effect is being performed (step S4401: YES), the process proceeds to step S4402. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not in the variable effect (step S4401: NO), the interrupt effect process is terminated without executing the subsequent processes.

In step S4402, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not there is a big hit change. Here, when it is determined that it is a big hit change (step S4402: YES), a big hit confirmation effect command is set (step S4403), and the interrupt effect processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the variation is not a jackpot (step S4402: NO), the process proceeds to step S4404.

The setting of the jackpot determination effect command is performed with reference to the interrupt effect pattern determination table (FIG. 23). Specifically, the patterns W0 to W5 are selected according to the value of the interrupt effect determination random number stored in the sub-RAM94. Then, a big winning effect command corresponding to the patterns W0 to W5 is set. If the random number is 0-12, the pattern W0 is selected. Pattern W0 is a battle production. If the random number is 13-24, pattern W1 is selected. The pattern W1 is an effect of turning on the board lamp 5. FIG. If the random number is 25-49, pattern W2 is selected. The pattern W2 is an effect of displaying a message image "Super Hot" on the display screen 7a. If the random number is 50-74, pattern W3 is selected. Pattern W3 is an effect of displaying a message image "Congratulations" on the display screen 7a. If the random number is 75-99, pattern W4 is selected. Pattern W4 is an effect of displaying a message image of "big win" on the display screen 7a. If the random number is 100-127, pattern W5 is selected. Pattern W5 is an effect of outputting a sound effect through the speaker 67 .

In step S4404, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not there is reach variation. Here, when it is determined that there is a reach variation (step S4404: YES), a reliability effect command is set (step S4405), and the interrupt effect processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no variation with reach (step S4404: NO), the process of step S4405 is not executed, and the interrupt effect process is terminated.

The reliability effect command is set with reference to the interrupt effect pattern determination table (FIG. 23). Concretely, patterns W6 to W8 are selected according to the interrupt effect determination random number value stored in the sub-RAM94. Then, reliability performance commands corresponding to the patterns W6 to W8 are set. If the random number is 0-9, pattern W6 is selected. The pattern W6 is an effect of displaying a message image "Super hot" on the display screen 7a. If the random number is 10-49, pattern W7 is selected. Pattern W7 is an effect of displaying a message image of "reliability 50%" on the display screen 7a. If the random number is 50-127, pattern W8 is selected. The pattern W8 is an effect of displaying a message image "Maybe it's hot?" on the display screen 7a.

9. Rendering Example of the Present Embodiment An rendering example of the present embodiment will be described below.
[General Winning Interruption A]
FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the general winning interrupt effect A. As shown in FIG. The general prize-winning interrupt effect A is a variation of a big hit.
First, as shown in FIG. 24(A), a variable start effect is executed. The variation start effect is a effect in which the left, middle, and right performance symbols start to change. Here, the left, middle and right performance patterns 8L, 8C and 8R are shown to be fluctuating at high speed. The effect patterns 8L, 8C and 8R which are fluctuating at high speed are transparent or translucent. A board lamp 5 is shown on the left side of the display screen 7a for the sake of convenience (the same applies hereinafter). At this time, the board lamp 5 is extinguished.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(B), the left symbol stop effect is executed. The left symbol stop effect is an effect in which the left effect symbol is stopped. Here, the left effect symbol 8L is stopped at "5" symbol. The right effect pattern 8R and the medium effect pattern 8C fluctuate at high speed. Here, the board lamp 5 is turned off.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(C), a ready-to-win effect is executed. The ready-to-win formation production is a production in which left and right production patterns form a ready-to-win state and stop. Since the left performance symbol 8L is stopped at "5" symbol, the right performance symbol 8R, which has changed at a low speed, stops at "5" symbol, thereby forming reach. Here, the left and right performance symbols 8L and 8R are both stopped at the "5" symbol. The board lamp 5 is off.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(D), the development effect is executed. The development effect is a effect that informs of the development from the normal reach effect to the SP reach effect. Here, a message image MG saying "Development!" is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a. Here, the board lamp 5 is turned off.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(E), a battle effect (first half) is executed. The battle effect is a effect in which the ally character CRA and the enemy character CRB fight. When the ally character CRA wins in the battle presentation, a big win is confirmed. In the battle production (first half), the enemy character CRB pushes the ally character CRA to the right, and the enemy character CRB is superior. Here, the board lamp 5 is turned off.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(F), a battle effect (second half) is executed. In the battle production (second half), the friendly character CRA pushes the enemy character CRB to the left, and the friendly character CRA is superior. Here, the board lamp 5 is turned off.

