JP5495272B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine that has a function of performing a pre-reading notice effect and restores game operation state data prior to power-off when the power is cut off during the game operation.

  In recent pachinko machines, so-called pre-reading notice is performed as a technique for expressing that the gaming state is likely to be a big hit game advantageous to the player (see Patent Document 1 below). There are two types of pre-reading notices, which are the following “change system at start-up” and “change system at start of change”.

  The pre-reading notice of the former “change system at start-up” is a notice that is triggered when a game ball wins at the symbol start opening and the start condition is satisfied. The notice effect of “holding change system” of changing to a display mode is continued. In other words, based on the fact that the starting condition is established by winning a game ball at the symbol starting port during the variation display operation of one symbol game, the right to execute the variation display operation of the symbol game related to the establishment of the starting condition is temporarily held. At the same time as storing, when a pre-reading notice lottery is performed as to whether or not a pre-reading notice effect (continuous notice effect) is performed, and the pre-reading notice lottery is won, the display mode of the hold indicator related to the hold memory is And a different display mode (for example, white to red).

  Although the existing hold memory is sequentially digested when the execution of the variable display operation of one symbol game is completed, the hold memory position and the display position of the hold indicator are moved up (shifted) and the number of displays is reduced. The on-hold storage in the above-described on-hold display mode (red) that is different from the normal one continues to be displayed continuously while changing the display position of the on-hold display. As a result, the continuous notice effect by the notice effect of the hold display change system is performed. Note that the number of symbol start ports is usually one, but two symbol start ports may be provided in order to evoke the player's sense of expectation.

  The latter “pre-change notice at the start of change” is a notice that is triggered by the start of the change display operation of the symbol game. The notice effect is given using the effect device, for example, continuously on the screen of the image display device. A lightning bolt image is displayed as a notice image for a notice effect, and this is executed over a plurality of variable display operations and continuously displayed. In other words, if a game ball wins a symbol start opening during a symbol game variation display operation and the start condition is satisfied, the right to execute the symbol game variation display operation related to the start condition establishment is temporarily stored. At the same time, if a pre-reading notice lottery is performed regarding whether or not a pre-reading notice effect (continuous notice effect) will be performed, and if this pre-reading notice lottery is won, the related game will be related to all pending memories that exist at that time. To the expression. That is, at the time of execution of the variable display operation of each symbol game, all of the existing reserved memory from the oldest reserved memory to the reserved memory in the storage order is used for execution of the variable display operation of each symbol game. A lightning image appears on the screen as a notice effect for continuous notice. A continuous notice effect is performed by making this lightning image appear across the existing hold memory.

  Both are pre-reading the contents of the existing on-hold memory, and informing the player through the continuous notice effect that there is a possibility of a big hit among those on-hold memories. It is common in the point.

  In addition, the pachinko machine has a lottery probability that a lottery probability that is advantageous to the player is generated or not, a normal state where the lottery probability is a predetermined low probability state, and a high probability state where the lottery probability is higher than this. There is a stochastic machine that goes back and forth between. In this pachinko machine, in general, a symbol display (special symbol variation display game) is performed by displaying a variation display operation with a special symbol variation start and variation stop as a set on the symbol display device. When the stop display is made in the mode, execution control of the jackpot game is performed. When the big hit game is finished, the gaming state is shifted to the high probability state. When transitioning to this high-probability state, every time a variation display operation of a symbol game is executed, a determination process (falling lottery) is performed to determine whether or not to end the high-probability state, and the result of this determination is a falling Has a falling lottery function of shifting the gaming state from the high probability state to the low probability state (see Patent Document 2 below).

  On the other hand, in the case of a ball game machine, when a power failure occurs during the game operation and the power is cut off, the main control unit (main control board) and the payout control board are backed up with the game state data at that time. The game state before power-off can be reproduced by performing a power-off recovery process that restores the game state data when the power is restored.

JP 2004-248845 A JP 2010-5102 A

  However, there is a problem that the following inconvenience occurs when the prefetch notice effect function is activated after the above-described power interruption recovery process is performed.

  For example, when there is a pending storage related to winning winnings such as big wins or small wins (winnings that are pre-read when winning the winning lottery at the start of fluctuation), the power is shut off, and there is a new winning after the power return processing, A pre-reading notice lottery may be won for the on-hold storage caused by this (Case 1). In this case 1, the continuous notice effect is performed over all the existing hold memories when the pre-read notice lottery is won, including the hold memory related to the new winning. However, in this case 1, during the continuous notice effect, before the reserved memory related to the new winning is used for the execution of the variable display operation of the symbol game, the reserved memory related to the winning winning is the variable display operation of the symbol game. Is determined to be a big hit or a small hit, and a big hit game (for example, a big hit game with a 15 round opening operation) or a small hit game (for example, 2) A small hit game with a round opening action) is started. Therefore, when viewed from the player side, although the hold indicator is blinking in red as a pre-read result, for example, before the blink hold is performed for execution of the variable display operation, that is, the continuous notice effect is completed. Since the big hit game and the small hit game, which are different hits, are generated before this, the pre-reading notice effect is interrupted here. For this reason, the malfunction of giving discomfort and distrust to a player will arise.

  In addition, in the probability fluctuation machine equipped with the falling lottery function, for example, the power-off state is entered when there is a pending memory related to the falling prize (the one that wins the falling lottery at the start of fluctuation) (high probability state), After power is restored, there is a new winning prize (the winning lottery will be won at the start of fluctuation), and the pre-reading notice lottery may be won for the reserved memory generated by this (Case 2). In this case 2, there is a winning at the symbol start opening in the high probability state, and the game information (random number value) acquired at this time is held and stored as holding data, and it is determined that the winning winning is determined by the pre-reading function. However, there is a reserved memory related to the drop-in prize before that. Therefore, when the reserved memory related to the falling prize is used for the special symbol variation display operation, the falling lottery is won, and the gaming state shifts from the high probability state to the low probability state. For this reason, even if the pre-reading notice is given, there is a possibility that when the reserved storage related to the winning prize is used for the special symbol variable display operation, it becomes the lost hold data. This is because, for example, a premium jackpot holding memory with a big jackpot is pre-fetched in advance and the player believes that the jackpot is a jackpot, and the holding memory is used for the variable symbol display operation of the special symbol. The result is that the event was a loss, which gives a great distrust to the player.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, to cause a pre-reading notice effect after the power interruption is performed in the presence of a reserved memory relating to a winning prize or a falling prize, and the interruption restoration process is performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a ball game machine in which the above-mentioned distrust is not given to the player.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means. The parentheses indicate corresponding elements in the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this.

(1) Acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of types of game information including game information for winning determination (random number for winning determination) based on the establishment of the starting condition (during the start opening check process in FIGS. 11 and 12) S315, S323),
Based on the game information for winning determination acquired by the acquiring means, the lottery means for executing the winning lottery to determine whether or not to generate a winning game (the winning determination process during the special symbol variation start process in FIG. 14 (S338), S356) of FIG. 16,
As a symbol game, a symbol display means (special symbol) for performing a variable display operation with a special symbol variation start and variable stop as a set, and notifying the lottery result by the lottery means according to the display mode at the time of the special symbol variation stop Display device 38, special symbol display data update process (S310) during the special symbol management process of FIG. 10, and
Based on the lottery result by the lottery means, a variation pattern determining means for selectively determining any one of a plurality of predetermined variation patterns (special symbol variation pattern setting process during the special symbol variation start process of FIG. 14) (S341), details are shown in FIG. 19),
Based on the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit, the symbol display control unit for controlling the variation display operation of the special symbol in the symbol display unit (the special symbol variation process during the special symbol management process of FIG. 10 (S307). ), Details are shown in FIG.
The winning judgment game information obtained by the obtaining means is retained as retained data, and the stored information is retained with a predetermined maximum retained storage number as an upper limit until the symbol display means is subjected to the variable symbol display operation of the special symbol. Reservation storage means (reservation storage area of RAM 203, S315 and S323 during start port check processing of FIGS. 11 and 12; suspension storage area shift processing (S334) during special symbol variation start processing of FIG. 14);
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific display mode on the symbol display means, the winning game execution control means for controlling the winning game (special variable winning device management during the main control side timer interruption processing in FIG. 9) Processing (S210), specifically, S401 to S409 in FIG.
Based on the game information for hit determination stored in the hold storage means, whether or not the result of the winning lottery is a win is pre-read before the hold storage is used for the variable symbol display operation of the special symbol. Pre-reading determining means for determining (starting port winning random number determining process (S316, S324) during the starting port check process of FIGS. 11 and 12, more specifically, S328 of FIG. 13),
A notice execution determination means for determining whether or not a notice effect that informs information related to the determination result can be executed using the determination result by the prefetch determination means as an effect start condition (S711 to S715 during the pending addition command reception process in FIG. 34). When,
When the notice execution determination unit determines that the notice effect can be executed, the notice effect control means for generating the notice effect with respect to the predetermined effect means (the hold addition display process during the hold addition command reception process of FIG. 34) S721, or this and the notice effect lottery process during the special symbol designation command receiving process of FIG. 37 (S742, FIG. 38 for details)),
When the power is turned off, the reserved data for at least the number of reserved storage related to the game operation state before the power-off stored in the on-hold storage means is stored as the return information necessary for returning the gaming state before the power-off. Return information holding means (backup power supply provided on the power supply board 31, RAM 203);
When the power is restored, the recovery means including the operation of recovering the reserved data for the number of the stored storage held by the return information holding means so that the game operation is possible (game recovery of the main control unit 24 including S103 to S108 in FIG. 8) Processing) and
With
The notice execution determination means is stored in the reservation storage means based on the fact that the start condition is newly established after the return data corresponding to the number of the stored storage is recovered by the return means so as to be able to perform a game operation. With respect to a predetermined number of pieces of hold data, it has a function of determining that the notice effect cannot be executed (a prefetch notice lottery bypass route that reaches S721 through S712 and S722 during the hold addition command reception process of FIG. 34),
A ball game machine characterized by that.

(2) Acquiring means for acquiring a plurality of types of game information including first game information (random number for hit determination) and second game information (random number for fall determination) based on the establishment of the start condition (FIG. 11, S315, S323) during the start port check process of FIG.
Based on the first game information acquired by the acquisition means, a lottery means for executing a winning lottery to determine whether or not to generate a winning game (a winning determination process (S338) during the special symbol variation start process in FIG. 14), 16 S356),
As a symbol game, a symbol display means (special symbol) for performing a variable display operation with a special symbol variation start and variable stop as a set, and notifying the lottery result by the lottery means according to the display mode at the time of the special symbol variation stop Display device 38, special symbol display data update process (S310) during the special symbol management process of FIG. 10, and
Based on the lottery result by the lottery means, a variation pattern determining means for selectively determining any one of a plurality of predetermined variation patterns (special symbol variation pattern setting process during the special symbol variation start process of FIG. 14) (S341), details are shown in FIG. 19),
Based on the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit, the symbol display control unit for controlling the variation display operation of the special symbol in the symbol display unit (the special symbol variation process during the special symbol management process of FIG. 10 (S307). ), Details are shown in FIG.
A predetermined maximum number of reserved memories until the first game information and the second game information acquired by the acquisition unit are used as the hold data for the variable display operation of the special symbol in the symbol display unit. Is stored as an upper limit (reserved storage area of the RAM 203, S315 and S323 during the start opening check process of FIGS. 11 and 12, and the reserved storage area shift process during the special symbol variation start process of FIG. 14 (S334). )When,
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific display mode on the symbol display means, the winning game execution control means for controlling the winning game (special variable winning device management during the main control side timer interruption processing in FIG. 9) Processing (S210), specifically, S401 to S409 in FIG.
A probability variation state transition means (FIG. 22) for controlling the transition of the gaming state after the winning game is finished to a high probability state in which the winning probability of the winning lottery by the lottery means is higher than a normal state which is a predetermined low probability state. The jackpot end process (S409) during the special variable winning device management process, in detail, S464 in FIG.
In the high probability state, based on the second game information held and stored in the hold storage means, a falling lottery for determining whether or not to drop the gaming state from the high probability state to the low probability state is executed. Falling lottery means (falling determination process (S337) during the special symbol variation start process of FIG. 14, more specifically, S352 to S353 of FIG. 15),
On condition that the winning lottery is won, a falling transition control means (S354 in the falling determination process in FIG. 15) for controlling the falling probability of the winning lottery from the high probability state to the low probability state,
Based on the first game information stored on hold in the hold storage means, whether or not the result of the winning lottery is a win is determined by pre-reading before the hold storage is used for the variable symbol display operation. First prefetch determination means (start port winning random number determination process (S316, S324) during start port check process in FIGS. 11 and 12, more specifically, S328 in FIG. 13),
Whether or not the result of the falling lottery falls is determined based on the second game information held and stored in the holding storage means before the reserved storage is used for the variable symbol display operation of the special symbol. Second prefetch determination means (start port winning random number determination process (S316, S324) during start port check process of FIGS. 11 and 12, more specifically, S327 of FIG. 13),
With the determination result by the first prefetch determination means as the effect start condition, the notice execution determination means for determining whether or not the notice effect that informs the information related to the determination result can be executed (S711 in the pending addition command reception process of FIG. 34) To S715),
When the notice execution determination unit determines that the notice effect can be executed, the notice effect control means for generating the notice effect with respect to the predetermined effect means (the hold addition display process during the hold addition command reception process of FIG. 34) S721, or this and the notice effect lottery process during the special symbol designation command receiving process of FIG. 37 (S742, FIG. 38 for details)),
When the power is turned off, the reserved data for at least the number of reserved storage related to the game operation state before the power-off stored in the on-hold storage means is stored as the return information necessary for returning the gaming state before the power-off. Return information holding means (backup power supply provided on the power supply board 31, RAM 203);
When the power is restored, the recovery means including the operation of recovering the reserved data for the number of the stored storage held by the return information holding means so that the game operation is possible (game recovery of the main control unit 24 including S103 to S108 in FIG. 8) Processing) and
With
The notice execution determination means is stored in the reservation storage means based on the fact that the start condition is newly established after the return data corresponding to the number of the stored storage is recovered by the return means so as to be able to perform a game operation. With respect to a predetermined number of pieces of hold data, it has a function of determining that the notice effect cannot be executed (a prefetch notice lottery bypass route that reaches S721 through S712 and S722 during the hold addition command reception process of FIG. 34),
A ball game machine characterized by that.

  (3) The above-mentioned (1) or (1), wherein the predetermined number of times that the notice execution determination unit prohibits execution of the notice effect is equal to or greater than the maximum reserved storage number. A ball game machine described in 2).

  (4) The predetermined number of times the execution of the notice effect is disabled by the notice execution determination unit is the same number as or larger than the number of reserved storages held by the return information holding unit when power is restored. The bullet ball game machine according to (1) or (2) above, wherein

(5) When the symbol variation display operation is not performed over a certain period of time, there is demonstration demonstration means (S344 to S345 in FIG. 14, S605 to S609 in FIG. 32) for performing the demonstration for waiting for the customer,
(1) to (1) above, wherein the notice execution determination means disables the function of determining that the notice effect cannot be executed when the customer waiting demonstration effect is started when the power is restored. 4) A ball game machine according to any one of the above.

  According to the present invention, when a power interruption is performed in a state where a pending storage relating to a winning prize or a falling prize is generated and a power interruption recovery process is performed, an event of giving distrust may occur after that. It is prohibited to perform a pre-reading notice such as a hold change notice for a predetermined number of hold memories. For this reason, the player does not feel discomfort or distrust.

It is a perspective view of the front side which shows the external appearance of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the front side of the game board of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control apparatus of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. In the bullet ball game machine according to the present invention, it is a diagram schematically showing a transmission system at the time of power recovery such as a power recovery display command and a signal system on which a continuous notice effect is displayed on the image display device. It is the figure which illustrated case 1 in which the pre-reading notice gives distrust in the conventional ball game machine. It is the figure which illustrated case 2 in which the pre-reading notice gives distrust in the conventional ball game machine. FIG. 7 is a view showing a means for eliminating distrust in case 1 of FIG. 5 and case 2 of FIG. 6 in the ball game machine of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main process side main process of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side timer interruption process which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol management process which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the start port check process 1 in the special symbol management process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the start port check process 2 in the special symbol management process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the random number determination process at the time of a start opening prize in FIG. 11 and FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change start process in the special symbol management process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the hit fall determination process in the special symbol fluctuation start process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the hit | judging determination process in the special symbol fluctuation start process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol stop symbol setting process in the special symbol fluctuation start process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the game state transfer preparation process in the special symbol change start process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the special symbol fluctuation pattern setting process in the special symbol fluctuation start process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process in the special symbol management process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change stop process in the special symbol management process of FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a special variable winning device management process during the main control timer interruption process of FIG. 9. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the small hit process in the special fluctuation prize-winning apparatus management process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit start process in the special fluctuation winning device management process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special variable prize apparatus operation start pre-processing in the special variable prize apparatus management process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special variable prize apparatus operating process in the special variable prize apparatus management process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special variable prize-winning apparatus operation stop process during the special variable prize-winning apparatus management process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit end process in the special fluctuation prize-winning apparatus management process of FIG. It is a figure which shows the game state transfer setting table at the time of jackpot completion of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main process by the side of the production control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the command reception interruption process by the presentation control side which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process by the side of the production control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the jackpot end command reception process based on this invention. It is the figure which illustrated holding addition command reception processing concerning the present invention. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a pending addition display process during the pending addition command reception process of FIG. 34. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation pattern designation | designated command reception process based on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol designation | designated command reception process based on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the notice effect lottery process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply return display command reception process which concerns on this invention. It is the figure which showed the operation example A which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the operation example B which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a return hold display command 1 reception process according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a return hold display command 2 reception process according to the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a ball game machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<1. Outline of configuration: FIGS. 1 and 2>
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an appearance of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The illustrated pachinko gaming machine 1 has a frame-shaped front frame 2 attached to the front surface of a wooden outer frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed, and a game board 3 in a game board storage frame (not shown) attached to the back surface of the front frame 2. And the game area 3a formed on the surface of the game board 3 faces the opening of the front frame 2. The game area 3a is an area surrounded by a ball guide rail 5 (see FIG. 2) disposed on the surface of the game board 3. A glass door frame 6 supporting transparent glass is provided on the front side of the game area 3a.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 also has a front operation panel 7 disposed on the lower side of the glass door frame 6. The front operation panel 7 is provided with an upper tray unit 8, and the upper tray unit 8 is formed with an upper tray 9 for storing discharged game balls. The front operation panel 7 is provided with a ball lending button 11 and a prepaid card discharge button 12 (card return button 12). The upper tray surface portion of the upper tray 9 is provided with a push button type frame effect button 13 that can be operated by turning on the built-in lamp and that can be changed when the built-in lamp is turned on. It has been. The upper tray 9 is provided with a ball removal button 14 for removing the game balls stored in the upper tray 9 below the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  A firing operation handle 15 for operating the firing unit is provided on the right end side of the front operation panel 7. Speakers 46 that generate sound effects are provided on both sides of the upper part of the front frame 2 and on the upper side of the firing operation handle 15. Furthermore, a decoration lamp 45 is provided at various locations on the glass door frame 6 to produce a production effect by light decoration.

  Next, the game area 3a of the game board 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, in the substantially central portion of the game board 3, a variable display of symbols (decorative symbols) by numbers, characters, symbols, etc. is independently performed in three (left, middle, right) display areas. A liquid crystal display device 36 (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) as a possible image display device is provided. Directly below the liquid crystal display device 36, an upper start port 34, which is a first special symbol start port, and a lower start port 35, which is a second special symbol start port, are arranged up and down. Are provided with special symbol start opening sensors 34a and 35a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a winning ball. The lower start opening 35 is provided with a pair of left and right movable wing pieces 47 so that the lower start opening 35 can be opened and closed, and constitutes a so-called tulip-shaped electric accessory (ordinary variable winning device 41).

