JP5183656B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs jackpot determination when a game ball enters a starting port and wins a jackpot with a predetermined probability.

  In a conventional gaming machine, data for jackpot determination is acquired on condition that a game ball has entered the starting port, and it is determined whether or not to win a jackpot based on the data for jackpot determination. If a jackpot is won by such a jackpot determination, the game shifts to a jackpot game, and the big prize opening provided on the game board is opened, making it easy to win a game ball and responding to the game ball won in the big prize opening The winning ball is paid out to the player. In addition, when a new game ball enters the start port while performing a jackpot determination, the jackpot determination data can be stored in a predetermined number (for example, four), and are sequentially held. The jackpot determination is performed based on the data that is present.

  In addition, when the jackpot determination is made, on the screen for the effect that the player mainly pays attention during the game, the effect symbol display is changed, and when the jackpot is won, the change display is It becomes a special mode, and the player recognizes that it will be a big hit by the change display of the special mode being performed.

  Further, the number stored in the hold is displayed on the display screen for effects to notify the player of the hold number. Whether or not the data for jackpot determination that is held in this way is the data that wins the jackpot, prior determination is made before the jackpot determination is made, and the data that is held as a result of the prior determination wins the jackpot In the case of data, there is known a gaming machine that changes the mode of displaying the number of the number stored on hold and notifies the player that the jackpot will be won (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-140267 A

  In this way, by performing a variable display of a special mode on the display screen for effects, or performing a jackpot notice in the mode of an image that informs that the data for jackpot determination is stored on hold, A person can play a game with a sense of expectation that he / she may always be informed that the jackpot has been won, not only when the result of the jackpot determination is obtained.

  However, since the player can expect to win the jackpot before the result of the jackpot determination is displayed by the change display or the notice notification of the special mode as described above, the display of the change or the notice of these changes is not possible. Stop playing game balls when they are being played.

  This is because, in order to obtain the right to make a jackpot determination, the player usually keeps hitting the game ball to enter the game ball at the start, but if it is determined that the jackpot will be won, This is due to the fact that there are few merits to enter the starting port. This is because, when a big win is won, a game ball that has been launched in order to enter the big winning opening in the big hit game may enter the starting opening. Another reason for stopping the launch of the game ball is that the player wants to pay attention to the above-described special mode of change display and notice notice.

  Therefore, there are problems that if the variation display and the notice notification in a special mode are various, the time for the player to stop launching the game ball is increased and the operating rate of the gaming machine is lowered. is there.

  The object of the present invention is to make it difficult for a player to interrupt the launch of a game ball before the jackpot game is started, even if a variety of special modes of change display and notice notification are adopted, and the operation of the gaming machine It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can reduce a decrease in rate.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a start opening capable of entering a game ball, a start opening detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the start opening, and the game ball is detected by the start opening detecting means. A determination information acquisition means for acquiring special determination information and gaming state determination information based on the information, and a special hold for storing the special determination information and the gaming state determination information acquired by the determination information acquisition means up to a predetermined upper limit value. A storage means, a special game determination means for determining whether or not to play a special game advantageous to a player based on the special determination information stored in the special hold storage means, and the special game determination means. The special game control means for controlling execution of the special game and the special game judgment means control the special game with a first probability on the condition that the special game is determined to be performed. A game in one of a gaming state of a low probability gaming state to be judged and a high probability gaming state in which the special game judging means judges that the special game is performed with a second probability higher than the first probability. Based on the game state determination information stored in the special hold storage means when it is determined that the special game control means controls the game state control means for controlling the special game determination means. After the execution of the game, the gaming state control means determines whether the gaming state is to be controlled in the low probability gaming state or the high probability gaming state, and the special game control means Effect game control means for controlling an effect game that is advanced when a special game is being executed and at least success or failure is determined as a result. Game control means, when the special game is being executed, the control of the presentation game number of times the special holding storage means is proportional to the number of the special determination information stored at the start of execution of the special game And when the game state determination means determines that the gaming state after execution of the special game is controlled in the high probability gaming state, the result of any of the effect games is regarded as successful, and the game after execution of the special game When it is determined that the state is controlled in the low-probability gaming state, the results of all the production games are determined to be failures.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the game ball enters the start port, the special determination information is acquired, and the acquired special determination information is held and stored up to a predetermined number (for example, four). Then, based on the special determination information stored on hold, a special game determination (a jackpot determination) is performed as to whether or not to perform a special game (a jackpot game).

  In addition, when the jackpot game is being executed, an effect game is performed. As the result of the production game, at least “success” and “failure” are determined (so-called “win” and “los”). In this effect game, the ratio of “successful” increases as the number of special determination information (holding balls) stored on hold at the start of the jackpot game increases.

  For example, if the production game is a baseball game that is “successful” when a home run is hit, and “failure” otherwise, only one ball is hit when there is one reserved ball at the start of the jackpot game. If you have four, you can hit four balls. In addition, when the production game is a car racing game, if there is only one holding ball at the start of the jackpot, the running speed of the car can only be up to 100 km / h, but if it is four, the speed can be up to 400 km / h. . Note that when the production game is “successful”, for example, a privilege image is displayed, and thereby the player's interest in the production game can be more strongly attracted.

  Here, when an effect (for example, so-called super reach) that suggests winning the jackpot is performed during the fluctuation display for displaying the result of the jackpot determination, the player The launch is often interrupted. This is because if you want to concentrate on the above-mentioned super-reaches or other effects, or if you want to enter the game ball at the big prize opening during the big hit game, the game ball will also enter the starting hole. This is because, for example, it may be considered that there is no need to enter the game ball into the starting port while consuming the game ball in a situation where the game may be performed. For this reason, when the above-described super reach is performed, the player stops launching the game ball, so that the player is launched into the gaming machine per unit time as compared with the case where the game ball is continuously launched during the super reach. The total number of played balls will be reduced.

  However, since the production game is performed during the jackpot game, it is possible to encourage the player to continue to hit the game ball before the jackpot game is started. While suppressing hitting (interruption of game ball launch), it is possible to reduce a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine. Note that a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine means that the game hall (hall) suffers a disadvantage.

  In other words, the more reserved balls at the start of the jackpot game, the higher the possibility of winning the effect game. Therefore, the player tries to increase the number of reserved balls in order to win the effect game, and thus continues to launch the game balls toward the starting port until the jackpot game is over. Note that when the effect game is won, some benefit may be given to the player, such as displaying a privilege image. In this case, the player has a stronger desire to win the production game, and the possibility that the player continues to launch the game ball is increased.

Further , when a game ball enters the start opening, special determination information and gaming state determination information are acquired, and the acquired special determination information and gaming state determination information are held and stored up to a predetermined number (for example, four). The Then, based on the special determination information stored on hold, a special game determination (a jackpot determination) is performed as to whether or not to perform a special game (a jackpot game). The jackpot winning probability by the jackpot determination differs depending on which gaming state is controlled at the time of the jackpot determination. That is, the gaming state is controlled in one of the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state. And, when being controlled to the high probability gaming state, the jackpot winning probability by the jackpot determination is higher than when being controlled to the low probability gaming state. In addition, after the jackpot game ends, the game state transitions to either the low probability game state or the high probability game state, and the game state after the transition is determined by the determination based on the game state determination information when the jackpot is won. .

  In addition, when the jackpot game is being executed, an effect game is performed. As the result of the production game, either “success” or “failure” is determined (so-called “winning” or “losing” the game). The result of the effect game is determined by the gaming state after the jackpot game in which the effect game is being performed. That is, when it is determined that the gaming state is controlled in the high-probability gaming state after the jackpot game is ended by the determination of the gaming state performed at the time of the jackpot winning, the effect game is determined as “successful”, while the jackpot game ends. If it is later determined that the gaming state is controlled in the low-probability gaming state, the performance game is determined as “failure”. In other words, if the production game is “successful”, the game shifts to a high-probability gaming state after the jackpot game is ended, and if the production game is “failed”, the game is shifted to a low-probability gaming state after the game.

  Further, the effect game progresses so as to give the player an impression that as the number of special determination information (holding ball) stored on hold at the start of the jackpot game increases, the player is more likely to be “successful”. For example, if the production game is a baseball game that is “successful” when a home run is hit, and “failure” otherwise, only one ball is hit when there is one reserved ball at the start of the jackpot game. If you have four, you can hit four balls. In the case of such a game, since the number of balls that can be hit in the baseball game increases as the number of reserved balls increases, the player is given an impression that the probability of success in the production game increases as the number of held balls increases. It will be.

  In other words, this enables the player to be provided with the benefits of continuing to launch the game ball even if it can be predicted to some extent that a big hit will be made before the big hit determination result is obtained. .

  From the above, in a production game that transitions to a high-probability gaming state after the jackpot game ends when it is successful, it is easy to give the player an impression that the more the number of reserved balls at the time of jackpot winning, the easier the player will be. By the time of winning the jackpot, as many game balls as possible are going to enter the start opening. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the player's stop until the jackpot game is started, and to reduce the decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to find a profit for launching a game ball when a player makes a stop-attack (scene, situation), and thus reduce a decrease in the operating rate of the game machine. Can do.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a perspective view of the back side of a gaming machine It is a block diagram of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows an example of a big hit determination table and a hit determination table. It is a figure which shows an example of the symbol determination table. It is a figure which shows an example of the game state change flag determination table and the jackpot end setting data table. It is a figure which shows an example of the special electric accessory operating mode determination table. It is a figure which shows an example of the open mode determination table for long hits, the open mode determination table for short hits, and the open mode determination table for small hits. It is a figure which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table. It is a figure which shows an example of the variation production pattern determination table. It is a figure which shows an example of the hit production pattern determination table. It is a figure which shows the main process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the timer interruption process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the input control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the 1st start port detection switch input process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special figure special electric control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special symbol memory | storage determination process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the big hit determination process in the main control board. It is a figure which shows the special symbol fluctuation | variation process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special symbol stop process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the jackpot game process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the small hit game process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the jackpot game end process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the common figure normal electric power control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the normal symbol fluctuation | variation process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the normal electric accessory control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the main process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the timer interruption process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the command analysis process 1 in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the command analysis process 2 in an effect control board. It is a figure showing a hit production pattern determination process in the production control board. It is a figure which shows an example of the display mode in a liquid crystal display device.

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

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the back side of the gaming machine.

  The gaming machine 1 is provided with a gaming board 2 in which a gaming area 6 in which gaming balls flow down is formed, and a glass frame 110 is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the gaming area 6 of the gaming board 2. An operation handle 3 is rotatably provided on the glass frame 110.

  When the player touches the operation handle 3, the touch sensor 3 b in the operation handle 3 detects that the player has touched the operation handle 3 and transmits a touch signal to the firing control board 106. When the firing control board 106 receives a touch signal from the touch sensor 3b, the firing control board 106 permits energization of the firing solenoid 4a. When the rotation angle of the operation handle 3 is changed, the gear directly connected to the operation handle 3 rotates and the knob of the firing volume 3a connected to the gear rotates. A voltage corresponding to the detection angle of the firing volume 3a is applied to a firing solenoid 4a provided in the game ball launching mechanism. When a voltage is applied to the firing solenoid 4a, the firing solenoid 4a is operated according to the applied voltage, and the game ball is directed toward the game area 6 with a strength according to the rotation angle of the operation handle 3. Fire.

  The game ball fired as described above rises between the rails 5 a and 5 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 2, and then falls within the game area 6. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills (not shown) provided in the game area 6.

  The game area 6 is provided with a plurality of general winning ports 7. Each of these general winning ports 7 is provided with a general winning port detecting switch 7a. When this general winning port detecting switch 7a detects the entering of a game ball, a predetermined winning ball (for example, 10 game balls) is provided. Will be paid out.

  Further, in the gaming area 6, above the general winning opening 7, a normal symbol gate 8 is provided so as to pass the game ball. The normal symbol gate 8 is provided with a gate detection switch 8a for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 8a detects the passage of the game ball, the normal symbol lottery described later is performed.

  Further, a lower start position of the game area 6 is provided with a first start port 9 through which a game ball can enter, similarly to the general winning port 7. Further, a second start port 10 is provided directly below the first start port 9. The second starting port 10 has a pair of movable pieces 10b, a first mode in which the pair of movable pieces 10b is maintained in a closed state, and a second mode in which the pair of movable pieces 10b are in an open state. It is controlled to move according to the mode. When the second starting port 10 is controlled in the first mode, the first starting port 9 located immediately above the second starting port 10 becomes an obstacle and does not accept game balls. It is possible or difficult. On the other hand, when the second starting port 10 is controlled to the second mode, the pair of movable pieces 10b function as a tray, and it is easy to enter the game ball into the second starting port 10. That is, when the second start port 10 is in the first mode, there is almost no opportunity for entering a game ball, and when the second start port 10 is in the second mode, the opportunity for entering a game ball is increased.