Here, in particular, it is assumed that a game ball enters the general winning hole 27 following the variable start effect. As a result, an interrupt effect is executed. Specifically, a general winning command is transmitted from the main control board 80 . When the effect control microcomputer 91 receives the general winning command, it executes an interrupt effect process (step S4280 in FIG. 21: YES, step S4290). In this interrupt effect processing, it is assumed that the positive determinations are made in steps S4400 and S4401, and the jackpot final effect command corresponding to the pattern W1 is set. As a result, the manner in which the board lamp 5 is lit is indicated by hatching.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(G), a victory effect is executed. The victory effect is a effect for notifying that the ally character CRA has won. Here, the teammate character CRA is displayed in the central portion of the display screen 7a. Also, a message image MG of "Victory" is displayed on the right side of the display screen 7a. Here, the board lamp 5 is turned off.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(H), a fixed stop effect (jackpot) is executed. The fixed stop production (big win) is a production in which the left, middle and right production patterns are fixed and stopped in a big win mode. Here, all of the left, middle, and right performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are determined and stopped at "5" symbols. The board lamp 5 is off.

In the general prize winning interrupt effect A, an example in which the pattern W1 is selected in the interrupt effect pattern determination table is shown. In the pattern W1, the board lamp 5 lights up. In the general prize winning interrupt performance A, game balls enter the general prize winning port 27 during the battle performance (second half) and the interrupt performance is executed, but the interrupt performance is executed at the timing of the ball entering the general prize winning port 27.例文帳に追加Therefore, there is a possibility that the interrupt effect will be executed over the entire period of one fluctuation from immediately after the variable start effect to just before the fixed stop effect.

[General winning interrupt effect B]
FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the general winning interrupt effect B. FIG. The general prize-winning interrupt effect B is a variation of a big hit. Note that the description of the board lamp 5 shown in the general winning interrupt effect A is omitted under the premise that the effect using the board lamp 5 is not performed.

First, as shown in FIG. 25(A), a variable start effect is executed. The variation start effect is a effect in which the left, middle, and right performance symbols start to change. Here, the left, middle and right performance patterns 8L, 8C and 8R are shown to be fluctuating at high speed. The effect patterns 8L, 8C and 8R which are fluctuating at high speed are transparent or translucent.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(B), the left symbol stop effect is executed. The left symbol stop effect is an effect in which the left effect symbol is stopped. Here, the left effect symbol 8L is stopped at "5" symbol. The right effect pattern 8R and the medium effect pattern 8C fluctuate at high speed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(C), a ready-to-win effect is executed. The ready-to-win formation production is a production in which left and right production patterns form a ready-to-win state and stop. Since the left performance symbol 8L is stopped at "5" symbol, the right performance symbol 8R, which has changed at a low speed, stops at "5" symbol, thereby forming reach. Here, the left and right performance symbols 8L and 8R are both stopped at the "5" symbol.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(D), the development effect is executed. The development effect is a effect that informs of the development from the normal reach effect to the SP reach effect. Here, a message image MG saying "Development!" is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a.

Here, in particular, it is assumed that a game ball enters the general prize winning opening 27 during the development performance.
As a result, an interrupt effect is executed. Specifically, a general winning command is transmitted from the main control board 80 . When the effect control microcomputer 91 receives the general winning command, it executes an interrupt effect process (step S4280 in FIG. 21: YES, step S4290). In this interrupt effect processing, it is assumed that the positive determinations are made in steps S4400 and S4401, and the jackpot final effect command corresponding to pattern W2 is set. As a result, the message image MG saying "Extremely Hot" is displayed at the bottom of the display screen 7a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(E), a battle effect (first half) is executed. The battle effect is a effect in which the ally character CRA and the enemy character CRB fight. When the ally character CRA wins in the battle presentation, a big win is confirmed. In the battle production (first half), the enemy character CRB pushes the ally character CRA to the right, and the enemy character CRB is superior.

Here, in particular, it is assumed that a game ball enters the general winning hole 27 during the battle production (first half). As a result, an interrupt effect is executed. Specifically, a general winning command is transmitted from the main control board 80 . When the effect control microcomputer 91 receives the general winning command, it executes an interrupt effect process (step S4280 in FIG. 21: YES, step S4290). In this interrupt effect processing, it is assumed that affirmative determinations are made in steps S4400 and S4401, and that a big hit confirmation effect command corresponding to pattern W3 is set. As a result, the message image MG saying "Congratulations" is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a so as to overlap the image of the battle effect.