  A normal symbol start port 37 composed of a gate is provided on the left side above the upper start port 34. The normal symbol start port 37 detects a game ball passing through the normal symbol start port 37a (see FIG. 3). ) Is arranged.

  Below the lower start opening 35 is disposed a special variable prize winning device 42 configured to be able to open and close the big prize opening 40 by an open door 42b, and inside the big prize opening sensor 40a (detecting a winning ball) 3) is provided.

  A total of four general winning ports 43 are arranged on both sides of the special variable winning device 42, and a general winning port sensor 43a (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball is formed in each of them.

  The upper start opening 34, the lower start opening 35, the normal symbol start opening 37, and the general winning opening 43 described above are winning means arranged in the game area where the game balls flow down, and special prizes provided for each of them. The symbol start opening sensors 34a and 35a, the normal symbol start opening sensor 37a, and the general winning opening sensor 43a are winning detection switches for detecting a game ball that has entered the winning means. These winning detection switches can be constituted by non-contact switches such as photo switches and proximity switches, and contact switches such as micro switches.

  Further, in the vicinity of the upper right edge of the game area 3a, a special symbol display device 38 constituted by arranging two 7-segment indicators (with dots) side by side corresponding to the upper start opening 34 and the lower start opening 35, and 2 A normal symbol display device 39 in which two LEDs are arranged horizontally is provided. Further, in the game area 3a, there are a center ornament 48, a windmill 44 as a game ball drop direction changing member, a plurality of game nails (not shown), a plurality of light emitting devices (lamp, LED, etc .: not shown), and the like. It is arranged. Further, a lamp display device such as a decorative lamp 45 and an LED device are also provided in the vicinity of both end portions of the game board 3.

  A random number is acquired by lottery in the main control unit 20 (see FIG. 3) based on the winning of the game ball in the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35, and a lottery regarding the big hit (the big hit lottery and the symbol lottery is based on the random value) ) Is performed. A special symbol is displayed on the special symbol display device 38 in accordance with the lottery result, a special symbol variation display game is started, and the result is displayed on the special symbol display device 38 after a predetermined time has elapsed. . At this time, the decorative symbols are variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 in a form linked to the special symbol variation display game, and the decorative symbol variation display game is started. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol variation display device 38 is selected by lottery. The result is displayed, and the result is also displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 by a decorative pattern.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 36 constitutes an image display device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as the image display device, a plasma display (PDP: Plasma Display Panel), an electronic paper display, an organic EL display (OELD: Organic). An electroluminescent display) may be used. The liquid crystal display device 36 displays various effects as images under the control of an effect control unit 24 (see FIG. 3) described later. That is, an effect reflecting the lottery result in the special symbol variation display game, that is, a decorative symbol is variably displayed, and the decorative symbol variation display game is displayed. Production, reach production and background production).

  Therefore, when the result of the special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 38 is “big hit”, the result of the decorative symbol variation display game on the liquid crystal display device 36 also reflects “big hit” appears. Is done. The special symbol display device 38 displays a special symbol indicating a big hit in a predetermined display mode (for example, two 7-segment displays are all in the “7” display state) and is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. , "Left", "Medium", "Right" display areas, a predetermined display mode (for example, each of "Left", "Middle", "Right") in which the decorative symbols reflect the above-mentioned big hit lottery results In the display area, the three decorative symbols are stopped and displayed at the display states “7”, “7”, and “7”.

  When the big hit is made, the special variable prize winning device solenoid 42a (see FIG. 3) is actuated to open the open door 42b, whereby the big prize opening 40 is controlled to open and close in a predetermined pattern, and the normal gaming state A big hit game is generated as a special game state that is more advantageous to the player. In the big hit game, the open door 42b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds) and the big winning opening 40 is opened, or until the predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls has won, Is opened, and then a predetermined number of times (for example, maximum 15R (round)) such as the opening door 42b is closed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) and the special winning opening 40 is closed (round game). It is supposed to be repeated.

  The jackpot game is started after the symbol indicating the jackpot is confirmed and displayed in the symbol variation display game. When the big hit starts, the opening effect by the big hit start fanfare is first performed, and after the opening effect is finished, the round game in which the big winning opening 40 is opened is performed a plurality of times with the predetermined number of rounds as an upper limit. In addition, during a round game, a corresponding round effect is performed. Then, after the specified number of rounds is over, the ending effect by the big hit end fanfare is performed, and the big hit ends.

  In addition, based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol start opening 37 of the gate, the main control unit 20 performs a lottery (auxiliary per lottery) related to the subsistence by random number lottery. In accordance with the lottery result, the normal symbol represented by the two LEDs 39 is variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 39, and the normal symbol variation display game is started. The stop display is made by a combination of lighting or a combination of both lighting. If the result of the normal symbol variation display game on the normal symbol display device 39 is “per assist”, the display part of the normal symbol display device 39 is in a predetermined pattern (for example, both of the two LEDs 39 are lit). Stop display.

  When the auxiliary hit is reached, the normal variation prize winning device solenoid 41a (see FIG. 3) for driving the left and right movable blade pieces 47 is activated, and the movable blade pieces 47 are formed in a reverse “C” shape. The lower start opening 35 is opened or expanded so that the game ball can easily flow in, and an auxiliary game state advantageous to the player (hereinafter referred to as “general power open game”) occurs. In this general electric open game, the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) and the lower start opening 35 is opened, or a predetermined number (for example, 5). ) Until the game ball has won the normal variation winning device 41 (lower start opening 35), and then the lower start opening 35 is opened, and then the movable wing piece 47 is closed for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). The operation of closing 35 is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, once).

  Also, when the game ball wins the lower start opening 35 during the above-mentioned open game, the special symbol variation display game is similarly performed, and the decorative symbol variation display game is performed accordingly. The game balls that have not won the winning holes are discharged from the game area 3a through the out holes 49.

  During the special symbol variation display game or the normal symbol variation display game, a detection signal is input from the special symbol start port sensors 34a, 35a or the normal symbol start port sensor 37a, and the start condition is satisfied. In such a case, game information such as a jackpot determination random number or a fall determination random number is acquired based on the detection signal, and is stored as hold data in the order in which the start conditions are established up to a predetermined maximum hold storage number. . Then, in order to make the number of reserved memories clear to the player, a hold indicator provided at an appropriate position of the pachinko gaming machine 1 or a hold indicator provided as an icon image on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 is lit. Normally, the variable display game for each hold memory is controlled to be executed in the order in which the hold memories are generated. In this embodiment, the same number as the maximum reserved storage number is handled as the upper limit predetermined number, and up to 4 reserved memories relating to special symbols and normal symbols are stored in the RAM 203 of the main control unit 20 (see FIG. 3). , The number of changes to the special symbol or normal symbol is deferred.

(1-1. Internal game state)
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, there are four internal game states (game state managed on the main control unit 20 side: internal game state): normal game state, probability change state, latent probability change state, and short time state. There are different types of gaming states. First, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, functions (means) related to the occurrence of various gaming states will be described.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has a probability variation (hereinafter referred to as “probability variation”) function in which the main control board 20 (main control CPU 201: see FIG. 3) plays a functional part. There are two types, a probability changing function related to a special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol probability changing function”) and a probability changing function related to a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol probability changing function”).

  The special symbol probability changing function changes the jackpot probability variation state (hereinafter referred to as “big hit probability variation”) by changing the lottery probability of big hit from a low probability (for example, 1/399) to a high probability (for example, 1 / 39.9). This is a function for generating a state. In a gaming state in which the special symbol probability changing function is operating, that is, in a big hit probability changing state, the big hit lottery probability is changed to a high probability state with a high probability, and the big hit is likely to occur. Therefore, it can be said that the gaming state expected by the player is a gaming state in which the special symbol probability changing function is operating.

  The normal symbol probability changing function is a function that changes the probability per lot for auxiliary assistance from a normal probability that is low probability (for example, 1/256) to a high probability (for example, 255/256) to generate an auxiliary chance probability variation state. . In the game state (probability change per assist) in which the normal symbol probability change function is operating, the lottery probability per auxiliary will change to a high probability and the sub-attendance is likely to occur. Thus, an operating rate improvement state is achieved in which the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is improved compared to the normal gaming state. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation timing of the normal symbol probability changing function is synchronized with the activation timing of the special symbol short-time function described later, and the termination timing is also synchronized with the termination timing of the special symbol time-shortening function. It has become.

  Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has a function of shortening the variation time (hereinafter referred to as “time reduction”), which is functioned by the main control CPU 271. This includes time reduction functions related to special symbols (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol time reduction functions”) and normal time reduction functions (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol time reduction functions”). There are two types.

  The special symbol time reduction function is a function for generating a special symbol time reduction state in which the variation time of the special symbol in the special symbol fluctuation display game is shortened. In the game state in which the special symbol time shortening function is in operation, the time of one special symbol variation display game, that is, the variation time of the special symbol (the time from when the special symbol starts to change until the final display) is average For example, in the case of time or reach loss variation, the time is reduced from 30 seconds (when the special symbol time reduction function is not in operation) to 5 seconds (when the special symbol time reduction function is in operation). In other words, the average variation time of the special symbol is shortened compared with the normal gaming state, and the lottery number improving state is improved in which the number of big hit lotteries per unit time is improved as compared with the normal gaming state.

  The normal symbol short-time function is a function for generating a normal symbol short-time state in which the variation time of the normal symbol in the normal symbol variation display game is shortened. Under the gaming state in which the normal symbol time reduction function is activated, the time of one normal symbol fluctuation display game (the time from when the normal symbol starts to change until it is fixedly displayed) is, for example, 10 seconds (normal symbol) The time-saving function is shortened to 1 second (when the normal symbol time-saving function is in operation), and the lottery frequency improving state is improved in which the number of lotteries per auxiliary time per unit time is higher than in the normal gaming state. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation timing of the normal symbol time-shortening function is synchronized with the operation timing of the special symbol time-shortening function, and the termination timing is also synchronized with the termination timing of the special symbol time-shortening function. It has become.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has an open extension function in which the main control unit 20 serves as its function unit.

  The open extension function is a function of generating an open extension state in which the movable blade piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is opened and the number of times of opening is extended. Under the game state in which the open extension function is activated (the big hit probability change state and the special symbol change 100 times after the big hit), the opening operation period of the movable wing piece 47 is extended from 0.2 seconds to 1.7 seconds, for example. The number of times of opening and closing is extended from, for example, once (when the extension extension function is not activated) to twice (when the extension extension function is activated), and the movable wing piece 47 is activated per unit time than in the normal gaming state. It will be in the operating rate improvement state in which a rate improves. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation trigger for the opening extension function is synchronized with the operation trigger for the special symbol short-time function, and the termination trigger is also synchronized with the termination trigger for the special symbol short-time function. ing. Thus, under the gaming state in which the open extension function is in operation, the normal symbol probability changing function and the normal symbol time-shortening function are also in operation, so that a gaming state in which the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 is remarkably improved occurs.

  The game state can be changed by operating one or more types of the functions described above. Here, in the present embodiment, the operation triggers of the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol shortening function, and the open extension function are synchronized with the operation trigger of the special symbol shortening function. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the gaming state in which the special symbol probability changing function, the special symbol time shortening function, the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol time shortening function, and the open extension function are referred to as “probability changing state (probability changing)”. A gaming state in which the special symbol probability changing function is removed from the functions is referred to as a “short time state (short time)”, and a gaming state in which only the special symbol probability changing function is activated is a “latency probability changing state (latency probability or latent probability changing)”. A state in which no function is in operation is referred to as a “normal gaming state (normal state or normal state)”.

(1-2. High base gaming state)
In the present embodiment, the functions related to the above normal symbols, that is, the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol short-time function, and the open extension function are synchronized with the operation trigger of the special symbol short-time function, so the three functions are the same. It will work at the moment. However, when attention is paid to the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol time-shortening function, and the open extension function, respectively, when at least one of these functions is activated, the operating rate of the movable blade piece 47 is improved. Since the operating rate is improved and the winning frequency to the lower start opening 35 is increased, the game condition is that the starting condition of the special symbol variation display game for deriving the big win lottery result is higher than the normal gaming state. It will shift to the “high base game state (starting condition improved state)”. As used herein, the “high base gaming state” refers to a gaming state when a function related to a normal symbol is operated as described above, and a function related to a special symbol, that is, a special symbol probability changing function and a special symbol time-saving function. It is different from the gaming state when one of them is activated.

  Focusing on the special symbol related functions individually, when the special symbol probability changing function is activated, a big hit is more likely to occur than the normal gaming state, that is, the winning probability of the big hit lottery is higher than the normal gaming state. When the special symbol short-time function is activated (when the big hit probability variation state is entered), the special symbol variation display game has a “special symbol short-time gaming state” in which the digestion time of the special symbol variation display game is faster than the normal gaming state. In this respect, it is distinguished from the “high base gaming state” in which the starting condition of the special symbol variation display game is higher than the normal gaming state.

  In the present embodiment, as an example of the “high base gaming state”, a gaming state provided with an open extension function that significantly improves the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 is treated as a “high base gaming state”. The movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is not provided with the open extension function under the “high base game state” to which the open extension function is provided (in this embodiment, the latent probability changing state or the normal Compared to the gaming state), the player operates in a high base gaming state that is advantageous to the player.

(1-3. Type of jackpot)
Next, jackpot types managed on the main control unit side will be described.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, only one type of “15R probability variation jackpot” is provided as the jackpot type selected in the special symbol variation display game. Then, after the big hit, the player enters a probability variation state with a falling lottery. If the lottery continues to be lost and a big hit cannot be made within 100 revolutions, the addition of the open extension function (so-called electric Chu support) is eliminated, but the probability variation state continues. Specifically, the opening extension function, special symbol time shortening function, normal symbol probability changing function, and normal symbol time shortening function are not added, and the state shifts to the latent probability changing state.

  In the 15R probability variable big win, as the provision of a profit state (winning game) advantageous to the player, the opening time of the big winning opening 40 during one round game is set to 30 seconds, and the number of round games (large winning opening 40) The number of times of release) is the maximum prescribed number of 15 rounds.

  In addition, after the big hit game ends, a special game state (privilege game state) corresponding to the big hit is generated. Specifically, after the jackpot game is over, the gaming machine enters a “probability change state” with a high probability state and an open extension function, and thereafter, the “probability change state” continues unless a winning lottery is won. However, this probability change state ends when the number of special symbol variation display games reaches the predetermined number (here, 100), and then enters the latent probability change state. However, the winning lottery is won during the 100 times probability change state. In this case, the big win lottery probability falls to a low probability state with a low probability of a predetermined probability, and the gaming state shifts to the “short time state”. Then, when the “15R probability variation big hit” is won during the above-mentioned 100 probability variation state, the winning prize opening 40 is opened for 15 rounds, and then the probability variation state is entered again. Therefore, as long as you continue to win the “15R probability change big hit” during the above 100 high base game states (in the probability change state or in the short time state) to which the open extension function is granted, the next time, the 15R probability change will also be in the high base game state. You will get a chance to win big hits.

  In addition to the big hits described above, a “small hit” is provided. In this “small hit”, a winning state (small win game) is given in which the opening / closing of the big winning opening 40 with a short opening / closing time of the big winning opening 40 is performed a plurality of times (for example, twice). Yes.

  After the small hit game ends, the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is continued as it is, and in this respect, the nature of the game is different from that of the big hit in which the privilege gaming state occurs. For example, when the “small hit” is won during the normal gaming state, the gaming state after the end of the small winning game is the normal gaming state that is the gaming state at the time of the small hit winning. Hereinafter, unless otherwise required, the small hits are treated in the same row as one of the big hit types without being distinguished from other big hits.

  When one of the above-mentioned jackpots is won, the special symbol reflecting the lottery result is displayed as it is for the special symbol in the special symbol display device 38. That is, the special symbol display device 38 displays a special symbol for notifying a probable big hit, a special symbol for notifying a loss, or a special symbol for notifying a small hit. On the other hand, a symbol game corresponding to the special symbol variation display game is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 using another symbol called a decorative symbol.

(1-4. Production mode)
Next, the production mode, specifically, the gaming state (production state) on the production control unit 24 side will be described. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the “normal effect mode” for notifying that the game state is the normal state or the latent probability changing state is provided as the effect mode of the effect related to the current game state to be notified, There is provided a “high base state effect mode” for notifying that the high base state (probability change state or short time state) with an extension function is provided. In the normal performance mode, basically, in the normal state or the latent probability changing state, the player is informed that the open extension function is not given without distinguishing both, and the player is in the normal state or the latent probability changing state. It is a production mode in which it is difficult or impossible to determine which state it is in. Also, the high base state performance mode is to notify that the high extension state function is provided without distinguishing both in the high probability state or the short time state, and the player is in either the high probability state or the short time state. It is a production mode in which it is difficult or impossible to determine whether the user is in By adopting such a production mode, it is concealed what gaming state the current gaming state is, and the player can enjoy the game while guessing the current gaming state, so the gaming state is clear The game can be more interesting than the case where the production mode that can be grasped is adopted.

<2. Control device: Fig. 3>
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing an outline of a control device that performs gaming machine control in accordance with the progress of the game as described above.

  This control device is centered on a main control unit 20 that controls overall game operations and an effect control unit 24 that receives effect control commands from the main control unit 20 and performs effect control on images, light, and sound. Composed. The effect control unit 24 is connected to a liquid crystal display device 36 as an image display device. In the present specification, the term “production device” widely refers to devices that produce an image, light, sound, or operation of the movable body, such as a liquid crystal display device 36, a lamp, an LED, a sound generator, and a movable body.

  The main control unit 20 is connected to an external concentration terminal board 21 having external terminals for outputting various information from the main control unit 20 to the outside of the gaming machine. Furthermore, a payout control board 29 is connected to the main control unit 20, and a launch control board 28 for controlling the launching device 32 and a game ball payout apparatus 19 are connected to the payout control board 29. Reference numeral 31 denotes a power supply board. The power supply board 31 is connected to an external power supply (not shown), generates a required power supply from an AC voltage (AC24V: main power supply) supplied from a transformer, and is applied to each control board. Supply. In FIG. 3, the power supply route is omitted.

(2-1. Main control unit 20)
The main control unit 20 is equipped with a microprocessor incorporating a main control CPU 201, a main control ROM 202 storing a control program and control data describing a series of gaming machine control procedures, and a main control in which a work area is formed. A RAM 203 is mounted to constitute a one-chip microcomputer. Although not shown, a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) having a function of generating a pulse output with a constant period and a function of measuring time, and an interrupt controller circuit for giving an interrupt signal to the CPU are provided.

  The main control unit 20 includes a special symbol start port sensor 34 a that detects a winning at the upper start port 34, a special symbol start port sensor 35 a that detects a win at the lower start port 35, and a normal symbol start port 37. An ordinary symbol start opening sensor 37a for detecting passage, a general winning opening sensor 43a for detecting a winning at the general winning opening 43, and a large winning opening sensor 40a for detecting a winning at the large winning opening 40 are connected. The control unit 20 can receive each of these detection signals.

  In addition, the main control unit 20 includes a special symbol display device 38, a normal symbol display device 39, a normal variation winning device solenoid 41a for controlling opening and closing of the movable wing piece 47 of the lower start port 35, and a wide of the large winning port 40. A special variable prize winning device solenoid 42a for controlling opening / closing of the open door 42b is connected, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for controlling each device.

  In addition, the main control unit 20 draws a jackpot lottery as to whether it is a “hit” that generates a jackpot game, which is a special game state advantageous to the player, or “losing” that does not cause the jackpot game. A variation pattern or stop symbol of a special symbol is determined according to the result information, and an effect control command including at least the lottery result and the variation pattern, or a special symbol designation command based on the determined special symbol stop symbol It is configured to create and transmit to the effect control unit 24.

