JP5486112B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention includes a variable display unit that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified based on the fact that the variable display start condition is satisfied after the start condition is satisfied. The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that controls to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the display result is a predetermined specific display result.

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Further, a variable display device capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific display result in the variable display device, the game state (game There is a machine configured to give a predetermined game value to a player (specifically, a state in which a gaming machine is controlled).

  The game value is the right that the state of the variable winning ball apparatus provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine becomes advantageous for a player who is easy to win, and the right for becoming advantageous for a player. In other words, or a condition for winning a prize ball is easily established.

  In a pachinko machine, a specific display mode determined in advance is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display of special symbols (identification information) that is started in the variable display device based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening. If this happens, a “big hit” will occur. The derived display is to finally stop and display a symbol (final stop symbol). In addition, when a game ball is won at the start winning opening, if a variable display has already been performed or if a new variable display cannot be started, such as when a big hit game is being performed, the start win is limited to a predetermined number. It is remembered that a game ball won in the mouth. This memory is called hold memory (start winning memory). When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times of opening the special winning opening is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round. A game in a round may be referred to as a round game.

  In the variable display device, the symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol in the left, middle, and right symbols) continue for a predetermined period of time and stop and shake in a state that matches the specific display result. It can be a big hit before the final result is displayed because it is moving, scaling, or deforming, or multiple symbols change synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the displayed symbol is switched. An effect performed in a state where the sex is continued (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display (reach fluctuation). Then, when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display device is not a specific display result, it becomes “out of” and the variability display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  In addition, in relation to changes in symbols, a mission (mission) is imposed on the player via a display device, etc., and a mission that will be a big hit if the mission is achieved within a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as the mission period). There is a gaming machine configured to perform a production. In addition, as control of a gaming machine, when it is a big hit, effect control as if the mission was achieved is performed. In a gaming machine that performs a mission effect, if a mission is not achieved within the mission period, and a big hit occurs within a predetermined period thereafter, the gaming machine that performs the effect as if the mission was achieved again Yes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In other words, with respect to the mission effect, an effect is given as if relief measures were taken for the player.

  In addition, there is a gaming machine configured to reduce the rate of execution of symbol variation due to reach variation pattern for variable display immediately after execution of variable display (variation) of symbol variation according to reach variation pattern ( For example, see Patent Document 2). In other words, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2 is configured to determine the selection rate of the variation pattern according to the type of variation pattern of the variation of the symbol executed immediately before.

JP 2006-34804 A (paragraphs 0008-0009) JP 2004-73590 A (paragraphs 0010-0011)

  The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 has a possibility that the player loses interest in the gaming machine by performing the rendering as if relief measures were taken for the player regarding the mission effect. Can be reduced. However, the rendition as if a remedy was taken is often performed after the mission period ends. Then, the player may not be able to recognize that the relief effect related to the mission effect has been executed. There is also a gaming machine configured to execute a relief effect (a relief effect different from the relief effect related to the mission effect) during one change. In such a gaming machine, the interest related to the relief effect disappears after one change.

  The gaming machine described in Patent Document 2 refers to the type of variation pattern of the symbol variation executed immediately before the variation pattern selection. That is, a variation pattern corresponding to the type of variation pattern of the symbol variation executed immediately before is selected. Assuming that such a variation pattern selection method is applied to the relief effect, whether or not the relief effect is executed according to the type of the variation pattern of the pattern variation performed immediately before, or the relief effect is executed. The ratio to be decided will be decided. However, in general, in a pachinko machine, the result of the relief effect is a big hit. Since the relief effect cannot be executed if it is not a big hit, it is simply determined whether or not the relief effect is executed according to the type of variation pattern of the symbol change executed immediately before, or the ratio of executing the relief effect. In many cases, it is difficult to execute the relief effect.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of executing a more effective relief effect in connection with selection of a variation pattern.

The gaming machine according to the present invention has a variable display start condition (for example, the end of the previous variation) after a start condition (for example, a game ball has won the first start winning port 13 or the second start winning port 14) is established. Or the end of the jackpot game), a variable display unit (for example, a special symbol display 8 or an effect) that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols or decorative symbols) that can identify each of them. A display device 9), and when the display result of the identification information on the variable display unit becomes a predetermined specific display result (for example, jackpot symbol), a specific gaming state (for example, jackpot gaming state) that is advantageous to the player ) To determine whether or not to control to a specific gaming state in response to the start of the variation display of the identification information (for example, a gaming control micro computer). In the data 560, based on the determination of the step S61 to S63) and the determination by the pre-determining means, the variation pattern which is the presentation mode of the identification information is changed into a plurality of types of variations including a plurality of types of reach variation patterns. Based on the variation pattern selection means selected from the patterns (for example, the part that executes the processing of steps S83, S91, S103, and S104 in the game control microcomputer 560) and the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection means. , And a variation display control means for performing variation display of the identification information (for example, in the production control microcomputer 100, a portion for executing the processes of steps S835 to S839, S840 to S846), and the plurality of types of reach variation patterns are provided. , The display result of the identification information is not a specific display result Over Ji variation pattern in a specific reach varying patterns (e.g., super reach variation pattern to off the display result) provisionally and, once variation displayed by the display results from changes is the start of the identification information is derived displayed and a plurality of types of re-variation effect pattern including an effect to perform re-varying one or more times to perform fluctuations again after stopping (e.g., variation pattern with pseudo continuous effect), re-variation effect pattern is An effect of executing re-variation at least once to execute the variation again for all the identification information after temporarily stopping the variation display until the specific display result is derived and displayed after the variation of the identification information is started. An effect in a specific reach variation pattern is executed before re-variation, the non-specific display result is temporarily displayed, and the specific display result is derived and displayed after re-variation. A special effect that confirms that the specific display result is derived and displayed, and a special re-change effect reach change pattern (for example, the reach effect is performed before the pseudo-continuous effect of the change patterns 21, 22, 24, and 25). The variation pattern selection means can select the special re-variation effect reach fluctuation pattern when the prior decision means decides to control to the specific gaming state. der Ri (see FIG. 10 and FIG. 12 (a)), regardless of the variable display of the variation pattern that was executed immediately before, and selects a special re-variation effect reach varying patterns.

  A game state determination means (for example, a game control micro) that determines whether the game state is controlled to a special game state (for example, probability change state) advantageous to a player different from the specific game state or a normal game state. The computer 560 includes a portion for executing the processes of steps S66 and S67), and the variable display control means includes the special effect when the gaming state determination means determines to control the gaming state to the special gaming state. A special effect (for example, the effect shown in FIG. 18) may be executed.

  The variable display control means can execute the special effect at any time during the change of the identification information (for example, after the reach symbol is temporarily displayed or before the reach symbol is temporarily displayed). It may be configured.

In the first aspect of the invention, the reach variation pattern of a plurality of types of gaming machines has a specific reach variation pattern in the reach variation pattern in which the display result of the identification information is not a specific display result, and the variation of the identification information is started. and a plurality of types of re-variation effect pattern including an effect to perform re-varying one or more times to perform fluctuations again after the display result is temporarily provisionally stop the variable display before being derived displayed from re The variation effect pattern executes at least one re-variation in which the variation display is temporarily stopped after the variation display is temporarily stopped until the specific display result is derived and displayed after the variation of the identification information is started. An effect is produced in a specific reach fluctuation pattern before re-variation, the non-specific display result is temporarily displayed, and a special effect is executed after re-variation. , Including a special re-variation effect reach variation pattern in which the specific display result is derived and displayed, and the variation pattern selecting means determines that the special re-variation effect reach variation pattern is determined when the pre-determining means determines to control to the specific gaming state. Ri selectable der, irrespective of the variable display of the variation pattern that was executed immediately before, since it is configured to select a special re-variation effect reach varying patterns, it's the identification information to be non-specific display results display The relief effect is executed after showing the player as if the deviation has been confirmed, and the interest of the game can be further improved.

  When the variable display control means is configured so that the special effect of the special effects can be executed when the game state determining means determines to control the game state to the special game state, It is possible to increase the player's interest in the special game state by executing the special effect only when the game state is controlled.

  When the variation display control means is configured to be able to execute a special effect at any time during the variation of the identification information, the interest of the game can be further improved.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows a jackpot determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows a game state determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern. It is explanatory drawing which shows a fluctuation pattern and fluctuation time. It is explanatory drawing which shows a reach determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows a fluctuation pattern determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example etc. of a super reach. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display effect of a pseudo | simulation series. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of relief production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of relief production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of relief production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of relief production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of relief production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the chance eyes of a pseudo | simulation ream. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the transmission timing of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result specific command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a small hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the random number which the microcomputer for production control uses. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between this variation pattern and the presence or absence of special production. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration design change start process. It is a flowchart which shows special effect determination processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a process table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process table according to an effect control pattern. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production | presentation performed according to the content of a process table. It is a flowchart which shows a process during decoration design change. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration design change stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a pending | holding memory | storage display control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the preservation | save area | region in a pending | holding storage buffer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation pattern determination table in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation pattern setting process in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the variation pattern determination process at the time of reach. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit hour variation pattern determination process.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the front.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be opened and closed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) that can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate (not shown) to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts (games to be described later) attached to them. A structure including the board 6).

  On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3, and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. In addition, a game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6 in which a game ball that has been struck can flow down.

  An effect display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is provided near the center of the game area 7. The display screen of the effect display device 9 has a decorative symbol display area for performing variable display of decorative symbols in synchronization with variable symbol special display. Therefore, the effect display device 9 corresponds to a variable display device that performs variable display of decorative symbols. In the decorative symbol display area, there is a symbol display area for variably displaying, for example, three decoration (effect) identification information of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. The symbol display areas include “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R. The positions of the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R are displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9. It may not be fixed, and the three areas of the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R may be separated. The effect display device 9 is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. Since the effect control microcomputer causes the effect display device 9 to execute the effect display when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed on the special symbol display 8, the progress of the game Can be easily grasped.

  A special symbol display 8 that variably displays a special symbol as identification information is provided on the left side of the lower part of the game board 6. In this embodiment, the special symbol display 8 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the special symbol display 8 is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9.

  The small display is formed in a square shape, for example. In this embodiment, the special symbol display 8 may be configured to variably display a number (or a two-digit symbol) of, for example, 00 to 99.

  A winning device having a first start winning port 13 is provided below the effect display device 9. The game ball won in the first start winning opening 13 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the first start opening switch 13a.

  A variable winning ball device 15 having a second starting winning port 14 through which a game ball can be won is provided below a winning device having a first starting winning port (first starting port) 13. The game ball that has won the second start winning opening (second start opening) 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start opening switch 14a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, the game ball can be awarded to the second starting winning port 14 (it is easier to start winning), which is advantageous for the player. In addition, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, the game ball does not win the second start winning opening 14. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the closed state, it may be configured that the winning is possible (that is, it is difficult for the gaming ball to win) although it is difficult to win a prize.

  Hereinafter, the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14 may be collectively referred to as a start winning opening or a starting opening.

  When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to be in the open state, the game ball heading for the variable winning ball device 15 is very likely to win the second start winning port 14. The first start winning opening 13 is provided directly under the effect display device 9, but the interval between the lower end of the effect display device 9 and the first start winning opening 13 is further reduced, or the first start winning opening is set. The nail arrangement around the first start winning opening 13 is made difficult to guide the game balls to the first starting winning opening 13 so that the winning rate of the second starting winning opening 14 is increased. It is also possible to make the direction higher than the winning rate of the first start winning opening 13.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 that opens and closes only the second start winning opening 14 is provided. Any of the start winning ports 14 may be provided with a variable winning ball device that performs an opening / closing operation.

  On the side of the special symbol display 8 is a special four-display unit that displays the number of effective winning balls that have entered the starting winning opening, that is, the number of reserved memories (holding memory is also referred to as starting memory or starting prize memory). A symbol hold storage indicator 18 is provided. The special symbol storage memory display 18 increases the number of indicators that are turned on by one every time there is an effective start winning. Then, every time variable display on the special symbol display 8 is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  In addition, the display screen of the effect display device 9 is provided with an area for displaying the number of reserved memories (hereinafter referred to as a reserved storage display unit 18c). In addition, since the special symbol reservation memory | storage display 18 is provided, the reservation memory | storage display part 18c does not need to be provided.

  The special symbol variable display is a variable display start condition after the start condition which is the variable display execution condition is satisfied (for example, the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening 14). (For example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0 and the special symbol variable display is not executed and the big hit game is not executed) When the display time elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying a display result is to stop and display a symbol (an example of identification information) (excluding stop before so-called re-variation).