In this way, the interrupt effect is executed at the timing when the game ball enters the general winning hole 27, so it may be executed twice or more during one fluctuation period. In this embodiment, the message image displayed the first time and the message image displayed the second time have no relationship, but for example, a different message image is displayed the second time based on the message image displayed the first time. may be configured. At this time, it is conceivable that the second message image has a higher reliability of transition to the jackpot game than the first message image. The same applies hereinafter.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(F), a battle effect (second half) is executed. In the battle production (second half), the friendly character CRA pushes the enemy character CRB to the left, and the friendly character CRA is superior.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(G), a victory effect is executed. The victory effect is a effect for notifying that the ally character CRA has won. Here, the teammate character CRA is displayed in the central portion of the display screen 7a. Also, a message image MG of "Victory" is displayed on the right side of the display screen 7a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(H), a fixed stop effect (jackpot) is executed. The fixed stop production (big win) is a production in which the left, middle and right production patterns are fixed and stopped in a big win mode. Here, all of the left, middle, and right performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are determined and stopped at "5" symbols.

[General Winning Interruption C]
FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the general winning interrupt effect C. As shown in FIG. The general prize-winning interrupt effect C is a variation of reach loss. Note that, on the premise that the effect using the board lamp 5 is not performed, the board lamp 5 shown in the general prize winning interrupt effect A is not described as in the general prize winning interrupt effect B.

First, as shown in FIG. 26(A), a variable start effect is executed. The variation start effect is a effect in which the left, middle, and right performance symbols start to change. Here, the left, middle and right performance patterns 8L, 8C and 8R are shown to be fluctuating at high speed. The effect patterns 8L, 8C and 8R which are fluctuating at high speed are transparent or translucent.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(B), the left symbol stop effect is executed. The left symbol stop effect is an effect in which the left effect symbol is stopped. Here, the left effect symbol 8L is stopped at "5" symbol. The right effect pattern 8R and the medium effect pattern 8C fluctuate at high speed.

Here, in particular, it is assumed that a game ball enters the general winning hole 27 following the left symbol stop effect. As a result, an interrupt effect is executed. Specifically, a general winning command is transmitted from the main control board 80 . When the effect control microcomputer 91 receives the general winning command, it executes an interrupt effect process (step S4280 in FIG. 21: YES, step S4290). In this interrupt effect processing, it is assumed that affirmative determination is made in step S4400, negative determination is made in step S4401, affirmative determination is made in step S4404, and a reliability effect command corresponding to pattern W8 is set. As a result, a message image MG saying "Is it hot?" is displayed in the upper right part of the display screen 7a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(C), a ready-to-win effect is executed. The ready-to-win formation production is a production in which left and right production patterns form a ready-to-win state and stop. Since the left performance symbol 8L is stopped at "5" symbol, the right performance symbol 8R, which has changed at a low speed, stops at "5" symbol, thereby forming reach. Here, the left and right performance symbols 8L and 8R are both stopped at the "5" symbol.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(D), the development effect is executed. The development effect is a effect that informs of the development from the normal reach effect to the SP reach effect. Here, a message image MG saying "Development!" is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(E), a battle effect (first half) is executed. The battle effect is a effect in which the ally character CRA and the enemy character CRB fight. When the ally character CRA wins in the battle presentation, a big win is confirmed. In the battle production (first half), the enemy character CRB pushes the ally character CRA to the right, and the enemy character CRB is superior.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(F), a battle effect (second half) is executed. In the battle production (second half), the friendly character CRA pushes the enemy character CRB to the left, and the friendly character CRA is superior.

Here, in particular, it is assumed that a game ball enters the general winning hole 27 during the battle production (second half). As a result, an interrupt effect is executed. Specifically, a general winning command is transmitted from the main control board 80 . When the effect control microcomputer 91 receives the general winning command, it executes an interrupt effect process (step S4280 in FIG. 21: YES, step S4290). In this interrupt effect processing, it is assumed that affirmative determination is made in step S4400, negative determination is made in step S4401, affirmative determination is made in step S4404, and a reliability effect command corresponding to pattern W7 is set. As a result, the message image MG reading "Reliability 50%" is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a so as to overlap the image of the battle effect (second half).