  The effect control command from the main control unit 20 is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 by one-way communication. This is to prevent an illegal signal from an external goto action from being input to the main control unit 20 via the effect control unit 24.

(2-2. Production control unit 24)
The effect control unit 24 is equipped with a microprocessor incorporating an effect control CPU 241, an effect control ROM 242 storing a control program describing effect control procedures, effect data, and the like, an effect control RAM 243 in which a work area is formed, It is equipped with. Although not shown, a sound source IC, a CTC, an interrupt controller circuit, and the like are provided. The main roles of the effect control unit 24 are reception of effect control commands from the main control unit 20, effect pattern lottery, control of the liquid crystal display device 36, sound control of the speaker 46, frame lamp / LED light emission control, movable These include body movement control and notification of various errors.

  The effect control unit 24 includes an optical display control unit for the light display device 45a including the decorative lamp 45 and the LED, and an acoustic control unit for the sound generation device 46a including the speaker 46, in order to perform the effect processing for light and sound. ing.

  In addition, in response to the effect control command, the effect control unit 24 draws an effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern, and causes the effect display to be displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36.

  The effect control unit 24 is connected to a frame effect button 13 serving as an effect intervention operation means. The frame effect button 13 is a push button that can be operated by the player, and is operated by the player when the player participates in the stop button chance game in the special effect mode.

  In addition, the effect control unit 24 generates a control data necessary for performing display control of the liquid crystal display device 36 and outputs the control data to the VDP, and a liquid crystal control including a program describing an operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU. It has a ROM and a liquid crystal control RAM that functions as a work area and a buffer memory.

  The effect control unit 24 includes a video display processor (VDP) that is connected to the liquid crystal control CPU and performs image expansion processing, an image data ROM that stores image data required for image expansion by the VDP, and a VDP. A VRAM or the like for temporarily storing the image data developed by is also provided.

  Information on the game state is first of all, special symbol variation pattern based on the result of the jackpot lottery (whether it is a big hit or lose), the current gaming state, the number of active pending balls (the number of stored memory), the decorative symbols to be stopped based on the lottery result The basic information necessary for the above is transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the production control unit 24 by the production control command.

  On the effect control unit 24 side, an effect pattern corresponding to the effect scenario instructed by the effect control command sent from the main control unit 20 is determined by lottery from a number of effect patterns prepared in advance. A control signal instructing execution of the effect pattern is sent from the effect control unit 24 to the liquid crystal display device 36, the sound generator 46a, and the light display device 45a. Thereby, the reproduction of the image on the liquid crystal display device 36 corresponding to the effect pattern, the reproduction of the sound effect corresponding to the effect pattern, and the lighting and blinking drive of the decoration lamp 45 and the LED are realized.

  The production control command is composed of a 1-byte length mode (MODE) and an event (EVENT) of the same 1-byte length. When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid, the mode (MODE) and the event (EVENT) Corresponding to each, a strobe signal is output. That is, when there is a command to be transmitted, the main control CPU 201 sets and outputs mode (MODE) information for transmitting the command to the effect control unit 24, and the first strobe signal after a predetermined time has elapsed from this setting. Is sent. Further, event (EVENT) information is set and output after the elapse of a predetermined time from the transmission of the strobe signal, and the second time of the strobe signal is transmitted after the elapse of the predetermined time from the setting. When the strobe signal is transmitted, the effect control CPU 241 generates an interrupt corresponding to the strobe signal, and receives a command by this interrupt processing. The strobe signal is controlled by the main control CPU 201 to be in an active state for a predetermined period during which the effect control CPU 241 can reliably receive a command.

(2-3. Pre-reading notice display system: Fig. 4)
FIG. 4 shows a hold addition command including information on the prefetch determination result transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24 as one of the effect control commands, and information related to the prefetch determination result of the hold addition command. It is the figure which showed roughly the structure of the predetermined production | presentation means for alert | reporting by a continuous notice effect. Also, in FIG. 4, when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like during the game operation, and then the power is restored (power restoration), the main control unit 20 sends the production control unit 24 as part of the production control command. A power recovery display command and a power recovery hold display command to be transmitted are also shown.

  In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the above-mentioned predetermined effect means is a hold indicator composed of hold icons provided in the part of the screen 360 of the liquid crystal display device 36 by the same number (4) as the maximum hold number. The hold display means) is constituted by a, b, c, d, and the hold indicators a, b, c, d are configured to function as presentation means 361 of the hold display change system (startup change system). .

  These hold indicators a to d are normally controlled so that the display mode is switched to the operating state (lighted state) by the same number, for example, three, as the number of reserved memories existing at the time of prefetch determination. Serves as a means for displaying the number of reserved storage. However, when the continuous notice effect is executed as the prefetch notice, the hold display mode of the corresponding one of the hold indicators a to d is changed to a predetermined prefetch notice display form, thereby the continuous notice effect. It works as a means to generate.

  That is, when the hold indicators a, b, c, d function as a start change-type production means when a special condition start opening is won and a start condition is satisfied, that is, as a hold display change-type production means 361 Is the hold icon of the hold indicator of the hold indicators a, b, c, and d changes to a special display mode such as white, blue, yellow, green, red, rainbow, etc. To do. Here, the white, blue, yellow, green, red, and iridescent display of the hold icon means that the expectation that is a big hit in this order of color is high, especially in the case of the iridescent hold icon, Inform the player that it will be a big hit. However, the display mode of the on-hold display changing system effect means is not limited to such a color change notice, but may be changed to an icon imitating a special character.

  In addition, the Arabic numerals attached on the hold icons of the hold indicators a to d are held for the game balls won in the special symbol start opening (upper start opening 34, lower start opening 35), and the hold display is displayed. 1, 2, 3, 4 means that the right to execute the first, second, third, fourth game (special symbol variation display game) is reserved. To do. Further, the hatching added to the circular icons of the hold indicators a, b, c, and d indicates that the hatched icon is in a lighting state (operating state), and the unhatched icon is turned off. Indicates a state (non-operating state).

  From the main control unit 20, information corresponding to the result of pre-reading determination of the reserved storage number (sometimes abbreviated as the number of held balls) and a random number is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 by a hold addition command.

  The hold addition command transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24 is composed of 2 bytes, the upper byte has hold ball number information, and the lower byte includes a big hit determination random number, a fall determination random number, As information on the result of pre-reading determination of the random number for the fluctuation pattern, it is a part having type information of “falling”, “hit / hit of big hit”, and “fluctuation pattern”. In this example, the higher byte is B6 [H], B7 [H], B8 [H] or B9 [H], so that one on-hold prize, two on-hold prizes, three on-hold prizes and four on-hold prizes are awarded. Are specified respectively. In addition, when the lower byte is 01 [H], “prefetching prohibition” is performed, “falling” from the high probability state to the low probability state is performed by 02 [H], and “losing” is performed by 03 [H] to 33 [H]. The variation and the “hit” variation are designated as type information by 34 [H] to 71 [H]. However, the type information of prohibition of prefetching by 01 [H] of the lower byte is not transmitted to the effect control unit 24 side, and is used only when it is necessary to prohibit prefetching on the main control unit 20 side. It should be noted that the “fall” of the above type information is a pre-reading result information that causes a fall from a high probability state to a low probability state when the symbol game is executed for a special symbol game. Is a pre-read result information that will result in a per-fluctuation display operation when it is used for the execution of a special symbol game, and the “losing” fluctuation is used for the execution of a symbol game. , It specifies that the information is pre-read result information for which the losing variation display operation is performed.

  In FIG. 4, a special symbol start port (upper start port 34 or lower start port 35) is newly added under the condition that three hold indicators a, b, c (hold 1, hold 2, hold 3) are lit. ), The hold indicator d (hold 4) is turned on as a hold display corresponding to the hold storage related to the fourth win as follows.

  That is, first, the following information is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 as a hold addition command. For example, when the game information (random number value) acquired at the time of winning is stored as holding data, if the type of the holding data is “losing”, [B9 [H] (4 holding winnings) +31 [H] (displacement fluctuation)] is transmitted, and if it is “winning”, [B9 [H] (4 winnings on hold) +70 [H] (winning fluctuation)] is transmitted. [B9 [H] (4 pending winnings) +02 [H] (falling)] is transmitted. Then, the effect control unit 24 that has received the hold addition command performs a, b, c (hold) as the notice effect control means (in this example, the continuous notice effect control means; more specifically, the start-time hold display control means). In addition to 1, hold 2, hold 3), the hold indicator d (hold 4) is turned on. In this way, each time a hold addition command is transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24, a display relating to the number of held storage is displayed one by one, and each time a symbol game is started (mostly Each time an old hold is consumed, it is displayed in a form that is decremented by one.

  FIG. 4 shows a state immediately before the fourth on-hold storage occurs in a situation where the above-described three on-hold indicators a to c (holds 1 to 3) are lit. The effect control unit 24 functions as a continuous notice execution determination unit, and determines whether or not to execute a notice effect (in this example, a continuous notice effect) that notifies information related to the determination result using the prefetch determination result as an effect start condition.

  In the case of the present embodiment, when there is a winning at the symbol start opening, and the game information (random number value for winning determination) acquired at this time is stored as holding data, the type of the holding data is “ If the winning win is pre-fetched to win a big hit lottery at the start of fluctuation, or the type of pending data is a “losing win” prefetched to be out of the big win lottery at the start of fluctuation The hold addition command includes the loss or hit type information (for example, 31 [H] or 70 [H] in the above example) as the prefetch result information.

  Therefore, in the case of including such “winning” or “losing” look-ahead result information, it is reserved and stored for use in execution of the fourth symbol game variable display operation. With respect to the hold 4), a lottery (pre-reading notice lottery) is performed as to whether or not to execute a notice effect for pre-reading notice (a notice display effect of a holding display change system and a change start change system). This pre-reading notice lottery is performed when the starting condition is established, that is, when the winning occurs, that is, before the special symbol variation display operation currently being executed ends. Therefore, in the pre-reading notice lottery, before the on-hold data related to the winning is used for the special symbol fluctuation display operation, that is, the big hit lottery (hit judgment at the start of fluctuation) based on the big hit judgment random number is started. Sometimes done prior to execution.

  When it is determined by the continuous notice execution determining means that the continuous notice effect can be executed, the notice means 361 is caused to generate a continuous notice effect.

  That is, when the pre-reading notice lottery when the start condition is established is won, a notice display effect of a holding display change system is performed for the holding memory (holding 4) related to the winning. Specifically, before the currently executed variable display operation is finished, the pre-reading notice reflecting the winning result of the pre-reading notice lottery is used for the display mode of the hold indicator c related to the latest hold memory (hold 4). The display mode is changed to, for example, red. This display mode can be changed on condition that the pre-fetch notice lottery is won regardless of whether the pre-addition command has a big hit or missed pre-read result information. It can also be done only if you have information.

  By executing the notice effect when the start condition is established, the display modes of the hold indicators a to d (holds 1 to 4) are, for example, the display modes of “white, white, white, red”. As a result, when viewed in the order in which the variation display operation of the symbol game is performed, the variation display operation of the symbol game or the result of the symbol game occurring after the variation display operation of the currently executing symbol game is finished. The content (random value) of the hold data in the hold storage (hold 4) is prefetched, and the hold display (prefetch notice) is made based on the result. The hold display reflecting the pre-reading result is that while the variable display operation of the symbol game is executed from the first to the fourth time for the existing hold memory, that is, the hold memory is sequentially digested and the number of the hold memories decreases. And while the display positions of the hold indicators a to d are moved up from “abcd” → “abc” → “ab” → “a”, they are continuously performed. Therefore, the red hold (hold 4) continues to be displayed with the display position shifted from “d → c → b → a”, and this continuous notice effect produces a big hit in the fourth variable display operation of the symbol game. Anything that may happen will be prefetched to the player. FIG. 5C shows a display mode of the hold indicators ab (holds 3 to 4) at the timing when the symbol game variable display operation is executed for the hold storage of the hold 2.

  In addition, when the above-mentioned pre-reading notice lottery is won, the effect control unit 24, as a continuous notice effect spanning the holdings 1 to 4 separately from the above-described holding display changing type notice effects, When the change display operation is executed, a notice effect of a change system at the time of start of change is displayed each time. For example, a specific display of a chance eye image, a special cut-in image, and three decorative symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) that increase the expectation of jackpot as a specific notice effect of the change system at the start of variation An image display change system notice effect that displays a continuous notice image such as a stop display in a mode, an acoustic change system notice effect that generates a specific sound, or a movable object change system notice effect that activates a specific movable body There is a so-called “drilling production”. In FIG. 4, a notice image 362 composed of a lightning image appears in the screen 360 as a notice effect of a specific image display change system, thereby performing a continuous notice effect.

  The effect control unit 24 functions as a continuous notice execution determination unit, and determines whether or not to execute a notice effect (in this example, a continuous notice effect) that notifies information related to the determination result using the prefetch determination result as an effect start condition.

  In the following, for convenience of explanation, the description will be continued by focusing on only the notice display effect of the hold display change system, and the notice system effect of change system at the start of change will be described in a specific example.

  By the way, during the game operation in the situation where the three holds 1 to 3 in FIG. 4 exist (under the situation where the fourth hold 4 has not yet occurred), the power is cut off, that is, the power is cut off. When this occurs, the power supply to the board of the main control unit 20 and the effect control unit 24 is stopped, and the game data on the RAM 203 and the RAM 243 which are processing memories (volatile) are lost. Therefore, game data on the RAM 203 of the main control unit 20 and game data on the payout control board are held by a backup power supply (not shown) provided in the power supply board 31, and the game data is restored when the power is restored. Reproduction processing is performed. That is, when the power is turned on again and the power is restored, the backup power is supplied to the main control unit 20, and the game operation before power-off stored in the reserved storage area (return information holding means) of the RAM 203 The hold data corresponding to the number of hold storages related to the state is held, and the power control display command is transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24, and “Power is recovering. Please wait.” Is displayed. At the same time, a hold display command at power recovery is transmitted, and the number of hold before power interruption is displayed.

  Since the effect control unit 24 is not provided with a backup power source, game data on the RAM 243 is not backed up. In addition, since control from the effect control unit 24 to the main control unit 20 is prohibited, whether or not to execute game data on the RAM 243 of the effect control unit 24 when the power interruption occurs, for example, whether to perform a pre-reading notice effect or not. The lottery result cannot be grasped on the main control unit 20 side. For this reason, the gaming state when the power is shut off in the effect control unit 24 cannot be reproduced when the power is turned on again.

  Immediately after the power supply is restored, the main control unit 20 may generate a pending storage related to a new winning or losing win. Conventionally, the pre-reading notice lottery is performed for this, and the pre-reading notice lottery is won. On the basis of this, there is a case where the notice display effect of the hold display change system is performed. For this reason, there is a possibility that an event that gives the player a sense of discomfort or distrust as described below may occur.

(2-4. Conventional case of giving distrust 1: Fig. 5)
FIG. 5 shows a conventional case (case 1) that gives distrust to the player. In FIG. 5, “hold name 1” to “hold 4” are the display positions of the hold indicators a, b, c, d displayed on the screen 360 of the liquid crystal display device 36 (hereinafter simply referred to as display positions a, b). , C, d). Further, FIG. 5 shows a state in which three hold memories (hold 1, hold 2, hold 3) exist and the hold is lit as in the case of FIG. Further, in FIG. 5, it is assumed that a hold 4 related to a new winning hold memory is generated for an empty display position d, and a hold storage of the holds Y1 to Y3 is subsequently generated. The holdings Y1 to Y3 are holdings that may occur due to a winning later in time than the holding 4, and one piece of holding data relating to the holding storage of the oldest display position a is digested, and the variable display operation of the symbol game is performed. Is executed, the hold display of the existing holds 1 to 4 is shifted to the left as a whole, and the data of the holds Y1 to Y3 enters the oldest place in the display position d which has become empty due to this. ing.

  FIG. 5 (a) shows the state of the hold memory when the power is restored after the power failure during the game operation in which the symbol game is normally performed, and the power supply is restored. There are three on-hold memories consisting of the hold 2 relating to and the hold 3 relating to the loser win, and the hold is lit. In FIG. 5 (a), it is described that the suspensions 1 and 3 are “losing” and the suspension 2 is “winning”, but such a type is not restored in the main control unit 20. . That is, the hold data to be restored after the power is restored is, specifically, a jackpot determination random number, a special symbol determination random number, a variation pattern random number, a falling lottery type random number for fall determination, the number of hold, etc. Whether these random number values are a lost winning prize, a winning prize, or a falling prize is not known until it is actually subjected to the symbol variation display operation.

  Here, when there is a new winning and a hold storage such as hold 4, hold Y1 to Y3, etc., conventionally, as shown in FIG. It is possible to carry out a lottery.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), when there is a new winning or losing win and a hold memory of hold 4 is generated, when a pre-reading notice lottery is performed and this pre-reading notice lottery is won, Based on the above, the notice display effect of the hold display change system and the image display change system is performed. In FIG. 5B, when the hold 4 is generated, the hold display d is turned on in, for example, a rainbow-colored display mode different from the normal time, and the hold display changing system and the image display changing system extending from the hold 1 to the hold 4 It is shown that the continuous notice effect by the notice effect is made.

  Thereafter, the hold 1 to the hold 4 are sequentially subjected to the symbol variation display operation, while the hold 2 is determined to be “hit” in the hit determination in the symbol variation display operation, and as a result, FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, a winning game (for example, 15R opening operation of the big prize opening 40) based on the digestion of the hold 2 occurs. Therefore, since the continuous notice effect over the hold 1 to the hold 4 started based on the prefetch result of the hold 4 is interrupted before the symbol variation of the hold 4 is started, the player feels uncomfortable or distrustful. It will be.

(2-5. Conventional case 2 giving distrust: Fig. 6)
FIG. 6 shows another conventional case (case 2) that gives distrust to the player. For convenience of explanation, when there is a winning at the start winning opening, and the game information (random number value) acquired at this time is held and stored as holding data, (a) the type of the holding data is “ “Between the falling lottery at the start of change” is prefetched as “falling down prize”, and (b) the type of the reserved data is “predicted by winning the lottery at the start of change” as “ “Don't win”, (c) “Lose winning” when the type of the reserved data is “out of the lottery at the start of fluctuation”, and (d) The type of the reserved data is “ The prefetched “Premium jackpot will be won by winning” will be described as “Premium jackpot winning”.

  FIG. 6 (a) shows the state of reserved storage when the power is restored after a power failure during the game operation and then the power is restored. FIG. 6A is similar to FIG. 5A in case 1 described above, but is different in that the hold 2 is a hold memory related to a drop-in prize instead of a winning prize. In FIG. 6 (a), there are three hold memories including a hold 1 related to a lose prize, a hold 2 related to a falling prize, and a hold 3 related to a lose prize, and the hold is lit.

  Here, when there is a new winning and a hold storage of hold 4 occurs, it is conventionally possible to carry out a pre-reading notice lottery. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6B, the winning of the hold 4 is “winning prize (for example, premium jackpot winning)”, and a rainbow-colored holding of “premium jackpot” occurs when the pre-reading notice lottery is won. is there. This is triggered by the fact that the hold 4 is prefetched as the hold memory related to the winning prize, that is, the rainbow colored hold of “premium big hit” occurs at the winning timing when the holding 4 occurs. This is a case in which it was already determined that the gaming state “falls” to a low probability state at the time of winning.

  At the time when the premium big hit winning hold 4 occurs (FIG. 6B), the execution of the symbol game variable display operation is still held for the hold 2 related to the falling winning. For this reason, since the gaming state is under a high probability state, a table for a high probability state is used as the jackpot determination table.