  In the special symbol display 8, when a predetermined time (fluctuation time) elapses after the special symbol variable display is started, the special symbol variable display result is stopped (derived display). If it is decided to win, a special special symbol (big hit symbol) is stopped and displayed. When it is decided to make a small hit, a predetermined special symbol (small hit symbol) different from the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed. If it is determined to be off, special symbols other than the big hit symbol and the small hit symbol are stopped and displayed. When the big hit symbol is derived and displayed, the gaming state is controlled to the big hit gaming state as the specific gaming state. Further, when the small hit symbol is derived and displayed, the small hit game state different from the big hit game state is controlled. In this embodiment, as an example, the numbers indicating “1”, “3”, and “7” are big hit symbols, the numbers indicating “5” are small hit symbols, and the symbol indicating “−” is an off symbol. To do.

  In this embodiment, among the special symbols indicating the numbers “1”, “3”, and “7” that are the jackpot symbols, the special symbols indicating the numbers “3” and “7” are the 15 round jackpot symbols. . The special symbol indicating the number “1” is made a big hit symbol for two rounds. When the 15-round big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 8, the opening / closing plate in the variable winning ball apparatus 20 has a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls. During the period until the occurrence, a round in which the variable winning ball apparatus 20 is changed to the first state advantageous to the player is started. In the 15 round big hit state, the number of rounds is the first number (for example, 15). Hereinafter, the jackpot gaming state in which the number of rounds is the first number is also referred to as 15 rounds jackpot state.

  Further, when the two-round big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 8, the game proceeds to the big hit gaming state (two round big hit state) in which the number of rounds is the second number (for example, “2”). Further, in the 2 round big hit state, the period of each round is a second period (for example, 0.5 seconds) shorter than the first period in the 15 round big hit state. In the 2 round big hit state, the number of executions of the round is a second number (for example, “2”) which is smaller than the first number in the 15 round big hit state. In addition, in the two round big hit state, at least one of the period in which the big winning opening is opened in each round is the second period and the number of executions of the round is the second number is performed. It suffices to be controlled. In the two-round big hit state, the predetermined winning ball apparatus provided separately from the variable winning ball apparatus 20 in each round is changed from the second state which is disadvantageous to the player to the first state which is advantageous to the player. The second state may be restored after a predetermined period (first period or second period) has elapsed.

  In addition, after the big hit gaming state is finished, the gaming state is controlled to the short time state. In the short time state, the variation time of the special symbol in the variable display of the special symbol is shortened compared to the normal state (the state that is not the probability variation state or the short time state). The time-short state is, for example, when one of the conditions is satisfied first, that is, the variable display of a special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) and the variable display result is “big hit”. To finish. In addition, after the big hit state is ended, the normal state may be set instead of the time reduction state.

  When it is determined to control the gaming state to the probability changing state, the gaming state is controlled to the probability changing state after the big hit gaming state ends. The probability variation state continues until, for example, a jackpot symbol is derived and displayed as a variable display result. A special symbol stop symbol derived and displayed when it is determined to control the gaming state to the big hit gaming state is referred to as a big hit symbol. The special symbol stop symbol that is derived and displayed when it is determined not to control the gaming state to the big hit state is referred to as an outlier symbol.

  Even after the two-round big hit state is over, the gaming state is controlled to the probability change state (high probability state). The probability variation state controlled after the end of the two round big hit state is also referred to as a sudden probability variation (surprise) state.

  When the small winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 8, the gaming state is controlled to a small winning gaming state different from the big winning gaming state. In the small hit game state, as in the two round big hit state, the open / close plate in the variable winning ball apparatus 20 is opened for the second period (for example, 0.5 seconds), and the big winning opening is opened. The number of rounds is the second number (for example, 2). However, unlike the two round big hit state, the gaming state is not changed. That is, the gaming state before being controlled to the small hit gaming state continues. However, when the condition for ending the short-time state is satisfied, and when it is determined to end the probability variation state or the short-time state, the gaming state is controlled to the normal state after the small hit gaming state. In addition, when changing the winning ball apparatus provided separately from the variable winning ball apparatus 20 in each round in the two round big hit state to the first state, the same as in the case of the two round big hit state even in the small hit gaming state Then, the winning ball apparatus is changed to the first state.

  Further, in the probability variation state, the probability of determining a big hit is higher than in the low probability state (normal state). For example, it is 10 times. Specifically, in the probability variation state, the number of determination values determined to be a big hit when it matches the value of the random number for jackpot determination is 10 times that in the normal state. In addition, the probability that the stop symbol of the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased. That is, the second start winning opening 14 is easy to open, and a start winning is likely to occur. Specifically, in the probability variation state, the number of determination values determined to be a hit when it matches the value of the random number for determination per normal symbol is larger than that in the normal state. Further, in addition to increasing the probability that the stop symbol of the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol, the number of opening or the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 is increased, or the number of opening and the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 is increased. You may increase. Even in a short time state, the probability that the stop symbol of the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, the number of times or the time for opening the variable winning ball device 15 is increased, the number of times the variable winning ball device 15 is opened and released. You may spend more time.

  The effect display device 9 performs variable display of decorative symbols as symbols for decoration (for effects) during the special symbol variable display time by the special symbol indicator 8. The variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 and the variable display of the decorative symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Synchronous means that the variable display start time and end time are the same, and the variable display period is the same. When the special symbol display 8 stops and displays the big hit symbol, the effect display device 9 stops and displays the combination of decorative symbols reminiscent of the big hit.

  In the display area of the effect display device 9, on the basis of the establishment of the start condition, the variation of the decorative symbols is started in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, 9R. The stop symbols of the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed (derived display) in the order of “left” → “right” → “middle”. Note that the decorative symbols may be stopped and displayed in a predetermined order in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R, or each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbols. The stop symbols may be stopped and displayed simultaneously in the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R.

  The period from the start of variable display of decorative symbols to the display of stop symbols in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R (variable display period = variable time) Therefore, the decorative display variable display state may become a predetermined reach state. The reach state is a display state in which the decorative symbols that are not yet stopped and displayed when the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed in the display area of the effect display device 9 constitute a part of the jackpot combination, or This is a display state in which all or part of the decorative symbols change synchronously while constituting all or part of the jackpot combination. The display effect in the reach state is reach effect display (reach effect).

  In addition, during the variable display of decorative designs, unlike the reach effect, it is possible that the variable display state of decorative designs may be in the reach state and that the variable display result may be a big hit design. A specific effect may be executed for notifying the player by a variable display mode of the symbol. In this embodiment, a specific effect of a pseudo-continuous can be executed.

  In the pseudo continuous display, the decorative symbols are changed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R based on the fact that the start condition of the variable symbol variable display is satisfied once. Thus, after the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped and displayed in all the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R, the decorative symbols in all the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R are changed again (referred to as re-variation or pseudo-continuous variation). The effect display is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, up to three times).

  On the right side of the decorative portion around the effect display device 9, an upper effect LED 85a, a middle effect LED 85b, and a lower effect LED 85c are provided. The upper effect LED 85a, the middle effect LED 85b, and the lower effect LED 85c are in a re-variation period (including the first variation period) in a pseudo-continuous effect (one variation period (synonymous with variation time)) as a specific effect. Illuminated or blinked when an effect (a related display effect is executed) is executed. On the left side, a movable member 78 that is attached to the rotating shaft of the motor 86 and moves when the motor 86 rotates is provided. The movable member 78 operates when a relief effect is executed. The relief effect is an effect that suggests that a jackpot symbol is derived and displayed as a display result of the special symbol and the decorative symbol.

  Specifically, as a relief effect, if the final stop symbol of the decorative symbol is a big hit symbol, the left, middle and right off-point symbols are temporarily stopped within the decorative symbol variation period, and then the big hit symbol is derived and displayed ( A special effect that suggests the final stop), and the type of variation of the decorative pattern that was executed immediately before it was decided that the jackpot symbol should be derived and displayed when the variation period ends. There is a special production performed in connection with The relief effect is sometimes referred to as a special effect. Of the relief effects (special effects), the relief effect that is executed in relation to the type of variation of the decorative pattern that was executed immediately before is the previous change pattern (change mode). It may be a special performance related to. The relief effect that is not a special effect related to the previous variation pattern is a relief effect that is executed regardless of the type of variation of the decorative pattern that was executed immediately before.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a special variable winning ball device 20 is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 includes an opening / closing plate, and the opening / closing plate is opened by the solenoid 21 in a specific gaming state (a big hit gaming state) that occurs when a specific display result (a big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the special symbol display 8. By controlling to the state, the big winning opening which becomes the winning area is opened. The game ball that has won the big winning opening is detected by the count switch 23.

  The game area 7 is also provided with winning ports (ordinary winning ports) 29, 30, 33, and 39 for paying out a predetermined number of premium game balls determined in advance based on winning of the game balls. The game balls won in the winning openings 29, 30, 33, 39 are detected by the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a.

  A normal symbol display 10 is provided on the right side of the game area 7. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “◯” and “x”) called normal symbols.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting the upper and lower lamps (the symbols can be visually recognized when turned on). For example, if the lower lamp is turned on at the end of the variable display, it is a hit. . When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one. Further, in the probability variation state where the probability of being determined to be a big hit as compared to the normal state is high, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 Opening time and opening times are increased. Even in the short state (the game state in which the variable display time of the special symbol is shortened) when the symbol variation time is shortened although it is not the probability variation state, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased.

  Decorative LEDs 25 flashing and displayed during the game are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7, and there is an out port 26 into which a hit ball that has not won a prize is taken in below. In addition, two speakers 27 that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a frame LED 28 provided on the front frame is provided.

  In the gaming machine, a ball striking device (not shown) that drives a driving motor in response to a player operating the batting operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the driving motor to launch a gaming ball to the gaming area 7. ) Is provided. A game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through a ball striking rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and then descends the game area 7. If the game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening 14 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a or the second start opening switch 14a, it is in a state where variable symbol display can be started ( For example, when the special symbol variable display is completed and the start condition is satisfied), the decorative display variable display is started on the effect display device 9. In other words, the variable display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol corresponds to winning at the start winning opening. If the special symbol variable display cannot be started, the number of reserved memories is increased by 1 on the condition that the number of reserved memories has not reached the upper limit.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 2 also shows a payout control board 37, an effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the CPU 56 and the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached. The game control microcomputer 560 further includes a random number circuit 503 that generates hardware random numbers (random numbers generated by the hardware circuit).

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power supply created on the power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). In particular, at least data (a special symbol process flag or the like) corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means, and data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54, so that the game control microcomputer 560 (or CPU 56) executes (or performs processing) hereinafter. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  The random number circuit 503 is a hardware circuit that is used to generate a random number for determination to determine whether or not to win a jackpot based on a display result of variable symbol special display. The random number circuit 503 updates numerical data in accordance with a set update rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set, and starts at a random timing Based on the fact that the winning time is the reading (extraction) of the numerical data, it has a random number generation function in which the numerical data to be read becomes a random value.

  The random number circuit 503 includes a numeric data update range selection setting function (initial value selection setting function and upper limit value selection setting function), numeric data update rule selection setting function, and numeric data update rule selection. It has various functions such as a switching function. With such a function, the randomness of the generated random numbers can be improved.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 has a function of setting an initial value of numerical data updated by the random number circuit 503. For example, a predetermined calculation is performed using the ID number of the game control microcomputer 560 stored in a predetermined storage area such as the ROM 54 (an ID number assigned with a different value for each product of the game control microcomputer 560). The numerical data obtained by the execution is set as the initial value of the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 503. By performing such processing, the randomness of the random number generated by the random number circuit 503 can be further improved.

  Also, an input driver circuit for supplying detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a and 39a to the game control microcomputer 560. 58 is also mounted on the main board 31. The main board also includes an output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a big winning opening in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560. 31.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 includes a special symbol display 8 that variably displays special symbols (variable display), a normal symbol display 10 that variably displays normal symbols, a special symbol hold memory display 18 and a normal symbol hold memory. Display control of the display 41 is performed.

  An information output circuit (not shown) that outputs an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer is also mounted on the main board 31.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 instructs the effect contents from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. The effect control command is received, and display control of the effect display device 9 for variably displaying the decorative design is performed.

  The effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 performs display control of the decoration LED 25 provided on the game board, the frame LED 28 provided on the frame side, and the like via the lamp driver board 35. The sound output from the speaker 27 is controlled via the sound output board 70.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer. Further, without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control.

  The effect control board 80 is equipped with an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101 and a RAM for storing information relating to effects such as decorative symbol process flags. The RAM may be externally attached. In this embodiment, the RAM in the production control microcomputer 100 is not backed up. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture signal from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77 ( In response to the (effect control INT signal), an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103. Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the effect display device 9 based on the effect control command.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the effect display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 100 is mounted on the effect control board 80. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the production control microcomputer 100, and maps a VRAM therein. VRAM is a buffer memory for developing image data. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the effect display device 9 via the frame memory.

  The effect control CPU 101 outputs to the VDP 109 a command for reading out necessary data from a CGROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The CGROM stores in advance character image data and moving image data to be displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols, etc. (including decorative symbols), and background image data. ROM. The VDP 109 reads image data from the CGROM in response to the instruction from the effect control CPU 101. The VDP 109 executes display control based on the read image data.