  The first start port 9 and the second start port 10 are provided with a first start port detection switch 9a and a second start port detection switch 10a for detecting the entrance of a game ball, respectively. When the game ball is detected, a lottery for acquiring a right to execute a jackpot game, which will be described later (hereinafter referred to as a “hit lottery”), is performed. Also, when the detection switches 9a and 10a detect the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 3 game balls) is paid out. In the present embodiment, the first start port 9 and the second start port 10 constitute a start port, and the start port detection switch 9a and the second start port detection switch 10a constitute a start port detecting means.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a special winning opening 11 is provided further below the second starting opening 10. The special winning opening 11 is normally kept closed by the special winning opening / closing door 11b, and it is impossible to enter a game ball. On the other hand, when a special game, which will be described later, is started, the special prize opening / closing door 11b is opened, and the special prize opening / closing door 11b functions as a tray for guiding the game ball into the special winning opening 11, A game ball can enter the big prize opening 11. The big prize opening 11 is provided with a big prize opening detection switch 11a. When the big prize opening detection switch 11a detects the entry of a game ball, preset prize balls (for example, nine game balls) are provided. To be paid out.

  The player does not enter any of the general winning port 7, the first starting port 9, the second starting port 10, and the grand winning port 11 further below the grand winning port 11, that is, at the bottom of the game area 6. A discharge port 12 is provided for discharging the game balls.

In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an effect device for performing various effects.
Specifically, a liquid crystal display device 13 composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is provided at a substantially central portion of the game area 6. 14 and 15 are provided. Further, an effect lighting device 16 is provided at both the upper position and the lower position of the game board 2, and an effect button 17 is provided on the left side of the operation handle 3.

  The liquid crystal display device 13 displays an image while the game is not being performed or displays an image according to the progress of the game. In particular, when a game ball enters the first start port 9 or the second start port 10, the effect symbol 30 for notifying the player of the lottery result is displayed in a variable manner. The effect symbol 30 is, for example, scrolling and displaying three numbers, and stopping the scrolling after a predetermined time has elapsed, and displaying a specific symbol (number) in an array. As a result, while the symbols are being scrolled, the player is given an impression that the lottery is currently being performed, and the player is notified of the lottery result by the symbols displayed when the scrolling is stopped. By displaying various images, characters, and the like during the variation display of the effect symbol 30, a high expectation that the player may win a big hit is given to the player.

  Further, the liquid crystal display device 13 also displays a special figure reservation symbol 40 for informing the number of special symbols to be reserved (see FIG. 32, details will be described later). As will be described later, when the player can enter the first starting port 9 or the second starting port 10 when the big hit lottery cannot be performed immediately, the right of the big hit lottery can be reserved. Then, the number of reserved rights (holding balls) is displayed according to the number of displayed special figure holding symbols 40. The special figure holding symbol 40 allows the player to check the current number of balls to be held.

  As will be described later, the number of reserved special symbols is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 22 and the second special symbol hold indicator 23. However, since the player focuses on the liquid crystal display device 13 instead of the on-hold display device in the state of playing the game, the number of reserved special symbols is also displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13. In this way, the convenience of the player is improved.

  The stage effect devices 14 and 15 give a player a sense of expectation according to their operation modes. In the present embodiment, the stage effect device 14 is composed of a movable device in the shape of a person's face, and the bag is used as the stage effect device 15. The stage effect device 14 moves, for example, in the left-right direction or protrudes to the front side of the gaming machine 1. In addition, the production effect device 15 is configured such that the opening degree of the bag is variably controlled. Various expectation feelings are given to the player by the combination of the operation modes of these effect actor devices 14 and 15 and the operations of both effect actor devices 14 and 15.

  In addition, the effect lighting device 16 includes a plurality of lights 16a, and performs various effects while changing the light irradiation direction and emission color of each light 16a.

  Further, an effect button 17 that can be pressed by the player is provided on the left side of the operation handle 3. For example, the effect button 17 is effective only when a message for operating the effect button 17 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13. The effect button 17 is provided with an effect button detection switch 17a. When the effect button detection switch 17a detects the player's operation, a further effect is executed according to this operation.

  Further, although not shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an audio output device 18 (see FIG. 3) formed of a speaker, and in addition to the above-described effect devices, a sound effect is also performed. ing.

  Below the game area 6, a first special symbol display device 19, a second special symbol display device 20, a normal symbol display device 21, a first special symbol hold indicator 22, a second special symbol hold indicator 23, A normal symbol hold indicator 24 is provided.

  The first special symbol display device 19 notifies a jackpot lottery result performed when a game ball enters the first starting port 9, and is composed of 7-segment LEDs. In other words, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is notified to the player by displaying the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first special symbol display device 19. I am doing so. For example, “7” is displayed when the jackpot is won, and “−” is displayed when the player wins. “7” and “−” displayed in this way are special symbols, but these special symbols are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time. .

  More specifically, when a game ball enters the first starting port 9, a jackpot lottery will be performed. However, the jackpot lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, and a predetermined time is passed. The player is notified when it has passed. When a predetermined time has elapsed, a special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result. The second special symbol display device 20 is for informing a lottery winning result that is made when a game ball enters the second starting port 10, and the display mode is the above-mentioned first display mode. This is the same as the special symbol display mode in the special symbol display device 19.

  Further, the normal symbol display device 21 is for notifying the lottery result of the normal symbol that is performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 8. As will be described in detail later, when the winning symbol is won by the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 21 is turned on, and then the second start port 10 is controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time. Note that this normal symbol also does not immediately notify the lottery result when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 8, but the normal symbol display device 21 blinks until a predetermined time elapses. Is displayed in a variable manner.

  Furthermore, when a game ball enters the first start port 9 or the second start port 10 during special symbol fluctuation display or during special games described later, a certain condition must be met. The right to win a jackpot is reserved. More specifically, the right to win a jackpot where a game ball enters and is retained at the first start port 9 is retained as a first hold, and a game ball is retained and retained at the second start port 10. The jackpot lottery right is reserved as a second hold.

  For both of these holds, the upper limit reserve number is set to four, and the reserved number is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 22 and the second special symbol hold indicator 23, respectively. When there is one first hold, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 22 lights up, and when there are two first holds, the two LEDs on the first special symbol hold indicator 22 Lights up. Further, when there are three first holds, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 22 blinks and the right LED is lit. When there are four first holds, the first special symbol hold The two LEDs on the display 22 flash. In addition, the second special symbol hold indicator 23 displays the number of the second reserved reserves as described above.

  The upper limit reserved number of normal symbols is also set to four, and the reserved number of normal symbols is displayed in the same manner as the first special symbol hold indicator 22 and the second special symbol hold indicator 23. Displayed on the device 24.

  The glass frame 110 supports a glass plate (not shown) that covers the game area 6 so as to be visible in front of the game board 2 (player side). The glass plate is detachably fixed to the glass frame 110.

  The glass frame 110 is connected to the outer frame 100 via a hinge mechanism portion 111 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine), and the other end in the left-right direction with the hinge mechanism portion 111 as a fulcrum. The side (for example, the right side facing the gaming machine) can be rotated in a direction to release it from the outer frame 100. The glass frame 110 covers the game board 2 together with the glass plate 111, and can be opened like a door with the hinge mechanism 111 as a fulcrum to open the inner part of the outer frame 100 including the game board 2. On the other end side of the glass frame 110, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 110 to the outer frame 100 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. The glass frame 110 is also provided with a door opening switch 33 (see FIG. 3) for detecting whether or not the glass frame 110 is opened from the outer frame 100.

  On the back surface of the gaming machine 1, a main control board 101, an effect control board 102, a payout control board 103, a power supply board 107, a game information output terminal board 108, and the like are provided. Further, the power supply board 107 is provided with a power plug 50 for supplying power to the gaming machine and a power switch (not shown).

(Internal structure of control means)
Next, control means for controlling the progress of the game will be described using the block diagram of the gaming machine of FIG.

  The main control board 101 controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 101 includes a main CPU 101a, a main ROM 101b, and a main RAM 101c. The main CPU 101a reads out a program stored in the main ROM 101b based on an input signal from each detection switch or timer, performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device or display, or outputs the result of the arithmetic processing. In response, a command is transmitted to another board. The main RAM 101c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 101a.

  A general winning opening detection switch 7a, a gate detection switch 8a, a first starting opening detection switch 9a, a second starting opening detection switch 10a, and a large winning opening detection switch 11a are connected to the input side of the main control board 101. The game ball detection signal is input to the main control board 101.

  Further, on the output side of the main control board 101, a starting opening / closing solenoid 10c for opening / closing the pair of movable pieces 10b of the second starting opening 10 and a large winning opening opening / closing solenoid 11c for opening / closing the large winning opening opening / closing door 11b. Are connected, and the first special symbol display device 19, the second special symbol display device 20, the normal symbol display device 21 that constitute the symbol display device, and the first special symbol hold indicator 22 that constitutes the hold indicator. And the second special symbol hold indicator 23 and the normal symbol hold indicator 24 are connected, and various signals are output through the output port.

  Further, the main control board 101 outputs an external information signal necessary for managing a gaming machine in a hall computer or the like of a gaming store to the gaming information output terminal board 108.

  The main ROM 101b of the main control board 101 stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.

  For example, a jackpot determination table (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) that is referred to when determining whether or not a special symbol variation stop result is a jackpot, a normal symbol variation stop result is a hit. A hit determination table (see FIG. 4 (c)) that is referred to when determining whether or not to perform, a symbol determination table (see FIG. 5) for determining a special symbol stop symbol, and a gaming state change flag based on the special symbol Determination table (see FIG. 6 (a)), jackpot end setting data table (see FIG. 6 (b)) for determining the gaming state based on the gaming state change flag and the data in the gaming state buffer The special electric accessory actuating mode determining table (see FIG. 7) for determining the opening / closing conditions of the special prize opening / closing door 11b, the long hitting open mode determining table (see FIG. 8 (a)), and the short hitting open mode determining table. (Figure (B) refer), the open mode determination table for the small hit reference (FIG. 8 (c)), the variation pattern determination table for determining a variation pattern of the special symbols (see FIG. 9) and the like are stored in the main ROM 101b. Specific examples of these various tables will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

  The main RAM 101c of the main control board 101 has a plurality of storage areas.

  For example, the main RAM 101c includes a normal symbol hold number (G) storage area, a normal symbol hold storage area, a first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area, a second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area, and a determination storage area. The first special symbol storage area, the second special symbol storage area, the remaining variation count (X) storage area of the high probability gaming state, the remaining variation count (J) storage area of the short-time gaming state, and the round game count (R) storage area , The number of times of opening (K) storage area, the number of balls received at the winning prize (C) storage area, the game state storage area, the game state buffer, the stop symbol data storage area, the game state change flag storage area, the transmission data storage area for effects Various timer counters are provided. The game state storage area includes a short-time game flag storage area, a high-probability game flag storage area, a special-purpose special electric processing data storage area, and a general-purpose normal electric processing data storage area. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  The game information output terminal board 108 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated in the main control board 101 to a hall computer or the like of the game shop. The game information output terminal board 108 is wired to the main control board 101 and provided with a connector for connecting external information to a hall computer or the like of the game store.

  The power supply board 107 is provided with a backup power supply composed of a capacitor, monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine, and outputs a power interruption detection signal to the main control board 101 when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value. . More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 101a becomes operable, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 101a becomes inactive state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and may be a battery, for example, or a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.

  The effect control board 102 mainly controls each effect such as during game play or standby. The effect control board 102 includes a sub CPU 102a, a sub ROM 102b, and a sub RAM 102c, and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 101 to the effect control board 102. . The sub CPU 102a reads out a program stored in the sub ROM 102b based on a command transmitted from the main control board 101 or an input signal from the effect button detection switch 17a and the timer and performs arithmetic processing. Based on the above, the corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 104 or the image control board 105. The sub RAM 102c functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 102a performs arithmetic processing.

  The sub ROM 102b of the effect control board 102 stores an effect control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.

  For example, an effect pattern determination table (see FIG. 10) for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board (see FIG. 10), a hit effect pattern determination table (see FIG. 11), and the like are stored in the sub ROM 102b. Yes. Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

  The sub RAM 102c of the effect control board 102 has a plurality of storage areas.

  In the sub RAM 102c, a command reception buffer, a game state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, a winning effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, a first reserved storage area, a second reserved storage area, and a specific flag storage An area or the like is provided. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  In the present embodiment, the effect control board 102 is equipped with an RTC (real time clock) 102d for outputting the current time. The sub CPU 102a inputs a date signal indicating the current date and a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 102d, and executes various processes based on the current date and time. The RTC 102d is normally operated by power from the gaming machine when power is supplied to the gaming machine, and is powered by power supplied from a backup power source mounted on the power supply board 107 when the gaming machine is powered off. Operate. Accordingly, the RTC 102d can measure the current date and time even when the gaming machine is turned off. Note that the RTC 102d may be provided with a battery on the effect control board and operated by the battery.

  Alternatively, the RTC 102d may not be provided, and the time may be measured by counting up a counter provided in the sub RAM 102c having a function as a backup RAM every predetermined time (for example, every 2 ms).