  However, when the fluctuation display operation of the currently executed symbol game is completed and the fall hold memory (hold 4) is used for the variable display operation of the symbol game, at that time, that is, the hold related to the premium jackpot winning Before the memory (hold 4) is used for the variable display operation of the symbol game, the game state falls to a low probability state. That is, after that, a hit determination is made in the determination table in the low probability state. For this reason, for example, when the rainbow color hold is continuously displayed in the rainbow color until the rainbow color hold is digested, for example, as shown in FIG. Even if the hold (hold 4) is digested, the result of the symbol game may be “lost”. For this reason, distrust is given to the player. Such distrust can also occur in the case of red other than rainbow colors.

  In addition, as a type of jackpot, in the case of models including `` ordinary jackpot '' where the gaming state after the jackpot shifts to a low probability state, a premium jackpot rainbow color hold occurred, but before that, the normal jackpot prize was won When such a hold has occurred, it corresponds to a loss on the low-probability hit determination table, and an event that the rainbow-colored hold on the premium jackpot will be lost will occur, causing distrust to the player. Will give.

  Therefore, it is desirable to take measures so that Case 1 and Case 2 that cause distrust to these players do not occur.

(2-6. Means to eliminate distrust: Fig. 7)
Therefore, in this embodiment, the following means are adopted in order to eliminate the distrust.

  FIG. 7A shows means (solution) A for eliminating the distrust of case 1 shown in FIG. 6A. In this solution A, when power is restored, the same number of reserved memories (hold 4, Y1, hold Y2, and hold Y3) as the maximum number of reserved memories based on the start opening winning after the power supply is restored, For this, the pre-reading notice is prohibited as the pre-reading notice lottery is not performed (pre-reading notice is prohibited). Because of this prohibition of pre-reading notice, the pre-reading notice lottery will no longer be held for the four winning prizes that will occur after recovery from a power failure, and the pre-reading notice that will expect a win at any of the winning timings of Hold 4, Y1 to Hold Y3 No hold display will occur.

  Therefore, according to the decision A, the inconvenience described in FIG. 6A, for example, in a configuration in which the rainbow color hold is displayed in the rainbow color until the rainbow color hold is consumed, the rainbow color hold is consumed. Despite the inconvenience that a hit game will occur before being played, and the rainbow color hold for premium big hits has occurred, the display position advances while d → c → b → a. The inconvenience of being a big hit in the previous normal color hold is solved. Note that the hold Y1 in FIG. 7A is a hold storage related to winning per premiere, but is an example in the case where no iridescent hold occurs.

  FIG. 7B shows a means (solution) B that eliminates the distrust of case 2 shown in FIG. 6B. In this solution B, when power is restored, the same number of reserved storage (hold 4, hold Y1, hold Y2, hold Y3) as the maximum number of reserved memory based on the start opening winning after the power is restored, For this, the pre-reading notice is prohibited as the pre-reading notice lottery is not performed (pre-reading notice is prohibited). Due to this prohibition of pre-reading notice, the pre-payment notice lottery will no longer be performed for the four winning prizes after returning from a power failure, and a color is expected to win at any of the winning timings of holding four and holding Y1 to holding Y3. No hold display and premium jackpot rainbow hold will no longer occur.

  Therefore, according to the decision measure B, when the inconvenience described in FIG. 6B, that is, the rainbow color hold is once displayed but the rainbow color hold is used for the symbol change display operation, The result is “losing” and the inconvenience of giving distrust to the player is eliminated. Note that the hold Y1 in FIG. 7B is prefetched to determine that it is a hold storage related to a win per premier under a high probability state, but the hit determination random number value of the hold data of the hold Y1 is a low probability state determination table. This corresponds to the loss, and for this reason, the winning lottery (determination) at the time of the symbol variation display operation is an example of the case where it is determined to be lost.

  In addition, in models that include “ordinary jackpot” as the type of jackpot, a premium jackpot rainbow hold occurred under a high probability state after power recovery, but before that, there was a hold related to winning a regular jackpot when the power supply was restored Therefore, since it corresponds to the loss on the hit determination table in the low probability state, the rainbow color hold of the premium jackpot will be lost, and the problem of giving distrust to the player is also solved. .

  In addition, in models that perform presentation control such that when a jackpot game occurs, the hold display is changed to a normal display, a premium jackpot rainbow-colored hold has occurred, but before that, a hold memory related to the jackpot win is held. When this occurs, the inconvenience that the hold display is changed to the normal display after the game and the iridescent hold of the premium jackpot disappears is also eliminated.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, prefetching notices are prohibited for four pieces of reserved storage (hold 4, hold Y 1, hold Y 2, hold Y 3), which is the same number as the maximum hold storage number (4 games). When there are two types of symbol start ports, prefetching notices may be prohibited for a total of eight reserved memories, four each. Further, the pre-reading notice may be prohibited for the same number (3 in the example of FIG. 7) of the stored storages (holding 4, holding Y1, holding Y2).

  The above solutions A and B both have the same number of reserved memory as the maximum number of reserved memories based on the start opening winning after the power is restored (for 4 symbols for 1 type and 2 for 8 types). Or a simple means of prohibiting the pre-reading advance notice by not performing the pre-reading advance notice lottery for the same number of the stored storages that are currently stored.

  Hereinafter, a description will be given according to the control examples of FIGS.

<3. Processing on the main control side: FIGS. 8 to 29>
First, the processing content on the main control unit 20 side will be described with reference to FIGS.

(3-1. Main process on the main control side: FIG. 8)
FIG. 8 shows main processing on the main control unit 20 side. The main process starts when the power is turned on without operating the initialization switch (not shown), such as when recovering from a power failure, and when the initialization switch is turned on. May turn on. In any case, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is powered on, a voltage is supplied to each control board by the power supply board 31, and the main control CPU 271 starts the main control side main process shown in FIG.

  In the main control side main process, when the power is turned on, the main control CPU 271 first executes a necessary initial setting process before starting the game operation (step S101). For example, it first sets itself to the interrupt disabled state and sets to the interrupt mode. Further, the value of the stack pointer SP in the CPU is initialized to the final address of the stack area. It also initializes the internal register values including each part of the one-chip microcomputer.

  Next, the state (ON / OFF) of the RAM clear signal, which is an output signal of the RAM clear switch input through an input port (not shown), is determined (step S102). Here, the RAM clear signal is a signal for determining whether or not to initialize all areas of the built-in RAM of the one-chip microcomputer, and has a value corresponding to the ON / OFF state of the initialization switch operated by the staff. doing.

  Here, assuming that the RAM clear signal is in the ON state, following the determination in step S102, the entire area of the built-in RAM is cleared to zero (step S109). Therefore, the value of the backup flag set at the time of power-off becomes zero together with other checksum values.

  Next, a RAM clear display command for notifying that the RAM area has been cleared to zero is transmitted as an initialization command to each control board (step S110). Then, a RAM clear notification timer is set (step S111).

  If the confirmation signal for the above can be received, next, the CTC for outputting the interrupt signal for starting the timer interrupt operation is initialized (step S112), and the CPU is set to the interrupt disabled state (step S113), and various counters are set. Then, update processing is executed (step S114), and then the CPU is returned to the interrupt enabled state (step S115), and the process returns to the beginning of step S113.

  Returning to the determination processing in step S102, the description is continued. At the time of recovery from the power failure state, the initialization switch (RAM clear signal) is in the OFF state. Therefore, in such a case (step S102: OFF), the content of the backup flag is determined following the determination in step S102 (step S103). Note that the backup flag is set (ON) to 5AH when the power is shut off, and is reset (OFF) to zero in the first timer interrupt processing after power is restored.

  Therefore, when the power is turned on or when the power is restored from the power failure state, the content of the backup flag should be set (ON) to 5AH. However, if the predetermined process is not completed before the power is cut off for some reason, the backup flag is in the reset (OFF) state (= 00H). Therefore, when the backup flag is not 5AH, that is, in a reset (OFF) state (= 00H), the process proceeds from step S103 to step S109 to return the operation of the gaming machine to the initial state.

  On the other hand, if the backup flag is 5AH (ON), a checksum operation for calculating a checksum value is executed. Here, the checksum operation is an 8-bit addition operation for the work area of the built-in RAM. When the checksum value is calculated, the calculation result is compared with the stored value at the SUM address in the RAM (step S104).

  The SUM address stores a checksum value obtained by the same checksum calculation when the power is shut off. The stored calculation results are maintained by a backup power source together with other data in the built-in RAM. Therefore, the two should be matched by the determination in step S104.

  However, if the checksum operation could not be executed when the power was turned off, or even if it can be executed, the data in the work area may be damaged before the checksum operation of the main process is executed. In such a case, the determination result in step S104 is inconsistent. If data corruption is detected due to a discrepancy between the determination results, the process proceeds to step S109 to execute a RAM clear process, and the operation of the gaming machine is returned to the initial state. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the checksum value obtained by the checksum calculation matches the stored value at the SUM address, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, a power supply return display command and a game state display command are transmitted (steps S105 and S106). Then, based on the backup data, the stack pointer before the power cut-off is restored, and the game restoration process necessary to start the game from the processing state at the time of the power cut-off is executed.

  As part of this game recovery process, a power-on-hold hold display command is transmitted (step S107). Since it is not possible to recover the presence or absence of the hit loss, which is the result of the pre-read, the number of the hold memories and the hold data (such as a hit determination random number or a fall determination random number) in each hold storage are transmitted. In this case, it is divided into two types of symbol start ports of special figure 1 and special figure 2 and transmitted twice. In the case of this embodiment, the symbol starting port in FIG. 1 refers to the upper starting port 34 configured as a so-called navel winning port, and the symbol starting port in FIG. 2 is a bottom configured as a tulip-shaped electric accessory. The starting port 35 is indicated. If the customer is still waiting, a demo command is transmitted (step S107).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S112, and the CTC provided in the CPU is set (step S112). In this process, an initial value corresponding to 4 ms is set in the CTC time constant register so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every 4 ms.

  After the processing after the initial power-on in steps S101 to S112 is completed, interrupt prohibition and interrupt permission are repeated as normal operation processing, and various random number update processing is executed during that time (steps S113 to S113). S115). The various random number update processes include a random pattern value update process for updating a random pattern value used for a lottery for determining a special symbol fluctuation pattern command, and a normal lottery used for a lottery for a normal symbol fluctuation display game. Random number used to change the initial value of the random number for determination per symbol (for example, processing to update the count value of the counter) Normal initial random number update processing for determination per symbol and used for lottery for special symbol variation display games A special symbol per-determination initial value random number update process for updating a random number used for changing the initial value of the special symbol per-symbol determination is included.

(3-2. Main control timer interrupt processing: Fig. 9)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing on the main control side that is activated by interruption every predetermined time (4 ms) by interrupting the main control side main processing.

  First, the main control CPU 201 executes a saving process (step S201) for saving a register to a predetermined stack area.

  Next, a periodic random number update process for periodically updating the random number related to each variable display game is executed (step S202). In the regular random number update process, various random numbers used for the success / failure lottery of the normal symbol variation display game and the special symbol variation display game are periodically updated.

  Next, a timer management process for managing and controlling a timer used for the game operation is executed (step S203). The timer values of various timers used for game machine control are updated here.

  Next, input management processing is executed (step S204). In this input management process, detection information from various sensors provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is read and stored in a register in itself (not shown). The information detected by the various sensors includes ON / OFF of switch signals output from winning detection switches such as the normal symbol starting port sensor 37a, the big winning port sensor 40a, the special symbol starting port sensors 34a and 35a, and the general winning port sensor 43a. Information.

  Next, error management processing is executed (step S205). In this error management process, the data read and stored in the input management process is grasped, the switch is checked, and an illegal winning is monitored, the game operation state is monitored, and the abnormality of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is monitored. To do.

  Next, prize ball management processing is executed (step S206). In the prize ball management process, control information (a prize ball payout control command for designating the number of prize balls) for causing the game ball payout device 19 to perform a payout operation is output.

  Next, normal symbol management processing is executed (step S207). In this normal symbol management process, a lottery determination in the normal symbol variation display game is executed, and the variation pattern of the normal symbol and the stop display mode of the normal symbol are determined based on the lottery result.

  Next, a normal variation winning device management process is executed (step S208). In the normal variation winning device management process, an excitation control signal for solenoid control is transmitted to the normal variation winning device solenoid 41a based on the result of the lottery determination in the normal symbol management processing (step S207), and the movable blade of the normal variation winning device 41 A series of operations of the piece 47 are controlled.

  Next, a special symbol management process is executed (step S209). In this special symbol management process, a big win lottery (big hit determination process) in the special symbol fluctuation display game is executed, and a special symbol fluctuation pattern and a special symbol stop display mode (stop special symbol) are determined based on the lottery result. To do. Details of the special symbol management process will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, a special variable winning device management process is executed (step S210). In the special variable winning device management process, an excitation control signal for solenoid control is transmitted to the special variable winning device solenoid 42a on the basis of the result of the big hit winning lottery in the special symbol management processing (step S209). This is a process of controlling the opening and closing of the big winning opening 40 according to a predetermined pattern and controlling the execution of the game related to the big hit. Details of the special variable winning device management process will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The main control CPU 201 executes the “LED management process” after the special variable winning device management process (step S211). This LED management process is a process of outputting output data to the normal symbol display device 39 and the special symbol display device 38 according to the progress of the processing. The special symbol display data created in the special symbol display data update process (step S310 in FIG. 10) described later is output in this LED management process.

  Further, the main control CPU 201 manages game island management of the game hall through an external concentration terminal board (not shown) such as a big hit occurrence, special symbol determination, normal symbol determination, and winning ball detection at the symbol start opening. An external terminal management process for outputting to the outside of the gaming machine such as a hall computer HC or an island lamp used in the game is performed (step S212).

  Then, after executing the processing of step S202 to step S212 as described above, the contents of the temporarily saved register are restored (step S213), the timer interrupt processing is terminated, and the main control side before the interruption Returning to the main process, the main process on the main control side is performed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

<4. Special symbol management processing: Fig. 10>
Next, the special symbol management process in step S209 related to the big hit lottery will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol management process. Here, first, a start port check process 1 for the upper start port 34 (step S300) and a start port check process 2 for the lower start port 35 (step S301) are performed.

(4-1-1. Start port check process 1: FIG. 11)
In the start opening check process 1, the number of reserved balls when the winning is made in the upper start opening 34 (the number of stored storage) is less than the upper limit (the maximum number of stored storages, here 4) Acquire various random numbers.

  In FIG. 11, the main control CPU 201 first checks whether or not a winning ball has been detected at the upper start opening 34, which is the special figure 1 start opening (step S311). When a winning ball is detected (step S311: YES), a special figure 1 start opening winning command indicating a winning is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S312).

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S313, where the number of reserved balls (number of stored memories) in FIG. 1 is more than 4, more precisely, the number of operating reserved balls (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 1 operated reserved balls”). It is determined whether or not there is (step S313). When the special figure 1 operation reservation ball number does not become 4 or more, that is, when it is less than 4 (step S313: NO), the special figure 1 operation reservation ball number is incremented by 1 (step S314). Next, based on the fact that the starting condition is satisfied, the current values of the special symbol lottery random numbers (random hit determination random numbers, random hit determination random numbers, fall determination random numbers, special symbol determination random numbers) and the fluctuation pattern random number counters are obtained. Each is acquired and stored in the reserved storage area of the RAM 203 (step S315). The RAM 203 uses the obtained random numbers for jackpot determination (first game information), fall determination random numbers (second game information), special symbol determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern random numbers, etc. as reserved data. Until a special symbol change display operation in a symbol game is performed, it serves as a holding storage means for holding the maximum holding memory number as an upper limit in the order in which the start conditions are established.

  Next, a start opening winning random number determination process is performed to pre-read whether the acquired random number value relates to any type of information such as a fall, a big hit, or a loss (step S316). Then, a hold addition command corresponding to the number of held balls and the prefetch determination result is transmitted (step S317).

(4-1-2. Start port check process 2: FIG. 12)
Similarly, in the start opening check process 2, the number of reserved balls when the winning at the lower start opening 35 is less than the upper limit value (maximum reserved stored number, here 4) is the number of reserved balls Addition and acquisition of various random numbers. The method of processing is the same as in the case of the start port check processing 1.

  In FIG. 12, the main control CPU 201 first confirms whether or not a winning ball is detected at the lower start opening 35 (step S319). When a winning ball is detected (step S319: YES), a special figure 2 start opening winning command indicating a winning is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S320).

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S321, in which the number of reserved balls (the number of stored memories) in FIG. 2 is, more precisely, the number of operating reserved balls (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 operating reserved balls”) is 4 or more. It is determined whether or not there is (step S321). When the special figure 2 operation reservation ball number does not become 4 or more, that is, when it is less than 4 (step S321: NO), the special figure 2 operation reservation ball number is incremented by 1 (step S322). Next, based on the fact that the starting condition is satisfied, the current values of the special symbol lottery random numbers (random hit determination random numbers, random hit determination random numbers, fall determination random numbers, special symbol determination random numbers) and the fluctuation pattern random number counters are obtained. Each is acquired and stored in the reserved storage area of the RAM 203 (step S323).

  Next, a start opening winning random number determination process is performed to pre-read whether the acquired random number value relates to any type information such as a fall, a big hit, or a loss (step S324). Then, a hold addition command corresponding to the number of held balls and the prefetch determination result is transmitted (step S325).

(4-1-3. Random number judgment process at start-up winning prize: FIG. 13)
FIG. 13 shows the details of the start opening winning random number determination process described above. In the starting port winning random number determination process, it is first determined whether or not the current state is in a high probability state (step S326). If it is in the high probability state (step S326: YES), prefetch determination of the random number (type information) of the fall determination random number stored as the hold data in the hold storage area is performed (step S327), and the process proceeds to step S328. On the other hand, if it is in the low probability state (step S326: NO), the process proceeds to step S328 without performing the prefetch determination of the fall determination random number. In step S328, prefetch determination is performed on the random numbers (type information) of the jackpot determination random number, the special symbol determination random number, and the variation pattern random number stored as the hold data in the hold storage area (step S328). These random numbers are determined based on the gaming state at the time of winning. That is, when the winning game state is in the low probability state, the determination is made based on the low probability lottery data, and in the case of the high probability state, the determination is made based on the high probability lottery data.

  In step S328 described above, based on the jackpot determination random number (first game information) stored on hold, whether or not the result of the jackpot lottery by the lottery means (the hit determination process in step S338 in FIG. 14) is a win is determined. It acts as a first prefetch determination means for prefetching before the reserved memory is used for the special symbol variable display operation. Further, the step S327 is based on the falling lottery by the falling lottery means (falling determination process in step S337 in FIG. 14: steps S352 to S353 in FIG. 15) based on the stored random number for falling determination (second game information). It serves as a second prefetch determination means for prefetching whether or not the reserved memory is prefetched before being subjected to the special symbol variable display operation.

  Next, a hold addition command corresponding to the prefetch determination result and the number of held balls (the number of stored memories) is created (step S329). The configuration of the hold addition command is as already described with reference to FIG. 4. The upper byte having the held ball number information, and the lower byte having any type information of falling, winning / losing (hit, lose), and variation pattern, Consists of.

  Then, the process returns to step S316 in FIG. 11 and proceeds to step S317, where a hold addition command corresponding to the number of held balls and the prefetch determination result is transmitted (step S317). In the case of this embodiment, the prefetch determination result of the fall determination random number value and the prefetch determination result of the big hit determination random number are transmitted as separate hold addition commands to the effect control unit 24, but are included in the same hold addition command. You can also send it. This hold addition command is used when displaying the number of reserved balls and hold changes of special symbols on the liquid crystal display device 36 (see step S721 in FIG. 34). Then, the process returns to step S301 in FIG. 10 and proceeds to the determination process in steps S302 to S303.

  When it is determined in step S311 or step S319 that no winning ball has been detected (step S311 or S319: NO), or in FIG. S313, the number of special FIG. If it is determined as described above (step S313 or S321: YES), the process returns to step S301 in FIG. 10 without performing the process of steps S312 to S317 or the process of steps S320 to S325. The process proceeds to S302 to S303.

