JP5629247B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention controls a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable and deriving and displaying the display result. In addition, the present invention relates to a gaming machine that can be controlled to a special game state in which the display result of the variable display of identification information is likely to be the specific display result after the specific game state is ended, compared to the normal game state.

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

  The specific game state means a state advantageous for a player who is given a predetermined game value. Specifically, the specific game state has a right to be in an advantageous state for a player who easily wins a game medium (a big hit game state), for example, a state of a special variable prize-winning device, or a state advantageous for a player. A state in which a predetermined game value such as a state or a state in which a condition for giving out premium game media is easily established is given.

  In such a gaming machine, the fact that the display result of the variable display device that displays the symbol as identification information is a combination of specific display modes (specific display result) determined in advance is generally referred to as “big hit”. When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game medium is shifted to a specific gaming state (a big winning gaming state) where the game medium is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the opening of the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses.

  In addition, if a special condition such as a display result of variable display of identification information becomes a special specific display result (special display result) of the specific display results in the variable display device, the jackpot is subsequently obtained. Special gaming state where the probability of occurrence of the game is high (for example, the probability variation state (high probability state) in which the rate determined to be a big hit itself is increased), or a big hit occurs as a result of shortening the symbol variation time. Some may be configured to shift to a short time state.

  In addition, such gaming machines are configured to execute a common effect that is difficult to recognize whether or not the gaming state is in the special gaming state without notifying that the gaming state is controlled to the special gaming state. is there. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that a common effect is executed by shifting to a probability variation latent mode in which it is difficult to recognize whether or not the probability variation state is present. Further, in Patent Document 1, there is a case where the probability variation latent mode falls from the normal variation mode to the normal mode by a falling lottery, and even after falling into the normal mode, within a predetermined period from when the probability variation latent mode is first controlled (Patent Literature). 1 describes that if the number of fluctuations is within 70), it may be promoted to the probability variation latent mode again.

JP 2010-162295 A (paragraph 0124, paragraph 0131-0141)

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, control is performed so that the common effect is not resumed uniformly after a predetermined period of time (in Patent Document 1, it is not promoted to the probability variation latent mode again). ing. Therefore, if a new common production start condition is satisfied immediately after a predetermined period has passed, the contents of the previous common production will be inherited in spite of the fact that the predetermined period has not passed so much. There is no fun of the game.

  Therefore, the present invention improves the interest of the game when the common effect appears again when the elapsed time from the end of the previous common effect is short, even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the first common effect. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can be used.

(Means 1) The gaming machine according to the present invention performs variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (for example, the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the production symbol) that can identify each of them, and the variable display for deriving and displaying the display result. A specific game advantageous to the player when a specific display result (for example, a jackpot symbol) is derived and displayed on the means (for example, the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, and the effect display device 9). In addition to controlling to a state (for example, a big hit gaming state) and after finishing the specific gaming state, a special gaming state (for example, the display result of the variable display of identification information is likely to be a specific display result compared to the normal gaming state (for example, a plurality of a controllable gaming machine probability variation state), the expectation for that as recognition difficult directing whether it is controlled to a special game state, is controlled to a special game state different Common effect execution means (for example, steps S8609 to S8616 and S8618 to S8647 in the effect control microcomputer 100 are executed) capable of executing a common effect (for example, a probability change suggestion effect with 0 to 5 items displayed). And the common effect execution means includes the common effect based on the fact that the start condition of the common effect is satisfied (for example, when the game state is a normal state, a sudden big change or a small hit has occurred suddenly). Production start means for starting execution (for example, in the production control microcomputer 100, the part that executes steps S8627 to S8633 after Y in step S8609) and the common production end condition are satisfied. Production end means for ending execution of production (eg, production control microcomputer The part that executes steps S8611 to S8614 and S8635 to S8638 at 00) and that the execution condition of the common effect has been established after the execution of the common effect has been established (for example, it is determined that the probability change suggesting effect is to be restarted by the lottery process) Based on the sudden probability change big hit or small hit), the production resumption means for resuming the execution of the common production (for example, in the production control microcomputer 100, after step Y in step S8609, steps S8618 to S8626 are executed. For example, a portion for executing steps S8640 to S8647 in the production control microcomputer 100.) After the execution of the common production is completed, the production resumption means is within a predetermined period after the start condition is satisfied . (For example, in the number setting process in step S708, If A is set, the variation display after starting the probability variation latency mode is within 50 times, and if the plan B is set in the number setting process of step S708, the variation display after starting the probability variation latency mode Is less than 60 times), and the kind of common that does not reduce the degree of expectation for being controlled in the special gaming state, compared to the common performance executed based on the establishment of the start condition. First effect resuming means (for example, step in the microcomputer 100 for output control) that resumes the execution of the common effect by the effect (for example, the probability change suggestion effect that is executed by taking over the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion effect). After executing a common effect and a portion where S8640 to S8647 are executed), after a predetermined period has elapsed after the start condition is satisfied, , Within a certain time period from the end of the execution of the previous common effect (e.g., if the plan A is set by the number setting process in step S 708, the variable display from the start of the probability variation latent mode within 20 times, step When plan B is set in the number setting process of S708, the execution is performed based on the establishment of the start condition, based on the fact that the restart condition is established within 10 variations) after the probability variation latent mode is started. Compared with the common performance, the type of common performance that does not decrease the expectation for being controlled in the special gaming state (for example, executed in a state where the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion is increased by one. the probability variation suggested effect) for the second effect resuming means resumes execution of the common effect (e.g., the attraction control microcomputer 100, at step S8609 After, characterized in that it comprises a portion) for performing the steps S8618～S8626. With such a configuration, it is possible to improve the interest of the game even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the first common performance.
Further, an operation unit that can be operated by the player and a setting unit that performs settings based on an operation by the operation unit may be provided.

(Means 2) In the means 1, when the predetermined period has elapsed after the start condition is satisfied, the rate at which the restart condition is satisfied is lower than that within the predetermined period (for example, the probability change If it is within a predetermined period after the latent mode is started, the probability change suggestion effect may be resumed by lottery processing in addition to the case where the probability change suggestion effect is suddenly resumed on the condition of occurrence of sudden probability big hit or small hit. On the other hand, if it is after a predetermined period has passed, there is only a case where the sudden change suggestion effect is restarted on the condition that the sudden change big hit or the small hit suddenly occurs (see steps S8609, S8618 to S8626, S8640 to S8647). )) May be configured. According to such a configuration, by suppressing the resumption frequency of the common effect after a predetermined period has elapsed, the common effect is prevented from restarting frequently, and the common effect is continuously executed more than necessary. This can be prevented.

(Means 3) In the means 1 or 2, the effect resuming means determines that any one of a plurality of types of conditions has been established as a resumption condition (for example, it has been decided to resume the probability change suggesting effect by lottery processing, sudden probability change big hit or Based on the fact that a small hit has occurred), the execution of the common performance is resumed, and depending on which condition is established as the restart condition, the common expectation that the degree of expectation for being controlled to the special gaming state is different The execution of the effect starts (for example, when the effect control microcomputer 100 resumes the probability change suggestion effect by the lottery process by executing steps S8640 to S8647, the effect change suggestion effect is displayed in the previous time. The probability change suggestion effect is resumed by taking over the number of items, and after steps Y in step S8609, steps S8618 to S8626 are performed. In particular, by executing the step S8623), the probability variation suggests directing resume) may be configured to a state which is increased one from the number of items that was displayed in the previous probability variation suggested effect. According to such a configuration, since the type of the common effect after the restart differs depending on which condition is satisfied as the restart condition, it is possible to further enhance the interest in the game.

(Means 4) In any one of the means 1 to 3, the gaming machine is operated based on an operation means (for example, a stick controller 122, a push button 120) that can be operated by the player and an operation by the operation means. You may comprise so that it may be provided with the period setting means (For example, the part which performs step S708 in the microcomputer 100 for effect control) which sets a period or a specific period. According to such a configuration, the predetermined period or the specific period can be changed based on the operation by the operation means, so that the predetermined period or the specific period according to the player's preference can be set.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows 4 ms timer interruption processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows a big hit determination table, a small hit determination table, and a big hit type determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a reservation buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result designation | designated command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows the big winning opening opening pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows a big winning opening open process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a small hit release pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows a process during small hit release. It is a flowchart which shows a small hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol display control process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows command analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows command analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows command analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows command analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows frequency | count setting processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the initial value of predetermined frequency and specific frequency. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a process table. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is a flowchart which shows an item number change process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the table for item number increase determination. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit display process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end effect process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the production | presentation aspect of a certain change suggestion production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the production | presentation aspect of a certain change suggestion production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the production | presentation aspect of a certain change suggestion production. It is a timing chart which shows the specific example of the execution timing of a probability change suggestion effect.

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

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

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

  The member that forms the extra ball tray (lower tray) 4 is configured in a stick shape (bar shape), for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower tray main body (for example, the central portion of the lower tray). Is attached to the stick controller 122 that can be tilted in a plurality of directions (front and rear, left and right). It should be noted that the stick controller 122 has a predetermined operation, for example, by performing a push-pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, an index finger) while the player holds the operation rod of the stick controller 122 with an operation hand (for example, the left hand). A trigger button 121 (see FIG. 3) capable of performing an instruction operation is provided, and a trigger sensor 125 (see FIG. 3) for detecting a predetermined instruction operation by a push-pull operation or the like on the trigger button 121 is provided inside the operation rod of the stick controller 122. 3) is built-in. In addition, a tilt direction sensor unit 123 (see FIG. 3) that detects a tilting operation with respect to the operating rod is provided in the lower plate main body and the like below the stick controller 122. The stick controller 122 includes a vibrator motor 126 (see FIG. 3) for causing the stick controller 122 to vibrate.

  The member that forms the hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3 is subjected to a predetermined instruction operation, for example, by a player pressing a predetermined position on the upper surface of the upper plate body (for example, above the stick controller 122). A possible push button 120 is provided. The push button 120 only needs to be configured to be able to detect a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from a player mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A push sensor 124 (see FIG. 3) for detecting an operation action of the player performed on the push button 120 may be provided inside the main body of the upper plate at the position where the push button 120 is installed. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the mounting positions of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 are in a vertical positional relationship in the central portion of the upper plate and the lower plate. On the other hand, it is good also considering the attachment position of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 as the position approached to either right or left in the upper plate and the lower plate, maintaining the vertical relationship. Alternatively, the mounting position of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 is not in the vertical relationship, but may be in the horizontal relationship, for example.

  An effect display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is provided near the center of the game area 7. The display screen of the effect display device 9 includes an effect symbol display area for performing variable display of the effect symbol in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Therefore, the effect display device 9 corresponds to a variable display device that performs variable display of effect symbols. The effect symbol display area includes a symbol display area for variably displaying, for example, three decorative (effect) effect symbols of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. The symbol display area includes “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas, but the position of the symbol display area does not have to be fixed on the display screen of the effect display device 9. Three areas of the display area may be separated. The effect display device 9 is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. When the first special symbol display 8a is executing variable display of the first special symbol, the effect control microcomputer causes the effect display device 9 to execute the effect display along with the variable display, and the second special symbol display 8a executes the second special display. When the variable display of the second special symbol is executed on the symbol display 8b, the effect display is executed by the effect display device 9 along with the variable display, so that the progress of the game can be easily grasped. .

  Further, in the effect display device 9, symbols other than the symbol that will be the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) have continued for a predetermined time, and the jackpot symbol (for example, the left middle right symbol is aligned with the same symbol) Stops, swings, scales, or deforms in a state that matches the symbol combination), or multiple symbols fluctuate synchronously in the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol is switched Thus, an effect performed in a state where the possibility of occurrence of a big hit (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) before the final result is displayed is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display. And when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the effect display device 9 is not a big hit symbol, it becomes “out” and the variation display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  Note that, in this embodiment, a case is shown in which the effect symbol display is performed as a liquid crystal display effect in the effect display device 9, but the effect performed in the effect display device 9 is the one shown in this embodiment. For example, an effect having a predetermined story characteristic may be executed, and an effect may be executed in which the result of the story is displayed based on the determination result of the jackpot determination or the variation pattern. For example, perform a battle effect where professional wrestling or soccer matches and enemy characters fight, perform an effect to win the game or battle if it is a big hit, and perform an effect to defeat the game or battle if it is off Also good. Further, for example, instead of displaying the result such as winning or losing, an effect may be executed in which a predetermined story such as a story is developed in order.

  In the upper right part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there are provided fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d for displaying a fourth symbol after the effect symbol, a special symbol described later, and a normal symbol. In this embodiment, a fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol in which the variation display of the fourth symbol for the first special symbol is performed in synchronization with the variation display of the first special symbol described later, There is provided a fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol in which the variation display of the fourth symbol for the second special symbol is performed in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol.

  In this embodiment, the variation display of the effect symbol is executed in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol (however, to be precise, the variation display of the effect symbol is varied on the effect control microcomputer 100 side). This is done by measuring the variation time recognized based on the pattern command.) When performing an effect using the effect display device 9, for example, the effect content including the change display of the effect symbol disappears from the screen for a moment. There are a variety of effects such as effects being performed and effects in which movable objects shield all or part of the screen. For this reason, even if the display screen on the effect display device 9 is viewed, it may be difficult to recognize whether or not the current variation display is in progress. Therefore, in this embodiment, whether or not the state of the present variation is being displayed by confirming the state of the fourth symbol by further displaying the variation of the fourth symbol on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9. It is possible to reliably recognize whether or not. Note that the 4th symbol is always variably displayed with a constant operation and does not disappear from the screen or is not shielded by a shielding object, so that it can always be visually recognized.