  The payout control board 103 performs game ball launch control and prize ball payout control. The payout control board 103 includes a payout CPU 103a, a payout ROM 103b, and a payout RAM 103c, and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The payout CPU 103a reads out the program stored in the payout ROM 103b based on the input signals from the payout ball count detection switch 32, the door opening switch 33, and the timer that detect whether or not the game ball has been paid out, and performs arithmetic processing. At the same time, based on the processing, the corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 101. The payout control board 103 is connected to a payout motor 31 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from the game ball storage unit to the player. The payout CPU 103a reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM 103b based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 101, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 31 of the prize ball payout device to execute a predetermined prize. Pay the ball to the player. At this time, the payout RAM 103c functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the payout CPU 103a.

  Also, it is confirmed whether a game ball lending device (card unit) (not shown) is connected to the payout control board 103, and if the game ball lending device (card unit) is connected, the game control ball 106 is caused to fire a game ball. Send launch control data to allow that.

  When the launch control board 106 receives the launch control data from the payout control board 103, the launch control board 106 permits the launch. Then, the touch signal from the touch sensor 3b and the input signal from the launch volume 3a are read out, the energization of the launch solenoid 4a is controlled, and the game ball is launched.

  Here, the rotational speed of the firing solenoid 4a is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 106. As a result, the number of games played per minute is about 99.9 (pieces / minute) because one shot is fired every time the firing solenoid rotates. That is, the game ball is fired about every 0.6 seconds.

  The lamp control board 104 controls lighting of the effect lighting device 16 provided on the game board 2 and controls driving of the motor for changing the light irradiation direction. In addition, energization control is performed on a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor for operating the production actors 14 and 15. The lamp control board 104 is connected to the effect control board 102, and performs the above-described controls based on data transmitted from the effect control board 102.

  The image control board 105 includes an image CPU, an image ROM, an image RAM, and a VRAM (not shown) for performing image display control of the liquid crystal display device 13, and an audio CPU, an audio ROM, and an audio RAM. The image control board 105 is connected to the effect control board 102 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and the liquid crystal display device 13 and the audio output device 18 are connected to the output side thereof.

  The image ROM stores a large number of image data such as effect symbols 30 and backgrounds displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13, and the image CPU reads a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 102. At the same time, predetermined image data is read from the image ROM to the VRAM, and display control in the liquid crystal display device 13 is performed. The image CPU performs various image processing such as background image display processing, effect symbol display processing, and character image display processing on the liquid crystal display device 13, but the background image, effect symbol image, and character image are displayed on the liquid crystal display. The image is superimposed on the display screen of the device 13.

  That is, the effect design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. .

  The audio ROM stores a large amount of audio data output from the audio output device 18, and the audio CPU reads out a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 102 and Audio output control in the output device 18 is performed.

  Next, details of various tables stored in the main ROM 101b will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are diagrams showing a big hit determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not the special symbol variation stop result is a big hit. FIG. 4A is a jackpot determination table referred to in the first special symbol display device 19, and FIG. 4B is a jackpot determination table referred to in the second special symbol display device 20. In the tables of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the big hit probability is the same although the winning probability for the small hit is different.

  Specifically, the jackpot determination table is composed of a low-probability random number determination table and a high-probability random number determination table, and refers to the gaming state, and the low-probability random-number determination table or the high-probability random-number determination table is selected. Based on the selected table and the extracted random number value for determining the special symbol, it is determined whether it is “big hit”, “small hit” or “lost”.

  For example, according to the low probability random number determination table in the first special symbol display device 19 shown in FIG. 4A, two special symbol determination random numbers “7” and “317” are determined to be big hits. . On the other hand, according to the high probability random number determination table, “7”, “37”, “67”, “97”, “127”, “157”, “187”, “217”, “247”, “277” ”,“ 317 ”,“ 337 ”,“ 367 ”,“ 397 ”,“ 427 ”,“ 457 ”,“ 487 ”,“ 517 ”,“ 547 ”,“ 577 ” The number is determined to be a big hit. Further, regardless of whether the low probability random number determination table or the high probability random number determination table is used, the special symbol determination random number values are “50”, “100”, “150”, and “200”. If it is a random number value for symbol determination, it is determined as “small hit”. If the random number is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.

  Therefore, since the random number range of the special symbol determination random number is 0 to 598, the probability of being determined to be a big hit at a low probability is 1 / 299.5, and the probability of being determined to be a big hit at a high probability is increased by 10 times. 1 / 29.9. In addition, the probability determined to be a small hit is 1 / 149.75 for both low and high probabilities.

  FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a hit determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not the stop result of the normal symbol variation is determined to be a win.

  Specifically, the hit determination table is composed of a random time determination table in the non-short gaming state and a random number determination table in the short time gaming state, and refers to the gaming state, and in the non-short gaming state random number determination table or in the short time gaming state A random number determination table is selected, and based on the selected table and the extracted random number value for winning determination, it is determined whether it is “winning” or “losing”.

  For example, according to the non-time / short game state random number determination table shown in FIG. On the other hand, according to the short game state random number determination table at this time, ten hit determination random numbers from “0” to “9” are determined to be winning. If the random number is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.

  Therefore, since the random number range of the hit determination random number value is 0 to 10, the probability of being determined to be a big hit at the time of non-short game state is 1/11, and the probability of being determined to be a big hit at the time of short time game state is 10 times. Up to 10/11.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol.

  FIG. 5A is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of a big hit, and FIG. 5B is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at a small hit, FIG. Is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of losing. More specifically, the symbol determination table is also configured for each special symbol display device, and includes a symbol determination table for the first special symbol display device and a symbol determination table for the second special symbol display device.

  The special symbol type (stop symbol data) is determined by the symbol determination table on the basis of the extracted jackpot symbol random value or small symbol random number value.

  Also, based on the determined special symbol type (stop symbol data), an effect symbol designating command is generated as a control command for transmitting information on the special symbol to the effect control board 102. Here, the control command is composed of 1-byte data, and 1-byte MODE data for identifying the control command classification and 1-byte data indicating the contents (function) of the executed control command. DATA data. The same applies to a variation pattern designation command and a start winning designation command described later.

  Further, as will be described later, a game state change flag that is referred to in order to determine a game state after the end of the jackpot is determined according to the type of special symbol (stop symbol data) (FIG. 6A, FIG. 6). b)). From this, it can be said that the gaming state after the jackpot is determined by the type of special symbol (stop symbol data).

  Further, as will be described later, the jackpot mode is determined corresponding to the type of special symbol (stop symbol data) (see FIG. 7). From this, it can be said that the kind of special symbol shows a big hit mode.

  Then, as a feature of the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 5A in the present embodiment, in the second special symbol display device 20 that is activated when a game ball enters the second starting port 10, “short” It can be said that “winning” is not determined (see FIG. 7).

  This is because, in the non-short-time gaming state, almost no gaming ball enters the second starting port 10, but if a short hit is determined when a gaming ball enters the second starting port 10, This is because even if the short-time gaming state is provided, the player's willingness to play may be reduced. In order to prevent such a decline in the willingness to play games, in the symbol determination table of the second special symbol display device 20 shown in FIG. 5A, the type of special symbol (stop symbol data) corresponding to the short hit is not determined. I am doing so.

  FIG. 6A is a game state change flag determination table for determining a game state change flag that is referred to in order to determine the game state after the jackpot end. The game state change flag is determined based on a special symbol. Is done. Note that the gaming state change flag determination table shown in FIG. 6A is based on determining the gaming state change flag before the jackpot game process (see FIG. 21) based on the type of special symbol (stop symbol data). Referenced.

  FIG. 6B is a jackpot end setting data table for determining the gaming state after the jackpot ends. According to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 6 (b), based on the winning gaming state and the gaming state change flag stored in the gaming state buffer, the setting of the high probability gaming flag and the remaining fluctuation of the high probability gaming state Setting of the number of times (X), setting of the short-time game flag, and setting of the remaining number of fluctuations (J) of the short-time game state are performed.

  The table of FIG. 6B is characterized in that when the first special symbol 3 (stopped symbol data 03, corresponding to the short symbol) is determined in the first special symbol display device 19, it is stored in the game state buffer. Based on the stored game state at the time of winning, the setting of the short-time game flag and the number of short-time games are varied.

  Specifically, in the case of the first specific special symbol 3 (stop symbol data 03), 02H is determined as the gaming state change flag. Then, data indicating a gaming state in which both the high probability gaming flag and the short-time gaming flag are not set in the gaming state buffer (00H: low probability gaming state, non-short-time gaming state) or the high probability gaming flag is set. If data indicating a gaming state in which the short-time game flag is not set (01H: high-probability gaming state, non-short-time gaming state) is stored, the high-probability gaming flag is set after the jackpot is over, and the probability game Although the remaining number of times of change (X) of the state is set to 10,000 times, the short-time game flag is not set, and the remaining number of times of change (J) of the short-time game state is also set to zero. On the other hand, data indicating a gaming state in which the high probability gaming flag is not set in the gaming state buffer but the short-time gaming flag is set (02H: low-probability gaming state, short-time gaming state), or the high-probability gaming flag and the short-time gaming If data indicating a gaming state in which both of the flags are set (03H: high-probability gaming state, short-time gaming state) is stored, a high-probability gaming flag is set after the jackpot ends, and the probability gaming state The remaining number of fluctuations (X) is set to 10,000 times, the hourly gaming flag is also set, and the remaining number of fluctuations (J) in the hourly gaming state is also set to 10,000.

  Thereby, the remaining number of fluctuations (J) in the short-time gaming state can be changed, and the player can enjoy what is the gaming state at the time of winning the big hit.

  FIG. 7 is a special electric accessory actuating mode determination table for determining the opening / closing conditions of the special prize opening opening / closing door 11b. Based on the special symbol type (stop symbol data), the table of FIG. 7 determines the number of operations to be performed in the jackpot game and the open state table of the big prize opening.

  FIG. 8 is an opening mode determination table showing the details of the opening mode table of the big prize opening determined in FIG. 7, FIG. 8 (a) is an opening mode determination table for long wins, and FIG. FIG. 8 (c) is a small hit use release mode determination table.

  Specifically, the number of round games (R), the number of times of opening (K), the opening time, and the closing time are stored in association with each other.

  Here, the short hit release mode determination table in FIG. 8B and the small hit release mode determination table in FIG. 8C are different in the number of round games (R) and the number of releases (K). However, since the actual opening / closing operation of the grand prize opening / closing door 11b is the same (15 times), the opening time (0.052 seconds) and the closing time (0.052 seconds) are also the same. The person cannot distinguish whether it is a small hit or short hit from the appearance. Thereby, the pleasure which makes a player guess whether it is a small hit or a short win can be provided. However, it is not limited to setting exactly the same opening time and closing time, and any difference that cannot determine whether the player has a small hit or short hit is acceptable.

  In addition, the opening time of “short win” or “small hit” (0.052 seconds) is shorter than the time (about 0.6 seconds) at which one game ball is fired as described above. Even if the open / close door 11b is opened, it is difficult to win the big prize opening 11, and the "short win" or "small win" opening mode can be said to be an "unfavorable opening mode". On the other hand, since the “long hit” release time (29.5 seconds) is longer than the time (about 0.6 seconds) at which one game ball is fired, it can be said to be an “advantageous release mode”.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a variation pattern determination table for determining a variation pattern of special symbols as will be described later.

  Specifically, the variation pattern determination table determines the variation pattern based on the jackpot determination result, the special symbol to be stopped, the presence or absence of the short-time gaming state, the number of special symbol hold, the reach determination random number value, and the variation pattern random value. Is done. Based on the determined variation pattern, the variation time of the special symbol is determined, and a variation pattern designation command for transmitting the special symbol information to the effect control board 102 is generated. Therefore, it can be said that the “variation pattern” defines at least the jackpot determination result and the variation time of the special symbol. In addition, since a reach is always performed when a big hit or a small hit, the reach determination random number value is not referred to when a big hit or a small win. Note that the random number range for reach determination and the random number value for variation pattern are set to 100 random numbers (0 to 99).

  Further, as a feature of the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9, when the jackpot determination result is a loss, when the gaming state is the short-time gaming state, the variation time of the special symbol is set to be short. For example, when the jackpot determination result is a loss and the number of held balls is 2, if the game is in the short-time game state, the variation pattern 9 (shortened variation) with a variation time of 3000 ms with a probability of 95% based on the reach determination random value However, if it is a non-time-saving gaming state, a variation pattern in which the variation time exceeds 3000 ms is determined. In this manner, the variation time is set to be short when the time-saving gaming state is entered.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a variation effect pattern determination table for determining the variation mode of the effect symbol 30 in the liquid crystal display device 13 or the like.

  The sub CPU 102a determines the variation effect pattern based on the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 101 and the effect random number 1. Here, even if the same variation pattern designation command is used, different variation production patterns can be determined on the basis of the random number value 1 for production. Therefore, the number of variation pattern designation commands is reduced and the main control board is reduced. The storage capacity in 101 is reduced.