  When the process proceeds to steps S302 to S303 in FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not a small hitting hit flag or a big hit hitting flag is set, and if “small hit hitting” or “big hitting hit” is set (step S302 or S303: YES), special symbol display data update processing is performed (step S310). In this special symbol display data update process, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is fluctuating. If it is fluctuating, special symbol data that repeats blinking every 0.5 seconds (special symbol fluctuating data) is displayed. create. If the special symbol is not changing, data (stop symbol data) in which the special symbol is stopped is generated. The special symbol display data created here is output in the LED management process (step S211) of FIG. Thus, the special symbol management process in FIG. 10 is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special variable winning device management process in step S210 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the process in step S302 or S303 is not “small hit” or “big hit” (step S302 or S303: NO), the processing state (special symbol operation status) indicating the behavior of the special symbol is “ It is determined in sequence whether the special symbol is waiting (01H), special symbol changing (02H), or special symbol is stopped (03H) (step S304, step S306, step S308). Processing belonging to each processing state is performed. “Waiting for special symbol” means that the special symbol has not been changed and is waiting for the next change, and “Special symbol changing” means that the special symbol is currently changing. "Special symbol is stopped" indicates that the special symbol has been changed and stopped (during the special symbol confirmation time).

  Hereinafter, processing contents when the processing state is “special symbol waiting”, “special symbol changing”, and “special symbol stopping” will be described in order.

(4-2. Special symbol variation start processing: Fig. 14)
FIG. 14 shows the details of the special symbol variation start process which is shifted to the case where it is determined that the special symbol is waiting in the special symbol management process (FIG. 10) (step S304: YES).

  In the special symbol variation start process of FIG. 14, first, it is determined whether or not the number of special figure 2 dynamic hold balls and the number of special figure 1 action hold balls (holding stored number) are zero (steps S330 and S331). When both the special figure 2 dynamic holding ball number and the special figure 1 operation holding ball number are zero (steps S330, S331: YES), the effect control unit 24 indicates that the special symbol is in a standby state and has no holding memory. In this embodiment, a standby effect command is transmitted (step S345).

  However, if the standby effect command is transmitted without a condition when the total number of special symbol actuated balls is zero, the standby effect command is repeatedly transmitted at a cycle of 4 ms while the total number of special symbol actuated balls is zero. As a result, unnecessary transmission occurs. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the standby effect command has not been transmitted (step S344). If the standby effect command has not been transmitted (step S344: YES), the standby effect command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S345). ) If the standby effect command has already been transmitted (step S344: NO), the special symbol management process is terminated without transmitting the standby effect command to the effect control unit 24.

  Here, it is determined whether or not a demonstration display condition for performing a demonstration effect is satisfied. If the demonstration display condition is satisfied, a demonstration display command may be transmitted to the effect control unit 24. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, this determination is usually left to the effect control unit 24, and this special symbol management process is terminated without determining whether or not the demonstration display condition is satisfied.

  On the other hand, when the special figure 1 operation holding ball number or the special figure 2 operation holding ball number is not zero (step S330 or S331: NO), the special figure 1 operation holding ball number or the special figure 2 operation holding ball number is decremented by 1. (Step S332), a number-of-holds command (holding subtraction command in this case) corresponding to the reduced number of held balls is transmitted (Step S333).

  Next, special symbol operation confirmation data is set, the variation of the special symbol is started, and the acquired numerical value storage area (holding storage area) of the RAM 203 is shifted (step S334). Here, each random number value stored in the reserved storage area (for example, the first working reserved ball storage area) corresponding to the reserved storage number n = 1 is read out, and a predetermined random number storage area (determination random number storage in the RAM 203) is read out. In the storage area (second holding ball storage area, third holding ball storage area, fourth holding ball storage area) corresponding to the storage area n (n = 2, 3, 4). Each random number value stored is stored in a reserved storage area corresponding to the number of reserved balls = n−1. That is, the information about the reserved balls in the first reserved ball storage area is shifted to the random number storage area for determination for determination, and the information about each held ball after the reserved storage area n = 2 is assigned to the lower number (2 → 1, 3 → 2, 4 → 3, i.e., n → n−1), and overwriting is performed to provide a free space. As a result, the symbol game start order matches the order of the number of reserved balls n (in this embodiment, n = 1, 2, 3, 4), and any random number value acquired when a reserved ball is generated It is specified whether it corresponds to a holding ball. Then, it is checked whether or not there is a remaining power support number for 100 rotations defined as the number of times of the variable symbol display operation (referred to as the power support number) of the special symbol to which the power support is added (step S335). If there is a support count (step S335: YES), a remaining power support count command is transmitted (step S336), and the process proceeds to the fall determination process in step S337. If there is no remaining power support count (step S335: NO), the process proceeds to the fall determination process in step S337 without transmitting this command.

(4-2-1. Falling determination processing: FIG. 15)
FIG. 15 shows details of the fall determination process in step S337. This is a fall determination process at the start of fluctuation, and is performed prior to the hit determination process (step S338). First, it is determined whether or not the gaming state at the start of the current variation is a certain variation state, that is, whether or not the special figure probability variation state flag is set (= 5A) (step S351). When the special figure probability variation state flag is set (step S351: = 5A), the random number for fall determination is determined by the determination table (step S352), and the winning lottery is won as the determination at the start of the variation of the symbol game. It is determined whether or not (step S353).

  When it is determined that the falling lottery is won as a determination at the time of starting the change of the symbol game (step S353: YES), the “special figure probability change state flag” is turned OFF and the “special figure certain change short state flag” Is set to OFF and the notification LED output number is set to 00H (step S354). This special figure probability change short state flag is set to the ON state in step S467 of the jackpot end process (FIG. 28) described later when the probability change state is maintained after the jackpot ends. When the special figure probability variation state flag is turned from ON to OFF, the big hit lottery state shifts (falls) from the high probability state to the low probability state.

  And it progresses to step S355 and a fall command is transmitted for the control in the main control part 20 (step S355). The fall command is transmitted separately according to the electric support mode (abbreviated as “electric support”) in which the open extension function is activated and in a high base state, and other states. Then, the process ends, and the process returns to step S337 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special figure probability variation state flag is not set (step S351: ≠ 5A), the process is terminated without determining the fall determination random number, and when the fall lottery is not won (step S353). : NO) does nothing and ends the process, and returns to step S337 in FIG.

(4-2-2. Hit determination processing: FIG. 16)
Next, in FIG. 14, the process proceeds to step S338, and a determination is made as to whether or not the random number value acquired in step S315 (FIG. 11) is a hit (a hit determination process at the start of fluctuation) (step S338).

  FIG. 16 shows the details of the hit determination processing. The big hit determination random number other than the small hit is determined, and if it is a big hit, the “big hit determination flag” is turned ON (step S356). In the hit determination process, a hit determination (win lottery) is performed based on the value of the special figure probability variation state flag. At this time, the hit determination is performed based on the low-probability lottery data when in the low-probability state, and based on the high-probability lottery data when in the high-probability state. Even when the fluctuation starts during the high probability state, if the player wins a fall in the previous fall lottery, a hit determination with a low probability is performed.

  Next, a random number for determining the small hit is determined. If the small hit is determined, the “small hit determination flag” is turned ON (step S357). The big hit determination flag and the small hit determination flag are used, for example, in step S383 or step S386 of FIG. 21 to determine whether the big hit or the small hit is other than the small hit.

(4-2-3. Special symbol stop symbol setting process: Fig. 17)
Next, in FIG. 14, the process proceeds to the special symbol stop symbol setting process in step S339, the value of the special symbol determination random number (special symbol stop symbol random number) is determined, and the stop symbol (special symbol stop symbol) is determined (step) S339). At this time, one stop symbol for low probability is selected in the low probability state, and one stop symbol for high probability is selected and set in the high probability state.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, in this special symbol stop symbol setting process, the special symbol determination random number value acquired in step S315 (FIG. 11) is acquired (step S361), and a special symbol stop symbol table (not shown) is obtained. , “Special symbol determination data” and “special symbol stop symbol number” corresponding to the random value are set (step S362). This special symbol stop symbol number is used to specify a special symbol stop symbol on the main control unit 20 side, but is used to determine a big hit mode (for example, a round background or music during a big hit game). You can also.

(4-2-4. Game State Transition Preparation Process: FIG. 18)
Next, in FIG. 14, it progresses to the game state transition preparation process of step S340. As shown in detail in FIG. 18, it is checked whether or not the big hit determination flag (set in step S356 in FIG. 16) is ON (step S363). If it is ON (step S363: YES) Referring to the game state transition table, based on the special symbol determination data (set in step S362 in FIG. 17), the open extension function, the normal map time shortening function, the general map time varying function, the special figure time varying function, the special figure probability varying function Then, each transition state buffer of the electric support counter is set (step S364). As a result, each time a big hit is made, the functions required for the gaming state to be transferred are set according to the type. Then, the game state transition preparation process ends. If the big hit determination flag is OFF (step S363: NO), the game state transition preparation process is terminated without setting these buffers.

  Here, “electric support” is an abbreviation for electric chew support, and “electric chew support” is a tulip-shaped electric accessory in which a pair of left and right movable wing pieces 47 are provided at the lower start opening 35 so as to be opened and closed ( A state in which an opening extension function is provided with respect to the normal variation winning device 41), that is, a state in which the movable wing piece 47 frequently opens and closes and a game ball easily wins the lower start opening 35 is added to the variation of the special symbol. That means. “Electric support frequency” means the number of fluctuations of a special symbol to which this electric chew support is added. In the case of the present embodiment, the electric chew support is added only 100 times with respect to the number of times the special symbol fluctuates after the big hit (see FIG. 29).

  Depending on the type of the ball game machine, there is a different type from the above-described tulip-type electric accessory, for example, a velo-type electric accessory that opens and closes the start port when the velo enters and exits. Including an electric accessory (ordinary variable winning device 41) that cannot be said to be a tulip type, it will be referred to as an electric chew support (electric support), the number of times of electric support.

(4-2-5. Special symbol variation pattern setting process: FIG. 19)
Next, in FIG. 14, the process proceeds to a special symbol variation pattern setting process in step S341.

  FIG. 19 shows the details of the special symbol variation pattern setting process. In this variation pattern setting process, one special symbol variation pattern is selected and determined by lottery according to the current gaming state, ON / OFF of the jackpot determination flag, and the number of reserved balls (step S365). Therefore, one special symbol variation pattern for low probability is selected when in the low probability state, and one special symbol variation pattern for high probability is selected and set when in the high probability state. Thereby, the symbol variation time of the special symbol variation pattern is also determined.

  In this way, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined, and as a result, the variation time corresponding to this variation pattern is determined. Therefore, after transmitting the variation pattern designation command for the determined special symbol variation pattern to the effect control unit 24 (step S366), the variation time of this special symbol is set in the special symbol variation timer (step S367), The symbol variation pattern setting process is terminated.

(4-2-6. Special symbol designation command transmission process)
In FIG. 14, the process proceeds to the special symbol designation command transmission process in step 342, and the special symbol designation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S342). Therefore, both the special symbol variation pattern command (step S366) and the special symbol designation command (step S342) are transmitted to the effect control unit 24 as an effect control command.

  Next, the processing state (special symbol operation status) is switched to “special symbol variation (02H)” (step S343), and the special symbol variation start process is terminated. Then, the process returns to step S305 in FIG. 10 and proceeds to step S310 to update the special symbol display data. As a result, the special symbol management process ends, and the process shifts to the special variable winning device management process (FIG. 9).

(4-3. Special symbol variation processing: Fig. 20)
FIG. 20 shows the details of the special symbol changing process (step S307) that shifts to the case where it is determined that the special symbol is changing in the special symbol management process (FIG. 10) (step S306: YES).

  In the special symbol variation processing of FIG. 20, the special symbol variation timer is first monitored (step S371), and the special symbol variation time set in the special symbol variation timer in step S367 of FIG. 19 is awaited. (Step S371: NO). When the special symbol variation time has elapsed (step S371: YES), a “variation stop command” indicating that the variation of the special symbol has ended and stopped is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S372). Then, the processing state (special symbol operation status) is switched to “special symbol stopped (03H)”, and the variable stop time (for example, 0.5 seconds) for displaying the stop symbol on the special symbol display device 38 is for variable stop. The timer is set (step S373). As a result, the special symbol changing process is terminated and the process returns to step S307 in FIG. 10, the special symbol display data is updated (step S310), and the special symbol management process is terminated. Then, the process proceeds to a special variable winning device management process (FIG. 9).

(4-4. Special symbol variation suspension processing: Fig. 21)
FIG. 21 shows a special symbol variation suspension process (step S309) that is shifted to a case where the special symbol operation status is determined to be special symbol stopped (03H) (step S308: YES) in the special symbol management process (FIG. 10). Show details.

  In the special symbol fluctuation stop process of FIG. 21, first, the process waits for the fluctuation stop time (for example, 0.5 seconds) set in the fluctuation stop timer in step S373 (FIG. 20) to elapse (step S381: NO). ). That is, until the special symbol variation stop time elapses, the special symbol variation suspension processing is exited without doing anything.

(4-4-1. Normal state)
When the above-described time for fluctuation stop has elapsed (step S381: YES), the special symbol operation status is switched to “special symbol standby (01H)” (step S382). Then, it is determined whether the stop symbol is a big hit symbol or a lost symbol. That is, the contents of the big hit determination flag and the small hit determination flag which are turned on in steps S356 and S357 of the hit determination process (FIG. 16) are checked in order (steps S383 and S386). If both flags are OFF (step S383: NO, S386: NO), that is, if the stop symbol is a lost symbol, the process proceeds to step S388, and whether or not the value of the electric support counter is zero. Is determined (step S388). In the case of the loss fluctuation in the normal state, since the value of the electric support counter is zero, the determination in step S388 is YES, and the special symbol fluctuation suspension processing is exited. Returning to FIG. 10, the special symbol display data is updated (step S310), and the special symbol management process is terminated.

(4-4-2. Big hit)
If it is determined in step S383 that the big hit determination flag is ON (big hit excluding small hits) (step S383: YES), the big hit determination flag is turned OFF and then the “big hit flag” is set to ON. (Step S384). In addition, when the big hit ends, each of the open extension function flag, the normal map short function, the general figure correct function flag, the special figure short function flag, and the special figure correct function flag set in step S464 (FIG. 28) is turned OFF, While clearing the counter, each of the time reduction state flag, the probability variation state flag, and the latent probability state flag is turned OFF (step S385), and the special symbol variation suspension processing is terminated. Here, “common figure” is an abbreviation for ordinary symbols, and “special figure” is an abbreviation for special symbols. Returning to FIG. 10, the special symbol display data is updated (step S310), and the special symbol management process is terminated.

  When the big hit flag is set to ON, the determination in step S403 of the special variable winning device management process (FIG. 22) described later becomes YES, and the special variable winning device 42 is 15 as a special gaming state advantageous to the player. A big hit game that performs a round opening action is awarded. In this embodiment, the 15 round opening operation is only one type of 15R probability variation big hit that repeats 30 seconds opening (opening of the big prize opening 40) 15 times (round) (see FIG. 29). However, multiple types of big hits with different numbers of rounds, such as 4R probability variation big hits and 7R probability variation big hits that repeat 30 seconds of opening 4 times (round) or 7 times (round), or a big hit that also performs 15 rounds of opening operation. However, a big hit type may be provided such that the first half of all rounds, for example, seven times are released for 30 seconds and the latter half eight times are opened for 0.1 seconds. In some cases, a big hit (for example, a 15R latent probability change big hit that repeats the opening of 0.1 seconds 15 times (round)) may be provided. It should be noted that the release of 0.1 seconds means that the player cannot substantially get a ball even in a special gaming state advantageous to the player.

(4-4-3. Small hits)
If it is determined in step S383 that the big hit determination flag is OFF (step S383: NO), the process proceeds to step S386. If it is determined in step S386 that the small hit determination flag is ON (small hit) (step S386: YES), the small hit determination flag is turned OFF, and then the “small hitting flag” is set to ON. (Step S387).

  When the above-described small hitting flag is set to ON, the determination in step S401 of the special variable winning device management process (FIG. 22) described later becomes YES, and the special variable winning device 42 performs a two-round opening operation as a special gaming state. A small hit game is performed. However, the hit-and-open pattern in the case of small hits repeats the 0.6-second opening twice (round), and therefore practically little ball is obtained.

(4-4-4. With electronic Chu support)
In the case of 15R probable big hit, after the big hit game is over, the transition to the probable state with the falling lottery is made, and the open extension function is provided regardless of whether or not the falling lottery is won and falls from the high probability state to the low probability state. The gaming state to be operated, that is, the gaming state to which the electric chew support is given (in this embodiment, the probability changing state or the time shortening state. In the present embodiment, the game is performed until 100 times of the symbol game (special symbol variable display operation) is completed. However, during the period of 100 symbol variations, a falling lottery is performed every time each symbol variation is performed. Therefore, when the symbol lottery is won by any of the symbol variations, the main control unit 20 The gaming state falls from the probability change state (high probability state) to the short time state (low probability state). Therefore, the period of the state with electric Chu support until winning the fall lottery has a high probability of jackpot lottery, and the period of the state with electric chew support until winning the subsequent lottery and reaching the above 100 times is a big hit The lottery probability is in a low probability state. In addition, if the falling lottery is not won during the period when the symbol variation is performed 100 times, the game state of the main control unit 20 is changed from the probability variation state to the latent probability variation state (both are high probability states). If the winning lottery is won during the latent probability changing state, the latent probability changing state (high probability state) is changed to the normal state (low probability state) (falling).

  When the value of the electric support number counter determined in step S388 is not zero (step S388: NO), that is, when the number of changes in the special symbol has not yet reached the upper limit of 100, the electric chew support state is set. Since it is continuing, 1 is subtracted from the value of the electric support counter (step S389), and it is determined whether or not the value of the probability variation counter after subtraction has become zero (step S390). In the present embodiment, regardless of whether the current gaming state is a probable change state or a short-time state, the electric chew support state always ends with a change count of 100 times. Therefore, since the value of the electric support counter is not zero until the number of fluctuations is 100, the determination in step S390 is NO, and the special symbol fluctuation suspension processing is exited. Returning to FIG. 10, the special symbol display data is updated (step S310), and the special symbol management process is terminated.

  Thereafter, every time the special symbol variation display operation is executed, the power support counter is decremented by 1 in the special symbol variation suspension processing of FIG. 21 (step S389).

  When the value of the electric support number counter becomes zero (step S390: YES), the electric support number counter is cleared (step S391) because it is the timing when the electric chew support state ends. Further, each of the open extension function flag, the normal time function, the normal figure probability changing function flag, the special time function, and the short time state flag are turned off (step S391), and the special symbol variation stop process is terminated. Returning to FIG. 10, the special symbol display data is updated (step S310), and the special symbol management process is terminated.

<5. Special variation winning device management processing: FIG. 22>
Returning to FIG. 9, following the special symbol management process (step S209), a special variable winning device management process is executed (step S210). This special variation winning device management process transmits an excitation control signal for solenoid control to the special variation winning device solenoid 42a based on the result of the big hit in the special symbol management processing (step S209). In this process, the winning opening 40 is controlled to open and close in accordance with a predetermined pattern, and a game related to a big hit (special game) is controlled.

  FIG. 22 shows the details of the special variable winning device management process. First, the main control CPU 201 checks whether or not the small hitting hit flag or big hit hitting flag is set (ON) (steps S401 and S403), and if it is not hitting or hitting big (steps S401: NO, S403). : NO) This special variable winning device management process is terminated without doing anything.

(5-1. Small hit: Fig. 23)
If the small hitting flag is set (ON) (step S401: YES), the process proceeds to the small hit processing in step S402. In this “small hit process”, as shown in FIG. 23, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (predetermined time before the start) before the special winning opening 40 of the special variable winning device 42 is opened has passed (step S411). ). Until the predetermined time before the start elapses (step S411: NO), this special variable winning device operation start pre-processing is exited without doing anything.