  The effect control command and the effect control INT signal are first input to the input driver 102 on the effect control board 80. The input driver 102 passes the signal input from the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the inside of the effect control board 80 (does not pass the signal in the direction from the inside of the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). It is also a unidirectional circuit as a regulating means.

  As a signal direction regulating means, the signal inputted from the main board 31 is allowed to pass through the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 (the signal is not passed in the direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). The unidirectional circuit 74 is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 3 illustrates a diode. A unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal. Furthermore, since the effect control command and the effect control INT signal are output from the main board 31 via the output port 571 that is a unidirectional circuit, the signal from the relay board 77 toward the inside of the main board 31 is restricted. That is, the signal from the relay board 77 does not enter the inside of the main board 31 (the game control microcomputer 560 side). The output port 571 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG. Further, a signal driver circuit that is a unidirectional circuit may be further provided outside the output port 571 (on the relay board 77 side).

  The effect control CPU 101 drives the motor 86 to operate the movable member 78 via the output port 106.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the LED to the lamp driver board 35 via the output port 105. Further, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound number data to the audio output board 70 via the output port 104.

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the LED is input to the LED driver 352 via the input driver 351. The LED driver 352 supplies a current to a light emitter provided on the frame side such as the frame LED 28 based on a signal for driving the LED. Further, current is supplied to the decoration LED 25, the upper effect LED 85a, the middle effect LED 85b, and the lower effect LED 85c provided on the game board side.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice or sound effect according to the sound number data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data indicating the sound effect or sound output mode in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, a decorative symbol variation period).

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When power is supplied to the gaming machine and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the gaming control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) After executing a security check process, which is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, the main process after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). Then, after initialization of the built-in device (CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) is performed (step S4), the RAM 55 is accessible. (Step S5). In the interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This mode indicates an interrupt address.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal of the clear switch (for example, mounted on the power supply board) input via the input port (step S6). When the on-state is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S10 to S15).

  If the clear switch is not on, check whether data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped (Step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process.

  When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process has been performed, the CPU 56 performs data check of the backup RAM area (step S8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in step S8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 recovers the game state restoration process (steps S41 to S43) for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Process). Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain as they are. The part that should not be initialized is, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, time reduction flag, etc.), and the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer) ), A portion in which data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery to the effect control board 80 (step S43). Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether the data in the backup RAM area is stored using both the backup flag and the check data. However, only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity for executing the game state restoration process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The RAM clear process initializes predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) to 0, but is initialized to an arbitrary value or a predetermined value. You may make it do. Alternatively, the entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) may be left as it is. Further, the initial address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area in the RAM 55 (step S12).

  By the processing in steps S11 and S12, an initial value is set to a flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state, such as a special symbol process flag.

  Further, the CPU 56 initializes a sub board (a board on which a microcomputer other than the main board 31 is mounted) (a command indicating that the game control microcomputer 560 has executed an initialization process). Is also transmitted to the effect control board 80 (step S13). For example, when the effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the initialization designation command, the effect display device 9 displays a screen for notifying that the control of the gaming machine has been initialized. Display, that is, initialization notification. In the initialization process, the CPU 56 also transmits a customer waiting demonstration designation (demonstration) command.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initial setting of the random number circuit 503 (step S14). For example, the CPU 56 performs setting according to the random number circuit setting program to cause the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R.

  Then, the CPU 56 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (step S15). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining a variation pattern or the like, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. . The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is an initial value of a count value such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to hit a normal symbol (normal symbol determination random number generation counter). It is a random number for determining. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls game devices such as a variable display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the game machine itself. In a process for transmitting a command signal to cause another microcomputer to control, or a game device control process), the count value of the random number generation counter for jackpot determination or the like is one round (minimum value that can be taken by random numbers) When the value is incremented by the number of values between the value and the maximum value), an initial value is set in the counter.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S34 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output, for example, when the power monitoring circuit 920 mounted on the power board detects a decrease in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a are input via the input driver circuit 58, These state determinations are performed (switch processing: step S21).

  Next, the CPU 56 executes display control processing for performing display control of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 (step S22). For the special symbol display 8 and the normal symbol display 10, control for outputting a drive signal to each display is executed according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S32 and S33.

  Further, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each random number for determination such as a random number for determining a normal winning symbol used for game control is performed (determination random number update process: step S23). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (initial value random number update process, display random number update process: steps S24 and S25).

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 2: Determine the variation pattern (variation time) of special symbols and decorative symbols (for variation pattern determination)
(2) Random 3: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(3) Random 4: Determine the initial value of random 3 (for determining the random 4 initial value)
(4) Random 5: Decide whether or not to reach if not a big hit (for reach determination)
(5) Random 6: Determine gaming state (probability variation state / normal state) (for gaming state determination)

  In step S23 in the game control process shown in FIG. 6, the game control microcomputer 560 uses a counter for generating (2) a random number for determining per ordinary symbol and (5) a random number for determining the game state. Count up (add 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may use random numbers other than the random number of said (1)-(5). In this embodiment, the big hit determination random number (random R) is a random number generated by the hardware built in the game control microcomputer 560. The big hit determination random number is generated by the game control microcomputer 560 as the big hit determination random number. Software random numbers generated based on a program may be used.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S26). In the special symbol process, the corresponding symbol is executed in accordance with a special symbol process flag for controlling the special symbol display 8 and the special winning award in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect control command control process: step S28).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a. Execute (Step S30). Specifically, the payout control is performed in accordance with winning detection based on any one of the first starting port switch 13a, the second starting port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a being turned on. A payout control command (award ball number signal) indicating the number of winning balls is output to a payout control microcomputer mounted on the substrate 37. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in response to a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 relates to on / off of the solenoid in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. The contents are output to the output port (step S31: output process).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S32). For example, if the variation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag set in the special symbol process is set, the CPU 56, for example, every 0.2 seconds passes. Then, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by one. Further, the CPU 56 performs variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, when the start flag related to the variation of the normal symbol is set, the CPU 56 switches the display state (“◯” and “×”) for the variation rate of the normal symbol every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set. With such a speed, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating “◯” and 0 indicating “x”) is switched every 0.2 seconds. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a normal signal on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S34), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes in steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a table in which a jackpot determination value to be compared with random R (random number for jackpot determination) is set. The big hit determination table is stored in the ROM 54. The big hit determination table includes a normal big hit determination table (FIG. 7 (A)) used in a normal state (a gaming state that is not a probable change state), and a probable change big hit determination table (FIG. 7 (B)) used in a positive change state. There is. The numerical values described in the left column of FIGS. 7A and 7B are jackpot determination values. The CPU 56 extracts a count value of a counter for generating a random R when an effective start winning occurs, and uses the extracted value as a random number for determining a big hit, and for starting a change in a special symbol, When the random number value matches the jackpot determination value shown in FIG. 7, it is determined that the special symbol is a jackpot or a jackpot.

  In this embodiment, when the game ball wins the first start winning opening 13 and when the game ball wins the second start winning opening 14, the normal probability / probability big hit / surprise big hit is obtained with the same probability. Although the allocation is made, that is, when the first special symbol is changed and the second special symbol is changed, the normal big hit / probable big hit / surprise big hit is assigned with the same probability. For example, the probability variation big hit / surprise big hit distribution may be changed between when the game ball wins the first start winning opening 13 and when the game ball wins the second start winning opening 14. As an example, when a game ball wins the second start winning opening 14, the probability of winning a big hit is set to 0, and the probability change state (the variable winning ball apparatus 15 having the second start winning opening 14 is likely to be opened, and , The opening time is long.) It may be difficult to make a big hit, and the interest of the game may not be reduced.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a gaming state determination table. The gaming state determination table is a table in which determination values to be compared with random 6 (random number for determining gaming state) are set for each jackpot type. In FIG. 8, the number of determination values is described instead of the determination value itself. The gaming state determination table is stored in the ROM 54. The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the counter for generating the gaming state determination random number when the effective start winning occurs, and uses the extracted value as the gaming state determination random number value, and starts the variation of the special symbol. When the random number value for determining the game state matches the determination value corresponding to each jackpot type, the jackpot type is determined as the jackpot type.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern. In the fluctuation pattern of the pseudo-continuous (displacement) shown in FIG. 9A, there is a period in which the decorative symbols on the left, middle and right temporarily stop once or more during the fluctuation, and finally the deviation symbol is derived and displayed. In the normal reach variation pattern shown in FIG. 9 (B), the decorative symbol first fluctuates at a high speed from the beginning of the variation, and after the left symbol stops, the right symbol stops and reaches reach (the left and right symbols all stop together). Reach production (normal reach production) is executed. Then, when the fluctuation time from the start of fluctuation elapses, the left middle right symbol finally stops.

  In the variation pattern of the super reach (normal / super) shown in FIG. 9C, the decorative symbol first fluctuates at a high speed from the start of the variation, and the reach effect (normal reach effect) is executed after the left and right symbols stop. Thereafter, the effect of super reach is executed. Then, when the fluctuation time from the start of fluctuation elapses, the left middle right symbol finally stops. In other words, “normal / super” in parentheses means that the effect of super reach is executed after the effect of normal reach is executed. In the super reach variation pattern shown in FIG. 9D, the decorative symbol first fluctuates at a high speed from the beginning of the variation, and the super reach effect is executed after the left and right symbols stop. Then, when the fluctuation time from the start of fluctuation elapses, the left middle right symbol finally stops. In other words, “super” in parentheses means that when reaching the reach state, the effect of super reach is executed without the effect of normal reach. It should be noted that when the decorative pattern is changed by the super reach change pattern, the big hit is made at a higher rate or at a rate of 100% than when the decorative design is changed by the normal reach change pattern. In addition, a relief effect may be executed during the production of normal reach or during the production of super reach.

  In the fluctuation pattern of super reach (pseudo-continuous / normal / super) shown in FIG. 9 (E), the decorative pattern first fluctuates at a high speed from the start of the fluctuation, and the pseudo-ream effect is executed after the left middle right symbol temporarily stops. The Then, after the reach effect (normal reach effect) is executed, the super reach effect is executed. Then, when the fluctuation time from the start of fluctuation elapses, the left middle right symbol finally stops. In other words, “pseudo-continuous / normal / super” in parentheses means that the normal reach effect is executed after the pseudo-ream effect is started, and further, the super reach effect is executed. Note that a relief effect may be executed during a pseudo-ream effect.

  In the super reach variation pattern shown in FIG. 9 (F), the decorative symbol first fluctuates at a high speed from the beginning of the variation, and the pseudo-continuous effect starts after the left middle right symbol temporarily stops. Thereafter, the effect of super reach is executed. Then, when the fluctuation time from the start of fluctuation elapses, the left middle right symbol finally stops. In other words, “pseudo-ream / super” in parentheses means that a super-reach effect is executed without a normal reach effect after the pseudo-ream effect is started.

  The sudden big hit variation pattern shown in FIG. 9 (G) is such that a predetermined effect (a sudden big hit effect) is executed from the start of the fluctuation, and the big hit symbol is derived and displayed (final stop) without going through the reach state. It is a fluctuation pattern.

  Note that the variation pattern shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and in this embodiment, a variation pattern obtained by modifying the variation pattern illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9G is also used.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the decorative pattern variation pattern, the variation time, and the decorative symbol display result used in this embodiment. Variation pattern 1 which is a variation pattern of outliers (no reach) is used when it is determined not to be a big hit and not to reach. The variation pattern 2 which is a variation pattern of loss (shortening) is used when the gaming state is a probability variation state or a time-short state and is determined not to be a big hit and not to reach. The variation pattern 3 which is a variation pattern of the pseudo-continuous is used when it is determined not to be a big hit and not to reach.

  The fluctuation patterns 4 to 11 are normal reach or super reach fluctuation patterns that are used when it is determined not to be a big hit. The fluctuation patterns 12 to 25 are normal reach or super reach fluctuation patterns used when it is determined to be a big hit.

  In FIG. 10, (normal / super) means that the normal reach effect is executed as described above, and further, the super reach effect is executed. Further, (normal / super / relief effect) indicates that a normal reach effect is executed and, after a super reach effect is executed, a relief effect is executed. (Super-relief effect) indicates that the relief effect is executed after the super reach effect is executed.

  Further, in FIG. 10, [Pseudo-continuous (re-variation n times)] includes a pseudo-continuous effect (an effect with a temporary stop of at least one decorative symbol) between the start of change and the end of change. Such a variation pattern. In addition, (Normal / Super / Relief Production) is performed after the Reach Production (Normal Reach Production) is executed during the production of the pseudo-ream, the Super Reach Production is executed, and the outlier design is displayed. Means that is executed. Further, (super-relief effect) means that a super-reach effect is executed during a pseudo-ream effect, and a relief effect is executed after an outlier symbol is displayed. If the relief effect is executed while the pseudo-continuous effect is being executed, the relief effect is executed during the first temporary stop or the second change after the second temporary stop in the pseudo-continuous effect. .