  The 4th symbol for the first special symbol and the 4th symbol for the 2nd special symbol may be collectively referred to as the 4th symbol, and the 4th symbol display area 9c for the 1st special symbol and the 2nd special symbol The 4th symbol display area 9d for symbols may be collectively referred to as a 4th symbol display area.

  The variation (variable display) of the fourth symbol is realized by continuing the state where the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are repeatedly turned on and off at a predetermined time interval in a predetermined display color (for example, blue). . The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 8a is synchronized with the variable display of the fourth symbol for the first special symbol in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol. The variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is synchronized with the variable display of the fourth symbol for the second special symbol in the fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol. Synchronous means that the variable display start time and end time are the same, and the variable display period is the same.

  When the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the display color reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol (a display color different from the loss. Sometimes it is displayed in blue, but it is displayed in red when it is a big hit, and the display color may be different depending on the type of big hit (whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit). The display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening (for example, a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit). If it is controllable, the display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game, and the number of rounds per jackpot is the same as in this embodiment. Even if there is, for example, the big winning opening per round is short (for example, 0.1 seconds), and the big winnings per round that the gaming ball can not be expected to actually enter the big winning opening. If the opening time of the mouth is long (for example, 29 seconds) and there is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the grand prize opening, the game ball can be expected to actually win the big prize opening. Depending on whether or not the display color may be different, for example, if the number of times of opening of the big winning opening per round is different, it is possible to substantially expect the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening. Even if there is a big hit that cannot be expected, the display color may be varied depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to be substantially won in the big winning opening.

  Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the display color reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol (display color different from the loss. Sometimes it is displayed in blue, but it is displayed in red when it is a big hit, and the display color may be different depending on the type of big hit (whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit). The display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening (for example, a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit). If it is controllable, the display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game, and the number of rounds per jackpot is the same as in this embodiment. Even if there is, for example, the big winning opening per round is short (for example, 0.1 seconds), and the big winnings per round that the gaming ball can not be expected to actually enter the big winning opening. If the opening time of the mouth is long (for example, 29 seconds) and there is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the grand prize opening, the game ball can be expected to actually win the big prize opening. Depending on whether or not the display color may be different, for example, if the number of times of opening of the big winning opening per round is different, it is possible to substantially expect the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening. Even if there is a big hit that cannot be expected, the display color may be varied depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to be substantially won in the big winning opening.

  The display colors when the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are turned off are different from the background image (for example, black) in order to prevent the display colors from being assimilated with the background image when the lights are turned off. It is desirable to be.

  In this embodiment, the case where the 4th symbol display area is provided on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is shown, but a light emitter such as a lamp or LED is used separately from the effect display device 9. Thus, the fourth symbol display area may be realized. In this case, for example, the variation (variable display) of the fourth symbol may be realized by continuing the state in which the two LEDs are alternately lit, and any of the two LEDs is stopped. Whether or not the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed may be indicated depending on whether or not it is displayed.

  Further, in this embodiment, a case is shown in which separate fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are provided corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, respectively, but the first special symbol and the second special symbol are provided. A fourth symbol display area common to the symbols may be provided in a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9. Moreover, you may make it implement | achieve the 4th symbol display area common with respect to a 1st special symbol and a 2nd special symbol using light-emitting bodies, such as a lamp | ramp and LED. In this case, when executing the variation display of the fourth symbol in synchronization with the variation display of the first special symbol, and when executing the variation display of the fourth symbol in synchronization with the variation display of the second special symbol, For example, the display of different display colors at certain time intervals may be performed by distinguishing and executing the variation display of the fourth symbol by performing display that repeatedly turns on and off. In addition, when the variation display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variation display of the first special symbol, and when the variation display of the fourth symbol is performed in synchronization with the variation display of the second special symbol, for example, The display of the fourth symbol may be distinguished and executed by performing a display that repeatedly turns on and off at different time intervals. In addition, for example, when the stop symbol is derived and displayed corresponding to the variation display of the first special symbol, and when the stop symbol is derived and displayed corresponding to the variation display of the second special symbol, the same big hit symbol is obtained. However, you may make it stop-display the stop symbol of a different aspect.

  On the right side of the effect display device 9, a first special symbol display (first variable display unit) 8a for variably displaying the first special symbol as identification information is provided. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 8a is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. In other words, the first special symbol display 8a is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. Further, on the right side of the effect display device 9 (next to the right of the first special symbol display 8a), a second special symbol display (second variable display unit) 8b for variably displaying the second special symbol as identification information. Is also provided. The second special symbol display 8b is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the second special symbol display 8b is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9.

  The small display is formed in a square shape, for example. In this embodiment, the type of the first special symbol and the type of the second special symbol are the same (for example, both 0 to 9), but the types may be different. Further, the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b may be configured to variably display numbers (or two-digit symbols) of, for example, 00 to 99, for example.

  Hereinafter, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol, and the first special symbol indicator 8a and the second special symbol indicator 8b are collectively referred to as a special symbol indicator (variable display unit). There are things to do.

  Although this embodiment shows a case where two special symbol indicators 8a and 8b are provided, the gaming machine may be provided with only one special symbol indicator.

  For the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first start condition or the second start condition, which is the variable display execution condition, is satisfied (for example, the game ball has the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening) 14 after passing (including winning)), the variable display start condition (for example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0 and the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed) The state is started and the big hit game is not executed), and when the variable display time (fluctuation time) elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that the passing of a game ball means that the game ball has passed through a predetermined area such as a prize opening or a gate, and that includes a game ball entering (winning) a prize opening. It is. Deriving and displaying the display result means that the symbol (example of identification information) is finally stopped and displayed.

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

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

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

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

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

  Above the second special symbol display 8b, there is a second special symbol hold memory display 18b comprising four displays for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the second start winning opening 14, that is, the second reserved memory number. Is provided. The second special symbol storage memory display 18b increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 every time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the second special symbol display 8b is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  Further, above the second special symbol hold memory display 18b, the number of effective winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13, that is, the first hold memory number (the hold memory is also referred to as start memory or start prize memory). ) Is displayed, a first special symbol reservation storage display 18a is provided. The first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 each time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  Also, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there are provided a first reserved memory display unit 18c for displaying the first reserved memory number and a second reserved memory display unit 18d for displaying the second reserved memory number. ing. In addition, you may make it provide the area | region (sum total pending | holding memory display part) which displays the total number (sum total pending memory count) which is the sum total of the 1st pending memory count and the 2nd pending memory count. As described above, if the summation pending storage display section for displaying the total number is provided, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of execution conditions that are not satisfied with the variable display start condition.

  The effect display device 9 is for decoration (for effects) during the variable display time of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 8a and during the variable display time of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 8b. A variable display of the effect symbol as the symbol is performed. The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display device 9 reminds the jackpot The combination of is stopped and displayed.

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

  On the left side of the effect display device 9, a normal symbol display 10 for variably displaying normal symbols is provided. In this embodiment, the normal symbol display 10 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the normal symbol display 10 is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. Moreover, the small display is formed in, for example, a square shape. Note that the normal symbol display 10 may be configured to variably display a number (or a two-digit symbol) of, for example, 00 to 99. In addition, the normal symbol display 10 is not limited to a 7-segment LED or the like, for example, a display capable of lighting a predetermined symbol display (for example, a decoration lamp capable of alternately lighting and displaying “O” and “X”). It may be comprised.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (a winning symbol, for example, a symbol “7”), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times and a predetermined opening time. Become. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one. In addition, a probability variation state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit compared to the normal state is high (a state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit as a result of fluctuation display of special symbols is increased compared to the normal state). Then, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. Even in the short state (the game state in which the variable display time of the special symbol is shortened) when the symbol variation time is shortened although it is not the probability variation state, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased.

  At the lower part of the game board 6, there is an out port 26 into which a hit ball that has not won a prize is taken. In addition, four speakers 27 that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the upper left and right and lower left and right outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a frame LED 28 provided on the front frame is provided.

  In the gaming machine, a ball striking device (not shown) that drives a driving motor in response to a player operating the batting operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the driving motor to launch a gaming ball to the gaming area 7. ) Is provided. A game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through a ball striking rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and then descends the game area 7. When the game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a, if the variable display of the first special symbol can be started (for example, the variable display of the special symbol ends, 1), the variable display (variation) of the first special symbol is started on the first special symbol display 8a, and the variable display of the effect symbol is started on the effect display device 9. That is, the variable display of the first special symbol and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the first start winning opening 13. If the variable display of the first special symbol cannot be started, the first reserved memory number is increased by 1 on the condition that the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  When the game ball enters the second start winning opening 14 and is detected by the second start opening switch 14a, if the variable display of the second special symbol can be started (for example, the special symbol variable display ends, 2), the second special symbol display 8b starts variable display (variation) of the second special symbol, and the effect display device 9 starts variable display of the effect symbol. That is, the variable display of the second special symbol and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the second start winning opening 14. If the variable display of the second special symbol cannot be started, the second reserved memory number is increased by 1 on condition that the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  In this embodiment, when the probability variation is a big hit, the game state is shifted to a high probability state, and the game ball is easily started and won (that is, in the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b and the effect display device 9). Transition to a high base state, which is a gaming state controlled so that a variable display execution condition is easily established (in this embodiment, as will be described later, when suddenly probable big hit, Just transition to the high probability state, not the high base state). In addition, when the gaming state is shifted to the short time state, the state is shifted to the high base state. In the high base state, for example, the frequency at which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is increased or the time in which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is extended compared to the case in which the high base state is not in the high base state. It becomes easier to win a start.

  Instead of extending the time during which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state (also referred to as the open extended state), the normal symbol display unit 10 shifts to a normal symbol probability changing state in which the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display unit 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased. Depending on the situation, the high base state may be entered. When the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times and a predetermined opening time. In this case, by performing the transition control to the normal symbol probability changing state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the frequency at which the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened is increased. Therefore, if the normal symbol probability changing state is entered, the opening time and the number of opening times of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased, and a state where it is easy to start a winning (high base state) is achieved. That is, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 can be increased when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol or the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probabilistic symbol. It changes to an advantageous state (a state where it is easy to win a start). It should be noted that increasing the number of times of opening is a concept including changing from a closed state to an open state.

  Moreover, you may transfer to a high base state by shifting to the normal symbol time short state where the fluctuation time (variable display period) of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is shortened. In the normal symbol short-time state, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, so that the frequency of starting the variation of the normal symbol increases, and as a result, the frequency of hitting the normal symbol increases. Therefore, when the frequency that the normal symbol is hit increases, the frequency that the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened is increased, and the start winning state is easily set (high base state).

  In addition, the change time of special symbols and production symbols will be shortened by shifting to the short time state when the variation time (variable display period) of special symbols and production symbols is shortened. The frequency of being played (in other words, the digestion of the reserved memory becomes faster), and the situation where an invalid start prize is generated can be reduced. Therefore, an effective start winning is likely to occur, and as a result, the possibility of a big hit game being increased.

  Furthermore, by making transitions to all the states shown above (open extended state, normal symbol probability change state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state), it will be easier to win a start (shift to a high base state). May be. In addition, it becomes easier to win a start (high base) by shifting to any one of the above states (open extended state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state). Transition to a state). In addition, it is easier to win a start by shifting to any one of the above states (open extended state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state). You may make it move to a base state.

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

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power source created on the power supply substrate 910. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined backup period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). The In particular, at least data (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, etc.) corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means, and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

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

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

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

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

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

  In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 includes a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b that variably displays special symbols, a normal symbol display 10 that variably displays normal symbols, and a first special symbol hold memory. Display control of the display 18a, the second special symbol storage memory display 18b, and the normal symbol storage memory display 41 is performed.

  An information output circuit 64 that outputs information output signals such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer via the terminal board 160 is also mounted on the main board 31.

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

  The effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 controls the display of the frame LED 28 provided on the frame side via the lamp driver board 35 and from the speaker 27 via the audio output board 70. Control the sound output.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the player's operation action on the trigger button 121 of the stick controller 122 has been detected from the trigger sensor 125 via the input port 106. Further, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that a player's operation action on the push button 120 has been detected from the push sensor 124 via the input port 106. In addition, the production control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the player's operation action with respect to the operation rod of the stick controller 122 has been detected from the tilt direction sensor unit 123 via the input port 106. . Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a drive signal to the vibrator motor 126 via the output port 105 to cause the stick controller 122 to vibrate.

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

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the LED is input to the LED driver 352 via the input driver 351. The LED driver 352 supplies a current to a light emitter provided on the frame side such as the frame LED 28 based on a signal for driving the LED.

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

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 in response to the start of power supply to the game machine and the reset signal to the game control microcomputer 560 becoming high level. It is. When the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes a high level, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 executes a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid. The main processing after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, an interrupt mode for maskable interrupts is set (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set for the stack pointer (step S3). In step S2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the game control microcomputer 560 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is Set to the mode indicating the interrupt address. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

  Next, the built-in device register is set (initialized) (step S5). By the processing in step S5, the CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits) are set (initialized).