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(G), a defeat effect is executed. The defeat effect is a effect notifying that the ally character CRA has been defeated. Here, the enemy character CRB is displayed in the central portion of the display screen 7a. Also, a message image MG reading "defeat" is displayed on the right side of the display screen 7a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(H), a fixed stop effect (losing) is executed. The fixed stop production (loss) is a production in which the left, middle, and right production patterns are fixed and stopped in the form of loss. Here, the left and right performance symbols 8L and 8R are determined and stopped at "5" symbols, and the middle performance symbol 8C is determined and stopped at "6" symbols.

[General winning interrupt effect D]
FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining the general winning interrupt effect D. As shown in FIG. The general prize-winning interrupt effect D is a variation of a big win. Note that, on the premise that the effect using the board lamp 5 is not performed, the board lamp 5 shown in the general prize winning interrupt effect A is not described as in the general prize winning interrupt effects B and C.

First, as shown in FIG. 27(A), a variable start effect is executed. The variation start effect is a effect in which the left, middle, and right performance symbols start to change. Here, the left, middle and right performance patterns 8L, 8C and 8R are shown to be fluctuating at high speed. The effect patterns 8L, 8C and 8R which are fluctuating at high speed are transparent or translucent.

It is assumed that a game ball enters the general winning hole 27 following this variable start effect. As a result, an interrupt effect is executed. Specifically, a general winning command is transmitted from the main control board 80 . When the effect control microcomputer 91 receives the general winning command, it executes an interrupt effect process (step S4280 in FIG. 21: YES, step S4290). In this interrupt effect processing, it is assumed that affirmative determination is made in step S4400, negative determination is made in step S4401, affirmative determination is made in step S4404, and a big hit confirmation effect command corresponding to pattern W0 is set.

By setting the command corresponding to the pattern W0, the interrupt effects shown in FIGS. 27(B) to 27(D) are executed. This interruption effect is a battle effect. The battle effect is a effect in which the ally character CRA and the enemy character CRB fight. When the ally character CRA wins in the battle presentation, a big win is confirmed.

In FIG. 27(B), an interrupt effect (early stage) is being executed. In the interrupt effect (early stage), the enemy character CRB pushes the ally character CRA to the right, and the enemy character CRB is superior.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(C), an interrupt effect (mid-term) is executed. In the interrupt effect (mid-term), the ally character CRA pushes the enemy character CRB to the left, and the ally character CRA is superior.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(D), an interrupt effect (late stage) is executed. The interrupt effect (late stage) is a effect for notifying the victory or defeat of the teammate character CRA. Here, the teammate character CRA is displayed in the central portion of the display screen 7a. Also, a message image MG of "Victory" is displayed on the right side of the display screen 7a.

When the interrupt effect interrupted immediately after the variable start effect is completed, the symbol variable effect is executed as shown in FIG. 27(E). Here, the left, middle, and right performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R fluctuate at high speed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(F), the left symbol stop effect is executed. The left symbol stop effect is an effect in which the left effect symbol is stopped. Here, the left effect symbol 8L is stopped at "5" symbol. The right effect pattern 8R and the medium effect pattern 8C fluctuate at high speed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(G), a ready-to-win effect is executed. The ready-to-win formation production is a production in which left and right production patterns form a ready-to-win state and stop. Since the left performance symbol 8L is stopped at "5" symbol, the right performance symbol 8R, which has changed at a low speed, stops at "5" symbol, thereby forming reach. Here, the left and right performance symbols 8L and 8R are both stopped at the "5" symbol.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(H), a fixed stop effect (jackpot) is executed. The fixed stop production (big win) is a production in which the left, middle and right production patterns are fixed and stopped in a big win mode. Here, all of the left, middle, and right performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are determined and stopped at "5" symbols.

In the general prize winning interrupt effect D, an example is shown in which the pattern W0 is selected in the interrupt effect pattern determination table. In pattern W0, a battle effect is executed as an interrupt effect. That is, in the middle of a series of variable performances in one variation, the battle performance is interrupted at the timing when the ball enters the general winning hole 27. - 特許庁Therefore, when the fluctuation stop timing is approaching and the fluctuation time for executing the battle effect is not secured, the pattern W0 is not selected. Also, in the general award-winning interrupt effect D, the entire display screen 7a is used to execute the battle effect, but a specific area of the display screen 7a may be used to execute the battle effect. At this time, it is conceivable that the battle production is executed so as to cover a part of the series of variable productions.