  The variation pattern 26 is used when it is determined to be a big hit, the variation pattern 27 is used when it is determined to be a small hit, and the variation pattern 28 is a sudden probability variation big hit. Used when determined.

  When the variation patterns 12, 14, 17, 20, 23, and 26 are selected from the variation patterns 1 to 28, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a special effect related to the previous variation pattern is executed. As an example, the predetermined condition is that the variation of the decorative pattern executed immediately before was a variation due to the variation pattern of the super reach effect. In other words, it is determined whether or not to execute the special effect in relation to the change caused by the change pattern executed immediately before.

  The variation patterns 21, 22, 24, and 25 are variation patterns in which the relief effect is executed during the pseudo-rendition. The relief effect is related to the variation caused by the variation pattern executed immediately before. Absent.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a reach determination table. The reach determination table is a table in which a reach determination value to be compared with random 5 (a random number for reach determination) is set. The reach determination table is stored in the ROM 54. The reach determination table includes a determination table (see FIG. 11A) used when the number of reserved memories is 2 or less (less than 3) at the start of special symbol variation, and the number of reserved memories is 3 when the special symbol variation starts. There is a determination table (see FIG. 11B) used in the above case.

  The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the counter for generating the random 5 and uses the extracted value as the reach determination random number value when the effective start winning is generated (at the time of starting the variation of the special symbol). When it is decided not to win a big hit at the start of the fluctuation, it is decided to reach when the reach determination random number value matches the reach determination value shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the number of reserved storage is large, the ratio determined to reach is low. In this embodiment, the reach determination table to be used is changed depending on whether the number of reserved memories is 3 or more. However, “3” is an example, and is a value for changing the reach determination table to be used. Other values may be used.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation pattern determination table. The variation pattern determination table is a table in which a determination value to be compared with random 2 (variation pattern determination random number) is set. In FIG. 12, not the determination value itself but the number of determination values is described. The variation pattern determination table is stored in the ROM 54. When the big hit is made, the CPU 56 decides the fluctuation pattern based on the big hit time fluctuation pattern determination table (big hit fluctuation pattern table) shown in FIG. In addition, when reaching without reaching a big hit, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on the fluctuation pattern determination table (reach fluctuation pattern table at the time of loss) shown in FIG. 12B. When the game state is the normal state when it is not a big hit and is not reached, the fluctuation pattern determination table (no reach: normal state) at the time of loss (no reach: normal state) shown in FIG. The variation pattern is determined based on the table. When the game state is a probabilistic change state or a short time state when it is not a big hit and is not reached, the fluctuation pattern determination table (out of reach: no reach: no probable change / short time state) shown in FIG. The variation pattern is determined based on the time shortening variation pattern table.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern with a super reach effect and a variation pattern in which a special effect is executed from the start of the variation. The example shown in FIG. 13C is a variation pattern in which a special effect is executed from the beginning of the variation. FIG. 13A illustrates a variation pattern effect accompanied by a super reach effect when the relief effect (special effect) is not executed. However, the example shown in FIG. 13A is a variation pattern in which the effect of super reach is executed after the reach effect (normal reach effect) is executed for a predetermined time, and corresponds to the change patterns 6 and 14 shown in FIG. To do.

  FIG. 13B illustrates a variation pattern effect accompanied by a super reach effect when a special effect (not a special effect related to the previous variation pattern) is executed. In the example shown in FIG. 13B, after the left and right symbols of the decorative symbol are stopped and displayed with the same symbol as the stop symbol, that is, after reaching the reach state, the reach effect (normal reach effect) is executed for a predetermined time. Super reach effect is executed, the left middle right design (left middle right decorative design) temporarily stops at the off-design, and the fluctuation fluctuates (the decorative design reciprocates over a short distance in the vertical and horizontal directions) While the movement change is performed) and the fluctuation of the swing is performed, the special effect is executed by the movement of the movable member 78. In addition, in the effect display device 9, the left middle right symbol fluctuates and the display effect corresponding to the special effect is executed. The example shown in FIG. 13B corresponds to the variation pattern 20 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13C illustrates a variation pattern effect when a special effect related to the previous variation pattern is executed. In the example shown in FIG. 13C, the left middle right symbol fluctuates at high speed or fluctuates from the start of fluctuation. For example, it fluctuates at a high speed for a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds) from the start of fluctuation, and then fluctuates. In addition, the special effect is executed by operating the movable member 78 from the start of the fluctuation. Further, in the effect display device 9, a display effect corresponding to the special effect is executed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13C, when the game control microcomputer 560 selects the variation pattern 12, 14, 17, 20, 23, or 26, the effect control microcomputer 100 executes a special effect. This is a variation pattern used when determined. That is, the production control microcomputer 100 decides to execute the special production when the game control microcomputer 560 is instructed to use the variation pattern 12, 14, 17, 20, 23, or 26. Sometimes, the decorative pattern is changed by a change pattern as shown in FIG. 13C (a change pattern in which a special effect is executed from the start of change).

  Next, a pseudo-continuous display effect will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a pseudo-display display effect. 14A shows a variation pattern in which a reach effect (normal reach effect or super reach effect, or both effects) is executed after the pseudo-reed display effect is executed. It is a pattern. When each re-variation (including the initial variation) is completed during the production of the pseudo-ream, the left, middle and right decorative symbols are temporarily stopped (swaying variation). It should be noted that during the pseudo-continuous production, for example, control may be performed so that one of the upper production LED 85a, the middle production LED 85b, and the lower production LED 85c that are turned on increases one by one. In that case, in the temporary stop period, all LEDs (upper effect LED 85a, middle effect LED 85b, lower effect LED 85c) may be in an extinguished state. Further, FIG. 14 shows an example in which two hypothetical periods are provided during one variation of the decorative symbol and three re-variations (including the first variation) are performed. The number of times may be one, or the number of temporary stops may be three or more. Note that, in the variation pattern with a pseudo-ream shown in FIG. 14A, the super-reach effect is executed immediately after the pseudo-ream effect ends or after the normal reach effect.

  The variation pattern with pseudo-continuations shown in FIG. 14B is a variation pattern with a relief effect. In the example shown in FIG. 14B, the relief effect is executed at the time of the third re-change (including the initial change). In the relief effect, the movable member 78 is operated, and the effect display device 9 executes a special effect (for example, displaying a special character image) that suggests that a big hit occurs. As shown in FIG. 14 (B), the reach effect (super reach effect in the example shown in FIG. 14 (B)) is executed after the reach pattern is displayed (temporarily stopped) for the fluctuation pattern of the pseudo ream including the relief effect. After that, since the pattern is such that the relief effect is executed, when the change is executed according to the change pattern accompanied by the pseudo-ream, the out-of-order symbol (reach symbol) is displayed, so that the player is not out of place. The relief effect is executed after making it appear as if it has been confirmed, so that the player can have a sense of expectation again. Note that the variation pattern shown in FIG. 14B is used when the display result of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is a jackpot symbol.

Further, in the variation pattern with pseudo-ream shown in FIG. 14B, the super-reach effect is executed immediately after the pseudo-ream effect ends or after the normal reach effect. In addition, the relief effect may be executed at the time of the third re-change (including the first change). Furthermore, the relief effect may be executed at any time during the change of the decorative symbol in the pseudo-continuous effect (for example, before the reach symbol is temporarily displayed instead of after the reach symbol is temporarily displayed). However, the relief effect may be executed at an arbitrary time in the variation pattern not accompanied by the pseudo-ream.
.

  14B, the reach effect is executed after the quasi-continuous effect, but a modification in which the reach effect is executed before the quasi-continuous effect may be used. Good. In that case, the reach production may always include the super reach production (specific reach fluctuation pattern).

  Next, specific examples of relief effects will be described with reference to the explanatory diagrams of FIGS. In addition, in FIGS. 15-19, the display screen of the effect display apparatus 9 is shown by the rectangle. That is, the display screen of the effect display device 9 is actually substantially circular as shown in FIG. 1, but only the rectangular area on the substantially circular display screen is shown in FIGS. It will be. Moreover, it can be said that it is shown as a rectangle in FIGS. 15 to 19, the reserved storage display unit 18c is displayed in the lower left part of the rectangular area. Actually, however, the display is directly below the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R as shown in FIG. Is provided. However, FIG. 15 to FIG. 19 also show examples of relief effects (special effects) using the character images 9a and 9b, so that the hold storage display unit 18c does not hinder the explanation of the relief effects (special effects). It is displayed in the lower left corner of the rectangular area. In addition, in order to simplify the description, it can be said that the images are displayed in the lower left part of the rectangular area in FIGS. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, an upper effect LED 85a, a middle effect LED 85b, and a lower effect LED 85c are provided on the right side of the display screen of the effect display device 9, but are not shown in FIGS. Yes. The reason why the description is omitted is that, in the description using FIGS. 15 to 19, effects on the display screen are mainly described. Moreover, although the movable member 78 is provided in the left side part of the display screen of the effect display apparatus 9, description is abbreviate | omitted in FIGS. The reason why the description is omitted is that, in the description using FIGS. 15 to 19, effects on the display screen are mainly described.

  In FIG. 15, the decorative symbols change (see FIGS. 15B to 15C) is executed from the state where the left middle right symbol of the decorative symbols is stopped (see FIG. 15A), and the final stopped symbols are executed. After the “missing symbol” is derived and displayed (see FIG. 15D), new fluctuations (FIGS. 15E to 15G) are executed and the jackpot symbol is derived and displayed (FIG. 15H). ) An example is shown. A reach effect is executed between FIG. 15C and FIG. Further, FIG. 15 shows an example in which a relief effect (special effect) by the character image 9a is executed in the new change from the start of the change (FIGS. 15E to 15G). In the example shown in FIG. 15, an example (see FIG. 15D) is shown in which a decorative symbol variation (see FIGS. 15B to 15C) is executed and a detachable symbol is derived and displayed as the final stop symbol. ing. Therefore, since the big hit game is not executed, the new variation (FIGS. 15E to 15G) is executed immediately after the symbol is derived and displayed as the final stop symbol (see FIG. 15D). Then, it seems to the player that the previous variation of the decorative pattern (see FIGS. 15B to 15C) and the new variation (FIGS. 15E to 15G) continue. Although it is visually recognized and actually has been changed twice, after a temporary stop is made (see FIG. 15D), a relief effect (see FIGS. 15E to 15G) Can be shown to the player as if the jackpot symbol is derived and displayed (see FIG. 15H).

  In FIG. 16, the decorative symbol variation (see FIGS. 16B to 16C) is executed from the state in which the left middle right symbol of the decorative symbol is stopped (refer to FIG. 16A), and the symbol that is out of place is displayed. After being displayed (see FIG. 16D), a relief effect (FIGS. 16E to 16G) is executed, and a jackpot symbol is derived and displayed (FIG. 16H). . A reach effect is executed between FIG. 16C and FIG. FIG. 16 shows an example in which a relief effect (a special effect related to the previous variation pattern) is executed by the character image 9a during one variation.

  In FIG. 17, the decorative symbols change (see FIGS. 17B to 17C) is executed from the state in which the left middle right symbol of the decorative symbols is stopped (see FIG. 17A), and the final stopped symbols are executed. Is displayed (see FIG. 17D), new fluctuations (FIGS. 17E to 17H) are executed, and the jackpot symbol is derived and displayed (FIG. 17I). Has been. A reach effect is executed between FIGS. 17C to 17D. Further, in FIG. 17, in the new variation, first, high-speed variation is performed (FIG. 17E), and then a relief effect (a special effect not related to the previous variation pattern) is executed by the character image 9a. An example is shown (FIGS. 17F-H).

  In FIG. 18, the decorative symbols change (see FIGS. 18B to 18C) is executed from the state in which the left middle right symbol of the decorative symbols is stopped (see FIG. 18A), and the final stopped symbols are executed. Is displayed (see FIG. 18D), new fluctuations (FIGS. 18E to 18H) are executed, and the jackpot symbol is derived and displayed (FIG. 18I). Has been. A reach effect is executed between FIGS. 18C to 18D. Further, in FIG. 18, in the new variation, first, high-speed variation is performed (FIG. 18E), and then a relief effect (special effect) by the character image 9b is executed (FIG. 18F to FIG. 18). (H)) An example is shown. The effect shown in FIG. 18 is an effect that can be executed only when it is decided to control the probability variation state. Therefore, by performing the effect shown in FIG. 18, it is possible to increase the player's expectation for the transition to the probability change state.

  In FIG. 19, the pseudo-continuous effect is executed (FIGS. 19B to 19D) from the state where the left middle right symbol of the decorative symbols is stopped (see FIG. 19A), and after reaching the reach state. (FIG. 19 (E)), a temporary stop is performed again (FIG. 19 (F)), and then high-speed fluctuation is performed (FIG. 19 (G)). Next, a relief effect (special effect) by the character image 9a is performed. It is executed (FIGS. 19 (H) to J)), and an example in which the jackpot symbol is derived and displayed (FIG. 19 (K)) is shown.