  The game control microcomputer 560 used in this embodiment also includes an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC) 504.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets the RAM 55 in an accessible state (step S6), and proceeds to a clear signal check process.

  Note that a software delay process for delaying the start timing of the game device control process (game control process) for controlling the progress of the game by software may be executed. By such software delay processing, the start timing of the game control processing can be delayed as compared with the case where the software delay processing is not executed. When the delay process is executed, a situation occurs in which the microcomputer of the other control board cannot receive the command transmitted from the game control board (main board 31) to the other control board (for example, the payout control board 37). Can be prevented.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the clear switch is turned on (step S7). Note that the CPU 56 may confirm the state of the clear signal only once via the input port 0, but may confirm the state of the clear signal a plurality of times. For example, if it is confirmed that the state of the clear signal is an off state, after a delay time of a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 seconds), the state of the clear signal is reconfirmed. If it is confirmed that the clear signal is in the on state at that time, it is determined that the clear signal is in the on state. Further, at this time, if it is confirmed that the state of the clear signal is the off state, after a delay time of a predetermined time, the state of the clear signal may be confirmed again. Here, the number of reconfirmations is not limited to once or twice, and may be three or more times. It is also possible to check twice and check again when the check results do not match.

  If the clear switch is not turned on in step S7, whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) has been performed when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped Confirm (step S8). In this embodiment, when power supply is stopped, a process for protecting data in the backup RAM area is performed. When it is confirmed that such power supply stop processing has been performed, the CPU 56 determines that the power supply stop processing has been performed, that is, the control state at the time of power supply stop is stored. . When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process is not performed, the CPU 56 executes an initialization process.

  Whether or not the power supply stop process has been performed is determined by the value of the backup monitoring timer stored in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process corresponding to the execution of the power supply stop process (for example, 2). ) Is confirmed by whether or not. Note that such a confirmation method is an example. For example, a flag indicating that the power supply stop process has been executed is set in the backup flag area in the power supply stop process, and the flag is set in step S8. If it is confirmed that the power supply is stopped, it may be determined that the power supply stop process has been performed.

  If it is determined that the control state at the time of stopping power supply is stored, the CPU 56 performs data check (parity check in this example) in the backup RAM area (step S9). In this embodiment, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area, and the checksum calculation start address is set in the pointer. Also, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the number of data to be checksum is set. Then, the exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated. The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area, the pointer value is incremented by 1, and the checksum calculation count value is decremented by 1. The above processing is repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes zero. When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the CPU 56 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area and uses the inverted data as the checksum.

  In the power supply stop process, a checksum is calculated by the same process as described above, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area may be different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, the initialization process (the process of steps S10 to S14) executed at the time of power-on that is not the time of recovery from the stop of the power supply is performed. Run.

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

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the head address of the backup command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S43). Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S44). Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). Note that the predetermined data may be left as it is without initializing the entire area of the RAM 55. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol buffer, a special symbol process flag, a winning ball flag, a ball-out flag, and the like are selectively processed according to the control state. An initial value is set in a flag for performing the above.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the head address of the initialization command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S13), and transmits an initialization command for initializing the sub board according to the contents to the sub board. Processing is executed (step S14). As an initialization command, a command indicating an initial symbol displayed on the effect display device 9, an initialization command to the payout control board 37, or the like can be used.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initially setting the random number circuit 503 (step S15).

  Then, the CPU 56 executes a timer interrupt setting process for setting a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms) ( Step S16). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 4 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 4 ms.

  When the timer interrupt setting is completed, the CPU 56 first disables the interrupt (step S17), executes the initial value random number update process (step S18a) and the display random number update process (step S18b), The interrupt is permitted again (step S19). That is, the CPU 56 sets the interrupt disabled state when the initial value random number update process and the display random number update process are executed, and interrupts enable state when the initial value random number update process and the display random number update process are finished. To.

  The initial value random number update process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot (for example, a jackpot symbol determining random number for determining a special symbol for generating a jackpot or whether to shift the gaming state to a probable state) Initial value of the count value such as a counter (determination random number generation counter) for generating a probability variation determining random number for generating, a normal random number for determining whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol It is a random number for determining the value. A game control process described later (a process in which a game control microcomputer controls itself a game device such as an effect display device 9, a variable winning ball device 15, a ball payout device 97 provided in the gaming machine, or When the count value of the determination random number generation counter makes one round in a process of transmitting a command signal to cause another microcomputer to control, or a gaming apparatus control process), an initial value is set in the counter.

  The display random number is a random number for determining the display of the special symbol display 8. In this embodiment, as a display random number, a random number for determining a variation pattern for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol, or a random number for determining a reach for determining whether or not to reach when a big hit is not generated, is used. Used. The display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number.

  In addition, when the display random number update process is executed, the interrupt disabled state is executed by the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process also in the timer interrupt process described later (that is, the timer This is because the same processing is also executed in steps S26 and S27 of the interrupt processing), so as to avoid competing with the processing in the timer interrupt processing. That is, if a timer interrupt is generated during the processing of steps S18a and S18b and the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt processing, The continuity of values may be impaired. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt is prohibited during the processing of steps S18a and S18b.

  Next, the timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. When a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main process, specifically, in a period during which interruption is permitted during execution of the loop process of steps S17 to S19, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 A timer interrupt process that is activated in response to the occurrence of a timer interrupt is executed. In the timer interrupt process, the CPU 56 first executes a power-off process (power-off detection process) for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether the power-on signal is turned on) (step S20). Then, the CPU 56 inputs detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 through the switch circuit 58, and detects the input of each switch. (Switch process: Step S21). Specifically, if the state of the input port for inputting the detection signal of each switch is ON, the value of the switch timer provided corresponding to each switch is incremented by one.

  Next, the CPU 56 executes display control processing for performing display control of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 (step S22). For the special symbol display 8 and the normal symbol display 10, control for outputting a drive signal to each display is executed according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S36 and S37.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a random number for determination per ordinary symbol used for game control (determination random number update process: step S25). Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number (initial value random number update process: step S26). Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (display random number update process: step S27).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S28). In the special symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state. Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S29). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of transmitting an effect control command related to the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the special symbol to the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect symbol command control process: step S30). It should be noted that the fact that the variation of the effect symbol is synchronized with the variation of the special symbol means that the variation time (variable display period) is the same.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs an information output process for outputting data such as a start port signal supplied to the hall management computer, a symbol determination number 1 signal, a symbol determination number 2 signal, a jackpot 1 to 3 signal, a time reduction signal, and the like. (Step S31).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 (step S32). Specifically, the payout control micro mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to the winning detection based on any one of the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 being turned on. A payout control command (prize ball number signal) indicating the number of prize balls is output to the computer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In addition, a test terminal process, which is a process for outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be confirmed outside the gaming machine, is executed (step S33). In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided, but the CPU 56 outputs the contents related to the solenoid in the RAM area of the output port 0 to the output port. (Step S34: Output processing). And CPU56 performs the memory | storage process which checks the increase / decrease in a pending | holding memory | storage number (step S35).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S36). Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S37).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a status display lamp display process for setting status display control data for displaying each status display lamp in an output buffer for setting the status display control data (step S38). In this case, when the gaming state is the short time state, the state display control data for displaying the state indicator lamp indicating the short time state is set in the output buffer. When the gaming state is also controlled to a high probability state (for example, a probability variation state), state display control data for displaying a state indicator lamp indicating the high probability state is set in the output buffer. You may do it.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S40), and the process ends.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 4 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes of steps S21 to S38 (excluding steps S31 and 33) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  When the shifted symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the variable display state of the effect symbol is started after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. There may be a case where a predetermined combination of effects that does not reach reach is stopped and displayed without reaching the reach state. Such a variable display mode of the effect symbol is referred to as a variable display mode of “non-reach” (also referred to as “normally shift”) in a case where the variable display result is a loss symbol.

  When the shifted symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the variable display state of the effect symbol is changed after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. After reaching the reach state, a reach effect is executed, and a combination of predetermined effect symbols that do not eventually become a jackpot symbol may be stopped and displayed. Such a variable display result of the effect design is referred to as a variable display mode of “reach” (also referred to as “reach out”) when the variable display result is “out of”.

  In this embodiment, when the big win symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state. Finally, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R in the effect display device 9 (provided that the probability sudden hit is sudden) In some cases, the probability change big hit symbol (for example, “135”) is stopped and displayed without being reached).

  When “5”, which is a small hit, is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display variable display mode is “suddenly probable big hit” on the effect display device 9. In the same manner as in the case where the effect symbol is variably displayed, a predetermined small hit symbol (the same symbol as the sudden probability variation big hit symbol, for example, "135") may be stopped and displayed. The display effect in the effect display device 9 corresponding to the fact that “5”, which is the small hit symbol, is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b is referred to as a “small hit” variable display mode. .

  Here, the small win is the same as the big win, but the number of times of opening of the big prize opening is the same, but the opening time per time is extremely short (in this embodiment, the opening for 15 seconds is 0.1 times). It is. When the small hit game ends, the game state does not change. That is, there is no transition from the probability variation state to the normal state or from the normal state to the certain variation state. In addition, the sudden probability change big hit is that the number of times of opening of the big winning opening is allowed to be the same as the number of other big wins in the big hit gaming state, but the opening time per time is extremely short (in this embodiment, it is 0.1 second) It is a big hit that is a big hit and the game state after the big hit game is shifted to a probabilistic state (that is, by doing so, whether the player suddenly changed the probable state) It looks like this). In other words, in this embodiment, the sudden winning odds and the small wins have the same opening pattern of the big prize opening. By controlling in such a way, when the winning opening for 0.1 seconds is made 15 times, it is impossible to recognize whether it is suddenly big hit or small hit, so a high probability state for the player (Probable change state) can be expected, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  In this embodiment, in the case of sudden probability change big hit or small hit, only the opening time per time is shortened, and the number of times of opening of the big winning opening is usually the same as the big hit or probability change big hit. Although shown, the number of times the special winning opening is opened may be smaller than that of the big hit. For example, in the case of suddenly changing big hit or small hit, control may be made so that the big winning opening is opened only twice. Also, for example, in the case of sudden odds or big hits, the opening time of the big prize opening is usually the same as that of the big winnings or the probability variable big hit, but the number of times the big winning opening is opened is reduced (for example, twice). May be. In this way, when suddenly probable big hits or small wins, the number of times of opening of the big prize opening is reduced or the opening time of the big prize opening per time is shortened as compared with the normal big hit or the probable big hit. By doing so, it is sufficient that the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening is smaller than at least the normal big win or the probable big hit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1 (MR1): Determines the type of jackpot (normal jackpot, probability variation jackpot, sudden probability variation jackpot described later) (for jackpot type determination)
(2) Random 2 (MR2): The type (type) of the variation pattern is determined (for variation pattern type determination)
(3) Random 3 (MR3): A variation pattern (variation time) is determined (for variation pattern determination)
(4) Random 4 (MR4): Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(5) Random 5 (MR5): Determine the initial value of random 4 (for determining the initial value of random 4)

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern is first determined using the variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and then the variation pattern determined using the variation pattern determination random number (random 3). One of the variation patterns included in the pattern type is determined. Thus, in this embodiment, the variation pattern is determined by a two-stage lottery process.

  The variation pattern type is a group of a plurality of variation patterns according to the characteristics of the variation mode. For example, a plurality of variation patterns are grouped by reach type, and include a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with normal reach, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with super reach A, and a variation pattern with super reach B. It may be divided into variable pattern types. Further, for example, a plurality of variation patterns are grouped by the number of re-variations of pseudo-continuations, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern without pseudo-ream, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of one re-variation, It may be divided into a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of two variations and a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of three variations. Further, for example, a plurality of variation patterns may be grouped according to the presence / absence of a specific effect such as a pseudo ream or a slip effect.

  In step S25 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, the game control microcomputer 560 uses a counter for generating the jackpot type determination random number (1) and the random number for determination per ordinary symbol (4). Count up (add 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers (random 2, random 3) or initial value random numbers (random 5). In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may use random numbers other than said random number. In this embodiment, a random number generated by hardware incorporated in the game control microcomputer 560 (or hardware external to the game control microcomputer 560) is used as the jackpot determination random number. Note that a software random number instead of a hardware random number may be used as the jackpot determination random number.

  FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54 and is a table in which a jackpot determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The jackpot determination table includes a normal-time jackpot determination table used in a normal state (a gaming state that is not a probability change state) and a probability change jackpot determination table used in a probability change state. Each value described in the left column of FIG. 7 (A) is set in the normal jackpot determination table, and each value described in the right column of FIG. 7 (A) is set in the probability change jackpot determination table. Is set. The numerical value described in FIG. 7A is a jackpot determination value.

  7B and 7C are explanatory diagrams showing a small hit determination table. The small hit determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54 and is a table in which a small hit determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The small hit determination table includes a small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) used when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, and a small hit determination table used when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. (For the second special symbol). Each value described in FIG. 7B is set in the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol), and in the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol), the values shown in FIG. Each numerical value listed is set. Moreover, the numerical values described in FIGS. 7B and 7C are small hit determination values.