  The “variation effect pattern” is a specific effect in the effect means (the liquid crystal display device 13, the audio output device 18, the effect lighting device 16, and the effect accessory devices 14, 15) performed during the change of the special symbol. This refers to the effect mode, and the display mode of the background displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13, the display mode of the character, and the change mode of the effect symbol 30 are determined by the change effect pattern. In addition, “reach” in the present embodiment refers to a state in which a part of a combination of symbols for notifying that a transition to a special game is stopped is displayed while other symbols are performing variable display. For example, when the combination of the three-digit effect symbol 30 of “777” is set as the combination of the effect symbols 30 for notifying that the game will shift to the jackpot game, the two effect symbols 30 are stopped and displayed at “7”. The state where the remaining effect symbols 30 are performing variable display.

  FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are hit effect pattern determination tables for determining the aspect of the hit effect performed in the liquid crystal display device 13 or the like during execution of the jackpot game. Here, during the execution of the jackpot game, a probability variation promotion game that is an effect game is performed, and the winning effect includes a mode of this probability variation promotion game.

  The probable promotion game is a game result that is determined to be either “win” or “defeat”. In the case of “win”, the game moves to a high-probability game state after the end of the jackpot game, In the case of “,” the game shifts to the low probability gaming state after the execution of the jackpot game. FIG. 11A is a winning effect pattern determination table that is referred to when a transition to the high-probability gaming state is made after the execution of the jackpot game, and the game result of the probability variation promotion game is “win”. Further, FIG. (B) is a winning effect pattern determination table that is referred to when shifting to the low-probability gaming state after the completion of the jackpot game, and the game result of the probability variation promotion game is “defeat”.

  Further, according to the hit effect pattern determination table, the game content of the probability variation promotion game is determined according to the number of reserved balls at the start of the big hit game. For example, in a probabilistic promotion game in which a volleyball attack is performed and a victory is achieved even if one attack is successful, only two balls can be attacked if the number of held balls at the start of the jackpot game is “1”. When the number of reserved balls is “4”, an attack of 5 balls can be performed. In other words, as the number of held balls at the start of the jackpot increases, the player is given an impression that the probability variation promotion game is likely to be “win”.

(Description of gaming state)
Next, the gaming state when the game progresses will be described. In the present embodiment, the game progresses in any one of the “low probability gaming state”, “high probability gaming state”, “time / short gaming state”, and “non-time / short gaming state”. However, while the game is in progress, if the game state is “low probability game state” or “high probability game state”, it is always “time-short game state” or “non-time-short game state”. In other words, there are cases of “low probability gaming state” and “short-time gaming state” and “low probability gaming state” and “non-short-time gaming state”. . Note that the gaming state when the game is started, that is, the initial gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a “low probability gaming state” and is set to a “non-short-time gaming state”. Is referred to as a “normal gaming state”.

  In the present embodiment, the “low probability gaming state” means that in the jackpot lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first starting port 9 or the second starting port 10, the winning probability of the jackpot is 1 / The game state set to 299.5. The jackpot winning here is to acquire a right to execute a “long win game” or a “short win game” which will be described later.

  On the other hand, the “high probability gaming state” means a gaming state in which the jackpot winning probability is set to 1 / 29.9. Therefore, in the “high probability gaming state”, it is easier to acquire the right to execute “game per long” or “game per short” than in the “low probability gaming state”.

  In the present embodiment, the “non-temporary gaming state” means that in the normal symbol lottery performed on condition that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 8, the time required for the lottery is set as long as 29 seconds, and The game state in which the opening control time of the second starting port 10 when winning is won is set to be as short as 0.2 seconds. That is, when a game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 8, a normal symbol lottery is performed, and the lottery result is determined 29 seconds after the lottery is started. If the lottery result is a win, then the second start port 10 is controlled to the second mode for about 0.2 seconds.

  On the other hand, the “short-time gaming state” means that the time required for the normal symbol lottery is 3 seconds, which is shorter than the “non-short-time gaming state”, and the second starting point when winning in the win A game state in which the release control time of 10 is set to 3.5 seconds, which is longer than the “non-short game state”. Furthermore, in the “non-short game state”, the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery is set to 1/11, and in the “short time game state”, the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery is set to 10/11. Set.

  Therefore, in the “short-time gaming state”, the second starting port 10 is more easily controlled to the second mode as long as the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 8 than in the “non-short-time gaming state”. Thereby, in the “short-time gaming state”, the player can advance the game without consuming the game ball.

  Note that the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery may be set so that it does not change in any of the “non-short-time gaming state” and the “time-short gaming state”.

(Explanation of hit type)
In the present embodiment, two types of big hits, “long hit” and “short hit”, and one type of “small hit” are provided.

  In the present embodiment, “long win game” means the right to execute a long hit game in the jackpot lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 9 or the second start port 10. A game that is executed when the player wins the game.

  In the “long game”, a round game in which the special winning opening 11 is opened is performed 15 times in total. The total opening time of the grand prize opening 11 in each round game is set to a maximum of 29.5 seconds, and if a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9) enter the big prize opening 11 during this time, one round The game ends. In other words, “game per long” is a game in which a large amount of prize balls can be obtained because a game ball enters the big winning opening 11 and a player can obtain a prize ball according to the winning ball.

  In the present embodiment, “short win game” means the right to execute a short win game in the jackpot lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 9 or the second start port 10. A game that is executed when the player wins the game.

  In the “short win game”, a round game in which the special winning opening 11 is opened is performed 15 times in total. However, in each round game, the special winning opening 11 is opened only once, and the opening time is set to 0.052 seconds. During this time, when a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9 balls) enter the big prize opening 11, one round game is finished. However, since the opening time of the big prize opening 11 is extremely short as described above, Hardly enters, and even if a game ball enters, only one or two game balls enter in one round game. In this “short win game”, when a game ball enters the big winning opening 11, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 game balls) is paid out.

In this embodiment, “small hit game” means the right to execute a small hit game in the big hit lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 9 or the second start port 10. A game that is executed when the player wins the game.
Also in the “small win game”, the big prize winning opening 11 is opened 15 times as in the “short win game”. The opening time, opening / closing timing, and opening / closing mode of the big winning opening 11 at this time are the same as the above “short win game”, or the player cannot discriminate between “small win game” and “short win game” or Approximate to a difficult degree. However, when a game ball enters the special winning opening 11, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 game balls) is paid out in the same manner as described above.

  In the present embodiment, the “long win game” and the “short win game” are referred to as “big hit game”, and the “big hit game” and the “small hit game” are collectively referred to as “special game”. That's it.

  In the main control board 101, a flag is stored in the game state storage area of the main RAM 101c so as to grasp which game state is the current game state.

  Also, the game state is changed from one game state to another game state after winning the jackpot and finishing the jackpot game as a result of the jackpot lottery.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of “big jackpots” are provided, and the type of “big jackpot” is determined according to the type of special symbol (type of jackpot symbol) determined by winning the jackpot. Then, after the jackpot ends, the subsequent gaming state changes according to the type of jackpot symbol. In the case where “small hit” is won, the gaming state such as “high probability gaming state” or “short-time gaming state” is not changed after the “small hit gaming state” ends. For example, when “small hit” is won in the “high probability gaming state”, the “high probability gaming state” continues even after the “small hit gaming state” ends.

  Next, the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1 will be described using a flowchart.

(Main processing of main control board)
The main process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When power is supplied from the power supply board 107, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 101a, and the main CPU 101a performs the following main processing.

  First, in step S10, the main CPU 101a performs an initialization process. In this process, the main CPU 101a performs a process of reading a startup program from the main ROM and initializing flags and the like stored in the main RAM in response to power-on.

  In step S20, the main CPU 101a performs an effect random number update process for updating the random number value for variation pattern and the random value for reach determination.

  In step S30, the main CPU 101a updates the special symbol determination initial value random number, the big hit symbol initial value random number, and the small hit symbol initial value random number. Thereafter, the processes of step S20 and step S30 are repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

(Timer interrupt processing of main control board)
The timer interrupt process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  A clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (4 milliseconds) by the reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the main control board 101, thereby executing a timer interrupt process described below.

  First, in step S100, the main CPU 101a saves the information stored in the register of the main CPU 101a to the stack area.

  In step S110, the main CPU 101a updates the special symbol time counter, updates the special game timer counter such as the opening time of the special electric utility, etc., updates the normal symbol time counter, and updates the normal power release time counter. A time control process for updating various timer counters is performed. Specifically, a special symbol time counter, a special game timer counter, a normal symbol time counter, and a general electricity open time counter are decremented by -1.

  In step S120, the main CPU 101a performs a random number update process for the special symbol determination random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, the small hit symbol random number value, and the hit determination random number value.

  Specifically, each random number counter is incremented by 1 to update the random number counter. When the addition result exceeds the maximum value in the random number range, the random number counter is reset to 0. When the random number counter makes one round, the random number is updated from the initial random number value at that time.

  In step S130, the main CPU 101a performs an initial value random number update process of adding +1 to the special symbol determination initial value random number counter, the big hit symbol initial value random number counter, and the small hit symbol initial value random number counter to update the random number counter. .

  In step S200, the main CPU 101a performs input control processing. In this process, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not there is an input to each of the general winning opening detecting switch 7a, the large winning opening detecting switch 11a, the first starting opening detecting switch 9a, the second starting opening detecting switch 10a, and the gate detecting switch 8a. Input processing is performed to determine whether or not. Specifically, this will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S300, the main CPU 101a performs a special figure special power control process for controlling special symbols and special electric accessories. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In step S400, the main CPU 101a performs a normal / normal power control process for controlling the normal symbol and the normal electric accessory. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS.

In step S500, the main CPU 101a performs a payout control process.
In this process, the main CPU 101a checks whether or not a game ball has won the big winning opening 11, the first starting opening 9, the second starting opening 10, and the general winning opening 7, and if there is a winning, Is sent to the payout control board 103.

  More specifically, the general winning award winning ball counter, the large winning award winning ball counter, and the starting winning ball counter updated in FIG. 14 described later are checked, and a payout number designation command corresponding to each winning award is issued. Transmit to the payout control board 103. Thereafter, predetermined data is subtracted from the prize ball counter corresponding to the sent out number designation command and updated.

  In step S600, the main CPU 101a performs data creation processing of external information data, start opening / closing solenoid data, special winning opening opening / closing solenoid data, special symbol display device data, normal symbol display device data, and a storage number designation command.

  In step S700, the main CPU 101a performs output control processing. In this process, a port output process is performed for outputting signals of the external information data, the start opening / closing solenoid data, and the special winning opening opening / closing solenoid data created in S600. Further, in order to turn on the LEDs of the special symbol display devices 19 and 20 and the normal symbol display device 21, a display device output process for outputting the special symbol display device data and the normal symbol display device data created in S600 is performed. . Further, command transmission processing for transmitting a command set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 101c is also performed.

  In step S800, the main CPU 101a restores the information saved in step S100 to the register of the main CPU 101a.

The input control process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, in step S210, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a detection signal is input from the general winning opening detection switch 7a, that is, whether or not a game ball has won the general winning opening 7. When the main CPU 101a receives a detection signal from the general winning opening detection switch 7a, the main CPU 101a updates the general winning opening prize ball counter used for winning balls by adding predetermined data.

  In step S220, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the detection signal from the big prize opening detection switch 11a has been inputted, that is, whether or not the game ball has won the big prize opening 11. When the main CPU 101a receives a detection signal from the big prize opening detection switch 11a, the main CPU 101a updates the big prize mouth prize ball counter used for the prize ball by adding predetermined data and updates the big prize mouth 11 for winning. The winning prize entrance counter (C) for counting the number of game balls played is added and updated.

  In step S230, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the detection signal from the first start port detection switch 9a has been input, that is, whether or not the game ball has won the first start port 9, and determines the big hit. Predetermined data is set. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S240, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the detection signal from the second start port detection switch 10a has been input, that is, whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 10. When the main CPU 101a receives a detection signal from the second start port detection switch 10a, the main CPU 101a updates the start port prize ball counter used for the prize ball by adding predetermined data and updates the second special symbol holding number. (U2) If the data set in the storage area is less than 4, add “1” to the second special symbol holding number (U2) storage area, and the special symbol determination random number value, jackpot symbol random number value, The random number value for small hits and the random number for reach determination are extracted, and the extracted random number is stored in the second special symbol storage area.

That is, when compared with the first start port detection switch input process of FIG. 15 described later, the same process is performed although the area for storing data is different between the first special symbol storage area and the second special symbol storage area.
In the present embodiment, the main CPU 101a that performs the first start port detection switch input process in step S230 and the second start port detection switch input process in step S240 constitutes a determination information acquisition unit. In this embodiment, the special symbol determination random number value constitutes the special determination information, and the jackpot symbol random number value constitutes the gaming state determination information.

  In step S250, the main CPU 101a determines whether the gate detection switch 8a has input a signal, that is, whether the game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 8. Further, when the gate detection switch 8a receives a signal, the main CPU 101a adds “1” to the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, and from a random number range (for example, 0 to 10) prepared in advance. One hit determination random number value is extracted, and the extracted random number value is stored in the normal symbol holding storage area. However, when “4” is stored in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, “1” is added to the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, or a random number for winning determination is extracted. The random number value extracted in the normal symbol holding storage area is not stored. When this process ends, the input control process ends.