  In the variation pattern with pseudo-continuous effects shown in FIG. 19, the reach effect is executed after the pseudo-continuous effect, but a modification example in which the reach effect is executed before the pseudo-continuous effect may be used. In that case, the reach production may always include the super reach production (specific reach fluctuation pattern).

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing pseudo consecutive chance eyes. In the pseudo-continuous effect, in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R in the effect display device 9, an effect constituting any one of the pseudo-continuous chance items GC1 to GC8 shown in FIG. The symbol is displayed as a temporary stop. The “left symbol” is an effect symbol displayed (stop display or temporary stop display) in the “left” symbol display area 9L, and the “middle symbol” is an effect symbol displayed in the “medium” symbol display area 9C. The “right symbol” is an effect symbol displayed in the “right” symbol display area 9R. Note that the pseudo consecutive chances shown in FIG. 20 are merely examples, and a combination other than the left, middle, and right decorative symbols shown in FIG. 20 may be used as the pseudo continuous chance.

  When the special symbol display 8 and the effect display device 9 are shifted and stopped, the decorative symbol variable display state does not reach the reach state and the reach is not reached after the variable symbol display is started. A predetermined combination of decorative symbols may be stopped and displayed. Such a decorative display variable display mode is referred to as a “non-reach” (also referred to as “normal shift”) variable display mode when the variable display result is an out-of-order design.

  When the special symbol display 8 and the effect display device 9 are displayed in a stopped state, the variable display state of the decorative symbol is changed to the reach state after the variable symbol display is started. After the reach effect is executed, or when the reach effect is not executed, a predetermined combination of decorative symbols that are not reachable may be stopped and displayed. Such a variable display result of the decorative pattern is referred to as a variable display mode of “reach” (also referred to as “reach out”) when the variable display result is “out of”.

  In this embodiment, when the big win symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 8, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the decorative symbol becomes the reach state, or the reach effect is not executed. In the effect display device 9, the decorative symbols are all stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R.

  When “5”, which is a small hit symbol, is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 8, in the effect display device 9, the decorative symbol variable display is performed in the same manner as when the decorative symbol variable display mode is “accuracy”. Is performed, a stop symbol that is a predetermined non-reach combination (for example, the stop symbols in the “left” and “right” symbol display areas 9L and 9R do not match) is stopped and displayed, Stop symbols that are combinations of predetermined reach may be stopped and displayed. The display effect in the effect display device 9 corresponding to the fact that “5”, which is the small hit symbol, is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 8 is referred to as a “small hit” variable display mode.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) for designating a variation pattern of a decorative symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to variable display of a special symbol. (Corresponding to the variation pattern XX, respectively). “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the command 80XX (H), the effect display device 9 controls the effect display device 9 to start variable display of decorative symbols.

  Commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit and the type of the big win game. The production control microcomputer 100 determines the decoration pattern and the display result of the decoration pattern in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H), so the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are specified as the display result. It is called a command.

  Command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display (fluctuation) of the decorative symbols is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. When receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variable display (fluctuation) of the decorative symbols and derives and displays the display result.

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization designation command: power-on designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the gaming control microcomputer 560 transmits a power failure recovery designation command if data is stored in the backup RAM, and if not, initialization designation is performed. Send a command.

  Command 9F00 (H) is an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  The commands A001 to A003 (H) are for displaying a fanfare screen, that is, an effect control command for designating the start of a jackpot game or the start of a jackpot game (a jackpot start designation command or a jackpot start designation command: a fanfare designation command). is there. The big hit start designation command or the small hit start designation command includes a big hit start 1 designation command, a big hit start designation 2 designation command, and a small hit / rush start designation command corresponding to the type or small hit. The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  Command A301 (H) displays a jackpot end screen, that is, specifies the end of the jackpot game and an effect control command (special jackpot end 1 designation command: ending) that specifies that the jackpot game is a non-probable big hit (usually a big hit) 1 designation command). Command A302 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that it is a probable big hit (big hit end 2 designation command: ending 2 designation command). is there. Command A303 (H) is an effect control command (small hit / probability end designation command: ending 3 designation command) for designating the end of the small hit game or the sudden probability change game.

  The command C2XX (H) is an effect control command (pending storage number designation command) that designates the holding memory number. “XX” in the command C2XX (H) indicates the number of reserved memories. Command C300 (H) is an effect control command (pending storage count subtraction designation command) that specifies that the reserved storage count is decremented by one. In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a reserved memory number subtraction designation command when subtracting the reserved memory number, but subtracts the reserved memory number without using the reserved memory number subtraction designation command. In this case, the reserved memory number after subtraction may be designated by a reserved memory number designation command.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the effect display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG.

  In this embodiment, the presentation control command has a 2-byte structure, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always set to “0”. Note that such a command form is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

  In addition, as the transmission method of the effect control command, the effect control command data is output from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77 by the eight parallel signal lines of the effect control signals CD0 to CD7, In addition to the effect control command data, a method of outputting a pulse-shaped (rectangular wave-shaped) capture signal (effect control INT signal) for instructing capture of the effect control command data is used. The 8-bit effect control command data of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interrupt process.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the transmission timing of the effect control command. As shown in FIG. 22, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a variation pattern command, a display result specifying command, and a reserved storage number subtraction designation command at the start of variation. When the variable display time (fluctuation time) elapses, a symbol confirmation designation command is transmitted.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process (step S26) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the special symbol display 8 and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 detects that the game ball has won the first start port switch 13a or the second start port 14 for detecting that the game ball has won the first start game port 13. If the second start port switch 14a is turned on, that is, if a start winning is generated, start port switch passing processing is executed (steps S311 and S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 560 is in a state where variable display of the special symbol can be started, the game control microcomputer 560 confirms the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage number buffer (the number of reserved memories). The number of numerical data stored in the reserved memory number buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the reserved memory number counter. If the count value of the reserved memory number counter is not 0, it is determined whether or not the display result of the variable symbol special display is a big hit or a small hit. In case of big hit, set big hit flag. In the case of a small hit, a small hit flag is set. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) according to step S301. The big hit flag and the small hit flag are reset when the big hit game or the small hit game ends.

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of variable display until the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) is defined as the variation display variation time of the special symbol. Decide to do. Also, a variable time timer for measuring the special symbol variable time is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

  Display result specifying command transmission process (step S302): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. Control for transmitting a display result specifying command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to step S303.

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the internal state (special symbol process flag) is stepped. Update to a value corresponding to S304 (4 in this example).

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The variable display on the special symbol display 8 is stopped and the stop symbol is derived and displayed. In addition, control for transmitting a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed. When the big hit flag or the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 or 8 in this example) corresponding to step S305 or step S308. If neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0). The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the decorative symbol and the decorative symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S306 (6 in this example). The pre-opening process for the big winning opening is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. A control for transmitting an effect control command for round display during the big hit game state or the small hit game to the effect control microcomputer 100, a process for confirming that the closing condition of the big prize opening is established, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the special prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. When all the rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S307 (7 in this example).

  Big hit end process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. In addition, a process for setting a flag indicating a gaming state (for example, a probability change flag or a time reduction flag) is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  Small hit release pre-processing (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the pre-opening process for small hits, control is performed to open the big prize opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special winning opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S309 (9 in this example). It should be noted that although the pre-opening process for small hits is executed for each round, the pre-opening process for small hits is also a process for starting a small hit game when starting the first round.

  Small hit release processing (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. A control for transmitting an effect control command for a round display during the small hit gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 100, a process for confirming the completion of the closing condition of the big prize opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S308 (8 in this example). When all rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S310 (in this example, 10 (decimal number)).

  Small hit end process (step S310): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the small hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the start-port switch passing process in step S312. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the reserved memory number counter for counting the reserved memory number is the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment) (step S211). If the value of the pending storage number counter is the upper limit value, the process is terminated.

  If the value of the reserved memory number counter is not the upper limit value, the value of the reserved memory number counter indicating the reserved memory number is incremented by 1 (step S212). Further, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers (random 2, 5, 6: see FIG. 6), and converts them into the value of the reserved storage number counter as the extracted random number value. A process of storing in the storage area in the corresponding reserved storage buffer is executed (step S213). In the reserved storage buffer, the same number of storage areas as the upper limit value of the reserved storage number are secured. Note that a counter for generating software random numbers, a reserved storage buffer, and a reserved storage number counter are formed in the RAM 55. “Formed in RAM” means an area in the RAM.

  Next, the CPU 56 increases the number of displays on the special symbol reserved memory display 18 by 1 (step S214), and performs control to transmit a reserved memory number designation command (step S215).

  When transmitting an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the CPU 56 sets the address of a command transmission table (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) corresponding to the effect control command as a pointer. . And the address of the command transmission table according to an effect control command is set to a pointer, and an effect control command is transmitted in an effect control command control process (step S28).

  25 and 26 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 checks the value of the number of reserved storage (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the number of reserved memories is 0, the process is terminated.

  If the reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = 1 and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S52). Then, 1 is subtracted from the count value of the reserved storage number counter, and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S53). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55 is stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n−1. To store. Therefore, the order in which the random number values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the number of reserved memories is extracted always matches the order of the number of reserved memories = 1, 2, 3 and 4. Yes.

  Then, the CPU 56 stores the count value of the reserved storage number counter in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (step S54). In addition, the number of displays on the special symbol storage memory display 18 is reduced by 1 (step S55).

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area (step S61), and executes a jackpot determination module (step S62). The jackpot determination module is a program that compares a jackpot determination value (see FIG. 8) determined in advance with a jackpot determination random number, and executes a process of determining whether to hit a jackpot or a small hit if they match.

  Note that, when the gaming state is in the probability variation state, the CPU 56 uses the jackpot determination value in the table in which the jackpot determination value as shown in FIG. 7B is set, and the gaming state is in the normal state (non-probability variation state). Is, the jackpot determination value in the table in which the jackpot determination value as shown in FIG. 7A is set is used. If it is decided to make a big hit (step S63), the process proceeds to step S64. Note that deciding whether to win or not is to decide whether or not to shift to the jackpot gaming state, but to decide whether or not to stop the special symbol display as a big hit symbol. But there is.

  If it is decided to make a small hit (step S72), a small hit flag is set (step S73). Then, the process proceeds to step S75. When not making a small hit, the CPU 56 proceeds to step S75 as it is.

  In step S64, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag. Then, the game state determination random number is read from the random number buffer area (step S65), and it is determined whether or not to make a probable big hit based on the game state determination random number. If it is decided to make a probable big hit, the probable big hit flag is set (steps S66 and S67). If it is determined that the sudden probability change big hit is suddenly set, the sudden probability change big hit flag is set (steps S68 and S69).

  Then, data indicating the stop symbol of the special symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (step S75), and the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S76).

  In this embodiment, the stop symbol of the special symbol is “7” when it is decided to make a probable big hit, and “1” when it is decided to make a probable big hit suddenly. Yes, it is “3” if it is usually decided to make a big hit, and “5” if it is decided to make a big hit. If it is determined to be off, it is “-”. In the process of step S75, data indicating those stopped symbols is stored in the RAM 55. Note that the stop symbol may be determined by lottery using a random number.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag or the small hit flag is set (step S81). If the big hit flag and the small hit flag are not set, the process proceeds to step S85. When the big hit flag or the small hit flag is set, when it is decided to make a small hit (when the small hit flag is set) or when the sudden probability change big hit flag is set (step) In step S82, the variation pattern is determined to be a variation pattern (see FIG. 10) at the time of suddenness or small hit (step S83), and the process proceeds to step S105. When the small hit flag and the sudden probability change big hit flag are not set, the random number for determining the variation pattern is read from the random number buffer area (step S101).

  Then, the variation pattern is determined. Specifically, when the big hit flag is set, the fluctuation pattern corresponding to the judgment value that matches the fluctuation pattern determination random number value is selected from the big hit hour fluctuation pattern table (see FIG. 12A). (Steps S102 and S103). If the big hit flag is not set, the variation pattern corresponding to the determination value matching the random value for variation pattern determination is selected from the loss reach variation pattern table (see FIG. 12B) (step SS104). ).

  If neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 reads the reach determination random number from the random number buffer area (step S85). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the reserved storage number counter stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (the value before being subtracted in the process of step S53) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value (3 in this example) (step S86) If it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is determined whether or not to reach based on the reach determination table (see FIG. 11B) used when the value of the pending storage number counter is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S87). . If it is less than the predetermined value, it is determined whether or not to reach based on the reach determination table (see FIG. 11A) used when the value of the reserved memory number counter is less than the predetermined value (step S88).

  When it is determined to reach in the process of step S87 or the process of step S88, the process proceeds to step S101 (step S89).