  Note that it may be determined that a small hit is made only when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, and the small hit may not be provided when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. In this case, the small hit determination table for the second special symbol shown in FIG. In this embodiment, when the gaming state is shifted to the probability changing state, the variation display of the second special symbol is mainly executed. Even if the game state is shifted to the probability change state, a small hit will be generated, and if it is configured to produce an effect asking whether or not the probability change will occur, even though the current game state is the probability change state On the contrary, it makes the player feel annoying. Therefore, if it is configured so that the small hit does not occur during the variation display of the second special symbol, if the gaming state is the probability variation state, it is difficult for the small hit to occur and the excessive effect is not given to the probability variation. This can prevent the player from feeling annoyed.

  The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and sets the extracted value as the value of the big hit determination random number (random R). The big hit determination random number is shown in FIG. If it matches any of the big hit determination values, the special symbol is decided to be a big hit (a normal big hit, a probability variation big hit, and a sudden probability variation big hit described later). Further, when the big hit determination random number value matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, it is determined to make a small hit for the special symbol. Note that the “probability” shown in FIG. 7A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Further, “probabilities” shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C indicate the probability (ratio) of small hits. Further, deciding whether or not to win a jackpot means deciding whether or not to shift to the jackpot gaming state. It also means deciding whether or not to make a jackpot symbol. Further, determining whether or not to make a small hit means determining whether or not to shift to the small hit gaming state, but stopping in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. It also means determining whether or not the symbol is to be a small hit symbol.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, when the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) is used, the small hit is determined at a ratio of 1/300. On the other hand, when using the small hit determination table (second special symbol), a case where the small hit is determined at a ratio of 1/3000 will be described. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the start winning prize is given to the first start winning opening 13 and the first special symbol variation display is executed, the start winning prize is given to the second starting winning prize slot 14 and the second special symbol is displayed. The ratio determined as “small hit” is higher than when the variable display is executed.

  FIGS. 7D and 7E are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination tables 131 a and 131 b stored in the ROM 54. Among these, FIG. 7D determines the jackpot type using the holding memory based on the fact that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 (that is, when the first special symbol variation display is performed). This is a jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol) 131a. FIG. 7E shows a case where the jackpot type is determined by using the holding memory based on the fact that the game ball has won the second start winning opening 14 (that is, when the variation display of the second special symbol is performed). Is a jackpot type determination table (for the second special symbol) 131b.

  The jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b determine that the jackpot type is “normal jackpot”, “ This table is referred to in order to determine one of “probability big hit” and “sudden probability big hit”. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, a total of 10 determination values are assigned to “suddenly promising big hit” in the big hit type determination table 131a (40). On the other hand, in the jackpot type determination table 131b, three determination values are assigned to “sudden probability change big hit” (3/40). Explain the case where the probability is suddenly determined to be a big hit. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the first special symbol variation display is executed by starting the first start winning port 13 and the second special symbol of the second special symbol is displayed. Compared with the case where the variable display is executed, the ratio determined as “suddenly probable big hit” is high. In other words, in this embodiment, when the start winning prize is given to the second starting prize opening 14 and the second special symbol variation display is executed, the first special symbol is given to the first starting prize opening 13 by starting. The game value is high compared to the case where the fluctuation display is executed (in this example, the opening time of the big prize opening per time is as long as 29 seconds, and the gambling is high) "Is a high percentage. Note that “sudden probability variation big hit” is assigned only to the first special symbol jackpot type determination table 131a, and “sudden probability variation big hit” is not assigned to the second special symbol big hit type determination table 131b (ie, It may be determined that “suddenly probable big hit” may be determined only when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, as the first specific gaming state that gives a predetermined amount of gaming value, the opening time of the big prize opening per time is 29 seconds. As a second specific gaming state that gives a long jackpot (probable jackpot or normal jackpot) and a game value smaller than the game value, the chance of opening a big prize opening per round is as short as 0.1 seconds. However, the method of making the game value different in the specific game state is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, as compared with the first specific game state, the second specific game state in which the allowable amount of the winning number (count number) of game balls to the big winning opening per round is reduced as the game value is determined. Also good. In addition, for example, the second specific gaming state may be determined in which the number of times of opening of the big winning opening during the big hit is reduced as the gaming value compared to the first specific gaming state (for example, the first specific gaming state) In the case of (2), the grand prize opening is opened 15 times, and in the case of the second specific gaming state, the grand prize opening is opened only twice). Also, for example, even in the case of the same 15 round big hits, a first specific gaming state in which a big winning opening is opened several times per round, and a second specific gaming state in which the big winning opening is opened only once per round. And the game value of the second specific gaming state may be lowered by substantially reducing the number of times the special winning opening is opened. As described above, the game ball is less likely to win the prize winning opening by reducing the number of times the opening of the prize winning opening or shortening the opening time compared to the first specific gaming state. It is sufficient that a specific gaming state is provided.

  In addition, for example, when a specific game state (big hit game state) is controlled to a probability change state or a short time state, and then the probability display state or the short time state is ended when the change display is executed a predetermined number of times, You may make it provide the 1st specific gaming state and the 2nd specific gaming state which varied the frequency | count of execution of the variable display in which the probability change state and a time-short state are continued. In this case, for example, in the case of the first specific gaming state, the probability display state or the time-short state is continued until the predetermined display is completed for a predetermined number of times of variation (for example, 100 times). When the display is finished a smaller number of times (for example, 20 times) than in the case of the first specific gaming state, the probability variation state or the short time state is finished so that the gaming value is lower than that of the first specific gaming state. Good.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, the types of jackpots include “normal jackpot”, “probability variation jackpot”, and “sudden probability variation jackpot”.

  The “probable big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to a 15-round big hit gaming state and is shifted to a probable change state (high probability state) after the big hit gaming state is finished (in this embodiment, it is changed to a probable change state). At the same time, the state is shifted to the time-saving state (see steps S169 and S171 described later). After the transition to the probability variation state, the probability variation state is maintained until the next big hit occurs (see step S134 described later).

  In addition, the “ordinary big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to the big round gaming state of 15 rounds and is not shifted to the probability change state after the big hit gaming state is ended, but is shifted only to the short time state (see step S167 described later). . Then, after shifting to the time-short state, the time-short state is maintained until execution of the variation display of the special symbol and the effect symbol is completed a predetermined number of times of variation (for example, 100 times) (see steps S141 to S144 described later). In this embodiment, the time reduction state also ends when a big hit occurs after the transition to the time reduction state and before the execution of the fluctuation display for a predetermined number of fluctuations is completed (see step S134 described later).

  In addition, “suddenly promising big hit” means that the number of times the big winning opening is opened is the same at 15 times compared to “probable big hit” and “normal big hit”, but the opening time per time is 0.1 second. It is a short jackpot, and after the jackpot game is finished, it is controlled only to the probability variation state (high probability state) and not to the time-short state (see step S169 described later). After the transition to the probability variation state, the probability variation state is maintained until the next big hit occurs (see step S134 described later).

  In this embodiment, when the gaming state is the probability variation state, the variation display is executed with a background color (for example, red) that can be recognized as the probability variation state, and the gaming state is the short-time state. Is displayed in a background color (for example, green) that can be recognized as a short-time state, and when the gaming state is a normal state, a background color (for example, blue) that can be recognized as a normal state The variable display is executed by.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, when a game state is a normal state (a state that is neither a probability change state nor a short-time state) and a sudden probability change big hit or small hit occurs, the big hit game or the small hit game After the completion of the process, the mode shifts to a probability variation latent mode in which it is difficult to recognize whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation state. When the probability variation latency mode is in effect, the variation display is executed with the background color (for example, yellow) corresponding to the probability variation latency mode regardless of whether or not the gaming state is the probability variation state. Whether or not it is in a state is made unrecognizable. In this embodiment, as will be described later, when it is in the probability variation latent mode, it is difficult to recognize whether or not the gaming state is the probability variation state, and suggests whether or not it is the probability variation state. There is a case where a certain change suggestion effect is executed.

  In addition, the aspect of the effect in the probability variation latent mode is not limited to that shown in this embodiment, and may be executed in an effect aspect other than an aspect in which a common background color is displayed. For example, in the case of a configuration in which it is possible to recognize whether or not it is in the probability variation state in the variation direction of the production symbol (for example, in the normal state, the symbol is scrolled in the vertical direction and the variation display is performed, whereas in the probability variation state, it is Scrolls the symbols in the vertical direction and scrolls the symbols in the vertical direction, regardless of whether the gaming state is in the probable variation state or not. By doing so, it may be made unrecognizable whether or not it is in the probability variation state. Also, for example, in the case where the type of effect symbol is configured so that it can be recognized whether or not it is in a probable state (for example, in the normal state, an Arabic numeral effect symbol is used, whereas in the probability variable state, a Chinese numeral effect symbol is used. If the game mode is in the probability variation latent mode, whether or not the game state is in the probability variation state by executing the variable display using the Arabic symbols, regardless of whether the gaming state is the probability variation state or not. You may make it unrecognizable. In addition, for example, in a case where it is configured to be able to recognize whether or not the character to appear in the production is in a certain change state (for example, the character A is used in the normal state while the character B is used in the certain change state). In the probability variation latent mode, regardless of whether or not the gaming state is the probability variation state, the variation display is executed using the common character C, thereby making it impossible to recognize whether or not the probability variation state is present. May be.

  As described above, in this embodiment, even when “small hit” is reached, the big winning opening is opened 15 times for 0.1 seconds, and the big hit gaming state due to “suddenly probable big hit” Similar control is performed. In the case of “small hit”, the gaming state does not change after the opening of the big winning opening 15 times, and the gaming state before “small hit” is maintained. By doing so, it is made impossible to recognize whether it is “suddenly promising big hit” or “small hit”, and the interest of the game is improved.

  The big hit type determination tables 131a and 131b are numerical values to be compared with a random 1 value, and corresponding to the “normal big hit”, “probability variable big hit”, and “suddenly probable big hit” (big hit type determination value) ) Is set. When the value of random 1 matches any of the jackpot type determination values, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type as a type corresponding to the matched jackpot type determination value.

  FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) that specifies a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the variable display of the special symbol. (Each corresponding to a variation pattern XX). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each variation pattern that can be used, there is a variation pattern command corresponding to each variation pattern specified by the number. “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when receiving the command 80XX (H), the effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to start variable display of effect symbols.

  Commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit, whether or not to make a big hit, and a big hit type. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the effect symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H), and the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are referred to as display result designation commands.

  Command 8D01 (H) is an effect control command (first symbol variation designation command) indicating that variable display (variation) of the first special symbol is started. Command 8D02 (H) is an effect control command (second symbol variation designation command) indicating that variable display (variation) of the second special symbol is started. The first symbol variation designation command and the second symbol variation designation command may be collectively referred to as a special symbol specifying command (or symbol variation designation command). Note that information indicating whether to start variable display of the first special symbol or variable display of the second special symbol may be included in the variation pattern command.

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

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

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

  The commands A001 to A003 (H) are effect control commands for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). The jackpot start designation command includes a jackpot start 1 designation command, a jackpot start designation 2 designation command, and a small hit / sudden probability sudden change jackpot start designation command corresponding to the type of jackpot. Note that the game control microcomputer 560 is configured to transmit a fanfare designation command for sudden start of sudden probability change big hit when it is a sudden chance big hit, but not to send a fanfare designation command for small hit. Also good.

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  The command A301 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that the jackpot game is normally a big jackpot (a jackpot end 1 designation command: an ending 1 designation command). is there. Command A302 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that it is a probable big hit (big hit end 2 designation command: ending 2 designation command). is there. Command A 303 (H) is an effect control command (small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command: ending 3 designation command) that designates the end of the small hit game or the sudden probability change big hit game. The game control microcomputer 560 may be configured to transmit an ending designation command for suddenly probable big hit end designation in the case of a sudden big hit, but not to send an ending designation command in the case of a small hit. Good.

  Command B000 (H) is an effect control command (normal state background designation command) for designating background display when the gaming state is the normal state. Command B001 (H) is an effect control command (time-short state background designation command) for designating a background display when the gaming state is the time-short state (not including the probability variation state). Command B002 (H) is an effect control command (probability change state background designation command) for designating a background display when the gaming state is in the probability change state.

  Command C000 (H) is an effect control command (first reserved memory number addition designation command) that specifies that the first reserved memory number has increased by one. Command C100 (H) is an effect control command (second reserved memory number addition designation command) that specifies that the second reserved memory number has increased by one. Command C200 (H) is an effect control command (first reserved memory number subtraction designation command) that specifies that the first reserved memory number has decreased by one. Command C300 (H) is an effect control command (second reserved memory number subtraction designation command) that specifies that the second reserved memory number has decreased by one.

  In this embodiment, a case is shown in which an effect control command indicating that the number of reserved memories is increased or decreased is transmitted for each of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. You may make it transmit the production control command which designates itself. In this case, for example, an effect control command for designating which one of the first start prize opening 13 and the second start prize opening 14 has been won is transmitted, and the reserved memory number designation command for designating the reserved memory number is designated as the first. You may make it transmit a common production | presentation control command by 1 reserved memory number and 2nd reserved memory number.

  Further, for example, separate presentation control commands (holding memory number designation commands) may be transmitted when the first holding memory number is designated and when the second holding memory number is designated. In this case, for example, as a reserved memory number designation command, a value that can specify the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number as MODE data (for example, “C0 (H) when designating the first reserved memory number) ”And“ C1 (H) ”in the case of designating the second reserved memory number), an effect control command in which the value of the reserved memory number is set as EXT data may be transmitted.