10. Effect example, modification example, and aspect example of the present embodiment [Effect example]
Examples of effects of this embodiment are shown below.
[Effect 1]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, when a game ball enters the general winning hole 27, a general winning command is transmitted from the main control board 80 (step S103 in FIG. 12). When the effect control microcomputer 91 receives the general winning command, it executes an interrupt effect process (step S4280 in FIG. 21: YES, step S4290). As a result, at the timing based on the winning of the game ball into the general winning opening 27, an interrupt effect based on the result of the jackpot lottery is executed (Fig. 24 (F), Fig. 25 (D) (E), Fig. 26 (B). ) (F), FIGS. 27(B)-(D)). According to this configuration, unlike the conventional one, unlike the scheduled effect, the effect is executed at the timing of entering the ball, so that the interest in the game can be improved. The image display device 7 corresponds to "display means", and the display screen 7a corresponds to "display screen". Also, the first starting port 20 and the second starting port 21 correspond to the "starting port", and the series of variable effects shown in FIGS. 24 to 27 correspond to the "variable display effect". Furthermore, the general prize winning opening 27 corresponds to the "specific ball entrance", and the interrupt effect corresponds to the "performance when entering the ball".

[Effect 2]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the interrupt effect can be executed when a game ball enters the general winning hole 27 and when a predetermined condition is satisfied (steps S4400, S4401, step S4402, step S4404). According to this configuration, the effectiveness of the interrupt effect can be enhanced, and the interest in the game can be enhanced.

[Effect 3]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, it is a necessary condition to win a lottery to determine whether or not to execute the interrupt effect in order to execute the interrupt effect. According to this configuration, it is possible to relatively easily control the execution frequency of the interrupt effect, and to improve the interest of the game.

[Effect 4]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, it is a necessary condition that the variable effect is being executed in order to execute the interrupt effect. According to this configuration, the interrupt effect is executed at a certain timing during the period from the start to the end of the variable effect.

[Effect 5]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, when the determination result is a big win, the interrupt effect can be a big win confirmation effect that notifies the confirmation of the big win (FIG. 23). According to this configuration, since the timing of the big win confirmation effect is determined by the winning of the game ball into the general winning opening 27, the interest of the game can be improved.

[Effect 6]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, an interrupt effect can be executed using the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 (FIGS. 25(E), (H), FIG. 26(D), FIGS. ). According to this configuration, the interruption effect becomes easy to understand, and the amusement of the game can be improved.

[Effect 7]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, an interrupt effect can be executed using the board lamp 5 (Fig. 24(A)). According to this configuration, it is possible to give a surprise by the interruption effect, and to improve the interest of the game. Note that the board lamp 5 corresponds to the "specific light-emitting lamp".

[Modification]
4 shows a modification of the present embodiment.
[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, the interrupt effect is executed in the middle of the variable effect. On the other hand, other than the period of the fluctuation production, that is, the interruption production may be performed during the period when the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped. In this case, it is conceivable that the interrupt effect is a effect based on the prefetch result of the reserved storage. In this sense, "performing a lottery based on the ball entering the starting hole" includes a look-ahead (preliminary determination) based on the ball entering the starting hole.

[Modification 2]
In the above-described embodiment, the interrupt effect is executed at the timing based on the winning of the game ball to the general winning opening 27 . On the other hand, the interrupt effect may be executed at the timing based on the winning (entering the ball) to a winning opening (entering ball opening) other than the general winning opening 27 . For example, the interrupt effect may be executed at the timing based on the ball entering the starting holes 20 and 21 . Further, for example, an interrupt effect may be executed at timing based on the game ball entering the warp portion 12 or the gate 28 .

[Modification 3]
In the above-described embodiment, an example of a variable effect that develops from normal reach to SP reach (battle effect) is taken as an example. On the other hand, an interrupt effect may be executed in a variable effect that does not develop from normal reach to SP reach.

[Modification 4]
In the above-described embodiment, when the determination result as the result of the lottery is "big hit" and "ready to lose", the interrupt effect is executed (FIG. 23). On the other hand, the configuration may be such that the interrupt effect is executed only when the determination result is "big hit". Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the interrupt effect is executed not only in the case of "big win" and "reach loss" but also in the case of "bare loss".

[Modification 5]
In the above-described embodiment, the pattern of turning on the board lamp 5 is taken as an example of the interrupt effect. On the other hand, a dedicated lamp may be provided for use in the interrupt effect. For example, it is conceivable that the lamp is lit so that an image in line with the theme of the gaming machine emerges. Further, for example, a so-called lamp (so-called patrol lamp) that rotates may be used.