  When the predetermined time before the start has elapsed (step S411: YES), in order to control a series of operations (two opening operations of the big winning opening 40) of the special variable winning device 42 in the small hit game, (Special variation winning device) Performs processing according to the operation status. Here, a small hit start command is transmitted when the operation status of the electric accessory is in the big hit start process (00H), the special prize winning opening / closing operation is set while the special variable winning device is operating (02H), and the special variable winning device is not operating. At (03H), a small hit end command is transmitted (steps S413 to S415). Thereby, for example, the special winning opening 40 of the special variable winning device 42 is opened with a quick hitting and opening pattern of “0.6 seconds × 2 times”.

(5-2. Big hit: FIGS. 24 to 29)
If it is determined in step 403 in FIG. 22 that the big hit flag is set (ON) (step S403: YES), a series of operations (15 opening operations) of the special variable winning device 42 in the big hit game are controlled. In order to do this, processing (steps S405 to S409) belonging to the respective states is executed according to which of the electric accessory operating statuses is 00H to 04H.

  When the operation status of the electric accessory is in the process of starting the big hit (00H), the “big hit start process” (step S405) is performed, and when it is before the special variable winning device is started (01H), the “special variable winning device is started”. "Pre-processing" (step S406) is performed. If the special variable winning device is operating (02H), "special variable winning device is operating" (step S407) is performed, and the special variable winning device is not operating (03H). If there is, the “special variable winning device operation stop process” (step S408) is performed, and if the big hit end process is being performed (04H), the “big hit end process” (step S409) is performed. “Before starting the special variable prize-winning device” means that the operation of the special variable prize-winning device 42 is in a pre-start state and “special variable prize-winning device is operating” means that the special variable prize-winning device 42 is currently active. The fact that the special variable prize-winning device is being stopped indicates that the special variable prize-winning device 42 is currently stopped and is being continuously determined.

(5-2-1. Big hit start processing: FIG. 24)
FIG. 24 shows the details of the jackpot start process (step S405) that is performed when the operation status of the electric accessory is in the process of starting the jackpot start (00H). In the case of a big hit, in the big hit start process, the accessory continuous operation device operation flag is turned ON to switch to “active accessory continuous operation device in operation” (step S421). Here, the accessory continuous operation device refers to a functional unit for operating the special variable prize winning device 42 for one round continuously for a predetermined number of times. Next, the operation status of the electric accessory is switched to “Before starting the special variable winning device operation (01H)” (step S422). Then, the maximum number of rounds (for example, 15 times) and the opening effect time (for example, 10 seconds) are set (step S423). Here, the opening effect time is an interval interval from the time when the variation stop timer time of step S373 has elapsed and the winning is confirmed until the operation of the special variable prize winning device 42 starts, and the interval where the opening effect is performed. Refers to a defined time span. Then, a jackpot start command is transmitted (step S424), and the jackpot start process is terminated.

(5-2-2. Preliminary processing for starting operation of special variable winning device: FIG. 25)
FIG. 25 shows the details of the “special variable winning device operation start pre-processing” (step S406) that is performed when the electric accessory operating status is before the special variable winning device operation start (01H). In the special variable winning device operation pre-start process, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (predetermined time before starting) has passed before the special winning opening 40 of the special variable winning device 42 is opened (step S431). Here, as the predetermined time before the start, in the first round, after the special symbol stop time of the variable stop timer in step S381 has passed and the winning is determined, the operation of the special variable winning device 42 starts. Opening production time (set in step S423 in FIG. 24) is monitored, but when passing through step S431 in the second and subsequent rounds, the interval time between rounds (opening set in step S455 in FIG. 27) The previous interval time) is monitored.

  Until the predetermined time before the start elapses (step S431: NO), the special variable prize winning device operation pre-start process is exited without doing anything.

  When the predetermined time before the start elapses (step S431: YES), the special prize winning device opening time (30 seconds in the case of a promising big hit) is set, and the big prize winning number counter is cleared to zero. (Step S432). Then, the operation status of the electric accessory is switched to “special variable winning device is operating (02H)” (step S433). Also, the operation pattern of the open / close door 42b is set according to the operation pattern of the special variable prize winning device 42, and based on this, an excitation control signal for solenoid control is transmitted to the special variable prize winning device solenoid 42a, and the open door 42b is operated to increase the size. The winning opening 40 is opened (step S434). Then, the special variable winning device operation start process is terminated.

(5-2-3. Processing during operation of the special variable prize winning device: FIG. 26)
FIG. 26 shows details of the “special variable winning device operating process” (step S407) performed when the electric accessory operating status is operating the special variable winning device (02H). In the special variable winning device operating process, it is determined whether or not a winning ball to the special winning opening 40 of the special variable winning device is detected (step S441).

  When a winning ball to the big winning opening 40 is detected (step S441: YES), 1 is added to “the number of winning big winning openings” (step S442), and a big winning opening winning command indicating that is given to the effect control unit. 24 (step S453). Then, the process proceeds to step S444. On the other hand, when a winning ball to the big winning opening 40 is not detected, the process proceeds to step S444 without performing these processes (steps S442 to S443).

  If it progresses to step S444, it will be judged whether the number of big winning award winnings after addition became the maximum number of winnings (step S444). If the number of winning prizes has not reached the maximum winning number (step S444: NO), the time that the preset winning opening 40 is open (the opening time of the big winning opening: 30 seconds set in step S432) is set. It is determined whether or not it has elapsed (step S445). Then, if the number of winning prizes does not reach the maximum winning number (step S444: NO) and the opening time of the big winning opening has not passed (step S445: NO), nothing is done and this special variable prize is won. The device management process ends.

  When the number of winning prizes reaches the maximum winning number (step S444: YES), the winning prize opening 40 is closed (step S446), and an interval command is transmitted (step S447). Then, the operation status of the electric accessory is switched to “Special variable prize winning device operation stopped (03H)”. Further, a remaining ball discharge time (for example, 2 seconds) for closing the special variable winning device for discharging the remaining balls is set (step S449).

  Even if the number of winning prizes reaches the maximum number of winnings, if the winning time of the big winnings has elapsed (step S445: YES), the winning prize opening 40 is closed at that time, and the operation status of the electric accessory is displayed. Is switched to “Special floating prize winning device operation stopped (03H)”. Then, the special variable winning device operating process is terminated.

(5-2-4. Processing during suspension of special variable prize winning device operation: FIG. 27)
FIG. 27 shows the details of the “special variable prize winning device operation stop process” (step S408) performed when the operation status of the electric accessory is in the special variable prize winning device operation stop (03H). In the special variable winning device operation stop processing, whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the special winning opening 40 was closed, that is, the closing time (2 seconds) set as the remaining ball discharge time in step S449 has elapsed. Whether or not (step S451). Until the remaining ball discharge time elapses (step S451: NO), this special variable prize winning device operation stop process is exited without doing anything.

  If the remaining ball discharge time has elapsed (step S451: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of operations (number of rounds) of the special variable winning device has reached a predetermined maximum number (here, 15 rounds) (step S452). . During the period up to 15 rounds, which is the maximum number of rounds (step S452: NO), the electric accessory operation status is switched to “Before starting the special variable winning device operation (01H)” (step S453). Then, “1” is added to the “special variable winning device operation count” (step S454), the current value of the number of rounds is updated, and the interval time before opening is set (step S455).

  When the maximum number of rounds has been reached in the determination in step S452 (step S452: YES), the electric accessory operation status is switched to “Big hit end processing (04H)” (step S456). Further, an ending effect time (for example, 5 seconds) is set (step S457), an ending effect command is transmitted (step S458), and the special variable prize winning device operation continuation determination process ends.

(5-2-5. Big hit end processing: FIGS. 28 to 29)
FIG. 28 shows the details of the “hit end process” (step S409) that is performed when the operation status of the electric accessory is the jackpot end process (04H). In this jackpot ending process, the ending effect time (5 seconds) set in step S457 has elapsed, that is, an interval section after the big winning opening 40 of the special variable winning device 42 in the final round is closed. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S461). Until the ending effect time (5 seconds) elapses, nothing is done and the big hit end process is exited (step S461: NO).

  On the other hand, when the ending effect time has elapsed (step S461: YES), the big hit flag is cleared and the accessory continuous operation device operation flag is turned OFF (step S462). (Step S463). Then, as various settings at the end of the big hit, the value of each transition state buffer set in step S364 of the game state transition preparation process (FIG. 18) is set in each state flag (step S464). This process corresponds to a game state transition preparation setting process for shifting the gaming state after the big hit to a predetermined probability changing state.

  Specifically, according to the “hit end game state transition setting table” shown in FIG. 29, the release extension function flag, the normal-time short-time function flag, the normal-game time-changing function flag, the special-time-time short-time function flag, the special-game-time-changing function flag, A power support counter is set (step S364). Further, for the probability variation state and the short time state grasped based on these information, a special figure certain variation state flag (probability variation state flag) and a special diagram short state flag (short time state flag) are set.

  In addition, when both the special figure short state flag and the special figure certain change state flag are set (step S465: YES, step S466: YES), the "special figure certain change short state flag" is turned ON (step S467). ). Then, the process proceeds to step S468, and each transition state buffer is cleared. On the other hand, when the special figure short time state flag is not set (step S465: NO) or when the special figure certain change state flag is not set (step S466: NO), the process proceeds directly to step SS468, and each transition state is set. Clear the buffer.

  Thereafter, the gaming state notification information is updated (step S469), and a jackpot end command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 as a gaming state command including the gaming state notification information (step S470). Thereby, the fact that the gaming state has shifted from the big hit state to the probable change state or the like is notified by a 7-segment display or a lamp.

  Thereafter, the process returns to step S409 in FIG. 22 to end the above-described special variable winning device management process, and returns to FIG. 9, following the above special variable winning device management process, the LED management process (step S211), and the external terminal management. The process (step S212) is executed. Then, the timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns from the interrupt process routine to the main routine.

<6. Processing on the production control unit side: FIGS. 30 to 39>
Next, the process (FIGS. 30 to 39) on the production control unit side will be described.

(6-1. Production control side main process: FIG. 30)
When the gaming machine body is turned on and receives the power-on signal from the power supply board 31, the effect control unit 24 starts the effect control-side main process shown in FIG. In this effect control side main process, step S501 is performed as the first process after the power is turned on, and in other cases, steps S502 to S505 are performed as processes during normal operation.

  First, the effect control board 24 performs necessary initial settings before the start of the game operation as the first process after the power is turned on (step S501).

  Next, effect random number update processing is executed as processing during normal operation (step S502). In this effect random number update process, the random number value for effect lottery used mainly for selecting effect contents is regularly updated.

  Next, a command reception interrupt, a timer interrupt, an external INT, etc. are set in an interrupt enabled state (step S503), and then an interrupt disabled state is set (step S504). Then, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S505), and the process from step S502 to step S505 is executed in a loop process unless power interruption occurs.

(6-2. Command reception interrupt processing: FIG. 31)
Next, a command reception interrupt process that is executed when the effect control command from the main control unit 20 is received will be described.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing command reception interrupt processing on the effect control side. This command reception interrupt process is a process that is executed with priority over an effect control side timer interrupt process (FIG. 32) described later when an effect control command is received from the main control unit 20.

  First, when the production control unit 24 receives the production control command from the main control unit 20, the production control unit 24 saves the register in a predetermined stack area (step S506), and then stores the control command in the predetermined area of the RAM 242. Perform (step S507) and restore the register (step S508). When various control commands sent from the main control unit 20 are received, an INT interrupt is generated, and when a control command is received in this reception interrupt process, it is stored in the command reception buffer.

(6-3. Production control side timer interruption process: FIG. 32)
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an effect control side timer interrupt process activated by interruption every predetermined time (2 ms) in the effect control side main process in the effect control board 24.

  First, the effect control CPU 241 saves the register in a predetermined stack area (step S601). Next, the watchdog timer that monitors the program abnormality is cleared, and the timer count is restarted (step S602). When the program is in a runaway state, the watchdog timer is timed up, the production CPU is automatically reset, and the runaway state is restored.

  Next, periodic update processing is performed (step S603). In this periodic update process, the initial value of the effect random number used for selecting the effect pattern and the contents of various timers necessary for the execution of the effect pattern are updated for each interrupt. A representative of the various timers is a timer that manages a time schedule relating to the production of effects. For example, the decorative symbols are variably displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 that is substantially within the same period as the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display device 38 (within the special symbol variation period). Within the variation period (decoration pattern variation period), the production content of what production pattern on the time axis, and with what time width, the decoration lamp 45, the speaker 46, and the liquid crystal display device as production means The time schedule of whether to make it appear by 36 etc. is time-controlled by this timer.

  Next, an input monitoring process for monitoring inputs from various switches is performed (step S604). It is also monitored here whether or not the frame effect button 13 has been turned ON.

  Next, as an effect determination management process, a command analysis process (step S605) and an effect scenario update process (step S606) are executed. And steps S607-S609 are performed as production output management processing.

  First, a command analysis process (step S605) for determining an effect scenario based on the received control command is executed. In this command analysis process, whether or not a control command is received from the main control unit 20, that is, whether or not a control command is stored in the command reception buffer is monitored for each interrupt. For example, when a variation pattern command is received and the variation pattern designation code is stored in the reception buffer, in the command reception process, this variation pattern designation code is read out, and the corresponding representation is made with reference to the representation pattern table (not shown). Determine the pattern.

  Next, effect scenario update processing (step S606) is executed. In this effect scenario update process, based on the contents of the effect scenario determined in the command analysis process (step S605), a control signal (image effect control signal) for operating the liquid crystal display device 36, a lamp, an LED, A control signal (light emission control signal or sound control signal) for operating the speaker 46 is generated. Then, the created control signal is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 243. Further, as the production scenario progresses, the image production control signal is output to the liquid crystal display device 36, and sound and LED control signals (light emission control signal and audio control signal) are matched to the image production. Also output.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S606, it is determined whether there is an audio control signal for sound data to be reproduced in the predetermined command storage area as the contents of the effect output management processing (step S607). If there is an audio control signal (step S607: YES), the audio LSI audio control signal is input at a timing that requires sound reproduction, and the sound is output from the speaker 46 through the sound source IC (step S608). Thereby, the sound effect according to the production scenario is generated from the speaker 46.

  Subsequently, LED output processing is executed (step S609). This LED output process receives this information when the audio control signal is transmitted to the sound LSI, and transmits the light emission control signal to the decoration lamp 45 or the LED in accordance with the corresponding effect, and turns it on or blinks to produce the effect by light. Is realized.

  Then, the contents of the saved register are restored (step S610), thereby terminating the effect control side timer interruption process.

<7. (Contents of command analysis processing: FIGS. 33 to 39)
Next, the contents of the command analysis process (step S605) will be specifically described.

(7-1. Big hit end command reception processing: FIG. 33)
FIG. 33 to FIG. 38 show ones that are closely related to the privilege game that rushes into after the end of the big hit game, among the plurality of types of processes executed in the command analysis process (step S605 in FIG. 32).

  FIG. 33 shows a process when the jackpot end command transmitted in step S470 of the jackpot end process (FIG. 28) is received. When this jackpot end command is received, a state scenario of the state effect (effect mode) corresponding to the type of jackpot is set based on the game state notification information included therein (step S701). When this effect scenario is set, the background to be displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 is switched to the background for the effect mode, and a corresponding effect state BGM flows from the speaker.

  When the 15R probability variation big hit is won, after the big hit game, the main control unit 20 shifts to the probability variation state, and the effect control unit 24 shifts to the high base state effect mode (for example, night background). In addition, the electric chew support is added to 100 symbol games after the big hit game, but during that period, when the winning lottery is won under the probability change state, the game state of the main control unit 20 shifts to the short time state. However, during the period with the electric chew support, the effect control unit 24 continues the same high base state effect mode (night background).

  In addition, when winning a small hit in the normal state, after the winning game, the main control unit 20 maintains the normal state at the time of winning the small hit, and the effect control unit 24 continues the normal effect mode (for example, morning background) . Also, when a small win is won in the state with the electric chew support, after the winning game, the main control unit 20 maintains the probability variation state, and the production control unit 24 continues the high base state production mode (night background).

(7-2. Receiving processing of pending addition command: FIG. 34)
FIG. 34 shows a process when a pending addition command transmitted in the start port check process (step S317 in FIG. 11 or step S325 in FIG. 12) is received.

  When this hold addition command is received, the content of the command is first analyzed (step S711), and the type information of the prefetch result is grasped. For example, the upper byte is B8 [H] (3 pending winning designation) and the lower byte is 32 [H] (losing fluctuation), the upper byte is B8 [H] (holding 3 winning designation), and the lower byte is 70. The winning prize of [H] (win fluctuation), the falling byte winning of B9 [H] (4 winning winning designation) and the lower byte of 02 [H] (falling), etc. are grasped.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the “prefetching prohibition counter” is zero (step S712). This “prefetching prohibition counter” is set to the maximum value of reserved ball “8” (see step S802 in FIG. 39) when the power supply return display command is received (see step S802 in FIG. 39), and the eight times generated thereafter. It is a counter that is decremented by 1 for each winning prize that triggered the eight times of hold memory in order to manage the hold memory. Here, in the case of the present embodiment, the reserved MAX value is determined to be 4 for both the number of reserved balls for operation in FIGS. 1 and 2 and 8 in total (see FIGS. 11 and 12). 8 "is set.

  Since the value of the prefetch prohibition counter is zero during normal game operation (step S712: YES), the process proceeds to step S713, and it is determined whether or not the “continuous notice counter” is zero (step S713).

  Here, the “continuous notice counter” is the first look-ahead notice lottery (holding display change type and image display change type look-ahead notice lottery) performed in step S714 to be described below. It is a counter for preventing the pre-reading notice lottery (after the second) from being repeated anew during the continuous notice effect. Therefore, when the pre-notice notice lottery is won (step S715: YES), the continuous notice counter is used to manage the number of symbol fluctuations that are the same as the number of reserved memories existing at the time of winning, and the currently held ball at the time of winning. The value of the number (the number of reserved storage), for example, “3” is set when there are three reserved memories (step S716), and the set value is set to 1 in step S753 of FIG. Go subtracted.

  If the continuous notice counter is not zero (step S713: NO), that is, if the continuous notice effect is being performed, the process proceeds to step S721 without doing anything.

  When the value of the continuous notice counter is zero (step S713: YES), that is, when the continuous notice effect is not being performed, the process proceeds from step S713 to step S714, and the notice display effect of the hold display change system and the image display change system notice effect. A pre-reading notice lottery is performed as to whether or not to implement a continuous notice effect by (step S714). Then, a determination is made as to whether or not these prefetch notice lotteries have been won (step S715).

  The processing of step S714 to step S715 is continuous notice execution determination means for determining whether or not the continuous notice effect (prefetch notice effect) can be executed using the prefetch determination result sent by the hold addition command as an effect start condition. It functions as an execution lottery means for determining whether or not the continuous notice effect can be executed by lottery.

  Here, there are two types of “continuous notice effect”. The first is to give a special announcement of the changing system at the time of winning or the changing system at the time of starting to occur when the starting ball is won and the starting condition is satisfied (that is, at the time of winning or when the starting condition is satisfied). This is a continuous notice effect by continuously executing over the symbol variation display operation, and in this embodiment, it is a continuous notice effect produced by continuing the notice effect of the hold display change system (appearance of color change hold). The other one is that the change start notification system that occurs when the special symbol variation display operation of the symbol game is executed (that is, at the start of variation) is continuously performed across multiple special symbol variation display operations. This is a continuous notice effect that is performed by continuing the notice effect of the image display change system (appearance of the lightning notice image 362) in this embodiment.