  Also, for example, if the same first reserved memory number is specified, an effect control command specifying the addition or subtraction of the first reserved memory number is transmitted by making the MODE data common and different EXT data. You may do it. For example, when the common MODE data “C0 (H)” is used and the subtraction of the first reserved memory number is designated, the command C000 (H) is transmitted, and the addition of the first reserved memory number is designated. The command C001 (H) may be transmitted. Further, when specifying the second reserved memory number, the MODE data is made different, and when specifying the subtraction of the second reserved memory number, the command C100 (H) is transmitted, and the second reserved memory number is determined. When adding is designated, the command C101 (H) may be transmitted.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the effect display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the display state of the lamp is changed, or the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70. To do.

  For example, the game control microcomputer 560 designates the variation pattern of the effect symbol every time there is a start prize and variable display of the special symbol is started on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. The variation pattern command and the display result designation command are transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100.

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

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

  In the example shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the variable pattern command and the display result designation command are displayed as variable display (variation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol. An effect display that can be used in common with the variable display (variation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the second special symbol on the symbol display 8b, and that produces an effect with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It is possible to prevent an increase in the types of commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 when controlling the effect parts such as the device 9.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process (step S26) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, processing for controlling the first special symbol indicator 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 detects that the first start port switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning port 13 or that the game ball has won the second start winning port 14. If the second start opening switch 14a is turned on, that is, if a start winning to the first start winning opening 13 or a start winning to the second start winning opening 14 has occurred, the start opening switch passing process is performed. Execute (Steps S311 and S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

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

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

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

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the design control microcomputer 100 determines the symbol. Control to transmit the specified command is performed, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to step S304. The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the fourth symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. When the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0). In this embodiment, as will be described later, a special symbol display control for stopping and displaying a special symbol stop symbol in the special symbol display control process based on the fact that the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The data is set in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data (see FIG. 25), and the special symbol stop symbol is actually stopped and displayed in accordance with the set contents of the output buffer in the display control processing in step S22.

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

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

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

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

  Small hit release processing (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. Processing to confirm the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening is performed. When the closing condition of the big prize opening is satisfied and the number of opening of the big prize opening still remains, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. Update. When all rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S310 (in this example, 10 (decimal number)).

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

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process in step S312. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the first start port switch 13a is in an ON state (step S211). If the first start port switch 13a is not on, the process proceeds to step S217. If the first start port switch 13a is on, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the first reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the first reserved memory for counting the first reserved memory number). It is confirmed whether or not the value of the number counter is 4 (step S212). If the first reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S217.

  If the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S213), and the value of the total reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S214). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the first reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 12) (step S215). . In the process of step S215, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and a variation pattern A random number for determination (random 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. Note that the variation pattern type determination random number (random 2) and the variation pattern determination random number (random 3) are not extracted and stored in advance in the storage area in the start port switch passing process (at the time of start winning). You may make it extract at the time of the change start of 1 special symbol. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 directly extracts a value from a variation pattern type determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2) in a variation pattern setting process to be described later, A value may be directly extracted from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a determination random number (random 3).

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (hold buffer) for storing random numbers and the like corresponding to the hold memory. As shown in FIG. 12, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value of the second reserved storage number (4 in this example) is secured in the second reserved storage buffer. In this embodiment, the first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer include a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation A random number for pattern type determination (random 2) and a random number for variation pattern determination (random 3) are stored. The first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the first reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S216).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the second start port switch 14a is on (step S217). If the second start port switch 14a is not in the ON state, the process is terminated as it is. If the second start port switch 14a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the second reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the second reserved memory for counting the second reserved memory number). It is confirmed whether or not the value of the number counter is 4 (step S218). If the second reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the processing is terminated as it is.

  If the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S219), and the value of the aggregate reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S220). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the second reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 12) (step S221). . In the process of step S221, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and a variation pattern A random number for determination (random 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. It should be noted that the random number for random pattern determination (random 3) is not extracted and stored in the storage area in advance in the start-port switch passing process (at the time of start winning), but is extracted at the start of the variation of the second special symbol. May be. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) in a variation pattern setting process described later.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the second reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S222).

  13 and 14 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total pending storage number is 0, if the customer waiting demonstration designation command has not yet been transmitted, control is performed to send the customer waiting demonstration designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S51A), and the processing is performed. finish. For example, when the CPU 56 transmits a customer waiting demonstration designation command in step S51A, the CPU 56 sets a customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted flag indicating that the customer waiting demonstration designation command has been transmitted. When the special symbol normal processing after the next timer interruption is executed after sending the customer waiting demo designation command, the customer waiting demonstration request command is repeatedly set based on the fact that the customer waiting demo designation command transmission completed flag is set. Control should be performed so that the demo designation command is not transmitted. In this case, the customer waiting demonstration designation command transmission completion flag may be reset when the next special symbol variation display is started.

  If the total reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the second reserved memory number is 0 (step S52). Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the second reserved memory number counter is zero. If the second reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 has a special symbol pointer (a flag indicating whether the special symbol process is being performed for the first special symbol or the special symbol process is being performed for the second special symbol). Is set to data indicating “second” (step S53). If the second reserved memory number is 0 (that is, only the first reserved memory number is accumulated), the CPU 66 sets data indicating “first” in the special symbol pointer (step S54).

  In this embodiment, by executing the processing of steps S52 to S54, the variation display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variation display of the first special symbol. In other words, control is performed so that the second start condition for starting the variable display of the second special symbol is established in preference to the first start condition for starting the variable display of the first special symbol.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved storage number = 1 indicated by the special symbol pointer in the RAM 55 and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S55). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 determines each disturbance stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = 1 in the first reserved memory number buffer. The numerical value is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55. In addition, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 reads each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = 1 in the second reserved memory number buffer. And stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55.

  Then, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer, and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S56). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 and saves each storage area in the first reserved memory number buffer. Shift the contents of. When the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the count value of the second reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1, and the contents of each storage area in the second reserved memory number buffer are shifted.

  That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 saves the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55. Are stored in a storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n−1. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, it is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55. Each random number value is stored in a storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n−1.

  Therefore, the order in which each random value stored in each storage area corresponding to each first reserved memory number (or each second reserved memory number) is extracted is always the first reserved memory number (or (Second reserved storage number) = 1, 2, 3, 4 in order.

  Then, the CPU 56 decreases the value of the total pending storage number by one. That is, 1 is subtracted from the count value of the total pending storage number counter (step S58). The CPU 56 stores the value of the total pending storage number counter before the count value is decremented by 1 in a predetermined area of the RAM 55.

  Moreover, CPU56 performs control which transmits a background designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for effect control according to the present game state (step S60). In this case, when the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a probability variation state background designation command. Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a time reduction state background designation command when the time variation flag indicating that the time reduction state is not set and the time reduction state is set. Further, when neither the probability change flag nor the time reduction flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a normal state background designation command.

  In this embodiment, the background designation command is transmitted every time for each variation. For example, it is determined at the start of the variation whether or not the gaming state has changed since the previous variation. Only when the state changes, the background designation command corresponding to the changed gaming state may be transmitted. With such a configuration, the number of transmissions of the background designation command can be reduced, and the processing burden on the game control microcomputer 560 can be reduced.

  Specifically, when the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) is given. Set to pointer. Then, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command is set in the pointer, and the effect control command is transmitted in the effect symbol command control process (step S30). In this embodiment, when the variation of the special symbol is started, the effect control microcomputer in the order of the background designation command, the variation pattern command, the display result designation command, and the reserved memory number subtraction designation command for each timer interrupt. 100 will be transmitted. Specifically, when the change of the special symbol is started, first, the background designation command is transmitted, the variation pattern command is transmitted after 4 ms elapses, the display result designation command is transmitted after elapse of 4 ms, and further after 4 ms elapses. A pending storage count subtraction designation command is transmitted. In addition, the symbol variation designation command (the first symbol variation designation command, the second symbol variation designation command) is also transmitted when the special symbol variation starts, but the symbol variation designation command is the same timer interrupt as the variation pattern command. Is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100.

  In the special symbol normal process, first, data indicating “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first start winning opening 13, that is, “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first special symbol. ”Or“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second special symbol, that is,“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second start winning opening 14. Data is set in the special symbol pointer. In the subsequent processing in the special symbol process, processing corresponding to the data set in the special symbol pointer is executed. Therefore, the process of steps S300 to S310 can be made common between the case of targeting the first special symbol and the case of targeting the second special symbol.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area and executes a jackpot determination module. In this case, the CPU 56 reads out the jackpot determination random numbers extracted in steps S215 and S221 of the start port switch passage processing and stored in advance in the first hold storage buffer and the second hold storage buffer, and performs the jackpot determination. The big hit determination module compares the big hit determination value or the small hit determination value (see FIG. 7) determined in advance with the big hit determination random number, and executes a process of determining that it is a big hit or a small hit if they match. It is a program to do. That is, it is a program that executes a big hit determination or a small hit determination process.

  The jackpot determination process is configured such that when the gaming state is a probable change state (high probability state), the probability of a big hit is higher than when the gaming state is a non-probability change state (normal game state and short-time state). ing. Specifically, the jackpot determination table at the time of probability change in which a large number of jackpot determination values are set in advance (the table in which the numerical value on the right side of FIG. 7A in the ROM 54 is set) and the number of jackpot determination values are variable. There is provided a normal big hit determination table (a table in which the numerical values on the left side of FIG. 7A in the ROM 54 are set) set to be smaller than the big hit determination table. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation state. If the gaming state is a probability variation state, the jackpot determination process is performed using the probability variation jackpot determination table, and the gaming state is normal. When in the gaming state or the short-time state, the big hit determination process is performed using the normal big hit determination table. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the big hit determination values shown in FIG. 7A, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a big hit. When it is determined to be a big hit (step S61), the process proceeds to step S71. Note that deciding whether to win or not is to decide whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state, but to decide whether or not to stop the special symbol display as a big hit symbol. But there is.

  Note that whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation state is determined by whether or not the probability variation flag is set. The probability variation flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state, and is reset when the probability variation state is terminated. Specifically, it is determined to be a probable big hit or suddenly probable big hit, and is set in the process of ending the big hit game, and when the big hit is determined, the special symbol variation display is terminated and the stop symbol is stopped and displayed. Reset at timing.

  If the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) does not match any of the big hit determination values (N in step S61), the CPU 56 uses the small hit determination table (see FIGS. 7B and 7C). Then, the small hit determination process is performed. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a small hit. In this case, the CPU 56 confirms the data indicated by the special symbol pointer. If the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is “first”, the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) shown in FIG. ) To determine whether or not to make a small hit. Further, when the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is “second”, it is determined whether or not to make a small hit using the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol) shown in FIG. . If it is determined to be a small hit (step S62), the CPU 56 sets a small hit flag indicating a small hit (step S63), and proceeds to step S75.

  If the random R value does not match either the big hit determination value or the small hit determination value (N in step S62), that is, if it is out of place, the process proceeds to step S75 as it is.

  In step S71, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag indicating that it is a big hit. Then, the jackpot type determination table indicated by the special symbol pointer is selected as a table used to determine the jackpot type as one of a plurality of types (step S72). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 selects the jackpot type determination table 131a for the first special symbol shown in FIG. 7D. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 selects a big hit type determination table 131b for the second special symbol shown in FIG.

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the selected jackpot type determination table to select a type (“normal jackpot”, “probability change”) corresponding to the value of the random number for random determination (random 1) stored in the random number buffer area. "Big hit", "Suddenly probable big hit") is determined as the type of big hit (step S73). In this case, the CPU 56 reads out the jackpot type determination random numbers extracted in steps S215 and S221 of the start port switch passing process and stored in advance in the first hold memory buffer and the second hold memory buffer, and determines the jackpot type. . Further, in this case, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, it is compared with the case where the variable display of the second special symbol is executed. Therefore, the rate at which suddenly probable big hits are selected is high. In other words, when the variable display of the second special symbol is executed, the game value is higher than the case where the variable display of the first special symbol is executed. Is a long 29 seconds and high euphoria) The ratio of normal jackpots and probable big hits is high.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets data indicating the determined jackpot type in the jackpot type buffer in the RAM 55 (step S74). For example, when the big hit type is “normal big hit”, “01” is set as data indicating the big hit type, and when the big hit type is “probable big hit”, “02” is set as the data indicating the big hit type, When the big hit type is “suddenly probable big hit”, “03” is set as data indicating the big hit type.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a special symbol stop symbol (step S75). Specifically, when neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, “−” which is a loss symbol is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the big hit flag is set, one of “1”, “3”, and “7”, which is a big hit symbol, is determined as a special symbol stop symbol according to the determination result of the big hit type. That is, when the big hit type is determined to be “suddenly promising big hit”, “1” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol, and when “normal big hit” is determined, “3” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. If “probable big hit” is determined, “7” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the small hit flag is set, “5” as the small hit symbol is determined as the special symbol stop symbol.

  In this embodiment, the case where the jackpot type is first determined, and the stop symbol of the special symbol corresponding to the determined jackpot type is shown. It is not limited to what is shown in the embodiment. For example, a table in which a special symbol stop symbol and a jackpot type are associated in advance is prepared, and a special symbol stop symbol is first determined based on a random number for determining the big hit type. You may comprise so that a classification may also be determined.

  Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S76).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S81). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects one of the big hit variation pattern type determination table as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types (step) S82). Then, the process proceeds to step S90.

  When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S83). When the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects the small hit variation pattern type determination table as a table used for determining one of a plurality of variation pattern types (step S84). ). Then, the process proceeds to step S90.

  When the small hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag indicating that the time reduction state is set (step S85). The time reduction flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the time reduction state (including the time of shifting to the probability change state), and is reset when the time reduction state is ended. Specifically, it is usually determined to be a big hit or a promising big hit, and is set in the process of ending the big hit game, and when the shortage is exhausted, the special symbol variation display is ended when the big hit is determined. And reset when the stop symbol is displayed. If the time reduction flag is set (Y in step S85), the CPU 56 proceeds to step S89.

  If the time reduction flag is not set (N in Step S85), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (Step S86). If the total number of pending storages is less than 3 (N in step S86), the CPU 56 determines the variation pattern type for normal use as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types. A table is selected (step S87). Then, the process proceeds to step S90.

  When the total pending storage number is 3 or more (Y in step S86), the CPU 56 uses the shortening variation pattern as a table to be used for determining one of a plurality of variation pattern types. A type determination table is selected (step S88). Then, the process proceeds to step S90.

  When the time reduction flag is set (Y in step S85), the CPU 56 uses the time reduction variation pattern type determination as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types. A table is selected (step S89). Then, the process proceeds to step S90.

  In this embodiment, when the total number of pending storages is 3 or more by executing the processing of steps S85 to S89, the shortening variation pattern type determination table for selection is selected. In addition, when the gaming state is the time-short state (including the case where the game state is the probability variation state), the time-varying variation pattern type determination table for time reduction is selected. In this case, the variation pattern type including the variation pattern of the shortening variation may be determined in the process of step S90 described later, and the variation pattern of the shortening variation may be determined in the process of step S92. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the gaming state is the short-time state (including the case where the probability variation state is included) or when the total number of pending storages is 3 or more, the variation display of the shortening variation may be performed. .

  Next, the CPU 56 reads the random 2 (variation pattern type determination random number) from the random number buffer area (the first reserved storage buffer or the second reserved storage buffer) and selects it in the process of steps S82, S84, S87, S88 or S89. By referring to the table, the variation pattern type is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S90).

  Next, the CPU 56 uses a hit variation pattern determination table or a deviation variation pattern determination table as a table used to determine one of a plurality of variation patterns based on the determination result of the variation pattern type in step S90. One of them is selected (step S91). Further, the random pattern 3 (random number for variation pattern determination) is read from the random number buffer area (first reserved storage buffer or second reserved storage buffer), and the variation pattern is determined by referring to the variation pattern determination table selected in step S91. Is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S92). When the random number 3 (variation pattern determination random number) is not extracted at the start winning timing, the CPU 56 uses the variation pattern determination random number counter for generating the variation pattern determination random number (random 3). It is also possible to extract the value directly from and to determine the variation pattern based on the extracted random number value.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the symbol variation designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S93). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first symbol variation designation command. In addition, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second symbol variation designation command. Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit an effect control command (variation pattern command) corresponding to the determined variation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S94).

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S95). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result designation command transmission process (step S302) (step S96).

  In the case where it is determined to be out of place, instead of suddenly determining the variation pattern type, first, it may be determined whether or not to reach by a lottery process using a random number for reach determination. Then, based on the determination result as to whether or not to reach, the processing of steps S85 to S89 and S90 may be executed to determine the variation pattern type. In this case, a variation pattern type determination table for non-reach and a variation pattern type determination table for reach are prepared in advance, and one of the variation pattern type determination tables is selected based on the reach determination result. The variation pattern type may be determined.

  In addition, when determining whether or not to reach by a lottery process using a reach determination random number, depending on the total reserved memory number (which may be the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number), Reach determination tables having different selection ratios may be selected, and it may be determined whether or not to reach so that the reach probability decreases as the number of reserved memories increases.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 transmits one of the presentation control commands (display result 1 designation to display result 5 designation) (see FIG. 8) in accordance with the determined big hit type, small hit, and loss. Control. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S110). If not set, the process proceeds to step S116. When the big hit flag is set, when the big hit type is a probable big hit, control is performed to transmit a display result 3 designation command (steps S111 and S112). Specifically, whether or not it is a probable big hit can be determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is “02”.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 4 designation command when the big hit type is suddenly probable big hit (steps S113 and S114). Whether or not it is a sudden probability variation big hit can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is “03”.

  Then, when neither the probability variation big hit nor the sudden probability variation big hit is obtained (that is, when it is a normal big hit), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 2 designation command (step SS115).

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set (N in Step S110), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (Step S116). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 5 designation command (step S117). When the small hit flag is not set (N in Step S116), that is, when it is out of place, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 1 designation command (Step S118).

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S119).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command has already been transmitted (step S121). Whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command has already been transmitted indicates, for example, that the pending storage number subtraction designation command has been transmitted when the pending storage number subtraction designation command is transmitted in step S122 described later. The stored number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag may be set, and in step S121, it may be confirmed whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag is set. Also, in this case, the set reserved memory number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag is reset by special symbol stop processing or jackpot end processing, which will be described later, when the special symbol fluctuation display is terminated or when the big jackpot is terminated. That's fine.

  Next, if the reserved memory number subtraction designation command has not been transmitted, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the reserved memory number subtraction designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S122). In this case, when a value indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first reserved memory number subtraction designation command. If a value indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second reserved memory number subtraction designation command.

  Next, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the variable time timer (step S125). When the variable time timer times out (step S126), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S127). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop process (step S304) (step S128). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S133). If the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability change flag indicating the probability change state and the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state if set (step S134). If it is set, the hourly number counter is also reset.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a jackpot start designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S135). Specifically, when the type of jackpot is normally jackpot, a jackpot start 1 designation command is transmitted. If the jackpot type is a probabilistic jackpot, a jackpot start 2 designation command is transmitted. When the big hit type is sudden probability change big hit, a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command is transmitted. Whether the big hit type is a normal big hit, a probable big hit or a sudden probable big hit is determined based on the data indicating the big hit type stored in the RAM 55 (data stored in the big hit type buffer). .

  In addition, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (time for notifying that the jackpot has occurred, for example, in the effect display device 9) in the timer before opening the big prize opening (step S137). The timer before opening the big winning opening is a timer for measuring the time until the big winning opening is released during the big hit game or the small hit game. Specifically, at the start of the big hit game, in step S137, the time required from the start of the variable display to the start of the first round (the variable display is stopped on the production control microcomputer 100 side and the jackpot symbol is The time before the first round is started until the start of the first round is set as the pre-opening timer. For the first and subsequent rounds, the interval time between each round (the device for performing the interval effect between the rounds on the effect control microcomputer 100 side) is set in the timer for opening the big prize opening (step S1490, S2490).

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the number of times of opening in a number-of-opening counter (a counter for counting the number of times of opening of the big winning opening during the big hit game or the small hit game) (step S138). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the fixed number of times is set to 15 in the opening number counter without distinguishing the jackpot type. It should be noted that a different number of times may be set in the opening number counter according to the big hit type. For example, in the case of a normal big hit or a probable big hit, the open count counter may be set to 15 times, and in the case of a sudden probable big hit, the open count counter may be set to 2 times. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-winner opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S139).

  If the big hit flag is not set in step S130, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the probability variation flag is set (step S140). If the probability variation flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag is set (step S141). If the time reduction flag is set (that is, if it is controlled to the time reduction state based on the normal big hit), the CPU 56 will reduce the time reduction for counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol in the time reduction state. The value of the number counter is decremented by 1 (step S142).

  In this embodiment, as will be described later, since the value of the time reduction counter is set only when the time reduction is controlled based on the normal big hit, the processing in steps S140 and S141 is performed. Instead, it may be confirmed whether the value of the time reduction counter is 0 or not. Then, when the value of the time reduction counter is not 0, it may be determined that the time reduction is controlled based on the normal big hit, and the process may proceed to step S142.

  When the value of the time reduction counter after subtraction becomes 0 (step S144), the CPU 56 resets the time reduction flag (step S145).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S147). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 transmits a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S148). Also, a value corresponding to the small hit display time (time for notifying that the small hit has occurred, for example, in the effect display device 9) is set in the timer before opening the big prize opening (step S149). In the case of a small hit game, at the start of the small hit game, in step S149, the time required from the time when the variable display is stopped until the small hit game is started is set in the timer before opening the big prize opening. . Further, during the small hit game, the interval time between each opening of the big winning opening is set in the timer before the big winning opening.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the number of times of opening in the number of times of opening counter (step S150). In this embodiment, 15 times is set in the release number counter in step S150. When a different number of times is set according to the big hit type in step S138, for example, in the case of a sudden probability variable big hit, when the opening number counter is set twice, the opening number counter is also set twice in step S150. May be set. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit start pre-processing (step S308) (step S151).

  If the small hit flag is not set (N in step S145), the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S152).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the pre-opening process for the big prize opening (step S305) executed before each round in the big hit game. In the process for pre-opening the big prize opening, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the timer before opening the big prize opening by -1 (step S1470). When the timer before opening the big prize opening times out (the value of the timer before opening the big prize opening is 0) (step S1471), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a designation command during opening of the big prize opening (step S1473). In addition, the CPU 56 initializes a winning number counter (step S1474). That is, the value of the winning number counter is set to zero.

  Next, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not it is a sudden probability big hit (step S1475). Specifically, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the jackpot type buffer value set in step S74 is “03” indicating a sudden probability variation jackpot. If it is a sudden probability big hit, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 0.1 second) in the opening time timer (step S1476). If it is not suddenly probable big hit (that is, if it is normal big hit or probable big hit), the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the open time (for example, 29 seconds) in the open time timer (step S1477).

  Next, the CPU 56 controls the special winning opening (a bonus item) to be in an open state. Specifically, the solenoid 21 is driven to open the opening / closing plate 16 (step S1478). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening process (step S306) (step S1479).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the special winning opening opening process (step S306). In the special prize opening opening process, the CPU 56 first decrements the value of the opening time timer (step S1481), and checks whether or not the opening time timer has timed out (step S1482). If the open time timer has timed out, the process proceeds to step S1486. If the opening time timer has not timed out, the CPU 56 increments the value of the winning number counter by +1 (step S1484) when the count switch 23 is turned on, that is, when a game ball that has won a big winning opening is detected (step S1483). ). When the value of the winning prize counter after the addition becomes 10 (step S1485), the CPU 56 proceeds to step S1486.

  In step S1486, the CPU 56 performs a process for ending the round. Specifically, the drive of the solenoid 21 is stopped and the open / close plate 16 is closed. Next, control is performed to transmit a designation command after opening the special winning opening to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S1487), and the value of the number-of-opening counter is decremented by 1 (step S1488). If the value of the number-of-releases counter is not 0 (N in step S1489), the process proceeds to step S1490. If the value of the number-of-releases counter is 0 (Y in step S1489), that is, if all rounds in the big hit game have ended, the value of the special symbol process flag is set to the big hit end processing (step S307). ) Is updated to a value corresponding to (step S1492).

  In step S1490, the CPU 56 corresponds to a pre-round start time (time for notifying the start of a new round in the effect display device 9 (for example, performing an interval effect and corresponding to a period)) to the pre-opening opening timer. Set the value. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S1491).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S160). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S164. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S161), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S162). Here, a big hit end 1 designation command is transmitted when it is a normal big hit, a big hit end 2 designation command is sent when it is a probable big hit, and a small hit / abrupt is sudden when it is a sudden probable big hit. Send a probable jackpot end designation command. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is performed in the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S163), and the processing is ended.

  In step S164, 1 is subtracted from the value of the jackpot end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step S165). If not, the process ends.

  If the jackpot end display time has elapsed (Y in step S165), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot type is a normal jackpot (step S166). Whether or not it is a normal big hit can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is “01”. If it is a normal big hit, the CPU 56 sets the time reduction flag and shifts the gaming state to the time reduction state (step S167). In addition, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined number of fluctuations (for example, 100 times) in a time reduction number counter for counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol in the time reduction state (step S168). Then, control goes to a step S172.

  If it is not the normal big hit (that is, if the probability change big hit or the sudden probability change big hit), the CPU 56 sets the probability change flag and shifts the gaming state to the probability change state (step S169). Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the type of jackpot is a probabilistic jackpot (step S170). Specifically, whether or not it is a probable big hit can be determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is “02”. If it is a probable big hit, the CPU 56 sets a time reduction flag and shifts the gaming state to the time reduction state (step S171). Then, control goes to a step S172.

  On the other hand, if it is not the probability variation big hit (that is, if it is sudden probability big hit), the process proceeds to step S172 as it is without executing step S171.

  By executing steps S169 to S171, in this embodiment, when the probability variation big hit is reached, after the big hit game is finished, the probability variation state is controlled and also the short time state is controlled (high probability / high probability). In contrast, if the player suddenly gets a probable big hit, it is controlled to the probable state only after the big hit game is over, and is not controlled to the short-time state (high probability / low base state is controlled). ) With such a configuration, when the probability variation state is controlled based on the probability variation big hit, the special symbol variation time is shortened or the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened by controlling the time variation state. However, when suddenly controlled to the probability variation state based on the probability variation big hit, the variation time and the frequency at which the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened do not change, so that the small hit is apparently Is difficult to distinguish.