  When it is determined not to reach, the random number for determining the variation pattern is read from the random number buffer area (step S90). Then, the variation pattern is determined. Specifically, when the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag is set, the variation corresponding to the determination value that matches the variation pattern determination random number value from the loss variation variation pattern table (see FIG. 12D). When a pattern is selected and neither the probability variation flag nor the time-short flag is set, it corresponds to the determination value that matches the random number value for variation pattern determination from the non-short variation pattern table (see FIG. 12C). A variation pattern is selected (step S91). Then, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a variation pattern command (see FIG. 21) corresponding to the variation pattern selected in step S90, step S103, or step S104 to the effect control microcomputer 100. The special symbol variation time (variable display time) is determined by the processes of steps S83, S90, S100, and S101 to S104. Then, the variation of the special symbol is started (step S106). For example, a start flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S32 is set. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S107). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result specifying command transmission process (step S302) (step S108).

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the display result specifying command transmission process (step S302). In the display result specifying command transmission process, the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command (see FIG. 21) of one of the display result 1 designation to the display result 5 designation in accordance with the determined big hit type, small hit, and loss. Control. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S110). If not set, the process proceeds to step S116. When the big hit flag is set, when the probability variation big hit flag is set, control for transmitting the display result 3 designation command is performed (steps S111 and S112). When the sudden probability big hit flag is set, control for transmitting a display result 4 designation command is performed (steps S113 and S114). When neither the probability variation jackpot flag nor the sudden probability variation jackpot flag is set, control for transmitting a display result 2 designation command is performed (step S115).

  When the CPU 56 confirms that the small hit flag is set in the process of step S116, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 5 designation command (step S117). When the small hit flag is not set, control for transmitting a display result 1 designation command is performed (step S118).

  Then, a reserved memory number subtraction designation command for designating that the reserved memory number is subtracted by 1 is transmitted (step S119). Instead of transmitting the reserved memory number subtraction designation command, a reserved memory number designation command for designating the reserved memory number after the subtraction may be transmitted. Further, the CPU 56 stores the transmitted display result specifying command in the effect symbol type storage area in the RAM 55.

  Thereafter, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S120).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 decrements the variable time timer by 1 (step S121), and when the variable time timer times out (step S122), the value of the special symbol process flag corresponds to the special symbol stop process (step S304). The updated value is updated (step S123). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 sets an end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S32 to end the variation of the special symbol, and performs control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol on the special symbol display unit 8. (Step S131). Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for production control is performed (step S132). If the big hit is not set, the process proceeds to step S138 (step S133).

  When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability variation flag and the hourly flag (step S134), and performs control to transmit the big hit start designation command (step S135). Specifically, when the probability variation jackpot flag is set, a jackpot start 2 designation command is transmitted.

  Also, a value corresponding to the big hit display time (time for notifying the fact that the big hit has occurred, for example, in the effect display device 9) is set in the big hit display time timer (step S136). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-winner opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S137).

  In step S138, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag is set. If the time reduction flag is set, the value of the time reduction counter indicating the number of times the special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state is decremented by 1 (step S139). When the value of the time reduction counter becomes 0, the time reduction flag is reset in order to shift the gaming state to the non-time reduction state when the variable display ends (steps S140 and S141).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S142). If the small hit flag is set, control is performed to transmit a small hit / probability start designation command (step S143). In addition, a value corresponding to the small hit display time (time for notifying that the small hit has occurred, for example, in the effect display device 9) is set in the small hit display time timer (step S144). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit release pre-processing (step S308) (step S145). If the small hit flag is not set, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S146).

  In the big winning opening opening pre-processing, when the big hit display time timer is set, the CPU 56 controls to open the big winning opening when the big hit display time timer times out, and sets the big winning opening opening time timer. A value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 29 seconds in the case of a normal big hit and a probable big hit) is set, and the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big winning opening opening process (step S306). . The case where the big hit display time timer is set is the case before the start of the first round. When the interval timer (timer for determining the interval time between rounds) is set, when the interval timer times out, control is performed to open the big prize opening and the opening time ( For example, in the case of a normal big hit and a probable big hit, a value corresponding to 29 seconds) is set, and the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big prize opening opening process (step S306).

  In the process during opening of the big prize opening, the CPU 56 does not finish the final round when the big prize opening time timer times out or the number of winning balls to the big prize opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). In this case, control for closing the special winning opening is performed, a value corresponding to the interval time is set in the interval timer, and the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to the pre-opening process for the special winning opening (step S305). Update. When the final round is completed, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end process (step S307).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S150). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S154. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S151), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S152). Here, when the probability variation big hit flag or the sudden probability variation big hit flag is set, the big hit end 2 designation command is transmitted. When neither the probability variation big hit flag nor the sudden probability variation big hit flag is set, the big hit end 1 designation command is sent. Send. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is performed on the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S153), and the processing is ended.

  In step S154, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step S155). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, it is checked whether the probability variation jackpot flag or the sudden probability variation jackpot flag is set (step S158).

  If the probability variation jackpot flag or the sudden probability variation jackpot flag is set, the set flag (probability variation jackpot flag or sudden probability variation jackpot flag) is reset (step S159), the probability variation flag is set, and the gaming state is the probability variation state. (Step S161). If neither the probability variation big hit flag nor the sudden probability variation big hit flag is set, the time reduction flag is set (step S162), and the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal processing (step S300) (step S300). Step S163).

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the small hit end process (step S310) in the special symbol process. In the small hit end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit end display timer is set (step S170). If the small hit end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S174. If the small hit end display timer is not set, the small hit flag is reset (step S171), and a control for transmitting a small hit / coincidence end designation command is performed (step S172). Then, the small hit end display timer sets a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the small hit end display is performed in the effect display device 9 (small hit end display time) in the small hit end display timer ( Step S173), the process is terminated.

  In step S174, 1 is subtracted from the value of the small hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the small hit end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the small hit end display time has elapsed (step S175). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S176).

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 2 ms) (step S701). . Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 executes a random number update process for updating the counter value of a counter for generating a predetermined random number (step S702). Then, the timer interrupt flag is monitored (step S703). If the timer interrupt flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S702. When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S704), and executes the effect control process of steps S705 to S707.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S705). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S706). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed. Further, a hold memory display control process for controlling the display state of the hold memory display unit 18c is executed (step S707). Then, control goes to a step S702.

  34 and 35 are flowcharts showing a specific example of command analysis processing (step S705). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +2 (step S613). The reason for +2 is that 2 bytes (1 command) are read at a time.

  If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S614), the effect control CPU 101 stores the variation pattern command in a variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S615). Then, a variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S616).

  If the received effect control command is a display result specifying command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 forms the display result specifying command (one of display result 1 specifying command to display result 5 specifying command) in the RAM. The displayed display result specifying command storage area is stored (step S618).

  If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a confirmed command reception flag (step S622).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot start 1 designation command or a jackpot start 2 designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag or a jackpot start 2 designation command reception flag ( Step S624). If the received effect control command is a small hit / surprise start designation command (step S625), the effect control CPU 101 sets a small hit / surprise start designation command reception flag (step S626).

  If the received effect control command is a power-on specification command (initialization specification command) (step S631), the effect control CPU 101 displays on the image display device 9 an initial screen indicating that the initialization processing has been executed. Control is performed (step S632). The initial screen includes an initial display of predetermined production symbols.

  If the received effect control command is a power failure recovery designation command (step S633), a predetermined power failure recovery screen (screen for displaying information notifying the player that the gaming state is continuing) is displayed. Display control is performed (step S634).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 1 designation command or a jackpot end 2 designation command (step S641), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag or a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag ( Step S642). If the received effect control command is a small hit / abrupt end specification command (step S643), the effect control CPU 101 sets a small hit / abrupt end specification command reception flag (step S644).

  If the received effect control command is a reserved memory number designation command (step S651), the effect control CPU 101 stores the second byte data (EXT data) of the reserved memory number designation command in the reserved memory number storage area. (Step S652).

  If the received effect control command is a reserved memory number subtraction designation command (step S657), the effect control CPU 101 sets a reserved memory number subtraction designation command reception flag (step S658).

  If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S649). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing random numbers used by the production control microcomputer 100. As shown in FIG. 36, in this embodiment, the microcomputer 100 for effect control includes a random number for determining the left middle right stop symbol (final stop symbol), a random number for determining the first temporary stop symbol of the pseudo-series, A random number for determining the second temporary stop symbol of the pseudo-series and a random number for determining the third temporary stop symbol of the pseudo-series are used. Note that random numbers other than these may be used in order to enhance the effect.

  The random number for determining the left middle right stop symbol is a random number for determining the final stop symbol of the left middle right decorative symbol.

  The random number of the first temporary stop symbol is used to determine a decorative symbol (temporary stop symbol) to be temporarily stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R after the first fluctuation. The random number of the second temporary stop symbol is a temporary stop display in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R after the subsequent re-change. This is a random number used to determine the decorative symbol (temporary stop symbol) to be executed. The random number of the third temporary stop symbol is “left”, “middle”, and “right” after the subsequent re-change. This is a random number used to determine a decorative symbol (temporary stop symbol) to be temporarily stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, 9R.

  A temporary stop symbol determination table is stored in the ROM of the effect control microcomputer 100. The temporary stop symbol determination table includes a determination value to be compared with a random number for determining the first temporary stop symbol, a random number for determining the second temporary stop symbol, and a random number for determining the third temporary stop symbol. And a table in which determination values corresponding to the indicated chances are set. The production control CPU 101 uses the first temporary stop symbol determination random number, the second temporary stop symbol determination random number, the third temporary stop symbol determination random number, and the temporary stop symbol determination table after the first change. The first temporary stop symbol that is the temporary stop symbol, the second temporary stop symbol that is the temporary stop symbol after the second re-variation (the first change is the first time), and the third re-variation (the initial change is 1) The third temporary stop symbol which is the subsequent temporary stop symbol is determined.

  The ROM in the production control microcomputer 100 stores a final stop symbol determination table. The final stop symbol determination table includes a table that is used at the time of jackpot, a table that is used when reaching but not hitting, and a table that is used when not reaching. In the table used at the time of the big hit, for example, a determination value that is compared with a left stop symbol determining random number and corresponding to the left middle right stop symbol is set. At the time of big hit, the left, middle and right stop symbols are the same. For example, the left, middle and right stop symbols are determined only by the left stop symbol determining random number. The table used in the case of reaching but not winning is a judgment value that is compared with the random number for determining the left stop symbol and corresponding to the stop symbol of the left and right symbols, and the random number for determining the middle stop symbol A determination value to be compared and a determination value corresponding to the stop symbol of the middle symbol is set. If the reach is made but not the big hit, the left and right stop symbols are the same. For example, the left and right stop symbols are determined only by the left stop symbol determining random number. In addition, the effect control CPU 101 excludes symbols that match the left and right stop symbols when determining the stop symbols of the middle symbol so that the stop symbols of the middle symbol do not match the left and right stop symbols. The table used when not reaching is compared with the determination value corresponding to the stop symbol of the left and right symbols and the determination value corresponding to the stop symbol of the left and right symbols and the random number for determining the middle stop symbol A determination value that is a determination value corresponding to the stop symbol of the middle symbol and a determination value that is compared with the random number for determining the right stop symbol and corresponding to the stop symbol of the right symbol are set. If the stop symbol of the right design does not match the stop symbol of the left when not reaching, the effect control CPU 101 determines the stop symbol of the right symbol when determining the stop symbol of the right symbol. Is excluded. In addition, when not reaching, the effect control CPU 101 determines the left middle right stop symbol so that the left middle right stop symbol does not coincide with the chance eye shown in FIG. For example, the table used when not reaching is configured such that the chance eye is not selected, or when the chance eye is selected, control such as shifting the symbol is performed.

  FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the current variation pattern and the presence or absence of a special effect when the previous variation pattern is a super-reach variation pattern (variation pattern accompanied by a super-reach effect). As shown in FIG. 37, when the previous fluctuation pattern is a super reach fluctuation pattern, the current fluctuation pattern is one of the fluctuation patterns 12, 14, 17, 20, 23, and 26 (see FIG. 10). If there is, the effect control CPU 101 determines to execute the special effect related to the previous variation pattern.

  In this embodiment, when the previous variation pattern is a super reach variation pattern, the current variation pattern is any one of variation patterns 12, 14, 17, 20, 23, and 26. However, if the previous variation pattern is a super reach variation pattern, the present variation pattern is the variation pattern 12, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26. For example, it may be determined by lottery using a random number whether or not the special effect is executed. In that case, it is decided to execute the special effect at a high rate. Since it is configured to execute a special effect at a high rate, it is possible to increase the frequency at which the effect that the special effect is executed immediately after the super-reach effect in which the display result of the identification information is removed and the design is finished. it can.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command has been received from the game control microcomputer 560. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If the variation pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S801).

  Decoration symbol variation start processing (step S801): Control is performed so that the decoration symbol and the variation of the ornament symbol are started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol changing process (step S802).

  Decoration symbol variation processing (step S802): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803).