  The first start port detection switch input process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S230-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a detection signal from the first start port detection switch 9a has been input.

  When the detection signal from the first start port detection switch 9a is input, the process proceeds to step S230-2. When the detection signal from the first start port detection switch 9a is not input, the first start port The detection switch input process is terminated.

  In step S230-2, the main CPU 101a performs a process of adding predetermined data to the starting opening prize ball counter used for the prize ball and updating it.

  In step S230-3, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the data set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area is less than 4. If the data set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area is less than 4, the process proceeds to step S230-4, and is set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area. If the data is not less than 4, the first start port detection switch input process is terminated.

  In step S230-4, the main CPU 101a adds “1” to the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area and stores it.

  In step S230-5, the main CPU 101a extracts a random number value for determining a special symbol, searches for a free storage unit in order from the first storage unit in the first special symbol storage area, and stores a free storage. The random number for special symbol determination extracted in the section is stored.

  In step S230-6, the main CPU 101a extracts the jackpot symbol random number value, and searches for a vacant storage unit in order from the first storage unit in the first special symbol storage area. The random number value for the jackpot symbol extracted in is stored. In this embodiment, the main CPU 101a that stores the special symbol determination random number value in step S230-5 and stores the jackpot symbol random number value in this step constitutes a special hold storage means.

  In step S230-7, the main CPU 101a extracts the random numbers for the small bonus symbols, searches the first storage units in the first special symbol storage area in order, and searches for the free storage units. The random number value for the small hit symbol extracted in the part is stored.

  In step S230-8, the main CPU 101a extracts the random number value for variation pattern and the random number value for reach determination as the random number value for presentation, and the memory that is vacant in order from the first storage unit in the first special symbol storage area. The fluctuation pattern random number value and the reach determination random number value are stored in an empty storage unit.

  As described above, the special symbol determination random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, the small hit symbol random number value, the variation pattern random number value, and the reach determination random number value are stored in the predetermined storage unit of the first special symbol storage area. Will be.

  In step S230-9, the main CPU 101a transmits a start winning designation command for production in order to transmit information indicating that new data is stored in the storage unit of the first special symbol storage area to the production control board 102. Set in the data storage area. When this process ends, the first start port detection switch input process ends.

  With reference to FIG. 16, the special figure special power control process of the main control board 101 will be described.

  First, in step S301, the value of the special figure special electricity processing data is loaded, the branch address is referred to from the special figure special electric treatment data loaded in step S302, and if the special figure special electric treatment data = 0, the special symbol memory determination process (step The process proceeds to S310). If the special symbol special power processing data = 1, the process proceeds to the special symbol variation processing (step S320). If the special symbol special power processing data = 2, the special symbol stop processing (step S330) is performed. If special figure special electric processing data = 3, the process moves to the big hit game process (step S340), and if special figure special electric process data = 4, the process moves to the small hit game process (step S350). If special electric processing data = 5, the processing is shifted to the jackpot game end processing (step S360). Details will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The special symbol memory determination process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 310-1, the main CPU 101 a determines whether or not a special symbol variation display is being performed. If the special symbol variation display is in progress (special symbol time counter ≠ 0), the special symbol storage determination process is terminated. If the special symbol variation display is not in progress (special symbol time counter = 0), step 310 is performed. The process is moved to -2.

  In step S310-2, when the special symbol is not changing, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area is 1 or more. If the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area is not 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S310-4, and it is determined that the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area is "1" or more. In step S310-3, the process proceeds.

  In step S310-3, the main CPU 101a subtracts “1” from the value stored in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area and stores it.

  In step S310-4, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area is 1 or more. When the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area is not 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S319-1, and it is determined that the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area is "1" or more. In step S310-5, the process proceeds.

  In step S310-5, the main CPU 101a subtracts “1” from the value stored in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area and stores it.

  In step S310-6, the main CPU 101a performs a shift process on the data stored in the special symbol reserved storage area corresponding to the special symbol reserved number (U) storage area subtracted in steps S310-2 to S310-5. . Specifically, each data stored in the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit in the first special symbol storage area or the second special symbol storage area is shifted to the previous storage unit. Here, the data stored in the first storage unit is shifted to the determination storage area (the 0th storage unit). At this time, the data stored in the first storage unit is written in the determination storage area (0th storage unit), and the data already written in the determination storage area (0th storage unit) is stored in the special symbol hold storage. It will be erased from the area. Thereby, the special symbol determination random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, the small hit symbol random number value, the reach determination random number value, and the variation pattern random number value used in the previous game are deleted.

  In this embodiment, in steps S310-2 to S310-6, the second special symbol storage area is shifted with priority over the first special symbol storage area. One special symbol storage area or the second special symbol storage area may be shifted, or the first special symbol storage area may be shifted with priority over the second special symbol storage area.

  In step S311, the main CPU 101a stores the data (special symbol determination random number value, jackpot symbol random number value, small hit value written in the determination symbol storage area (0th storage unit) in the special symbol reservation storage area in step S310-6. The jackpot determination process is executed based on the design random number. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S312, the main CPU 101a performs a variation pattern selection process.

  The variation pattern selection process refers to the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9, the jackpot determination result, the type of special symbol, the presence or absence of the short-time gaming state, the number of special symbol hold (U), the acquired reach determination random number The variation pattern is determined based on the random number value for the variation pattern.

  In step S313, the main CPU 101a sets a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the determined variation pattern in the effect transmission data storage area.

  In step S314, the main CPU 101a confirms the gaming state at the start of variation, and sets a gaming state designation command corresponding to the current gaming state in the effect transmission data storage area.

  In step S315, the main CPU 101a starts the special symbol variable display on the special symbol display device 19 or 20. That is, when the information written in the processing area relates to the first hold, the special symbol display device 19 blinks, and when the information relates to the second hold, the special symbol display device 20 blinks.

  In step S316, when the main CPU 101a starts displaying the variation of the special symbol as described above, the variation time (counter value) based on the variation pattern determined in step S312 is displayed in the special symbol time counter in the special symbol time counter. set. The special symbol time counter is subtracted every 4 ms in S110.

  In step S317, the main CPU 101a sets 00H to the demonstration determination flag. That is, the demonstration determination flag is cleared.

  In step S318, the main CPU 101a sets the special symbol special processing data = 1, shifts the processing to the special symbol variation processing shown in FIG. 19, and ends the special symbol memory determination processing.

  In step S319-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether 01H is set in the demonstration determination flag. If 01H is set in the demo determination flag, the special symbol memory determination process is terminated. If 01H is not set in the demo determination flag, the process proceeds to step S319-2.

  In step S319-2, the main CPU 101a sets 01H to the demo determination flag so that the demo designation command is not set many times in step S319-3 described later.

  In step S319-3, the main CPU 101a sets a demonstration designation command in the effect transmission data storage area, and ends the special symbol memory determination process.

  The jackpot determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S311-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the high probability game flag is turned on in the high probability game flag storage area. The case where the high probability gaming flag is ON is a case where the current gaming state is a high probability gaming state. If the high probability game flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S311-2. If the high probability game flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S311-3.

  In step S311-2, when the main CPU 101a determines that the current gaming state is the high probability gaming state, the main CPU 101a selects the “high probability random number determination table”.

  In step S311-2, when determining that the current gaming state is not the high probability gaming state (low probability gaming state), the main CPU 101a selects the “low probability random number determination table”.

In step S311-4, the main CPU 101a uses the special symbol determination random number value written in the determination storage area (the 0th storage unit) of the special symbol hold storage area in step S310-6 as the step S311-2 or step S311-4. The determination is made based on the “high probability random number determination table” or “low probability random number determination table” selected in S311-3.
More specifically, when the special symbol holding storage area shifted in step S310-6 is the first special symbol storage area, the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol display device of FIG. When the special symbol storage area shifted in step S310-6 is the second special symbol storage area, refer to the jackpot determination table for the second special symbol display device in FIG. 4B. Then, based on the special symbol determination random number value, it is determined whether it is “big hit”, “small hit”, or “lost”.

  In step S <b> 311-5, the main CPU 101 a determines whether or not the jackpot determination is made as a result of the jackpot determination in step S <b> 311-4. If it is determined that the jackpot is determined, the process proceeds to step S311-6. If it is not determined that the jackpot is determined, the process proceeds to step S311-11.

  In step S311-6, the main CPU 101a determines the jackpot symbol random number value written in the determination symbol storage area (the 0th storage unit) of the special symbol reservation storage area in step S310-6, and in step S311-7 The type of special symbol (stop symbol data) is determined.

Specifically, when the special symbol storage area shifted in step S310-6 is the first special symbol storage area, the symbol determination table for the first special symbol display device of FIG. If the special symbol storage area shifted in step S310-6 is the second special symbol storage area, the symbol determination table for the second special symbol display device is referred to and the jackpot symbol irregularity is determined. Based on the numerical value, the type of special symbol to be stopped is determined.
Note that the determined special symbol is used to determine “big hit” or “small hit” in the special symbol stop process of FIG. 20 as will be described later, as well as the big hit game process of FIG. 21 and the small hit of FIG. It is also used to determine the type of a big prize opening for performing an opening operation in the game process and the operation mode of the big prize opening, and is referred to in the jackpot game end process of FIG. 23 to determine the game state after the jackpot end. It is also used to determine a game state change flag.

  In step S311-7, the main CPU 101a sets the determined stop symbol data in the stop symbol data storage area.

  In step S311-8, the main CPU 101a generates an effect symbol designation command corresponding to the special symbol for jackpot in order to transmit data corresponding to the special symbol to the effect control board 102, and stores it in the effect transmission data storage area. set.

In step S <b> 311-9, the main CPU 101 a determines a gaming state change flag that is referred to in order to determine the gaming state after the jackpot, based on the stop symbol data.
Specifically, referring to the game state change flag determination table shown in FIG. 6A, the game state change flag is determined based on the stop symbol data, and the determined game state change flag is changed to the game state change. Set in the flag storage area. In the present embodiment, the main CPU 101a that determines the gaming state flag constitutes a gaming state determination unit.

  In step S311-10, the main CPU 101a determines the game state at the time of winning the big win from the information set in the game state storage area (time-short game flag storage area, high probability game flag storage area), and the game state at the time of winning the big win Is set in the game state buffer. Specifically, if both the short-time game flag and the high-probability game flag are not set, 00H is set. If the short-time game flag is not set but the high-probability game flag is set, 01H is set. If the short-time game flag is set but the high-probability game flag is not set, 02H is set. If both the short-time game flag and the high-probability game flag are set, 03H is set.

  In this way, apart from the game state storage area (time-short game flag storage area, high-probability game flag storage area), the game state at the time of winning the jackpot is set in the game state buffer. Since the high-probability game flag and the short-time game flag in the state memory area (time-short game flag memory area, high-probability game flag memory area) will be reset, This is because the game state storage area cannot be referred to when determining the game state at the time of the big hit. As described above, by providing a game state buffer for storing game information indicating the game state at the time of winning the big hit, apart from the game state storage area, it is possible to refer to the game information in the game state buffer after the end of the big win Based on the gaming state at the time of winning the jackpot, it is possible to newly set a gaming state after the jackpot (such as a short-time gaming state and a short-time number of times).

  In step S3111-11, if the main CPU 101a does not determine a big hit in step S311-5, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a big hit is determined. If it is determined to be a small hit, the process proceeds to step S311-12, and if it is not determined to be a small hit, the process proceeds to step S311-15.

In step S311-12, the main CPU 101a determines the small symbol number for the small symbol written in the determination storage area (the 0th storage unit) of the special symbol storage area in step S310-6, and determines the type of special symbol. To decide.
Specifically, referring to the symbol determination table of FIG. 5B, the type of the special symbol is determined based on the random number value for the small hit symbol. In the present embodiment, “small hit A” and “small hit B” are provided as the types of “small hit”. However, regardless of which “small hit” is won, the contents of the small hit game executed thereafter are exactly the same, and the “small hit A” and “small hit B” have special symbol display devices 19, Only the special symbol stopped and displayed at 20 is different.

  In step S <b> 311-13, the main CPU 101 a sets stop symbol data indicating the determined type of special symbol for small hits in the stop symbol data storage area.

  In step S311-14, the main CPU 101a generates an effect symbol designation command corresponding to the special symbol for small hits in order to transmit data corresponding to the special symbol to the effect control board 102, and transmits an effect transmission data storage area. Set to.

  In step S311-15, the main CPU 101a refers to the symbol determination table of FIG. 5C to determine the special symbol for losing, and sets the determined stop symbol data for losing in the stopped symbol data storage area.

  In step S311-16, the main CPU 101a generates an effect symbol designation command corresponding to the special symbol for losing in order to transmit the data corresponding to the special symbol to the effect control board 102, and sets it in the transmission data storage area for the effect. Then, the jackpot determination process ends. In the present embodiment, the main CPU 101a that performs jackpot determination processing constitutes special game determination means.

  The special symbol variation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S320-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the variation time set in step S316 has elapsed (special symbol time counter = 0). As a result, if it is determined that the variation time has not elapsed, the special symbol variation process is terminated and the next subroutine is executed.