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S172).

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a small hit release pre-processing (step S308) executed in the small hit game. In the pre-opening process for small hits, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the timer for opening the big winning opening by 1 (step S2470). When the timer before opening the big prize opening times out (the value of the timer before opening the big prize opening is 0) (step S2471), the CPU 56 initializes the winning number counter (step S2472). That is, the value of the winning number counter is set to zero. Next, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 0.1 second) in the opening time timer (step S2473). Next, the CPU 56 controls the special winning opening (a bonus item) to be in an open state. Specifically, the solenoid 21 is driven to open the open / close plate 16 (step S2474). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit releasing process (step S309) (step S2475).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the small hit releasing process (step S309). In the small hit opening process, the CPU 56 first decrements the value of the opening time timer (step S2481), and checks whether the opening time timer has timed out (step S2482). If the open time timer has timed out, the process proceeds to step S2486. If the opening time timer has not timed out, the CPU 56 increments the value of the winning number counter by +1 (step S2484) when the count switch 23 is turned on, that is, when a game ball won in the big winning opening is detected (step S2483). ). If the value of the winning prize counter after the addition becomes 10 (step S2485), the CPU 56 proceeds to step S2486.

  In step S2486, the CPU 56 performs a process for ending the round. Specifically, the drive of the solenoid 21 is stopped and the open / close plate 16 is closed. Next, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the opening number counter by -1 (step S2488). When the value of the number-of-releases counter is not 0 (N in Step S2490), the process proceeds to Step S2490. When the value of the number-of-opens counter is 0 (Y in step S2490), that is, when all the big winning openings in the small hit game have been completed, the value of the special symbol process flag is set to the small value. The value is updated to a value corresponding to the winning end process (step S310) (step S2492).

  In step S2490, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the pre-opening time of the big prize opening (corresponding to the interval time between each opening of the big prize opening) in the timer before opening the big prize opening. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit release pre-processing (step S308) (step S2491).

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the small hit end process (step S310) in the special symbol process. In the small hit end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit end display timer is set (step S2160). If the small hit end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S2164. If the small hit end display timer is not set, the small hit flag is reset (step S2161), and a control for transmitting a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command is performed (step S2162). Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the small hit end display is performed in the effect display device 9 (small hit end display time) is set in the small hit end display timer (step S2163). finish.

  In step S2164, 1 is subtracted from the value of the small hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the small hit end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the small hit end display time has elapsed (step S2165). If not, the process ends.

  If the small hit end display time has elapsed (Y in step S2165), the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S2166).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol display control process (step S36) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. In the special symbol display control process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (step S3201). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (that is, if the special symbol variation processing is being executed), the CPU 56 sets the special symbol display control data for special symbol variation display for setting the special symbol display control data. Processing for setting or updating the output buffer is performed (step S3202). In this case, the CPU 56 sets or updates special symbol display control data for performing variable display of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) indicated by the special symbol pointer. For example, if the fluctuation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds, the value of the special symbol display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by 1 every time 0.2 seconds elapse. After that, display control processing (see step S22) is executed, and a drive signal is output to the special symbol displays 8a and 8b in accordance with the contents of the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. The special symbol display on the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b is executed.

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is not 3, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 (step S3203). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 (that is, when the special symbol stop processing is entered), the CPU 56 stops the special symbol stop symbol set in the special symbol normal processing. Processing for setting the display control data in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data is performed (step S3204). In this case, the CPU 56 sets special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) indicated by the special symbol pointer. After that, display control processing (see step S22) is executed, and a drive signal is output to the special symbol displays 8a and 8b in accordance with the contents of the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. The special symbol stop symbols are stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b. In addition, since the setting data is not changed after the process of step S3204 is executed and the special symbol display control data for the stop symbol display is set, the latest special symbol display control data is displayed in the display control process of step S22. Based on this, the latest stop symbol is stopped and displayed until the next variable display is started. If the value of the special symbol process flag is 2 or 3 in step S3201 (that is, if either the display result designation command transmission process or the special symbol variation process), the special symbol variation display is performed. The special symbol display control data may be updated. In this case, the display result designation command transmission process also varies in order to prevent a deviation between the variation time recognized on the game control microcomputer 560 side and the variation time recognized on the effect control microcomputer 100 side. What is necessary is just to comprise so that 1 may subtract a time timer.

  In this embodiment, the special symbol display control data is set in the output buffer according to the value of the special symbol process flag. However, in the special symbol process, the start flag is set at the start of the variation of the special symbol. In addition, an end flag may be set at the end of the variation of the special symbol. In the special symbol display control process (step S36), the CPU 56 starts updating the value of the special symbol display control data based on the start flag being set, and based on the end flag being set. Thus, special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the stop symbol may be set.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, effect control CPU 101) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 4 ms) is performed (step S701). . Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring a timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S705). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 performs the fourth symbol process (step S706). In the 4th symbol process, the process corresponding to the current control state (4th symbol process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and the 4th symbol display areas 9c and 9d of the effect display device 9 are selected. The display control of the 4th symbol is executed.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes a random number update process for updating the count value of the counter for generating a random number such as a jackpot symbol determining random number (step S707).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 suddenly generates a probable big hit or a small hit when the game state is a normal state (a state that is neither a probability change state nor a short time state), and shifts to the probability change latent mode to start the first probability change suggestion effect. A number setting process for setting the initial value of the number of times of change after that (hereinafter referred to as a predetermined number of times) and the number of times of change after the probability variation suggestion effect (hereinafter referred to as a specific number of times) is executed (step S708). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer of a ring buffer type capable of storing six 2-byte configuration effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIGS. 8 and 9) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is.

  28 to 31 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis process (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

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

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

  If the received effect control command is a display result designation command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 sets a display result designation command reception flag (step S618A). Further, the effect control CPU 101 stores the received display result designation command (display result 1 designation command to display result 5 designation command) in a display result designation command storage area formed in the RAM (step S618B).

  If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S619), the effect control CPU 101 sets a confirmed command reception flag (step S620).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot start 1 designation command or a jackpot start 2 designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag or a jackpot start 2 designation command reception flag ( Step S622). If the received effect control command is a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets a small hit / sudden probability change big hit start designation command reception flag (step S624).

  In this embodiment, the big hit start 1 designation command reception flag, big hit start 2 designation command reception flag, and the small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command reception flag set in steps S622 and S624 are designated as fanfare flags. Also called.

  If the received effect control command is the first symbol variation designation command (step S625), the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S626). If the received effect control command is the second symbol variation designation command (step S627), the second symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S628).

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

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

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 1 designation command (step S641), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag (step S642). If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 2 designation command (step S643), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag (step S644). If the received effect control command is a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command (step S645), the effect control CPU 101 sets a small hit / sudden probability change big hit end designation command reception flag (step S646).

  If the received effect control command is the first reserved memory number addition designation command (step S651), the effect control CPU 101 adds 1 to the value of the first reserved memory number stored in the first reserved memory number storage area ( Step S652). Further, the production control CPU 101 updates the display of the first reserved memory number in the first reserved memory display unit 18c in accordance with the updated first reserved memory number (step S653).

  If the received effect control command is the second reserved memory number addition designation command (step S654), the effect control CPU 101 adds 1 to the value of the second reserved memory number stored in the second reserved memory number storage area ( Step S655). Further, the production control CPU 101 updates the display of the second reserved memory number in the second reserved memory display unit 18d in accordance with the updated second reserved memory number (step S656).

  If the received effect control command is the first reserved memory number subtraction designation command (step S657), the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the first reserved memory number stored in the first reserved memory number storage area ( Step S658). Further, the production control CPU 101 updates the display of the first reserved memory number in the first reserved memory display unit 18c in accordance with the updated first reserved memory number (step S659).

  If the received effect control command is the second reserved memory number subtraction designation command (step S660), the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the second reserved memory number stored in the second reserved memory number storage area ( Step S661). Further, the production control CPU 101 updates the display of the second reserved memory number on the second reserved memory display unit 18d according to the updated second reserved memory number (step S662).

  If the received effect control command is a customer waiting demonstration designation command (step S663), the effect control CPU 101 sets a customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag (step S663A). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to display a predetermined customer waiting demonstration screen on the effect display device 9 (step S664). In addition, the customer waiting demonstration designation screen is not displayed immediately based on the reception of the customer waiting demonstration designation command, but a predetermined elapsed time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed after the reception of the customer waiting demonstration designation command. The display of the customer waiting demonstration screen may be started. Further, the production control CPU 101 clears the first reserved memory number stored in the first reserved memory number storage area and the second reserved memory number stored in the second reserved memory number storage area (step S665). That is, when the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received and the customer waiting demonstration screen is displayed, both the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number are 0, and the variable display is not executed. Reset the number of pending storage to be stored. Even if the processing of step S665 is executed and the production control microcomputer 100 is in a state in which the addition or subtraction omission of the reserved memory number occurs and the erroneous reserved memory number is recognized, the reserved memory is stored. Can be reset to return to the normal state.

  If the received effect control command is a normal state background designation command (step S666), the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the probability change latency flag indicating that the probability change latency mode is set is set (step S667). ). If the probability change latency flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 changes the background screen displayed on the effect display device 9 to a background screen corresponding to the probability change latency mode (for example, a yellow display color background screen) (step). S668). If the probability variation latent flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 changes the background screen displayed on the effect display device 9 to a background screen corresponding to the normal state (for example, a blue display color background screen) (step S669). ). Further, if set, the effect control CPU 101 resets a probability change state flag indicating that the game state is a probability change state and a time reduction state flag indicating that the game state is a time reduction state (step S670).

  If the received effect control command is a time-short state background designation command (step S671), the effect control CPU 101 displays the background screen displayed on the effect display device 9 as a background screen corresponding to the time-short state (for example, a green display). Color background screen) (step S672). In addition, the effect control CPU 101 sets a time reduction state flag (step S673).

  If the received effect control command is a probability change state background designation command (step S674), the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the probability change latency flag is set (step S675). If the probability change latency flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 changes the background screen displayed on the effect display device 9 to a background screen corresponding to the probability change latency mode (for example, a yellow display color background screen) (step). S676). If the probability change latency flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 changes the background screen displayed on the effect display device 9 to a background screen (for example, a red display color background screen) according to the probability change state (step S677). ). Further, the effect control CPU 101 sets a probability variation state flag (step S678).

  If the received effect control command is another command, effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S679). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the number setting process (step S708) in the main process shown in FIG. In the number-of-times setting process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the value of the effect control process flag used in the effect control process to be described later is 0 (step S1601). If the value of the effect control process flag is 0, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not an operation detection signal is input from the stick controller 122 or the push button 120 (step S1602). If an operation detection signal has been input, a number setting screen for prompting a setting operation of a predetermined number of times or a specific number of initial values is displayed on the effect display device 9 (step S1603).

  The fact that the value of the effect control process flag is 0 means that, as will be described later, in the effect control process processing, the variation pattern command reception waiting process is in progress, so that the effect symbol variation display is not executed and the jackpot game This is when the state is not controlled. Therefore, in this embodiment, when an operation from the stick controller 122 or the push button 120 is detected when the variation display of the effect symbol is not executed and the game is not in the big hit game state, the predetermined number of times or the specific number is specified. In step S1603, the initial value of the number of times is set, and the number of times setting screen is displayed.

  The timing of setting the initial value of the predetermined number of times or the specific number of times is not limited to that shown in this embodiment, for example, after a predetermined elapsed period has elapsed since the state is neither variable nor big hit game. Alternatively, it may be set according to an operation from the stick controller 122 or the push button 120. Further, for example, a gaming machine may be configured to input a predetermined password at the start of a game, and an initial value of a predetermined number or a specific number may be set at the start timing of the game.

  Next, the CPU 101 for effect control confirms whether or not the plan B is selected as the selection plan of the initial value of the predetermined number of times and the specific number of times based on the operation detection signal from the stick controller 122 or the push button 120 (step S1604). ).

  In this embodiment, for example, in step S1603, a number setting screen including plan A and plan B is displayed as a selection plan of initial values of a predetermined number of times and a specific number of times, and the player tilts the stick controller 122. To select Plan A or Step B. In this case, the CPU 101 for effect control confirms whether Plan A or Plan B is selected based on the operation detection signal from the tilt direction sensor unit 123. Then, the player performs an operation for determining the currently selected selection plan by pressing the push button 120. In this case, the CPU 101 for effect control confirms whether or not the determination operation has been performed by the player based on the operation detection signal from the push sensor 124.

  It should be noted that the method of selecting the selection plan of the initial value of the predetermined number of times and the specific number of times is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, the game machine is provided with a jog dial, and the plan A or the plan B is selected according to the operation of the jog dial, or the determination operation by the player is performed based on the pressing operation of the trigger button 122 of the stick controller 122. You may make it judge that it was performed.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case of selecting from two types of plan A and plan B as the selection plan of the initial value of the predetermined number of times and the specific number of times is selected. You may comprise.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where the initial value of both the predetermined number and the specific number of times can be set is shown, but only the initial value of either the predetermined number of times or the specific number of times can be set. The other initial value may be a fixed value.