[Modification 6]
In the above embodiment, the board lamp 5, the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, or the speaker 67 is used to execute the interrupt effect (FIG. 23). On the other hand, it is good also as a structure which performs interruption production|presentation using an accessory. For example, it is conceivable to use the frame movable body 600 to execute an interrupt effect. In this case, the frame movable body 600 is displaced from the retracted state stored inside the front frame 53 to the exposed state projecting upward from the front frame 53 by executing the interrupt effect.

[Modification 7]
In the above-described embodiment, the message image MG is displayed at specific positions (center, upper right, lower) of the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. FIG. Alternatively, for example, a cut-in image or background image that covers the entire screen may be displayed as the message image MG. At this time, the image does not have to include a character string. For example, in the case of a background image for a big win, a rainbow background image is used.

[Mode example]
The gaming machine of this embodiment can implement the following aspects.
[Aspect 1]
A display means having a display screen,
A lottery is held based on the ball entering the starting port, and when notifying the result of the lottery, a variable display performance is a series of performances in one variation from the start to the stop of the pattern variation on the display screen. A gaming machine that executes
When a game ball enters a specific ball entrance, at the timing based on the entry of the game ball, it is possible to execute a ball-entry effect that suggests information related to the result of the lottery.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 2]
The gaming machine according to aspect 1,
The effect at the time of ball entry can be executed when a game ball enters the specific ball entrance and when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 3]
The gaming machine according to aspect 2,
The predetermined condition is satisfied by winning a lottery to determine whether or not to execute the effect at the time of entering the ball.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 4]
A gaming machine according to aspect 2 or aspect 3,
The predetermined condition is satisfied when the variable display effect is being executed.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 5]
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 4,
The effect at the time of entering the ball includes a jackpot confirmation effect executed when the result of the lottery is a big win,
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 6]
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 5,
The ball-entering effect can be executed using the display screen of the display means.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 7]
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 6,
The ball-entering effect can be executed using a specific light-emitting lamp,
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Other Modifications]
The various display effects described above may include a configuration that does not include some of the effects, or may include effects other than those described above.

The gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment has been described by taking a pachinko gaming machine as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, instead of the pachinko game machine, the present invention may be applied to a reel-type game machine such as a slot machine, an arrange ball game machine, or a mahjong ball game machine. When the game machine 1 is a slot machine, the game medium may be changed from game balls to game medals.

The gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment is a gaming machine equipped with a payout device for paying out balls, but is not limited to this. For example, instead of the game machine 1, the present invention may be applied to a game machine without a payout device, such as a so-called enclosed game machine.

In addition, among the plurality of production examples and/or modifications described above, two or more production examples and/or modifications may be combined. Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 may include a sub-display device in addition to the image display device 7 . In this case, the display effects described above may be executed by the sub-display device.

The present aspect has been described above based on the embodiments and modifications, but the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present aspect, and do not limit the present aspect. This aspect may be modified and modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and this aspect includes equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Game machine 5... Board lamp 7... Image display device 7a... Display screen 81... Game control microcomputer 91... Production control microcomputer 101... Image control microcomputer

Claims (7)

A display means having a display screen,
A lottery is held based on the ball entering the starting port, and when notifying the result of the lottery, a variable display performance is a series of performances in one variation from the start to the stop of the pattern variation on the display screen. A gaming machine that executes
When a game ball enters a specific ball entrance, at the timing based on the entry of the game ball, it is possible to execute a ball-entry effect that suggests information related to the result of the lottery.
A gaming machine characterized by: The gaming machine according to claim 1,
The effect at the time of ball entry can be executed when a game ball enters the specific ball entrance and when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
A gaming machine characterized by: The gaming machine according to claim 2,
The predetermined condition is satisfied by winning a lottery to determine whether or not to execute the effect at the time of entering the ball.
A gaming machine characterized by: The gaming machine according to claim 2 or claim 3,
The predetermined condition is satisfied when the variable display effect is being executed.
A gaming machine characterized by: The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The effect at the time of entering the ball includes a jackpot confirmation effect executed when the result of the lottery is a big win,
A gaming machine characterized by: The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The ball-entering effect can be executed using the display screen of the display means.
A gaming machine characterized by: The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The ball-entering effect can be executed using a specific light-emitting lamp,
A gaming machine characterized by:

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