  In step S320-2, when the main CPU 101a determines that the set time has elapsed, in the routine processing (big hit determination processing) before the special symbol variation processing, the steps S311-10, S311-16, The special symbol set in S311-18 is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display devices 19 and 20. As a result, the jackpot determination result is notified to the player.

  In step S320-3, the main CPU 101a sets a symbol determination command in the effect transmission data storage area.

  In step S320-4, when the main CPU 101a starts the special symbol stop display as described above, the main CPU 101a sets the symbol stop time (1 second = 1500 counter) in the special symbol time counter. The special symbol time counter is decremented by -1 every 4 ms in S110.

  In step S320-5, the main CPU 101a sets 2 to the special symbol special electric processing data, shifts the processing to the special symbol stop processing shown in FIG. 20, and ends the special symbol variation processing.

  The special symbol stop process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S330-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the symbol stop time set in step S320-4 has elapsed (special symbol time counter = 0). As a result, when it is determined that the symbol stop time has not elapsed, the special symbol stop process is terminated and the next subroutine is executed.

  In step S330-2, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a flag is turned on in the time-saving game flag storage area. The case where the flag is turned on in the time-short game flag storage area is a case where the current game state is the time-short game state. If the flag is turned on in the time-saving game flag storage area, the process proceeds to step S330-3. If the flag is turned off in the time-short game flag storage area, the process proceeds to step S330-6.

  In step S330-3, when the current gaming state is the short-time gaming state, the main CPU 101a subtracts “1” from (J) stored in the remaining variation count (J) storage area of the short-time gaming state. The calculated value is stored as a new remaining fluctuation count (J).

  In step S330-4, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the remaining number of fluctuations (J) = 0. If the remaining fluctuation count (J) = 0, the process proceeds to step S330-5. If the remaining fluctuation count (J) = 0 is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S330-6.

  In step S330-5, the main CPU 101a turns off the flag stored in the short time game flag storage area when the remaining number of changes (J) = 0. Note that the remaining variation number (J) becomes “0” means that the special symbol variation display in the short-time gaming state is performed a predetermined number of times and the short-time gaming state is ended.

  In step S330-6, the main CPU 101a confirms the current gaming state and sets a gaming state designation command in the effect transmission data storage area.

  In step S330-7, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not it is a big hit. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage area is a jackpot symbol (stop symbol data = 01 to 06?). If it is determined that the jackpot symbol is determined, the process proceeds to step S330-11. If the symbol is not determined to be a jackpot symbol, the process proceeds to step S330-8.

  In step S330-8, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not it is a small hit. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage area is a small hit symbol (stop symbol data = 07, 08?). If it is determined that the symbol is a small hit symbol, the process proceeds to step S330-9. If it is not determined to be a small symbol, the process proceeds to step S330-10.

  In step S330-9, the main CPU 101a sets 4 to the special figure special electric processing data, and shifts the processing to the small hit game processing shown in FIG.

  In step S330-10, the main CPU 101a sets 0 to the special symbol special electricity processing data, and shifts the processing to the special symbol memory determination processing shown in FIG.

  In step S330-11, the main CPU 101a sets 3 to the special figure special power processing data, and shifts the processing to the jackpot game processing shown in FIG.

  In step S330-12, the main CPU 101a resets the gaming state and the number of working hours. Specifically, the data in the high probability game flag storage area, high probability game state remaining fluctuation count (X) storage area, time-short game flag storage area, time short game state remaining fluctuation count (J) storage area is cleared. .

  In step S330-13, the main CPU 101a determines whether it is a big hit of “long hit” or “short win” according to the stop symbol data, and sends an opening command according to the type of big hit to transmission data for presentation Set in the storage area.

  In step S330-14, the main CPU 101a determines whether it is a big hit of “long win” or “short win” according to the stop symbol data, and sets the opening time according to the type of big hit as a special game timer counter Set to. The special game timer counter is subtracted every 4 ms in step S110. When this process ends, the special symbol stop process ends.

  The jackpot game process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S340-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not it is currently opening. Specifically, if “0” is stored in the round game count (R) storage area, it is currently being opened, so it is determined whether the round game count (R) storage area is currently open. To do. If it is determined that the current opening is being performed, the process proceeds to step S340-2. If it is determined that the current opening is not currently performed, the process proceeds to S340-9.

  In step S340-2, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a preset opening time has elapsed. That is, it is determined whether or not the special game timer counter = 0, and when the special game timer counter = 0, it is determined that the opening time has elapsed. As a result, if the opening time has not elapsed, the jackpot game process is terminated, and if the opening time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S340-3.

  In step S 340-3, the main CPU 101 a determines whether it is a big hit or “short hit” according to the stop symbol data, and determines an open mode determination table according to the type of the big hit. .

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, either the long hit release mode determination table (FIG. 8 (a)) or the short hit release mode determination table (FIG. 8 (b)) depending on the stop symbol data. To decide.

  In step S340-4, the main CPU 101a adds "1" to the current round game number (R) stored in the round game number (R) storage area and stores it. In step S340-4, nothing is stored in the round game number (R) storage area. That is, since no round game has been performed yet, “1” is stored in the round game count (R) storage area.

  In step S340-5, the main CPU 101a adds “1” to the current number of times of opening (K) stored in the number of times of opening (K) storage area and stores it.

  In step S340-6, the main CPU 101a sets energization start data for the big prize opening / closing solenoid 11c and opens the big prize opening / closing door 11b.

  In step S340-7, the main CPU 101a refers to the release mode determination table (see FIG. 8) determined in step 340-3, based on the current round game number (R) and release number (K). The opening time of the special winning opening 11 is set in the special game timer counter.

  In step S340-8, the main CPU 101a stores a big prize opening (R) round designation command for transmission data for production in order to transmit information on the number of rounds to the production control board 102 in accordance with the number of round games (R). Set to area. In this step S340-8, since the number of round games (R) is “1”, the winning opening 1 round designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area.

  In step S340-9, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not it is currently ending. Ending here refers to processing after all preset round games have been completed. Therefore, if it is determined that the current ending is in progress, the process proceeds to step S340-29. If it is determined that the current ending is not currently performed, the process proceeds to step S340-10.

  In step S340-10, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the special winning opening is being closed. If it is determined that the special winning opening is closed, the process proceeds to step S340-11. If it is determined that the special winning opening is not closed, the process proceeds to step S340-16.

  In step S340-11, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the closing time set in step S340-20 described later has elapsed. Note that the closing time is also determined by whether or not the special game timer counter = 0 as in the opening time. As a result, if the closing time has not elapsed, the jackpot game process is terminated, and if the closing time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S340-12.

  In step S340-12, the main CPU 101a adds “1” to the current number of releases (K) stored in the number-of-releases (K) storage area, and stores it.

  In step S340-13, the main CPU 101a sets energization start data of the big prize opening / closing solenoid 11c, and opens the big prize opening / closing door 11b.

  In step S340-14, the main CPU 101a refers to the release mode determination table (see FIG. 8) determined in step 340-3, based on the current round game number (R) and release number (K). The opening time of the special winning opening 11 is set in the special game timer counter.

  In step S340-15, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not K = 1. If K = 1, in order to transmit information on the number of rounds to the effect control board 102, the number of round games ( In response to (R), a grand prize opening (R) round designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area. For example, if the number of round games (R) is “2”, a special winning opening 2 round designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area. On the other hand, if K = 1 is not set, the jackpot game process is terminated without setting the big winning opening (R) round designation command in the effect transmission data storage area. In other words, the case where K = 1 means the start of a round, and therefore, the winning prize opening (R) round designation command is transmitted only at the start of the round.

  In step S340-16, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the value of the big winning opening entrance counter (C) has reached a predetermined number (for example, 9). Here, in the case where the predetermined number of winning prize entrance counters (C) has not reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S340-17, and when the predetermined number of winning prize entrance counters (C) has reached the predetermined number. Moves the process to step S340-21.

  In step S340-17, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the set open time has elapsed (whether or not the special game timer counter = 0). If the set release time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S340-18, and if the set release time has not elapsed, the jackpot game process ends.

  In step S340-18, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the number of releases (K) is the maximum number of releases per round. If the number of releases (K) is the maximum number of releases per round, the process proceeds to step S340-21. If the number of releases (K) is not the maximum number of releases per round, step S340-19 is performed. Move processing to.

  In step S340-19, the main CPU 101a sets energization stop data for the special prize opening / closing solenoid 11c. As a result, the big prize opening is closed.

  In step S340-20, the main CPU 101a refers to the release mode determination table (see FIG. 8) determined in step 340-3, based on the current round game number (R) and release number (K). The closing time of the special winning opening 11 is set in the special game timer counter.

  In step S340-21, the main CPU 101a sets energization stop data for the special prize opening / closing solenoid 11c. As a result, the big prize opening is closed.

  In step S340-22, the main CPU 101a sets 0 in the number-of-releases (K) storage area and clears the number-of-releases (K) storage area.

  In step S340-23, the main CPU 101a sets 0 in the winning prize opening number (C) storage area, and clears the winning entry (C) storage area.

  In step S340-24, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the round game number (R) stored in the round game number (R) storage area is the maximum. If the round game number (R) is the maximum, the process proceeds to step S340-26, and if the round game number (R) is not the maximum, the process proceeds to step S340-25.

  In step S340-25, the main CPU 101a adds “1” to the current round game number (R) stored in the round game number (R) storage area and stores the result.

  In step S340-26, the main CPU 101a resets the round game number (R) stored in the round game number (R) storage area.

  In step S340-27, the main CPU 101a determines whether it is a big hit of “long win” or “short win” according to the stop symbol data, and sends an ending command according to the type of big hit to the effect control board 102. Is set in the transmission data storage area for production.

  In step S340-28, the main CPU 101a determines whether it is a big hit of “long win” or “short win” according to the stop symbol data, and determines the ending time according to the type of big hit as a special game timer counter Set to.

  In step S340-29, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the set ending time has elapsed. If it is determined that the ending time has elapsed, in step S340-30, the main CPU 101a The processing data is set to 5, and the processing shifts to the jackpot game end processing shown in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the ending time has not elapsed, the jackpot game process is terminated as it is. In this embodiment, the main CPU 101a that performs jackpot game processing constitutes special game control means.

  The small hit game processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S350-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether an opening command has already been transmitted. If it is determined that the opening command has not been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S350-2. If it is determined that the opening command has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S350-5.

  In step S350-2, the main CPU 101a determines the small hit release mode determination table (FIG. 8C).

  In step S350-3, when determining that the opening command has already been transmitted, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the opening command is currently being opened. If it is determined that it is currently opening, the process proceeds to step S350-4, and if it is determined that it is not currently opening, the process proceeds to S350-8.

  In step S350-4, if the main CPU 101a determines that the opening is currently in progress, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a preset opening time has elapsed. That is, it is determined whether or not the special game timer counter = 0, and when the opening timer counter = 0, it is determined that the opening time has elapsed. Further, as will be described later, it is determined in step 350-8 that the special winning opening 11 is being closed, and it is also determined whether or not the closing time set in step S350-14 has elapsed. Note that the closing time is also determined by whether or not the special game timer counter = 0 as in the opening time.

  As a result, if the set time has not elapsed, the small hit game process is terminated, and if the set time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S350-5.

  In step S350-5, the main CPU 101a adds “1” to the current operation count (K) stored in the release count (K) storage area and stores it.

  In step S350-6, the main CPU 101a starts energization of the big prize opening / closing solenoid 11c and opens the big prize opening / closing door 11b.

  In step S350-7, the main CPU 101a refers to the small hitting release mode determination table (FIG. 8C) determined in step 350-2, and based on the number of releases (K), 11 open time is set in the special game timer counter.

  In step S350-8, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the special winning opening 11 is closed. If it is determined that it is closed, the process proceeds to step S350-4. If it is determined that the special winning opening is not closed, the process proceeds to step S350-9.

  In step S350-9, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not it is currently ending. If it is determined that it is currently ending, it is determined in step S350-19 whether or not the set ending time has elapsed. If it is determined that it is not currently ending, the process proceeds to step S350-10. Is moved.

  In step S350-10, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the value of the special winning opening entrance counter (C) has reached a predetermined number (for example, 9). If it is determined that the predetermined winning entrance counter (C) has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S350-15, and it is not determined that the critical winning entrance counter (C) has reached the predetermined number. If YES, the process moves to step S350-11.

  In step S350-11, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the opening time has elapsed (whether or not the special game timer counter = 0). If the set release time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S350-12, and if the set release time has not elapsed, the small hit game process is terminated.

  In step S350-12, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the current operation number (K) stored in the release number (K) storage area is the maximum. If the number of times of opening (K) is the maximum number of times of opening, the process proceeds to step S350-15. If the number of times of opening (K) is not the maximum number of times of opening, the process proceeds to step S350-13. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8C, in the case of “small hit”, the maximum number of times of opening is 15.

  In step S350-13, the main CPU 101a sets energization stop data for the special prize opening / closing solenoid 11c. As a result, the big prize opening is closed.