  In the pre-reading notice lottery for determining whether or not to perform the continuous notice effect of the starting change system and the change starting change system, the prefetch prohibition counter value is zero (step S712: YES) and the continuous notice counter value is zero. In the case of (step S713: YES), the pre-read result information (lower byte type information) is “winning” or “losing” as an effect start condition (step S714). When the lower byte type information is “falling”, the prefetch notice lottery is not performed because there is no win or lose type information. In the pre-reading notice lottery, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to perform a reserved display changing notice effect (holding color change) in response to a hold addition command for a starting change notice effect. As for the notice effect of the change system at the start of change, a lottery is performed as to whether or not the lightning notice image 362 appears in the screen 360 as the notice effect of the image display change system. Then, it is determined whether or not these prefetch notices have been won (step S715).

  If the prefetch notice lottery is not won (step S715: NO), the process proceeds to step S721 without doing anything.

  When the pre-reading notice lottery is won (step S715: YES), if there are three reserved memories as shown in FIG. The notice counter is set (step S716). Therefore, if you have won the pre-reading notice lottery (hereinafter simply referred to as "holding display change type pre-reading notice lottery") about whether or not to implement the continuous display change-type continuous notice effect (pre-read notice effect), Due to the action of the hold addition display process in step S721, the hold display mode related to the third hold memory is, for example, any one of blue, yellow, green, red, and rainbow colors as a notice display effect of the hold display change system Until the third hold memory is used for the special symbol variation display operation, the corresponding color hold appears continuously.

  In addition, in the case of winning the pre-reading notice lottery (hereinafter simply referred to as “image display changing type pre-reading notice lottery”) as to whether or not the image display changing system continuous notice effect (pre-reading notice effect) will be implemented, When the three reserved memories are sequentially digested and each special symbol variation display operation is executed, a notice effect lottery process is performed by receiving a special symbol designation command (step S742 in FIG. 37), Then, a notice effect lottery (step S752 in FIG. 38), which will be described later, is made as a notice effect of the image display change system, and one of the lightning notice images 362 is selected and appears in the screen 360 of the liquid crystal display device 36. Therefore, whenever the hold 1 to hold 3 in FIG. 4 are sequentially held and digested, a lightning notice image 362 is displayed, and a continuous notice is made across the hold 1 to hold 3.

(7-2-1. Hold addition display processing: FIG. 35)
FIG. 35 shows details of the hold addition display process (step S721 in FIG. 34).

  This hold addition display process is a process for mainly setting a hold display change type notice effect scenario based on the prefetch notice lottery result in the hold information management area (RAM 243). In the hold information management area, first (N = 1) to eighth (N = 8) hold information management areas corresponding to the number of held balls are provided. It is configured to include. Note that the information stored in the hold information management area of the RAM 243 is stored in the hold storage area (the Nth hold information management area corresponding to the number of held balls = N every time a variation pattern designation command is received in step S733 described later. ) Is shifted to the reserved storage area (N-1th reserved information management area) corresponding to the number of reserved balls = N−1, overwritten, a free area is provided, and there is a reserved memory area corresponding to this free area. Information is cleared when shifting. The effect control CPU 241 can specify what type of hold display is to be performed for what number of hold balls by referring to what notice effect scenario is stored in the hold information management area. It has become.

  In the hold addition display process, first, the values of the prefetch prohibition counter and the continuous notice counter are checked (steps S724 and S725). When the values of the prefetch prohibition counter and the continuous notice counter are both zero (step S724: YES, step S725: YES), it is determined whether or not the prefetch notice lottery is won (step S726). Note that steps S724 and S725 may be omitted depending on circumstances.

  If the pre-reading notice lottery is won (step S726: YES), one of the exclusive hold display effect scenarios is selected by lottery (step S727), and the exclusive hold display effect scenario based on the lottery result is won this time. It is set in the hold information management area corresponding to the hold ball (step S728). For example, if the information on the number of reserved balls held by the hold addition command based on the currently-held winning ball indicates three, the effect scenario is set in the third reserved information management area. On the other hand, when the pre-reading notice lottery is not won (step S726: NO), a normal hold display effect scenario is set (step S729).

  This hold addition display process (step 721 in FIG. 34, details are shown in FIG. 35) and the notice effect lottery process in step S742 (step 742 in FIG. 37, details are shown in FIG. 38) are steps S711- When it is determined in S715 that the continuous notice effect can be executed, a continuous notice effect control unit is configured to generate a continuous notice effect for a predetermined effect means.

  Of these, the hold addition display process (step S721) is a process related to the notice display effect of the hold display change system (startup change system), and the predetermined effect means is provided in advance in the same number as the maximum number of reservations. The eight hold indicators, which are the hold display means set in the operating state by the same number as the number of the existing hold memories at the time of the prefetch determination, are controlled as follows. In other words, the hold addition display process (step S721) is performed when one of the eight hold indicators is held when the continuous notice execution determination unit (steps S711 to S71) determines that the continuous notice effect can be executed. The hold display mode of the display device is changed to a predetermined pre-read notice display mode according to the selected dedicated hold display effect scenario. Then, the continuous notice effect is generated by causing this to continuously appear across the existing hold memory except for the currently changing display operation.

  Specifically, in the hold addition display process in step S721, a hold display mode related to the hold storage is set in advance as a notice display effect of the hold display change system, for example, one of blue, yellow, green, and red. A color is selected by lottery and displayed as a reserved color. If the pre-reading result is a win, a rainbow color is included in the color to be selected, and one of the colors is selected by lottery and displayed as a reserved color.

(7-3. Reception process of variation pattern designation command: FIG. 36)
FIG. 36 shows processing when the variation pattern designation command transmitted in step S366 of the special symbol variation pattern setting process (FIG. 19) is received. When the variation pattern designation command is received, an effect pattern corresponding to the command, that is, a variation pattern for the effect of the decorative design is set (step S731).

  That is, when a variation pattern designation command is received and the variation pattern designation code is stored in the reception buffer, the variation pattern designation code is read in the command reception process, and the corresponding production pattern is determined by referring to the production pattern table. To do. Here, the effect pattern table is a table in which at least a variation pattern designation code, a decoration pattern variation pattern, and a variation time are associated in advance as an effect pattern, and a plurality of effect patterns are associated with each variation pattern designation code. . By referring to this effect pattern table, an effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern designation code is determined by selecting one of the effect pattern groups belonging to the variation pattern designation code by lottery.

  When receiving this variation pattern designation command, the effect control unit 24 shifts the hold information management area provided in the RAM 243 (step S733). That is, the reserved storage area (Nth reserved information management area) corresponding to the number of reserved balls = N in the RAM 243 is shifted to the reserved storage area (N-1th reserved information management area) corresponding to the number of reserved balls = N−1. Thus, an empty area is created by overwriting, and information existing in the reserved storage area corresponding to the empty area is cleared. Note that the above-described hold storage area shift and hold display shift described below may be performed based on the receipt of the hold subtraction command transmitted in step S333 in FIG.

(7-4. Special Symbol Designation Command Reception Processing: FIGS. 37 to 38)
FIG. 37 shows a process when the special symbol designation command transmitted in the special symbol variation start process (step S342 in FIG. 14) is received. When this special symbol designation command is received, a decorative symbol that becomes a stop symbol due to the change is determined by lottery (step S741), and the effect device (the liquid crystal display device 36, the light display device 45a including lamps and LEDs, the speaker 46). (Sound generating device 46a including movable body, movable body, etc.) is determined by lottery (step S742). Then, the decorative symbol variation effect (decorative symbol variation display game) accompanied by the notice effect is started (step S743).

  Further, in the process of step S743, with the start of the decorative symbol variation effect, the effect scenario data stored in the hold information management area is referred to, and the hold display mode (hold display effect corresponding to other hold balls) is referred to. ) Is shifted one by one to the old storage position side, and an effect process for ending the hold display corresponding to the hold storage to be digested this time is performed. In addition, since the production scenario regarding the hold display is not set in the hold information management area which is an empty area, in this case, the hold display effect for the hold ball corresponding to the hold information management area is not performed. The corresponding display location is expressed as a light-off state. As a result, when one piece of hold data related to the oldest hold memory in the storage order is digested, if there is a subsequent hold memory, the hold storage position and the hold display position of the existing hold memory are all As a result, the current hold display is performed after shifting to the old storage position side.

  FIG. 38 shows the details of the notice effect lottery process performed in step S742. First, it is determined whether or not the value of the continuous notice counter is zero (step S751). If it is zero, that is, if the continuous notice is not performed (step S751: YES), the process proceeds to step S754, and a normal production scenario is set. One of the notice effects according to the variation pattern is selected and determined by lottery from the lot of notice effects along the line (step S754).

  If the value of the continuous notice counter is not zero, that is, if a continuous notice is to be made (step S751: NO), the process proceeds to step S752, and one notice effect is selected by lottery from a large number of change notice effects at the start of change. (Step S752). As a result, one of the lightning notice images 362 is selected as a notice effect of the image display change system, and appears in the screen 360 of the liquid crystal display device 36. Next, after subtracting 1 from the value of the continuous notice counter (step S753), the process proceeds to step S754, and one notice effect according to the variation pattern is selected by lottery from the notice effects according to the normal effect scenario. Determination is made (step S754). Therefore, a lightning bolt notice image 362 appears on the screen 360 of the liquid crystal display device 36 together with a notice effect according to a normal effect scenario.

(7-5. Power-Return Display Command Reception Processing: FIG. 39)
FIG. 39 shows a process when the power recovery display command transmitted in step S105 of the main control side main process (FIG. 8) is received.

  When receiving the power supply return display command, the effect control unit 24 displays a message “Power supply is recovering. Please wait for a while” on the liquid crystal display device 36 as an effect at the time of backup recovery (step S801). Then, a hold MAX value corresponding to the maximum hold number is set in the prefetch prohibition counter (step S802). Here, in the case of the present embodiment, the reserved MAX value is determined to be 4 for both the number of reserved balls for operation in FIGS. 1 and 2 and 8 in total (see FIGS. 11 and 12). 8 "is set. As a result, the pre-reading notice effect is prohibited for the eight-time reserved memory that occurs after recovery from the power failure.

  That is, after the power supply is restored from the power-off state, every time a total of eight hold addition commands transmitted in the start port check process (step S317 in FIG. 11 or step S325 in FIG. 12) are received, the hold addition in FIG. Command reception processing is entered, and the value of the prefetch prohibition counter is checked (step S712). Since the value of the prefetch prohibition counter is initially set to the hold MAX value “8” at the time of power recovery, the determination in step S712 is YES, and every time a hold addition command is received, the process proceeds to step S722 to prohibit prefetching. The counter value is decremented by 1 each time (step S722), and the route (prefetching advance notice lottery bypass route) to proceed to the pending addition display process (step S721) is passed. For this reason, the process of step S713-step S716 for performing said prefetch notice lottery is not performed.

  Thus, for a total of eight winnings that occur after the restoration of electricity, the occurrence of the pre-reading notice effect of the on-hold display change system is forcibly suppressed. This forcible suppression of the pre-reading notice effect is performed regardless of whether or not the hold memory at the time when the power supply is restored includes a winning or falling prize. For this reason, even if the winning storage is included in the holding storage at the time of power restoration, the holding notice effect that makes the player expect the winning due to a new winning after that does not occur. In addition, although there is a thing related to a drop-in prize in the hold memory at the time of power restoration, as a hold notice effect that makes the player expect to win due to a new prize after that, under the low probability state after the fall Then, the premier reserved memory that may become “lost” is not displayed in rainbow color. Here, the term “possibly lost” is, for example, that the hit determination value in the random number range 0 to 65535 is 10001 to 10200 during the low probability, and 10001 to 12000 during the high probability. If the acquired random number value is in the range of 10001 to 10200, even if it is premier pending storage, it is a hit regardless of whether it is in a low probability state or a high probability state. Therefore, it is considered that there is a possibility that it may not be lost.

<8. Example of operation when power is restored: FIGS. 40 to 41>
Next, operation examples A and B at the time of power recovery will be described with reference to FIGS. This operation example is different from the case of FIG. 7 in that the total of the maximum number of reservations is eight.

  In the case of the operation examples shown in FIGS. 40 to 41, the above-described predetermined rendering means is based on the hold icons provided in the same number (eight) as the total of the maximum hold numbers on a part of the screen 360 of the liquid crystal display device 36. Hold display devices (hold display means) a, b, c, d ·· h, and the hold indicators a, b, c, d ·· h are of a hold display change system (startup change system). It is configured to function as the rendering means 361. In the hold indicators a to h, this order is the order in which the special symbol start opening (upper start opening 34 or lower start opening 35) wins and holds the hold, the order in which the hold display is performed, and the variable display operation. The display positions a to h correspond to the suspension of the right to execute the first to eighth symbol games (special symbol variation display game).

  Immediately after the power supply is restored, it is assumed that there are hold 1, hold 2, and hold 3 at display positions a, b, and c, and then, with respect to empty display positions d to h, hold 4 to hold by a new winning. 8 is generated, and it is assumed that all the displays of the hold 1 to the hold 8 are turned on. The hold Y1 to Y3 is a hold that can be generated by winning later than the hold 8, and the hold data of the hold (hold 1) at the display position a of the oldest hold is digested, and the subsequent hold ( When the hold 2 to hold 8) are shifted to the left as a whole, the hold positions Y1 to Y3 sequentially enter the display positions h that are empty each time in order from the oldest. Yes. Then, the pre-reading notice prohibition is implemented for a total of eight holds (hold 4 to hold Y 3), which is the same as the maximum number of hold newly generated after power recovery.

(8-1. Operation Example A: FIG. 40)
FIG. 40 shows an operation example A corresponding to the above-described solution of case 1 in which distrust occurs (FIG. 7A). In this operation example A, a power failure occurs at the display positions a, b, and c when the hold 1 related to the lost prize, the hold 2 related to the winning prize, and the hold 3 related to the lost prize are lit. In the state where the reserved storage state is restored and there is a new reserved storage (hold 4) related to “winning prize”, and the hold 4 is lit at the display position d in response to the hold addition command. Show.

  When the power is restored and the production control unit 24 receives the power restoration display command (transmitted in step S105 in FIG. 8), the message “Power is restored. Please wait.” Is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. Displayed (step S801 in FIG. 39), and the hold MAX value “8” corresponding to the maximum hold number is set in the prefetch prohibition counter (step S802 in FIG. 39).

(8-1-1. Generation of Hold 4)
After that, there is a new winning at the special figure 1 starting port (upper starting port 34) or the special figure 2 starting port (lower starting port 35), and a holding memory (holding 4) related to the winning is generated, and the holding is made. The addition command is transmitted in step S317 in FIG. 11 or step S325 in FIG.

  When the production control unit 24 receives this hold addition command, in the hold addition command reception process of FIG. 34, the process proceeds from step S712 to step S722 of the prefetch notice lottery bypass route, and the value of the prefetch prohibition counter is decremented by 1 and the initial value “ 8 "to" 7 "(see the prefetch prohibition counter column in FIG. 40). Then, the process proceeds to the hold addition display process (step S721), and the hold 4 is lit in normal white at the display position d.

(8-1-2. Occurrence of Hold 5 to Hold Y3)
In the example of FIG. 40, all of the subsequent hold 5 to hold Y3 are reserved storage related to a lost winning. With respect to these hold 5 to hold Y3, the value of the prefetch prohibition counter is decremented by 1 through the prefetch notice lottery bypass route of steps S712 → S722 → S721 each time. When the hold addition command for hold Y3 is received, the value of the prefetch prohibition counter returns from “1” to “0” (see the prefetch prohibition counter column in FIG. 40), and the hold storage that occurs after hold Y3. When the hold addition command is received, the process proceeds from step S712 to step S713, and the pre-reading notice lottery becomes possible.

  In this way, for the eight on-hold memories (hold 4 to hold Y3) generated after the power supply is restored, the pre-reading notice lottery for the continuous notice effect of the hold display change system and the image display change system is not performed. Therefore, an inconvenient event that has occurred in the past, that is, the player expects to win because the hold notice effect (for example, red hold or rainbow hold) occurs for the hold memory (hold 4) related to the winning prize. In spite of being convinced, there is no event that gives the player a sense of discomfort or distrust that a winning game will be generated by the symbol change display operation of the previous hold 2.

(8-2. Operation Example B: FIG. 41)
The gaming machine according to the present embodiment enters a probability variation state with a falling lottery after all the big hits are completed, and if a symbol game with electric chew support is performed 100 times, and a big hit is won without winning the falling lottery within 100 times. Then, after the big hit, the player enters the probability change state with the falling lottery again. If the lottery continues to be lost and a big hit cannot be made within 100 revolutions, the electric chew support is lost and the probability variation state continues.

  FIG. 41 shows an operation example B corresponding to the solution of case 2 in which the above-mentioned distrust occurs in the probability variation state with the falling lottery (FIG. 7B). In this operation example B, a power failure occurs at the display positions a, b, and c under the condition that the hold 1 related to the lose prize, the hold 2 related to the falling prize, and the hold 3 related to the lose prize are lit. In the state where the reserved storage state is restored and there is a new reserved storage (hold 4) related to “winning prize”, and the hold 4 is lit at the display position d in response to the hold addition command. Show.

  The difference from FIG. 40 is that the hold 2 related to the drop-off prize is included in the hold group recovered by the power recovery, and the hold data (the hit determination random number) of the hold 4 related to the winning after the power recovery is restored. There are two points: a random value that is a “winning prize” under a high probability state, and a random value that is a loser prize under a low probability state.

(8-2-1. Occurrence of Hold 4)
When the power is restored and the power restoration display command (sent in step S105 in FIG. 8) is received, the message “Power is restoring. Please wait for a while” is displayed (step S801 in FIG. 39), and prefetching is performed. The hold MAX value “8” corresponding to the maximum hold number is set in the prohibition counter (step S802 in FIG. 39).

(8-2-2. Occurrence of hold 5 to hold Y3)
Thereafter, there is a new winning at the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35, and a hold 4 relating to the winning win is generated, and the hold addition command is transmitted in step S317 of FIG. 11 or step S325 of FIG. It is assumed that the gaming machine is in a high probability state at this time.

  When the production control unit 24 receives this hold addition command, in the hold addition command reception process of FIG. 34, the process proceeds from step S712 to step S722 of the prefetch notice lottery bypass route, and the value of the prefetch prohibition counter is decremented by 1 and the initial value “ 8 "to" 7 "(see the prefetch prohibition counter column in FIG. 41). Then, the process proceeds to the hold addition display process (step S721), and the hold 4 is lit at the display position d.

  For each of the subsequent hold 5 to hold Y3, the value of the prefetch prohibition counter is decremented by 1 through the prefetch notice lottery bypass route of steps S712 → S722 → S721. When the hold addition command for hold Y3 is received, the value of the prefetch prohibition counter returns from “1” to “0” (see the prefetch prohibition counter column in FIG. 41). During the period from the hold 4 to the hold Y3, the prefetch notice is prohibited.

  Therefore, even if it is confirmed that the hold 2 related to the falling prize is included in the hold memory at the time of power restoration, and the hold 2 falls to the low probability state after being subjected to the symbol variation display operation, If it is determined that the winning prize is prefetched in the high probability state before the fall, there is no disadvantageous event that the prefetching notice effect is generated for the hold 4. If Hold 4 is reserved data related to winnings per premier and is held data that would be “lost” in the low probability state after falling, conventionally, the player will be notified of the premier win In this operation example B, as described above, the hold 4 to hold will be held, but the rainbow-colored hold display will be performed and the “loss” will occur in the low probability state after the fall. Since the pre-reading notice is prohibited until Y3, such a distrust event does not occur.

<Modification 1: FIGS. 42 to 43>
In the above-described embodiment, when it is determined in advance that the type information of the stored data stored on hold is the winning lottery, the stored data stored later than the held data targeted for the falling lottery Is the same number as the maximum number of reserved memories until 4 or 8 symbols of the reserved memory until the special symbol variable display operation ends, that is, solutions A and B of FIG. 7 and FIGS. 40 to 41. In the operation examples A and B, it is impossible to execute the continuous notice effect for the hold 4 to the hold Y3 (prefetching notice prohibited). However, it may be configured such that the continuous notice effect cannot be executed until the variable display operation of the same number of special symbols as the number of reserved storage existing when the power is restored is completed.