  Decoration symbol variation stop processing (step S803): Based on the reception of the effect control command (design determination designation command) for instructing all symbols to stop, the variation of the ornament symbol (and the ornament symbol) is stopped and the display result (stop symbol) ) Is derived and displayed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Big hit display processing (step S804): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 9 of the occurrence of big hit or small hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the in-round processing (step S805).

  In-round processing (step S805): Display control during round is performed. If the round end condition is satisfied, if the final round has not ended, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the post-round processing (step S806). If the final round has ended, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end effect process (step S807).

  Post-round processing (step S806): Display control between rounds is performed. When the round start condition is satisfied, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the in-round process (step S805).

  Big hit end effect processing (step S807): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit game state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the decorative symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 reads data indicating the received variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S820). Then, the effect control CPU 101 extracts the left / right stop symbol determination random number, stores the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area of the RAM (that is, the received display result specifying command) and the left / right right. The decorative symbol display result (stop symbol) is determined according to the stop symbol determining random number (step S821). The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the display result of the determined decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display result storage area (save area) of the RAM (step S822). The display result specifying command storage area stores the display result specifying command received in the command analysis process.

  Note that, in the process of step S821, when a display result specifying command (display result 1 designation command) indicating a loss is received, a combination of stop symbols that causes a loss is determined. Specifically, when data indicating a fluctuation pattern command with reach effect is stored in the fluctuation pattern command storage area, a combination of stop symbols that match the left and right symbols but does not match the middle symbols is determined. When data indicating a fluctuation pattern command without a reach effect is stored in the fluctuation pattern command storage area, a combination of stop symbols whose left and right symbols do not match is determined.

  If a display result specifying command (display result 2 specifying command, display result 3 specifying command, display result 4 specifying command or display result 5 specifying command) indicating a big hit or a small hit is received, a big hit or a small hit A combination of stop symbols (for example, all symbols match) is determined. When a display result specifying command (display result 3 designation command) indicating a probability variation big hit is received, a combination of stop symbols that recalls a probability variation big hit (for example, “7” “7” “7”) May be determined. However, when a display result specifying command (display result 4 designation command) indicating a sudden probability variation big hit is received, it is a combination of decorative symbols that are irregular in the middle left and right, and a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to the sudden probability big hit. You may make it determine the chance eyes (for example, "1" "2" "3"). Even when a display result specifying command (display result 5 designation command) indicating a small hit is received, a chance item may be determined as a combination of stop symbols. In addition, a combination of decorative symbols that evokes a big hit is sometimes referred to as a big hit symbol, and a combination of decorative symbols that evokes a loss is sometimes referred to as a missed symbol.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the variation pattern indicated by the received variation pattern command is one of the variation patterns 12, 14, 17, 20, 23, and 26 (step S823). If it is any of the variation patterns 12, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, the special effect determination process is executed (step S824). Then, control goes to a step S833.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing special effect determination processing. In the special effect determination process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the super reach off flag is set (step S721). The super-reach off flag is set when the variation pattern indicated by the received variation pattern command is one of the variation patterns 6 to 11, as will be described later. That is, it is set when the variation of the immediately preceding decorative pattern is executed by the variation patterns 6-11.

  When the super reach off flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the super reach off flag (step S722) and sets a special effect presence flag indicating execution of the special effect (step S723).

  When the variation pattern indicated by the received variation pattern command is not any of the variation patterns 12, 14, 17, 20, 23, and 26, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is a variation pattern of pseudo continuous variation. (Step S825). If it is not the variation pattern of the pseudo continuous variation, the process proceeds to step S829. If the variation pattern is a pseudo-continuous variation, a random number for determining the first temporary stop symbol, a random number for determining the second temporary stop symbol, and a random number for determining the third temporary stop symbol are extracted (step S826). Then, the production control CPU 101 determines a decision value (temporary stop symbol determination table) that matches the extracted random number for determining the first temporary stop symbol, the random number for determining the second temporary stop symbol, and the random number for determining the third temporary stop symbol. Are determined as the first temporary stop symbol, the second temporary stop symbol, and the third temporary stop symbol (step S827), and the determined first temporary stop symbol, second Data indicating the temporary stop symbol and the third temporary stop symbol is stored in the storage area of the RAM (step S828). Then, control goes to a step S829.

  The production control CPU 101 may determine the same chance as the first temporary stop symbol, the second temporary stop symbol, and the third temporary stop symbol, or the second temporary stop symbol may be determined as the first temporary stop symbol. The chance item having a specific relationship with the stop symbol may be used, and the third temporary stop symbol may be a chance item having a specific relationship with the second temporary stop symbol. The chance item having a specific relationship is, for example, the next opportunity item (for example, GC2 with respect to GC1) in the list of opportunity items shown in FIG.

  In step S829, the effect control CPU 101 resets the super reach off flag. And it is confirmed whether the value of a pending | holding memory | storage number counter is 0 (step S830). If the value of the reserved memory number counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S832. If the value of the pending storage number counter is not 0 and the variation pattern indicated by the received variation pattern command is one of the variation patterns 6 to 11, the super reach loss flag is set (step S831). The super reach loss flag is referenced at the start of the next fluctuation. The reserved memory number counter is formed in the RAM of the reserved memory number counter microcomputer 100.

  For the current variation, the value of the reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1, but the subtraction process is executed in the reserved memory display control process (see FIG. 47). Confirming that the value of the reserved memory number counter is not 0 in the process of step S830 means that the reserved memory number is not 0. In addition, since the variation patterns 6 to 11 are used when the display result of the decorative symbol is used as an off symbol, the fact that the super reach off flag is set means that the next variation immediately after the end of the current variation. It also means that it is started (because the jackpot game is not executed).

  In step S832, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the received variation pattern command and no special effect. Then, control goes to a step S836.

  In step S833, the CPU 101 for effect control confirms whether or not the special effect flag is set. If the special effect flag is set, the special effect flag is reset (step S834), and the process table corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the received variation pattern command and the special effect is selected (step S835). . Then, control goes to a step S836. If the special effect flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S832.

  It should be noted that selecting the process table corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the received variation pattern command and the special effect is shown in FIG. 13C during the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the received variation pattern command. It is to select a process table for realizing an effect as described above. The selection of the process table corresponding to the fluctuation pattern indicated by the received fluctuation pattern command and the absence of special effects means selection of a process table for realizing the fluctuation pattern indicated by the received fluctuation pattern command. When the effect control CPU 101 executes a special effect related to the previous variation, the variation control command 101 identifies the variation pattern indicated by the received variation pattern command (the variation time is specified: see FIG. 10) in the variation period shown in FIG. Since the effect as shown in C) is executed, a process of selecting a specific fluctuation pattern based on a command that can specify the fluctuation time is executed by executing the process of step S834. Become.

  Further, as the special effects, for example, the effects shown in FIGS. 15E to 15G (the special effects are executed from the start of the change) are selected, but FIGS. 17E to 17H are selected. It is also possible to select an effect shown in (a special effect is executed after high-speed fluctuation is performed from the start of fluctuation). Further, a plurality of types of effects for which special effects are executed from the start of fluctuation may be prepared, and the effect control CPU 101 may determine the special effects to be used, for example, by lottery using random numbers.

  In the case of a probable big hit, instead of the effects shown in FIGS. 15E to 15G (special effects are executed from the start of the change), FIGS. 18E to 18H are used. In other words, the production control CPU 101 receives the display result 3 designation command (see FIG. 21), as shown in FIGS. 18E to 18H. The process table for executing the produced effect is selected, but in the effect shown in FIGS. 18E to 18H, the effect shown in FIG. 18E is deleted (high speed from the start of the change). The special effect may be executed after the change is performed).

  FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, sound number data, and movable member control data are collected. The display control execution data includes, for example, data indicating each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the decorative symbol (display of the effect display device 9 in addition to the decorative symbol display mode) Including effects other than decorative designs on the screen). Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. Further, the production time in the production mode is set in the process timer set value. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table, displays the decorative pattern in the form set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value, and displays the character image or background displayed on the display screen. Control to display. In addition, the flashing of the light emitter is controlled in a manner set in the lamp control execution data and the sound number data, and the sound output from the speaker 27 is controlled. Further, the movable member 78 (specifically, the motor 86 that moves the movable member 78) is controlled in a manner set in the movable member control data.

  The process table shown in FIG. 42 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. Further, as shown in FIG. 43, the process table is prepared according to the effect control pattern corresponding to each variation pattern. Furthermore, even if the variation pattern is the same, different process tables are prepared according to the presence or absence of special effects. Further, although not shown in FIG. 43, an effect during the big hit game is also executed using the process table. That is, the ROM also stores a process table in which process data indicating the contents of effects during the big hit game is set.

  FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an effect executed according to the contents of the process table. The effect control CPU 101 executes display control according to effect control execution data in the process table. That is, when the time corresponding to the timer value set as the process timer set value elapses, the effect display device 9, the light emitter such as LED, the speaker 27, and the movable member 78 are set in accordance with the next effect control execution data in the process table. By repeating the process to be controlled, the decoration pattern is changed once and the effect during the change is realized. Note that dummy data (data not specifying control) is set in data (for example, movable member control data) corresponding to a production component that is not controlled during the variation period.

  In this embodiment, the variation of the decorative design is also realized by using the effect control execution data. That is, a large number of effect control execution data indicating the display states of the left, middle, and right decorative symbols on the effect display device 9 that changes every moment are also set in the process table. However, the left, middle, and right decorative designs may not be set in the process table. In this case, for example, the production control CPU 101 outputs a command for designating the display state of the left middle right decorative symbol every predetermined time (for example, 30 ms) to the VDP 109, and the VDP 109 responds to the command with the left middle right By executing the display control of the decorative pattern, the variation of the decorative pattern is realized.

  In step S836, the effect control CPU 101 starts a process timer corresponding to effect execution data 1 (process data 1) in the selected process table. Next, the production control CPU 101 performs the production device (the image display device 9 as the production component, the production component as the production component according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1). Control of the various lamps, the speaker 27 as the production component, and the motor 86 that moves the movable member 78 as the production component is executed (step S837). For example, in order to display an image according to the variation pattern on the image display device 9, a command is output to the VDP 109. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform on / off control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to output sound from the speaker 27. Further, a drive signal for operating the movable member 78 is output in accordance with the movable member control data.

  Further, a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command is set in the variation time timer (step S838). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol changing process (step S802) (step S839).

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol variation process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol variation process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S840) and subtracts 1 from the value of the variation time timer (step S841).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S843). If the process timer has timed out, the process data is switched (step S844). That is, the process timer is started again by setting the process timer setting value set next in the process table in the process timer (step S845). Further, the control state for the effect device (effect part) is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, sound number data, and movable member control data set next (step S846).

  If the variation time timer has timed out (step S847), the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803) (step S849). Even if the variation time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received is set (step S848), the value of the effect control process flag is displayed as a decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803). ) To a value corresponding to () (step S849). Even if the variation time timer has not timed out, if the symbol confirmation designation command is received, the process shifts to control to stop variation.For example, a variation pattern command indicating a long variation time due to noise between substrates is received. Even in such a case, the variation of the decorative symbol can be terminated when the regular variation time has elapsed (when the variation of the special symbol has ended).

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a stop symbol display flag indicating that a decorative symbol stop symbol is displayed is set (step S870). If the stop symbol display flag is set, the process proceeds to step S877. In this embodiment, when a big hit symbol is displayed as a decorative symbol stop symbol, a stop symbol display flag is set in step S876. Then, the stop symbol display flag is reset when the fanfare effect is executed. Therefore, since the stop symbol display flag is set is a stage where the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed but the fanfare effect is not yet executed, the process of displaying the stop symbol of the decorative symbols in steps S871 to S876 is performed. Without execution, the process proceeds to step S877.

  When the stop symbol display flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 sets a confirmation command reception flag indicating that an effect control command (design confirmation designation command) for instructing to stop changing the decoration symbol is received. It is confirmed whether or not there is (step S871). If the confirmation command reception flag is set, control is performed to stop and display the determined stop symbol (outgoing symbol, small hit symbol or big hit symbol) (step S872).

  In this embodiment, the production control CPU 101 performs control to stop and display the decorative symbols in response to receiving the symbol confirmation designation command from the game control microcomputer 560, but the variable time timer has timed out. The decorative design may be stopped and displayed based on the above.

  When the small hit symbol or the big hit display symbol is not displayed in the process of step S872 (that is, when the off-set symbol is displayed), the effect control CPU 101 uses the value of the effect control process flag to wait for the variation pattern command reception process. The value is updated according to (Step S800) (Step S874).

  When the small hit symbol or the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the process of step S872, the CPU 101 for effect control sets a stop symbol display flag (step S876) and specifies the big hit start designation indicating that the big hit start designation command has been received. Whether the command reception flag (big hit start 1 designation command reception flag or big hit start 2 designation command reception flag) or the small hit / surprise start designation command reception flag indicating that a small hit / surprise start designation command has been received is set Confirmation is made (step S877). When the big hit start designation command reception flag or the small hit / surprise start designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the stop symbol display flag (step S878), and a process table corresponding to the fanfare effect. Is selected (step S879).