  In step S350-14, the main CPU 101a refers to the small hitting release mode determination table (FIG. 8C) determined in step 350-2, and sets the closing time based on the number of times of opening (K). Set to the special game timer counter.

  In step S350-15, the main CPU 101a sets energization stop data for the special prize opening / closing solenoid 11c. As a result, the big prize opening is closed.

  If the main CPU 101a determines in step S350-16 that the number of times of opening (K) has reached the maximum, the number of times of opening (K) stored in the number of times of opening (K) storage area is reset.

  In step S350-17, the main CPU 101a clears the winning prize opening number (C) storage area.

  In step S350-18, the main CPU 101a sets an ending command in the effect transmission data storage area in order to transmit information on the end of the small hit game to the effect control board 102.

  In step S350-19, the main CPU 101a sets a counter corresponding to the ending time in the special game timer counter in the special game timer counter of the main RAM 101c.

  In step S350-20, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the ending time has elapsed, and if it is determined that the ending time has elapsed, in step S350-21, 0 is set in the special figure special processing data. The process moves to the special symbol memory determination process shown in FIG. 17, and if it is determined that the ending time has not elapsed, the small hit game process is terminated.

  The jackpot game end process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S360-1, the main CPU 101a loads the gaming state change flag set in the gaming state change flag storage area in step S311-9 and the gaming information in the gaming state buffer.

  In step S360-2, with reference to the jackpot end time setting data table shown in FIG. 6B, based on the gaming state change flag loaded in S360-1 and the gaming information in the gaming state buffer, the high jackpot end time high value is set. Processing for determining whether or not to set a high probability flag in the probability game flag storage area is performed. For example, if the game state change flag is 02H, the high probability flag is set in the high probability game flag storage area. In the present embodiment, in the jackpot game end process, the main CPU 101a that performs the process of whether or not to set the high probability game flag constitutes the game state control means.

  In step S360-3, with reference to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 6B, based on the gaming state change flag loaded in S360-1 and the gaming information in the gaming state buffer, the high probability gaming state A predetermined number of times is set in the remaining number of fluctuations (X) storage area. For example, if the gaming state change flag is 02H, 10,000 is set in the remaining variation count (X) storage area of the high probability gaming state.

  In step S360-4, with reference to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 6B, based on the gaming state change flag loaded in S360-1 and the gaming information in the gaming state buffer, the short-time gaming flag is stored. Whether or not to set the short-time game flag in the area is processed. For example, when the game state change flag is 02H and the game information in the game state buffer is 00H or 01H, the time-short game flag is not set in the time-short game flag storage area, but the game information in the game state buffer is 02H or 03H. In this case, the time-short game flag is set in the time-short game flag storage area.

  In step S360-5, referring to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 6B, based on the gaming state change flag loaded in S360-1 and the gaming information in the gaming state buffer, the short-time gaming state A predetermined number of times is set in the remaining fluctuation number (J) storage area. For example, when the game state change flag is 02H and the game information in the game state buffer is 02H, the remaining change count (J) storage area of the short-time game state is set to 0, and the game information in the game state buffer is If it is not 02H, 10000 times is set in the remaining change count (J) storage area of the short-time gaming state.

  In step S360-6, the main CPU 101a confirms the gaming state and sets a gaming state designation command in the effect transmission data storage area.

  In step S360-7, the main CPU 101a sets 0 to the special symbol special electric processing data, and shifts the processing to the special symbol memory determination processing shown in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 24, the ordinary power control process will be described.

  First, in step S401, the value of the ordinary map electric power processing data is loaded, and the branch address is referenced from the loaded ordinary electric power processing data in step S401. The process is moved to (Step S410), and if the ordinary power / general power process data = 1, the process is moved to the ordinary electric accessory control process (Step S420). Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26.

  The normal symbol variation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S410-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the normal symbol variation display is being performed. If the normal symbol variation display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S410-13, and if the normal symbol variation display is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S410-2.

  In step S410-2, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the normal symbol hold count (G) stored in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area is 1 or more when the normal symbol fluctuation display is not being performed. To do. When the number of holds (G) is “0”, the normal symbol variation display is not performed, so the normal symbol variation process is terminated.

  In step S410-3, if the main CPU 101a determines in step S410-2 that the normal symbol hold count (G) is equal to or greater than “1”, it is stored in the special symbol hold count (G) storage area. A new hold number (G) obtained by subtracting “1” from the stored value (G) is stored.

  In step S410-4, the main CPU 101a performs a shift process on the data stored in the normal symbol storage area. Specifically, each data stored in the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit is shifted to the previous storage unit. At this time, the data stored in the previous storage unit is written into a predetermined processing area and is erased from the normal symbol holding storage area.

  In step S410-5, the main CPU 101a determines the winning random number stored in the normal symbol holding storage area. When a plurality of winning random numbers are stored, the winning random numbers are read in the stored order.

  Specifically, with reference to the hit determination table shown in FIG. 4C, it is determined whether or not the extracted hit determination random number value is checked against the above table. For example, according to the above table, one hit determination random value of “0” out of the hit random numbers “0” to “10” is determined to be a hit in the non-short-time gaming state, and the short-time gaming state For example, ten hit determination random numbers from “0” to “9” out of the hit random numbers from “0” to “10” are determined to be wins, and the other random numbers are determined to be lost.

  In step S410-6, the main CPU 101a refers to the result of the determination of the winning random number in step S410-5. If it is determined that the winning is determined, the winning symbol is set in step S410-7 and it is determined that the game is lost. If it is, a lost symbol is set in step S410-8.

  Here, the winning symbol is a symbol in which the LED is finally turned on in the normal symbol display device 21, and the lost symbol is a symbol in which the LED is finally turned off without being turned on. The winning symbol set is to store a command to turn on the LED in the normal symbol display device 21 in a predetermined storage area, and the lost symbol set is a command to turn off the LED in the normal symbol display device 21. Is stored in a predetermined storage area.

  In step S410-9, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a flag is turned on in the time-saving game flag storage area. When the flag is turned on in the short-time game flag storage area, the game state is in the short-time game state, and when the flag is not turned on, the game state is in the non-short-time game state. Is the time.

  If the main CPU 101a determines that the flag is ON in the short-time game flag storage area, in step S410-10, the main CPU 101a sets a counter corresponding to 3 seconds to the normal symbol time counter, and the short-time game flag storage area If it is determined that the flag is not turned on, a counter corresponding to 29 seconds is set in the normal symbol time counter in step S410-11. By the process of step S410-10 or step S410-11, the time for displaying the normal symbol variation is determined. The normal symbol time counter is subtracted every 4 ms in step S110.

  In step S410-12, the main CPU 101a starts normal symbol fluctuation display on the normal symbol display device 21. The normal symbol variation display is to flash the LED at a predetermined interval in the normal symbol display device 21 and give the player an impression as if it is currently being drawn. This normal symbol variation display is continuously performed for the time set in step S410-10 or step S410-11. When this process ends, the normal symbol variation process ends.

  In step S410-13, if the main CPU 101a determines in step S410-1 that the normal symbol variation display is being performed, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the set variation time has elapsed. That is, the normal symbol time counter is subtracted every 4 ms, and it is determined whether the set normal symbol time counter is zero. As a result, if it is determined that the set variation time has not elapsed, it is necessary to continue the variation display as it is, so that the normal symbol variation process is terminated and the next subroutine is executed.

  In step S410-14, when the main CPU 101a determines that the set fluctuation time has elapsed, the main CPU 101a stops the fluctuation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display device 21. At this time, the normal symbol display device 21 stops and displays the normal symbol (winning symbol or lost symbol) set by the previous routine processing. As a result, the result of the normal symbol lottery is notified to the player.

  In step S410-15, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the set normal symbol is a winning symbol. If the set normal symbol is a winning symbol, the main CPU 101a determines in step S410-16 that the normal symbol is normal. Fig. Ordinary power processing data = 1 is set, and the processing is shifted to the normal electric accessory control processing. If the set normal symbol is a lost symbol, the normal symbol variation processing is terminated as it is.

  The normal electric accessory control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S420-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the time-saving game flag is turned on in the time-saving game flag storage area.

  In step S420-2, if the main CPU 101a determines that the time-saving game flag is ON in the time-saving game flag storage area, that is, if the current gaming state is the time-saving gaming state, the main power release time counter Set a counter corresponding to 3.5 seconds.

  In step S420-3, when the main CPU 101a determines that the time-saving game flag is not turned on in the time-saving game flag storage area, the main CPU 101a sets a counter corresponding to 0.2 seconds to the public power open time counter.

  In step S420-4, the main CPU 101a starts energizing the start port opening / closing solenoid 10c. Thereby, the 2nd starting port 10 will open and it will be controlled by the 2nd mode.

  In step S420-5, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the set public power open time has elapsed. That is, the normal power open time counter is subtracted every 4 ms, and it is determined whether or not the set normal power open time counter = 0.

  In step S420-6, when it is determined that the set normal power release time has elapsed, the main CPU 101a stops energization of the start opening / closing solenoid 10c. As a result, the second starting port 10 returns to the first mode, and it becomes impossible or difficult to enter the game ball again, and the auxiliary game that has been executed ends.

  In step S420-7, the main CPU 101a sets the ordinary figure normal electricity processing data = 0 and shifts the processing to the ordinary symbol variation process of FIG. 25, and the ordinary electric accessory control process ends.

  Next, processing executed by the sub CPU 102a in the effect control board 102 will be described.

(Main processing of production control board 102)
The main process of the effect control board 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1000, the sub CPU 102a performs an initialization process. In this process, the sub CPU 102a reads the main processing program from the sub ROM 102b and initializes and sets a flag stored in the sub RAM 102c in response to power-on. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1400.

  In step S1100, the sub CPU 102a performs an effect random number update process. In this process, the sub CPU 102a updates the random numbers (the effect random number value 1, the effect random number value 2, the effect design determining random value, the effect mode determining random value, and the winning effect random value) stored in the sub RAM 102c. Perform the process. Thereafter, the process of step S1100 is repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

(Timer interrupt processing of effect control board 102)
The timer interrupt process of the effect control board 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Although not shown in the figure, a clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (2 milliseconds) by a reset clock pulse generation circuit provided in the effect control board 102, a timer interrupt processing program is read, and a timer of the effect control board is read. Interrupt processing is executed.

  First, in step S1400, the sub CPU 102a saves the information stored in the register of the sub CPU 102a to the stack area.

  In step S1500, the sub CPU 102a performs update processing of various timer counters used in the effect control board 102.

  In step S1600, the sub CPU 102a performs command analysis processing. In this processing, the sub CPU 102a performs processing for analyzing a command stored in the reception buffer of the sub RAM 102c. A specific description of the command analysis processing will be described later with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. When the effect control board 102 receives the command transmitted from the main control board 101, a command reception interrupt process of the effect control board 102 (not shown) occurs, and the received command is stored in the reception buffer. Thereafter, the received command is analyzed in step S1600.

  In step S1700, the sub CPU 102a checks the signal of the effect button detection switch 17a and performs effect input control processing related to the effect button 17.

  In step S1800, the sub CPU 102a transmits various data set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 102b to the image control board 105 and the lamp control board 104.

  In step S1900, the sub CPU 102a restores the information saved in step S1810 to the register of the sub CPU 102a.

(Sub-control board command analysis processing)
The command analysis processing of the effect control board 102 will be described using FIG. 29 and FIG. Note that the command analysis process 2 in FIG. 30 is performed subsequent to the command analysis process 1 in FIG.

  In step S1601, the sub CPU 102a checks whether there is a command in the reception buffer, and checks whether the command has been received.

  If there is no command in the reception buffer, the sub CPU 102a ends the command analysis processing, and if there is a command in the reception buffer, the sub CPU 102a shifts the processing to step S1602.

  In step S1602, the sub CPU 102a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a demo designation command.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a demo designation command, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1603, and if not the demo designation command, moves the process to step S1604.

  In step S1603, the sub CPU 102a performs a demonstration effect pattern determination process for determining a demonstration effect pattern.

  Specifically, the demonstration effect pattern is determined, the determined demonstration effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined demonstration effect pattern is transmitted to the image control board 105 and the lamp control board 104. The data based on the demonstration effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 102b.

  In step S1604, the sub CPU 102a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a start winning designation command.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a start winning designation command, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1605, and if it is not a starting winning designation command, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1606.

  In step S1605, the sub CPU 102a performs a process of adding “1” to the value of the holding ball counter. Based on the value of the hold counter, the sub CPU 102a can grasp the current number of hold balls.

  In step S1606, the sub CPU 102a checks whether the command stored in the reception buffer is a variation pattern designation command.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a variation pattern designation command, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1607, and if it is not the variation pattern designation command, moves the process to step S1609.

  In step S1607, the sub CPU 102a extracts one random number value from the effect random number value 1 updated in step 1100, and based on the extracted effect random number value 1 and the received variation pattern designation command, A variation effect pattern determination process for determining one variation effect pattern from the variation effect patterns is performed. The received variation pattern designation command is determined based on the result of jackpot determination (see FIG. 9). Therefore, there are a variation production pattern that is easy to be determined when it is a big win, and a variation production pattern that is easy to be decided when it is a loss, and the player is a big hit by the production based on the variation production pattern decided here It will raise the expectation about whether or not. In addition, there is a variation effect pattern that has a high percentage of jackpots. When an effect based on such a pattern is performed, it may be possible to predict to some extent that a player will win a jackpot.