  An example of this is shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 42 shows a power-recovery hold display command among the power-return hold display commands 1 and 2 that are transmitted twice in step S107 in the main control side main process (FIG. 8) separately in the special figure 1 and special figure 2. 1 shows a process when the effect control unit 24 receives 1.

  When the power supply return hold display command 1 is received, the effect control unit 24 first displays the hold display for the reserved storage number of the special figure 1 recovered from the power recovery (the special figure 1 operation hold ball number) in FIG. Is performed by the liquid crystal display device 36 (step S901). Then, the same number as that of the special figure 1 suspension ball recovered by power restoration is set in the prefetch prohibition counter (step S902). For example, in the operation examples A and B of FIGS. 40 to 41, two of the recovered hold 1 to hold 3 are the hold 1 to the hold 2 and are the number of the special figure 1 operation hold balls for the special figure 1 start opening winning. Assuming that one of the hold 3 is the number of the special figure 2 operation hold balls for the special figure 2 start opening winning, in step S901, it is assumed that two of the hold 1 and the hold 2 are recovered by the power recovery, and the prefetch prohibition counter Is set to “2”.

  FIG. 43 shows the power-recovery hold display command 1 of the power-return hold display commands 1 and 2 that are sent twice in step S107 in the main control side main process (FIG. 8). The processing when 2 is received is shown.

  When the power supply return hold display command 2 is received, the effect control unit 24 first displays the hold display for the reserved storage number of the special figure 2 (the special figure 2 operation hold ball number) recovered by the power recovery in FIG. Is performed by the liquid crystal display device 36 (step S903). 42 is added to the pre-reading prohibition counter in which the special figure 1 operation holding ball number is already set in step S902 of FIG. 42 (step S904). For example, in the operation examples A and B in FIG. 40 to FIG. 41, two of the recovered hold 1 to hold 3 are the hold 1 to hold 2 in the special figure 1 operation holding ball number applied to the special figure 1 start opening prize. If it is assumed that one of the holdings 3 is the number of the special figure 2 operation holding balls for the special figure 2 start opening winning, in step S904, it is assumed that one of the holdings 3 is recovered by the power recovery, and the above-described prefetch prohibition counter The value “2” of “2” is added to “1”, which is the number of reserved balls in the special figure 2, and the total is set to “3”.

  The subsequent operations are the same as those already described in the operation examples A and B of FIGS. 40 to 41, and the pre-reading notice is prohibited for the three hold memories of the hold 4 to the hold 6 generated thereafter. . Therefore, in the case of this modification, a prefetch notice can be made from the hold storage after the hold 7.

<Modification 2>
In the above embodiment, the pre-reading effect is prohibited until the pre-reading prohibition counter counts a predetermined number of times (the maximum number of holdings or the number corresponding to the number of holdings existing at the time of power return) from the time of power recovery. It may be configured to clear the prefetch prohibition counter when a command (customer waiting demo command) for generating a waiting demonstration effect is received.

  The customer waiting demo command is output when the variable display operation is not performed for a certain period of time. Therefore, the fact that the production control unit 24 has received the customer waiting demonstration command from the main control unit 20 at the time of power recovery means that the symbol has not changed at that time, and this is the hold that was won before the power interruption It can be determined that this is due to the absence of the. Therefore, when the customer waiting demo command is received at the time of power recovery, it is clear that there is no reserved memory at that time, so the prefetch prohibition counter can be cleared.

  Note that a command output when the variable display operation is not performed for a certain period of time includes a standby effect command (transmitted in step S345 in FIG. 14) output when the variable display operation is stopped. When the standby effect command is received, the effect control unit 24 performs the customer waiting demonstration effect after a predetermined time has elapsed. In the case of this standby effect command, the effect for customer waiting demonstration is performed on the effect control unit 24 side. Therefore, in both the customer waiting demonstration command and the standby production command, when the customer waiting demonstration production is started when the power is restored, the prefetch prohibition counter can be cleared and processed in this way. Does not adversely affect the function that prohibits the pre-reading notice.

<Other variations>
In the above embodiment, as a dedicated hold display effect scenario, when a notice change effect at start-up (dedicated hold display effect) of a display mode different from normal occurs once, for example, when a green hold different from the normal color occurs, It has been described that the green table hold of the display mode shifts the hold storage position of the hold storage number management area to the old side of the storage order as it is. However, when the green table hold, which is a display form different from the normal, shifts the hold storage position to the old side of the storage order, a display form with a higher expectation level of big hits in the middle, such as a red hold, The content of the dedicated hold display effect scenario may be configured so as to change to an icon.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, for example, a rainbow-colored hold having a high jackpot expectation occurred during the probability change state, but the case where a hold related to a drop-in prize has occurred before is described as an example. However, as a type of jackpot, in addition to the “probability variation jackpot”, a configuration including “ordinary jackpot” in which the gaming state after the jackpot shifts to a low probability state can be adopted. In other words, when a normal jackpot occurs, with regard to winnings that occur thereafter, the same number as the maximum reserved memory number (4 or 8) or the reserved memory related to the same number of reserved memory numbers (for example, 3) A configuration in which the pre-reading notice is prohibited, so that the distrust of the player can be resolved.

<Preferred form of the present invention>
Preferred modes of the present invention are listed as follows.

(1) Acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of types of game information including game information for winning determination (random number for winning determination) based on the establishment of the starting condition (during the start opening check process in FIGS. 11 and 12) S315, S323),
Based on the game information for winning determination acquired by the acquiring means, the lottery means for executing the winning lottery to determine whether or not to generate a winning game (the winning determination process during the special symbol variation start process in FIG. 14 (S338), S356) of FIG. 16,
As a symbol game, a symbol display means (special symbol) for performing a variable display operation with a special symbol variation start and variable stop as a set, and notifying the lottery result by the lottery means according to the display mode at the time of the special symbol variation stop Display device 38, special symbol display data update process (S310) during the special symbol management process of FIG. 10, and
Based on the lottery result by the lottery means, a variation pattern determining means for selectively determining any one of a plurality of predetermined variation patterns (special symbol variation pattern setting process during the special symbol variation start process of FIG. 14) (S341), details are shown in FIG. 19),
Based on the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit, the symbol display control unit for controlling the variation display operation of the special symbol in the symbol display unit (the special symbol variation process during the special symbol management process of FIG. 10 (S307). ), Details are shown in FIG.
The winning judgment game information obtained by the obtaining means is retained as retained data, and the stored information is retained with a predetermined maximum retained storage number as an upper limit until the symbol display means is subjected to the variable symbol display operation of the special symbol. Reservation storage means (reservation storage area of RAM 203, S315 and S323 during start port check processing of FIGS. 11 and 12; suspension storage area shift processing (S334) during special symbol variation start processing of FIG. 14);
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific display mode on the symbol display means, the winning game execution control means for controlling the winning game (special variable winning device management during the main control side timer interruption processing in FIG. 9) Processing (S210), specifically, S401 to S409 in FIG.
Based on the game information for hit determination stored in the hold storage means, whether or not the result of the winning lottery is a win is pre-read before the hold storage is used for the variable symbol display operation of the special symbol. Pre-reading determining means for determining (starting port winning random number determining process (S316, S324) during the starting port check process of FIGS. 11 and 12, more specifically, S328 of FIG. 13),
A notice execution determination means for determining whether or not a notice effect that informs information related to the determination result can be executed using the determination result by the prefetch determination means as an effect start condition (S711 to S715 during the pending addition command reception process in FIG. 34). When,
When the notice execution determination unit determines that the notice effect can be executed, the notice effect control means for generating the notice effect with respect to the predetermined effect means (the hold addition display process during the hold addition command reception process of FIG. 34) S721, or this and the notice effect lottery process during the special symbol designation command receiving process of FIG. 37 (S742, FIG. 38 for details)),
When the power is turned off, the reserved data for at least the number of reserved storage related to the game operation state before the power-off stored in the on-hold storage means is stored as the return information necessary for returning the gaming state before the power-off. Return information holding means (backup power supply provided on the power supply board 31, RAM 203);
Returning means (main control unit 24 including S103 to S108 in FIG. 8) including an operation (function) for recovering the reserved data for the number of the reserved storage held by the return information holding means when the power is restored. Game recovery processing)
With
The notice execution determination means is stored in the reservation storage means based on the fact that the start condition is newly established after the return data corresponding to the number of the stored storage is recovered by the return means so as to be able to perform a game operation. With respect to a predetermined number of pieces of hold data, it has a function of determining that the notice effect cannot be executed (a prefetch notice lottery bypass route that reaches S721 through S712 and S722 during the hold addition command reception process of FIG. 34),
A ball game machine characterized by that.

(2) Acquiring means for acquiring a plurality of types of game information including first game information (random number for hit determination) and second game information (random number for fall determination) based on the establishment of the start condition (FIG. 11, S315, S323) during the start port check process of FIG.
Based on the first game information acquired by the acquisition means, a lottery means for executing a winning lottery to determine whether or not to generate a winning game (a winning determination process (S338) during the special symbol variation start process in FIG. 14), 16 S356),
As a symbol game, a symbol display means (special symbol) for performing a variable display operation with a special symbol variation start and variable stop as a set, and notifying the lottery result by the lottery means according to the display mode at the time of the special symbol variation stop Display device 38, special symbol display data update process (S310) during the special symbol management process of FIG. 10, and
Based on the lottery result by the lottery means, a variation pattern determining means for selectively determining any one of a plurality of predetermined variation patterns (special symbol variation pattern setting process during the special symbol variation start process of FIG. 14) (S341), details are shown in FIG. 19),
Based on the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit, the symbol display control unit for controlling the variation display operation of the special symbol in the symbol display unit (the special symbol variation process during the special symbol management process of FIG. 10 (S307). ), Details are shown in FIG.
A predetermined maximum number of reserved memories until the first game information and the second game information acquired by the acquisition unit are used as the hold data for the variable display operation of the special symbol in the symbol display unit. Is stored as an upper limit (reserved storage area of the RAM 203, S315 and S323 during the start opening check process of FIGS. 11 and 12, and the reserved storage area shift process during the special symbol variation start process of FIG. 14 (S334). )When,
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific display mode on the symbol display means, the winning game execution control means for controlling the winning game (special variable winning device management during the main control side timer interruption processing in FIG. 9) Processing (S210), specifically, S401 to S409 in FIG.
A probability variation state transition means (FIG. 22) for controlling the transition of the gaming state after the winning game is finished to a high probability state in which the winning probability of the winning lottery by the lottery means is higher than a normal state which is a predetermined low probability state. The jackpot end process (S409) during the special variable winning device management process, in detail, S464 in FIG.
In the high probability state, based on the second game information held and stored in the hold storage means, a falling lottery for determining whether or not to drop the gaming state from the high probability state to the low probability state is executed. Falling lottery means (falling determination process (S337) during the special symbol variation start process of FIG. 14, more specifically, S352 to S353 of FIG. 15),
On condition that the winning lottery is won, a falling transition control means (S354 in the falling determination process in FIG. 15) for controlling the falling probability of the winning lottery from the high probability state to the low probability state,
Based on the first game information stored on hold in the hold storage means, whether or not the result of the winning lottery is a win is determined by pre-reading before the hold storage is used for the variable symbol display operation. First prefetch determination means (start port winning random number determination process (S316, S324) during start port check process in FIGS. 11 and 12, more specifically, S328 in FIG. 13),
Whether or not the result of the falling lottery falls is determined based on the second game information held and stored in the holding storage means before the reserved storage is used for the variable symbol display operation of the special symbol. Second prefetch determination means (start port winning random number determination process (S316, S324) during start port check process of FIGS. 11 and 12, more specifically, S327 of FIG. 13),
With the determination result by the first prefetch determination means as the effect start condition, the notice execution determination means for determining whether or not the notice effect that informs the information related to the determination result can be executed (S711 in the pending addition command reception process of FIG. 34) To S715),
When the notice execution determination unit determines that the notice effect can be executed, the notice effect control means for generating the notice effect with respect to the predetermined effect means (the hold addition display process during the hold addition command reception process of FIG. 34) S721, or this and the notice effect lottery process during the special symbol designation command receiving process of FIG. 37 (S742, FIG. 38 for details)),
When the power is turned off, the reserved data for at least the number of reserved storage related to the game operation state before the power-off stored in the on-hold storage means is stored as the return information necessary for returning the gaming state before the power-off. Return information holding means (backup power supply provided on the power supply board 31, RAM 203);
Returning means (main control unit 24 including S103 to S108 in FIG. 8) including an operation (function) for recovering the reserved data for the number of the reserved storage held by the return information holding means when the power is restored. Game recovery processing)
With
The notice execution determination means is stored in the reservation storage means based on the fact that the start condition is newly established after the return data corresponding to the number of the stored storage is recovered by the return means so as to be able to perform a game operation. With respect to a predetermined number of pieces of hold data, it has a function of determining that the notice effect cannot be executed (a prefetch notice lottery bypass route that reaches S721 through S712 and S722 during the hold addition command reception process of FIG. 34),
A ball game machine characterized by that.

  In the above (1) and (2), the return information holding means holds the reserved data for the number of reserved storage related to the game operation state before power-off stored in the reserved storage means by a backup power source. And a form of being stored and retained in the return storage means instantaneously when the power is shut off regardless of the backup power source. Further, the recovery means is configured to recover the reserved data corresponding to the number of reserved storages held by the backup power source and stored in the reserve storage means at the time of power recovery, and to recover the game operation, And a mode of recovering the hold data corresponding to the hold storage number stored and stored in the return storage means so as to be able to play a game.

  In the above (2), the “notice effect for notifying information related to the determination result of the prefetch determination means” is a continuous notice effect that can be continued over a plurality of special symbol variable display operations by the special symbol display device 38. As a typical example, a notice effect that does not extend over multiple variable display operations, for example, an effect that simply sounds “Pui” at the moment of winning a prize, is used here. Included in “Preliminary notice to perform”.

  (3) The above-mentioned (1) or (1), wherein the predetermined number of times that the notice execution determination unit prohibits execution of the notice effect is equal to or greater than the maximum reserved storage number. A ball game machine described in 2).

  Here, with regard to the “number larger than the maximum number of reserved storage”, if the number of times that the notice effect is not executed is increased too much, the period during which the pre-read notice effect is not generated becomes longer and the fun of the gaming machine is impaired. It should be determined within a numerical range not more than 3 times, preferably not more than 2 times the maximum number of reserved storage. If the number of times is around this level, it is considered that the fun of the gaming machine is not impaired. In addition, the number of times that the notice effect cannot be executed may be determined in consideration of the number of times the electronic chew support state is ended. The state with the electric support in this embodiment is a gaming state where the expectation of the probability variation state is high, that is, a gaming state where the expectation of winning a big win is high. This is because if it occupies the majority, the fun of gaming machines will be lost. The number of times that the notice effect cannot be executed depends on the number of times the state with the electric chew support is ended. In the present embodiment, it is preferable to suppress to about 10 times.

  (4) The predetermined number of times the execution of the notice effect is disabled by the notice execution determination unit is the same number as or larger than the number of reserved storages held by the return information holding unit when power is restored. The bullet ball game machine according to (1) or (2) above, wherein

(5) When the symbol variation display operation is not performed over a certain period of time, there is demonstration demonstration means (S344 to S345 in FIG. 14, S605 to S609 in FIG. 32) for performing the demonstration for waiting for the customer,
(1) to (1) above, wherein the notice execution determination means disables the function of determining that the notice effect cannot be executed when the customer waiting demonstration effect is started when the power is restored. 4) A ball game machine according to any one of the above.

(6) The return information holding means holds, with a backup power source, the reserved data for the number of reserved storage related to the game operation state before power interruption stored in the reserved storage means,
The restoration means restores the reserved data corresponding to the number of reserved storages held by the backup power source and stored in the reserved storage means so that a game operation is possible when the power is restored (1) ) To (5).

(7) The predetermined presentation means is provided in the same number as the maximum number of reservations, and the reservation display means which is in an activated state by the number of the reservation data existing at the time of the prefetch determination [the storage display devices a to 4 in FIG. d, the holding indicators a to h and the rendering means 361 in FIGS.
When the notice execution control means determines that the notice effect can be executed by the notice execution determination means, the notice display control means determines the hold display form of the corresponding hold display means among the hold display means as a predetermined pre-read notice display form. The above notice effect is generated by changing to [S721 (hold addition display process during hold addition command reception process of FIG. 34)], any one of (1) to (6) above Ball game machine.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be applied to a ball game machine that has a function of performing a pre-reading notice effect, and when the power is cut off during the game operation, the game operation state data before the power cut is restored. .

1 Pachinko machine,
2 Front frame,
3 Game board,
3a gaming area,
4 outer frame,
5 ball guide rail,
6 Glass door frame,
7 Front operation panel
8 Upper tray unit,
9 Top saucer,
11 Ball rental button,
12 Card return button,
13 Frame production button,
14 Ball release button,
15 Launch control handle,
19 game ball dispensing device,
20 Main control unit,
24 production control unit,
28 Launch control board,
29 payout control board,
31 power supply board,
32 launcher,
34 Upper starting port (special symbol starting port),
35 Lower start (special design start),
36 liquid crystal display devices,
37 Normal design starting port,
38 Special symbol display device,
39 Normal symbol display device,
40 Grand Prize Winners,
41 Ordinary variable winning device,
42 Special variable winning device,
43 General prize opening,
44 Windmill,
45 Decorative lamp,
45a optical display device,
46 Speaker,
46a sound generator,
47 Movable wing pieces,
48 Center decoration,
49 Out mouth,
51 Special symbol type information,
201 main control CPU,
202 main control ROM,
203 main control RAM,
241 Production control CPU,
242 Production control ROM,
243 Production control RAM
360 screen of liquid crystal display device,
361 Produce means for holding display change system,
362 Notice image (lightning bolt image).

Claims (1)

An acquisition means for acquiring predetermined game information in response to a game ball entering the starting means ;
Based on the game information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a selecting means for performing a per lottery whether or not to generate a per game,
A symbol display means for performing a variation display operation in which a variation start and a variation stop of a special symbol are set as a symbol game, and notifying a lottery result by the lottery means according to a display mode at the time of variation stop of the special symbol ;
A symbol display control means for controlling the variable display operation of the special symbols before Symbol symbol display unit,
The Ki遊 technique information as pending data before obtained by the obtaining means, wherein until placed the in variable display operation of the special symbol in the symbol display means, a predetermined maximum hold stored number pending memory to hold store a maximum of Means,
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific display manner on the symbol display means, a winning game execution control means for controlling the winning game;
Based on Ki遊 technique information before being suspended stored in the hold memory means, prefetch determines whether the result of the per lottery is hit before the hold memory is subjected to a variable display operation of said special symbol Prefetching determination means;
Preliminary execution determining means for determining whether or not to execute a preliminary announcement effect that informs information related to the determination result using the determination result by the prefetch determination unit as an effect start condition;
When it is determined by the notice execution determination means that the notice effect can be executed, a notice effect control means for generating the notice effect with respect to a predetermined effect means;
When the power is turned off, the reserved data for at least the number of reserved storage related to the game operation state before the power-off stored in the on-hold storage means is stored as the return information necessary for returning the gaming state before the power-off. Return information holding means to perform,
A return means including an operation of recovering the hold data for the number of the hold storage held by the return information holding means so as to allow a game operation when the power is restored;
With
The notice execution determination means is
When said pending data of the pending memory number amount has been gaming operatively restored by restoring means, with respect to subsequent the maximum hold memory number to be newly prior Symbol hold stored pending memory means the same number of pending data, the It has a function to determine that the notice effect cannot be executed,
A ball game machine characterized by that.

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