  The effect control CPU 101 resets the set flag when the big hit start designation command reception flag or the small hit / coincidence start designation command reception flag is set. Also, in the processing of step S879, the effect control CPU 101 is determined to be a normal big hit or a probable big hit (specifically, when receiving a display result 2 designation command or a display result 3 designation command: FIG. 21), when a process table corresponding to “15-time open game start notification” is selected and a small hit or a sudden big hit is determined (specifically, a display result 4 designation command or a display result 5 designation) When a command is received (see FIG. 21), a process table corresponding to “twice-open game start notification (common in common and small hit)” is selected. Then, the process timer is started by setting the process timer set value in the process timer (step S880), and the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1, movable member control) Control of the effect device (the effect display device 9 as an effect part, various lamps as an effect part, and the speaker 27 as an effect part) is executed according to data 1) (step S881). Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) (step S882).

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the hold memory display control process (step S707) in the effect control main process. In the reserved memory display control process, the effect control CPU 101 determines that the data in the reserved memory number storage area where the second byte data (EXT data) of the reserved memory number designation command is stored is more than the value of the reserved memory number counter. It is confirmed whether or not it is larger (step S901). If the data in the reserved memory number storage area is not larger than the value of the reserved memory number counter, the process proceeds to step S904.

  The fact that the data in the reserved memory number storage area is larger than the value of the reserved memory number counter means that a new reserved memory number designation command has been received. When the power is turned on, the value of the pending storage number counter is 0 by the initialization process in step S701.

  When the data in the reserved memory number storage area is larger than the value of the reserved memory number counter, the effect control CPU 101 increases the number of circles displayed in the reserved memory display unit 18c by 1 (step S902). Further, the data in the reserved memory number storage area is set in the reserved memory number counter (step S903).

  In step S904, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the reserved memory number subtraction designation command indicating that the reserved memory number subtraction designation command has been received is set. If the pending storage number subtraction designation command is set, the pending storage number subtraction designation command is reset (step S905), and the number of circles displayed on the pending storage display portion 18c is reduced by one. Specifically, the most recently displayed circle (for example, the leftmost circle) in the hold storage display unit 18c is deleted, and the displayed circle is shifted to the left, for example (step S906). Then, the value of the pending storage number counter is decreased by 1 (step S907).

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when the display result of the variation of the decorative symbol immediately after the variation of the decorative symbol is executed according to the variation pattern of the super reach is a jackpot symbol, the variation of the decorative symbol immediately after It becomes possible to immediately execute a special effect in the game, and the fun of the game can be further improved.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 is configured to be able to select a pseudo-variation variation pattern including a relief effect when it is decided to control to the big hit game state (FIGS. 10 and 12A). (See Fig. 14 (B)). Also, since the variation pattern of the quasi-continuous including the relief effect is changed to a pattern in which the special effect is executed after displaying the out-of-reach symbol (see Fig. 14 (B)) , Can improve the interest of the game.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the production control microcomputer 100 executes a special production related to the previous variation pattern. In the second embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not to execute the special production. It is determined whether or not to execute special effects related to the fluctuation pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 48, the reserved storage buffer formed in the RAM 55 is provided with four storage areas. The storage area in which the random number value corresponding to the reserved storage is stored depends on the number of stored memories. Judged by the value of the counter. For example, if the value of the reserved storage number counter is n (n = 1, 2, 3, 4), random numbers corresponding to the reserved storage are stored in the storage areas 1 to n. When the value of the reserved memory number counter is 0, no random number value corresponding to the reserved memory is stored in any storage area. When the value of the reserved memory number counter is not 0, the random value corresponding to the most recently stored memory is stored in the storage area 1.

  FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram of a variation pattern determination table in the second embodiment. The variation pattern determination table is a table in which a determination value to be compared with random 2 (variation pattern determination random number) is set. In FIG. 49, the number of determination values is described instead of the determination value itself. The variation pattern determination table is stored in the ROM 54. When the big hit is made, the CPU 56 decides the fluctuation pattern based on the big hit time fluctuation pattern determination table (big hit time fluctuation pattern table) shown in FIG. 49 (A1). However, in the previous fluctuation, if the display result is an out-of-band design but the super reach fluctuation pattern is used, the big hit time (previous super reach) fluctuation pattern determination table (big hit) shown in FIG. 49 (A2). A variation pattern is determined based on a time variation pattern table. In addition, when reaching a case where a big hit is not achieved, the variation pattern is determined based on the variation pattern determination table (reach variation pattern table at the time of loss) shown in FIG. 49 (B1) or (B2). .

  The table shown in FIG. 49 (B1) is used when a symbol is derived and displayed in the variation of the decorative symbol immediately after, and the table shown in FIG. 49 (B2) is derived from the jackpot symbol in the variation of the decorative symbol immediately after. Used when displayed.

  Unlike the big hit time fluctuation pattern table in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, the judgment value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern 26 is set in the big hit time fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. It has not been.

  In addition, when the table shown in FIG. 49B2 is used, the super reach variation pattern is more easily selected than when the table shown in FIG. 49B1 is used.

  Further, in this embodiment, the variation pattern 26 is a variation pattern in which a special effect is executed from the beginning of variation as illustrated in FIG.

  As in the case of the first embodiment, when the game state is the normal state when it is not a big hit and is not reached, when the game state is the normal state (no reach: normal) The variation pattern is determined based on the state) variation pattern determination table (the non-shortened variation pattern table at the time of loss). When the game state is a probabilistic change state or a short time state when it is not a big hit and is not reached, the fluctuation pattern determination table (out of reach: no reach: no probable change / short time state) shown in FIG. The variation pattern is determined based on the time shortening variation pattern table.

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process process according to the second embodiment. The difference from the variation pattern setting process in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 27 is that when the CPU 56 reads the variation pattern determination random number in the process of step S101, the big hit hour variation pattern determination process is executed (step S101). S103A) When it is decided not to make a big hit but to reach, the random number for determining the variation pattern is read (step S101A) and the variation pattern determination process at the time of reach is executed (step S104B).

  If the next fluctuation is a big hit and the reach is not reached in step S89, the super reach is not selected and the relief effect is not performed. Therefore, even if the reach is not performed, the super reach is executed and the super reach flag is set and the relief effect is performed. There are cases where it is said.

  FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing the reach variation pattern determination process. In the reach variation pattern determination process, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the value of the reserved storage number counter is 0 (step S732). If the value of the pending storage number counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S738. If the value of the pending storage number counter is not 0, a random R (random number for jackpot determination) is read from the storage area 1 (step S61), and it is determined whether or not the read random R matches the jackpot determination value (step S61). S734). If it does not coincide with the big hit determination value, the process proceeds to step S738.

  If the read random R matches the big hit determination value, the fluctuation pattern is determined using the loss reach fluctuation pattern table (see FIG. 49 (B2)) used at the next big hit (step S735). That is, the variation pattern corresponding to the determination value that matches the variation pattern determining random number is selected from the loss reach variation pattern table used at the next big hit.

  If the selected variation pattern (the variation pattern for the current variation) is a super reach variation pattern (see FIG. 10), the super reach deviation flag is set (step S737).

  In step S738, the CPU 56 determines a fluctuation pattern using a loss reach fluctuation pattern table (see FIG. 49 (B1)) used at the next time of deviation. That is, the variation pattern corresponding to the determination value that matches the variation pattern determination random number value is selected from the loss reach variation pattern table used at the next variation.

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. In the big hit hour variation pattern determination process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the super reach loss flag is set (step S741). The super reach loss flag is set when the display result of the variation of the decorative symbol executed immediately after the start of the previous variation is a big hit symbol and the variation pattern of the super reach is selected (steps S734 to S734). (See S737).

  If the super reach miss flag is set, the super reach miss flag is reset (step S742), and the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern is determined from the big hit (previous super reach) fluctuation pattern table (see FIG. 49A2). A variation pattern corresponding to the determination value that matches the value is selected (step S743). If the super reach loss flag is not set, a variation pattern corresponding to a determination value matching the variation pattern determination random number value is selected from the big hit variation pattern table (see FIG. 49A) (step S744).

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern 26 is a variation pattern in which a special effect is executed from the beginning of variation as illustrated in FIG. Therefore, in the previous variation of the decorative symbol, the variation of the decorative symbol is executed by the variation pattern of the super reach, and when the display result of the current variation of the decorative symbol is the big hit symbol, the special effect is executed.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, when the display result of the variation of the decorative symbol immediately after the variation of the decorative symbol is executed by the variation pattern of the super reach is the jackpot symbol, the variation of the decorative symbol immediately after Since the special performance is executed immediately, the entertainment of the game can be further improved.

  The processing of the game control microcomputer 560 other than the variation pattern setting processing is the same as the processing in the first embodiment. Further, the processing of the production control microcomputer 100 is the same as the processing in the first embodiment except that the processing of steps S823, S824, and S829 to S834 shown in FIG. 40 is not executed.

  Further, in this embodiment, in the big hit hour fluctuation pattern determination process, the CPU 56 always changes when the super reach loss flag is set (when the previous fluctuation is a fluctuation due to the super reach fluctuation pattern). Pattern 26 (a variation pattern in which a special effect is executed from the start of variation) is selected. When the super reach loss flag is set, it is determined whether to change to the variation pattern 26, for example, by random lottery. You may do it. Alternatively, the variation pattern 26 may be selected at a low rate when the super reach loss flag is not set.

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern 26 is used as the variation pattern in which the special effect is executed from the beginning of the variation. However, even when the super reach loss flag is set, the big hit variation pattern table (FIG. 49). A variation pattern in which a special effect is executed from the start of variation according to the variation time of the variation pattern selected using (A) may be used. In that case, the game control microcomputer 560 gives an effect control command (change) indicating the change pattern selected using the big hit time change pattern table (see FIG. 49A) to the effect control microcomputer 100. Pattern command) and an effect control command indicating the presence or absence of a special effect. Alternatively, when it is determined that a variation pattern command indicating (variation pattern: no special effect) and a variation pattern command indicating (variation pattern: special effect) are defined as the variation pattern command and the special effect is executed. Transmits a variation pattern command indicating (variation pattern: with special effect), and transmits a variation pattern command indicating (variation pattern: no special effect) when it is decided not to execute the special effect.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100, but the game control microcomputer 560 is not connected to another board (for example, FIG. Or a sound / lamp board having a function of a circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and a function of a circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). An effect control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 on the effect control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through another board, or the sound output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board are equipped with control means such as a microcomputer, and the control means receives the command. In response to this, control related to voice control and lamp control is executed, and the received command is changed as it is or, for example, to a simplified command to control the effect display device 9. You may make it transmit to 100. Even in that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the display control in accordance with the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 560 in the above-described embodiment. Display control can be performed in accordance with commands received from the board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  The present invention can be applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and is particularly suitable for a gaming machine that executes a re-variation effect in an effect device (effect parts) such as an effect display device provided in the game machine. Applied.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Special symbol display 9 Production display device 13 1st start winning opening 14 2nd starting winning opening 15 Variable winning ball apparatus 18 Special symbol reservation memory display 18c Reservation memory display part 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
78 Movable member 560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU

Claims (1)

Based on the fact that the start condition of the variable display is satisfied after the start condition is satisfied, the variable display section includes a variable display section that displays a plurality of types of identification information that can be distinguished from each other, and the display result of the identification information in the variable display section is A gaming machine that controls a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a predetermined specific display result is obtained,
Pre-determining means for determining whether or not to control to a specific gaming state in response to the start of the variation display of identification information;
Based on the determination by the pre-decision unit, a variation pattern selection unit that selects a variation pattern that is an effect of identification information from a plurality of types of variation patterns including a plurality of types of reach variation patterns;
Based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection unit, a variation display control unit that performs variation display of identification information,
The plurality of types of reach variation patterns are:
A specific reach fluctuation pattern in a reach fluctuation pattern in which the display result of the identification information is not a specific display result;
Re plurality of types, including the effect of variation in the identification information display result from the start to run again varying one or more times to perform fluctuations again after once was provisionally stop the variable display until derived displayed Including variation production patterns,
The re-variation effect pattern includes at least one re-variation in which the variation display is temporarily stopped after the variation display is temporarily stopped until the specific display result is derived and displayed after the variation of the identification information is started. It is determined that the performance to be executed is performed in the specific reach variation pattern before re-variation, the non-specific display result is temporarily displayed, and the specific display result is derived and displayed after re-variation. Includes special re-variation effect reach variation patterns where special effects are executed and specific display results are derived and displayed,
The variation pattern selection means includes:
If the pre-determination means has determined that the control to a particular game state, Ri selectable der the special re-variation effect reach varying pattern,
A gaming machine , wherein the special re-variation effect reach variation pattern is selected regardless of the variation pattern of the variation display executed immediately before .

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