  Specifically, referring to the variation effect pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10, one variation effect pattern is determined based on the extracted effect random number value 1, and the determined variation effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area. At the same time, in order to transmit the information of the determined variation effect pattern to the image control board 105 and the lamp control board 104, data based on the determined variation effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 102b.

  In this way, the liquid crystal display device 13, the effect lighting device 16, and the audio output device 18 are controlled based on the effect pattern. It should be noted that the variation mode of the effect symbol 30 is determined based on the variation effect pattern determined here.

  In step S1608, the sub CPU 102a performs a process of subtracting “1” from the value of the reserved ball counter.

  In step S1609, the sub CPU 102a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect designating command.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect designating command, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1610, and if not the effect designating command, moves the process to step S1612.

  In step S <b> 1610, the sub CPU 102 a performs an effect symbol determination process for determining an effect symbol 30 to be stopped and displayed on the effect display device 13 based on the content of the received effect symbol designation command. In this process, a special game effect symbol and a loss effect symbol are determined, and the determined effect symbol data is set in the effect symbol storage area.

  In step S <b> 1611, the sub CPU 102 a performs processing for turning on or off the specific flag stored in the specific flag storage area based on the content of the received effect designating command.

  Specifically, if the received design symbol designation command is a command indicating that the special symbol is “special symbol for special use”, the specific flag is turned on and the special symbol is not “special symbol for special designation”. In the case of a command indicating a special symbol, a process for turning off the specific flag is performed (see FIG. 5).

  Here, the case where the special symbol is “special symbol for identification” is a case where the jackpot determination result is a jackpot, and the gaming state after the jackpot game is a high probability gaming state. In addition, the case where the special symbol is not “specific effect design” means that the jackpot determination result is a loss, a jackpot, or a jackpot and a low-probability gaming state after the jackpot game ends. (See FIG. 6).

  For example, when the received design symbol designation command is “E0H01H”, the special flag is turned on because the command indicates that the special symbol is “first special special symbol 1”. Further, when the received design symbol designation command is “E0H00H”, it indicates that the special symbol is “special symbol 0”, and therefore the specific flag is turned OFF.

  As described above, the case where the specific flag stored in the specific flag storage area is ON is a case where the game is a big hit and the game state shifts to a high probability gaming state after the big hit game ends. In addition, the case where the specific flag is OFF is a case where the game is lost, is a small hit, or is a big win, but shifts to a low probability gaming state after the big hit game ends.

  In step S1612, the sub CPU 102a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a symbol determination command.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a symbol confirmation command, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1613, and if it is not a symbol confirmation command, moves the process to step S1614.

  In step S1613, the sub CPU 102a transmits data based on the effect symbol data determined in step S1610 and stop instruction data for stopping and displaying the effect symbol in order to stop display the effect symbol 30. The effect symbol stop display process to be set is performed.

  In step S1614, the sub CPU 102a determines whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1615, and if not the gaming state designation command, moves the process to step S1616.

  In step S1615, the sub CPU 102a sets the gaming state based on the received gaming state designation command in the gaming state storage area.

  In step S1616, the sub CPU 102a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an opening command.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is an opening command, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1617, and if not the opening command, moves the process to step S1618.

In step S1617, the sub CPU 102a performs a hit effect pattern determination process for determining a hit effect pattern.
Specifically, based on the reserved ball counter or the specific flag stored in the specific flag storage area, the hit effect pattern is determined with reference to the hit effect pattern determination table shown in FIG. Is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined winning effect pattern is transmitted to the image control board 105 and the lamp control board 104, so that data based on the determined winning effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 102b.

  Here, during the jackpot game, a probability variation promotion game that is an effect game is performed. For this reason, the winning effect pattern includes a pattern of a probability variation promotion game. Probability promotion game is a game result that determines either “win” or “defeat”, and whether it will be “win” or “defeat” depends on the type of jackpot. It is done. Further, the content of the probabilistic promotion game is determined according to the number of reserved balls at the start of the jackpot game (when the opening command is received). Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1620, the sub CPU 102a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an ending command.

  If the command stored in the reception buffer is an ending command, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1621, and ends the command analysis process if the command is not an ending command.

  In step S1621, the sub CPU 102a performs a hit end effect pattern determination process for determining a hit end effect pattern.

  Specifically, a hit end effect pattern is determined based on the ending command, the determined hit end effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined hit end effect pattern is controlled by the image control board 105 and lamp control. In order to transmit to the substrate 104, data based on the determined winning end effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 102b. When this process ends, the command analysis process ends.

Next, a winning effect pattern determination process in the effect control board 102 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, in step S16171, the sub CPU 102a extracts a winning effect random value and stores the extracted winning effect random value in the winning effect random value storage area. Since the random number value for winning effect stored here is overwritten on the random number value for winning effect that has already been stored, the random number value for winning effect previously extracted is deleted.

  In step S16172, the sub CPU 102a determines whether or not the specific flag stored in the specific flag storage area is ON. If the specific flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S16173. If the specific flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S16174.

  In step S16173, the sub CPU 102a selects the “winning use effect pattern determination table” when the specific flag is turned ON and the state shifts to the high probability gaming state after the jackpot game ends.

  In step S16174, the sub CPU 102a selects the “defeat hit effect pattern determination table” when the specific flag is OFF and the transition to the low-probability gaming state is made after the jackpot game ends.

  In step S16175, the sub CPU 102a determines a winning effect pattern with reference to the “winning use effect pattern determination table” or the “defeat effect display pattern determination table” selected in step S16173 or step S16174.

  Here, when referring to the “winning use effect pattern determination table” shown in FIG. 11A, a win effect pattern for performing the probability variation promotion game in which the game result is “win” is determined. Specifically, when the random number for winning effect is “0 to 4”, the winning effect pattern having the content of “probability promotion game 1” for performing an attack match as shown in FIG. 32A is determined. The In the attack game, the number of balls corresponding to the value of the held ball counter is attacked, and if one ball is successful, it becomes “win”. In other words, the game is more advantageous as the number of balls increases. When the winning effect random value is “5 to 9”, a winning effect pattern having the effect content “probability change promotion game 2” that performs a receive game as shown in FIG. 32B is determined. The receive game is a game in which the number of balls corresponding to the value of the held ball counter is received, and if even one ball is successful, the game becomes “win”, and the more balls, the more advantageous.

  In addition, when referring to the “defeat hit effect pattern determination table” shown in FIG. 11B, the hit effect pattern for performing the probability variation promotion game in which the game result is “defeat” is determined. Note that the content of the probable change promotion game is the same as the case of referring to the “effect pattern determination table per winning use”.

  Therefore, the case of referring to the “effect pattern determination table per winning use” and the case of referring to the “effect pattern determination table for defeat” are common in that the probability variation promotion game is performed, but only the game result is different. . Therefore, until the game result is displayed, the player determines whether or not the specific flag is turned on, that is, whether to shift to the high probability gaming state or the low probability gaming state after the jackpot game is over. It has become difficult.

  Therefore, even if the player is expected to win the jackpot, the player can be urged to continue to launch the game balls until the jackpot game is started to increase the number of held balls. In other words, the probability-changing promotion game transitions to a high-probability gaming state after the jackpot game ends when “winning”, and transitions to a low-probability gaming state when “defeated”, so the player tries to “win” the probability-changing promotion game . Whether to “win” or “defeat” the probability variation promotion game is determined when the winning pattern determination table is selected, but as described above, the player until the result of the probability variation promotion game is displayed. Judgment is difficult. In addition, the more reserved balls, the more opportunities to challenge an attack game or a receive game in a probable promotion game. Therefore, the player tries to increase the number of reserved balls in order to “win” the probability variation promotion game. Thereby, when it is predicted that a big hit will be won, it is possible to make it difficult to interrupt the launch of the game ball.

  The content of the probability variation promotion game is related to volleyball in the present embodiment, but is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a baseball game or a shooting game. However, in any case, the player must be given the impression that the greater the value of the holding ball counter, the higher the probability of winning (successful) the game.

  Further, before the jackpot game is started, an indication may be given such as “Increase the number of reserved balls” to urge the player to increase the number of reserved balls.

  Further, when the game result of the probability variation promotion game is “win”, the game content corresponding to the value of the holding ball counter may be different from the case where the game result is “defeat”. For example, if the value of the holding ball counter is “1” and the game result is “defeated”, the game result is “two-ball attack game”, but the game result is “win”. A “four-ball attack game” in which an attack with twice the number of balls can be performed is made. This makes it possible to give the player a stronger impression that the higher the number of balls to be attacked, the higher the “winning” ratio, so the player can be more strongly urged to increase the number of reserved balls. .

  Furthermore, during the execution of the probability variation promotion game, the player may participate in the performance of the probability variation promotion game by operating the effect button 17. For example, in the case of an attack game, an attack is performed by operating the effect button 17. Thereby, a player's participation consciousness to a probability change promotion game can be improved more. Also, for example, in the case of an attack game, the greater the value of the holding ball counter, the greater the opportunity to operate the effect button 17, so the player has the advantage of increasing the holding ball by the start of the jackpot game. You can feel strongly.

  In step S16176, the sub CPU 102a sets the winning effect pattern determined in step S16176 in the effect pattern storage area and transmits information on the determined winning effect pattern to the image control board 105 and the lamp control board 104. Data based on the hit effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 102b. When this process ends, the winning effect pattern determination process ends. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 102a that controls the probability variation promoted game in the hit effect pattern determination process constitutes the effect game control means, and the probability variation promoted game corresponds to the effect game. Further, “win” of the probability variation promotion game corresponds to “success” of the effect game result, and “defeat” of the probability change promotion game corresponds to “failure” of the effect game result.

  Next, the outline of the image control board 105 and the lamp control board 104 will be briefly described.

  When controlling the liquid crystal display device 13 on the image control board 105, the audio CPU reads out the audio output device control program from the audio ROM based on the received data, and controls the output of the audio in the audio output device 18. When data is transmitted from the effect control board 102 to the image control board 105, the image CPU reads a program from the image ROM and controls the image display on the liquid crystal display device 13 based on the received effect command.

  In the lamp control board 104, the effect actor device operation program is read based on the received data to control the operation of the effect agent devices 14, 15, and the effect lighting device control based on the received effect data. The program is read and the lighting device for effect 16 is controlled.

  In the present embodiment, a probabilistic promotion game is performed in the winning effect during the jackpot game, and “win” or “defeat” corresponding to the game state controlled after the jackpot game ends is displayed as the game result. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the winning effect during the jackpot game, there is an entertainment game that is not related to the game state after the jackpot game ends, and as the number of reserved balls at the start of the jackpot game increases, The probability of “winning” may be increased. This entertainment game may not be directly related to the progress of the game. For example, when the entertainment game is won, a rare video may be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13. Thereby, in order to “win” the entertainment game, the player tries to increase the number of held balls at the start of the jackpot game. It is possible to alleviate a decrease in the operation rate of the game, and it is possible to suppress excessive stopping of game balls.

9a First start opening detection switch 10a Second start opening detection switch 10b Movable piece 11a Large winning opening detection switch 11b Large winning opening open / close door 11b
13 Liquid crystal display device 40 Special figure holding pattern 101 Main control board 101a Main CPU
101b Main ROM
101c Main RAM
102 Production control board 102a Sub CPU
102b Sub ROM
102c Sub RAM
102d RTC

Claims (1)

A start opening where game balls can enter,
Starting port detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the starting port;
Determination information acquisition means for acquiring special determination information and gaming state determination information based on the detection of the game ball by the start port detection means;
Special hold storage means for storing the special determination information acquired by the determination information acquisition means and the gaming state determination information up to a predetermined upper limit;
Special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player based on the special determination information stored by the special hold storage means;
Special game control means for controlling execution of the special game on the condition that the special game determination means determines that the special game is to be performed;
A low probability gaming state in which the special game determination means determines to control the special game with a first probability, and the special game with a second probability that the special game determination means is higher than the first probability. Gaming state control means for controlling the game in any gaming state of the high probability gaming state that is determined to perform
When it is determined by the special game determination means that the special game is to be controlled, the game state control means after the special game is executed based on the game state determination information stored in the special hold storage means. Gaming state determination means for determining which of the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state to control the game;
Effect game control means for controlling an effect game that is advanced when the special game is being executed by the special game control means, and at least success or failure is determined as a result,
The effect game control means includes:
When the special game is being executed, the effect game is controlled a number of times proportional to the number of the special determination information stored in the special hold storage means at the start of execution of the special game , and the gaming state When it is determined by the determination means that the gaming state after execution of the special game is controlled in the high probability gaming state, the result of any one of the effect games is regarded as successful, and the gaming state after execution of the special game is set as the low probability A gaming machine characterized in that when it is determined to be controlled in a gaming state, the results of all the production games are regarded as failures.