  If Plan B is selected (Y in Step S1604), the production control CPU 101 sets the value for Plan B as the initial value of the predetermined number of times and the specific number of times (Step S1608).

  If the plan B is not selected, the presentation control CPU 101 determines whether the plan A is selected as the selection plan for the initial value of the predetermined number of times and the specific number of times based on the operation detection signal from the stick controller 122 or the push button 120. (Step S1605). If Plan A is selected (Y in Step S1605), the production control CPU 101 sets a value for Plan A as the initial value of the predetermined number of times and the specific number of times (Step S1607).

  If Plan A is not selected, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not a predetermined standby period (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed (step S1606). If the predetermined waiting period has not elapsed, the process returns to step S1604, and the processes after step S1604 are repeatedly executed. If the predetermined waiting period has elapsed (Y in step S1606), the process proceeds to step S1607, and the production control CPU 101 sets the value for plan A as the initial value of the predetermined number of times and the specific number of times (step S1607). . Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the number setting screen is displayed, if no operation is performed for a predetermined waiting period (for example, 10 seconds), a value for plan A is set as a default.

  FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the initial value of the predetermined number of times and the specific number of times set in the number of times setting process (step S708). As shown in FIG. 33, in this embodiment, when the plan A is selected in the number setting process (step S708) (including the case where the operation is not performed and is selected as a default), the initial value of the predetermined number of times is used. 50 times is set, and 20 times is set as the initial value of the specific number of times. When the plan B is selected, 60 is set as the initial value of the predetermined number of times, and 10 is set as the initial value of the specific number of times. Note that the initial value of the predetermined number of times and the specific number of times shown in this embodiment is an example, and various values can be set as the initial value of the predetermined number of times and the specific number of times.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs any one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled and variable display of the effect symbols is realized. Control related to the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol is also executed in one effect control process. It should be noted that the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol and the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the second special symbol may be executed by separate effect control process processing. Good. Further, in this case, it may be determined which special symbol variation display is being executed depending on which representation control process processing is performing the variation display of the representation symbol.

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

  Production symbol variation start processing (step S801): Control is performed so that the variation of the production symbol is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802).

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

  Effect symbol variation stop processing (step S803): Control is performed to stop the variation of the effect symbol and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Big hit display process (step S804): When the big hit is reached, after the variation time is over, the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a screen for notifying the occurrence of the big hit. In the case of a small hit, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 9 of the occurrence of the small hit after the end of the variation time. For example, when a fanfare designation command designating the start of a big hit is received, a fanfare effect is executed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the in-round processing (step S805).

  In-round processing (step S805): Display control during round is performed. For example, if a display command indicating that the special winning opening is open is received, the display control of the number of rounds is performed.

  Post-round processing (step S806): Display control between rounds is performed. For example, when a display command after opening the big prize opening indicating that the big prize opening is after being opened (closed), an interval display is performed.

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

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 first reads a variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S8001). Next, the CPU 101 for effect control displays the display result (stop) of the effect symbol according to the variation pattern command read in step S8001 and the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command). (Design) is determined (step S8002). That is, when the CPU 101 for effect control executes the process of step S8002, the display result of the variable display of the identification information (stop of the effect symbol) according to the variable display pattern (variation pattern) determined by the variable display pattern determination means. A display result determining means for determining (design) is realized. When the pseudo-ream is specified by the variation pattern command, the effect control CPU 101 does not reach the chance symbol symbol (for example, “223” or “445”) as the temporary stop symbol in the pseudo-ream. The combination of the big hit symbol of the object and the symbol in which one symbol is shifted) is also determined. The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined effect stop symbols in the effect symbol display result storage area.

  FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 37, when the received display result designation command indicates a normal jackpot (when the received display result designation command is a display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses the stop design as a stop symbol. A combination of effect symbols in which the three symbols are even-numbered symbols (a stop symbol that usually reminds of the occurrence of a big hit) is determined. When the received display result designation command indicates a probable big hit (when the received display result designation command is a display result 3 designation command), the production control CPU 101 uses odd symbols (probability variation) as 3 symbols as stop symbols. The combination of effect symbols arranged in a stop symbol reminiscent of the occurrence of a big hit) is determined. And in the case of detachment (when the received display result designation command is a display result 1 designation command), a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols (reach symbols) in which two left and right symbols are aligned is determined. As shown in FIG. 37, when the received display result designation command suddenly shows a probable big hit or small hit (the received display result designation command is a display result 4 designation command to a display result 5 designation command). ), The effect control CPU 101 determines a combination of effect symbols such as “135” as the stop symbol.

  The combination of the three symbols derived and displayed on the effect display device 9 is the “stop symbol” of the effect symbol. The effect control CPU 101 determines that the winning symbol is a stop symbol by specifying that it is a big hit, disappointment, suddenly probable big hit or small hit based on the variation pattern command, not the display result designation command. It may be. For example, when the variation control command for big hit is received, the effect control CPU 101 determines a big hit symbol with the same symbols on the left and right sides, and suddenly receives a variation pattern command for a probable big hit / small hit. Determines a stop symbol such as “135”, and when a variation pattern command for deviation is received, a symbol other than these may be determined.

  The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining the stop symbol, and uses the stop symbol determination table in which the data indicating the combination of effect symbols and numerical values are associated with each other to generate the stop symbol of the effect symbol. decide. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating the combination of effect symbols corresponding to the numerical value matching the extracted random number.

  As for the effect symbols, a stop symbol that recalls a big hit is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol reminiscent of a probable big hit is called a probable big hit symbol, and a stop symbol reminiscent of a normal big hit is called a normal big hit symbol. And a stop symbol that reminds of a loss is called a loss symbol.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes a notice effect (for example, a step-up notice effect, a motif display notice effect, a group notice effect, a button notice effect, a mini character notice effect) on the effect display device 9 during the variation display of the effect symbol. The notice effect setting process for determining whether or not to perform or setting the effect aspect of the notice effect is executed (step S8003).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the notice effect when the change pattern or notice effect is executed (step S8004). In step S8004, if the CPU 101 for effect control is in the execution period of the probability change suggestion effect (specifically, if the probability change suggestion effect execution flag to be described later is set), the effect control CPU 101 responds to the probability change suggestion effect. Select the process table. Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S8005).

  FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process data set in the process table (step S8006). The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. The display control execution data includes, for example, data indicating each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbol (display of the effect display device 9 in addition to the display mode of the effect symbol) (Including other aspects of the screen) Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. Further, the production time in the production mode is set in the process timer set value. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table, displays the effect design in the form set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value, and displays the character image or background displayed on the display screen. Control to display. In addition, the flashing of the light emitter is controlled in a manner set in the lamp control execution data and the sound number data, and the sound output from the speaker 27 is controlled.

  The process table shown in FIG. 38 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. The process table is prepared according to the contents of each variation pattern and notice effect. If it is determined in step S8016 to execute the notice effect, the data corresponding to the notice effect is set, the process table is selected, and it is not determined to execute the notice effect. The process table for which data corresponding to the notice effect is not set is selected.

  Also, in the process table used when effect control is executed for a variation pattern with reach effect, the left symbol is stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variation, and the right symbol is stopped when a predetermined time further elapses. Process data indicating that it is to be displayed is set. In addition, instead of setting the symbols to be stopped and displayed in the process table, an image for displaying the symbols is synthesized and generated according to the determined stop symbol, the temporary stop symbol in the pseudo-ream and the sliding effect. May be.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command in the variation time timer (step S8007).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 counts the number of fluctuations (predetermined number) after the game state is in the normal state and a sudden probability change big hit or small hit occurs and shifts to the probability change latent mode and starts the first probability change suggestion effect. Whether or not the value of the counter for the predetermined number of times is 0 is confirmed (step S8008). If the value of the predetermined number counter is not 0, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the predetermined number counter (step S8009).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the value of the specific number counter for counting the number of fluctuations (specific number) after the probability variation suggesting effect is ended is 0 (step S8010). If the value of the specific number counter is not 0, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the specific number counter (step S8011).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the value of the probability variation suggestion number counter for counting the number of changes since the start of the probability suggestion effect is 0 (step S8012). If the value of the probability change suggestion number counter is not 0, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the probability change suggestion number counter (step S8013).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802) (step S8014).

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol changing process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S8101) and subtracts 1 from the value of the change time timer (step S8102).

  In addition, when the process timer times out (step S8103), the effect control CPU 101 switches the process data. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S8104). Further, the control state for the effect device (effect part) is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S8105).

  Then, if the change time timer has timed out (step S8106), the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change stop process (step S803) (step S8107).

  40 to 43 are flowcharts showing the effect symbol fluctuation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a stop symbol display flag indicating that a stop symbol of the effect symbol is being displayed is set (step S8601). If the stop symbol display flag is set, the CPU 101 for effect control proceeds to step S8605. In this embodiment, as described later, when a big hit symbol is displayed as a stop symbol of the effect symbol, a stop symbol display flag is set in step S8604. When the fanfare effect is executed, the stop symbol display flag is reset in step S8606. Therefore, the fact that the stop symbol display flag is set in step S8601 is a stage where the fanfare effect has not yet been executed although the big hit symbol or the small hit symbol has been stopped, so the stop symbol of the effect symbol in step S8602 is not yet executed. The process shifts to step S8605 without repeatedly executing the process of displaying.

  If the stop symbol display flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to stop and display the stored stop symbol (disconnected symbol, big hit symbol (including suddenly probable big hit symbol), or small hit symbol). (Step S8602). The production control CPU 101 may perform control to stop and display the production symbol in response to the reception of the symbol confirmation designation command from the game control microcomputer 560.

  Next, when the big hit symbol or the small hit symbol is displayed in step S8602 (Y in step S8603), the effect control CPU 101 sets a stop symbol display flag (step S8604) and a fanfare flag (a big hit start 1 designation command). It is checked whether a reception flag, big hit start 2 designation command reception flag, or small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command reception flag) is set (step S8605). When the fanfare flag is set (Y in step S8605), the effect control CPU 101 resets the stop symbol display flag (step S8606) and selects process data corresponding to the fanfare effect (step S8607). Then, the process timer is started (step S8608).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not there is a sudden probability big hit or small hit (step S8609). Note that whether or not the sudden probability change big hit or small hit can be determined by confirming the display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area. If it is sudden probability big hit or small hit, the CPU 101 for effect control confirms whether or not the probability change suggestion execution flag indicating that the probability change suggestion is being executed is set (step S8610).

  The “probability change suggestion effect” is an effect that suggests whether or not the game state is a probability change state while it is difficult to recognize whether the game state is a probability change state or not. In this embodiment, when the probability change suggestion effect is executed, the effect display device 9 displays the predetermined character for the probability change suggestion effect, and the effect that the predetermined items gradually increase. Is executed. In this case, the rate of increase in the number of items is higher in the probability variation state than in the normal state, and the expectation for the probability variation state is increased by accumulating more items. be able to. In this embodiment, when the probability variation suggestion is started, the probability variation suggestion is continued until the fifteenth variation display is finished, and the number of items can be increased to a maximum of five. Further, in this embodiment, even after the probability variation suggestion effect is finished, the probability variation suggestion effect may be resumed before the predetermined number of times or the specific number of times the variable display is finished.

  If the probability change suggestion execution flag is set (that is, if the probability change suggestion effect is being executed), the effect control CPU 101 counts the number of changes since the start of the probability change suggestion effect. It is checked whether or not the value of the number counter is 0 (step S8611). If the value of the probability change suggestion number counter is 0 (that is, if the execution period of the probability change suggestion effect has ended, the effect control CPU 101 determines the character for the probability change suggestion effect from the display screen of the effect display device 9. Then, the item is deleted, and the probability change suggestion effect ends (step S8612), and the effect control CPU 101 resets the probability change suggestion effect execution flag (step S8613).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 sets an initial value in a specific number counter for counting the number of fluctuations (specific number) after the probability variation suggestion is finished (step S8614). In this case, when Plan A is selected as the number-of-times setting process in Step S708, the effect control CPU 101 sets “20” in the specific number counter in Step S8614. If Plan B is selected as the number-of-times setting process in step S708, the effect control CPU 101 sets “10” in the specific number counter in step S8614. Then, control goes to a step S8617.

  If the value of the probability variation suggestion number counter is not 0 in step S8611 (that is, if the execution period of the probability variation suggestion effect has not ended), the effect control CPU 101 increases the number of items to be displayed in the probability change suggestion effect. Whether to change the number of items to be displayed is executed (step S8615). Then, control goes to a step S8617.

  In step S8609, if neither sudden change sudden hit nor small hit is sudden (that is, if it is a normal big hit or a probable big hit), if the production control CPU 101 is set, the probability change latency flag, The probability variation suggestion execution flag, the predetermined number counter, the specific number counter, the probability variation suggestion number counter, and the item number counter described later are reset (step S8616). Then, control goes to a step S8617.

  In this embodiment, the probability variation latency flag is reset and the probability variation latency mode is reset at the timing before the winning prize opening opening control is started at the end of the variation display that has become the normal big hit or the probability variation big hit by the processing of step S8616. However, the present invention is not limited to the control method shown in this embodiment. For example, after ending the fluctuation display that is normally a big hit or a probable big hit, at the timing when the opening control of the big prize opening by the big hit game is completed, the probable latent flag is reset and the probable latent mode is ended. Good. Alternatively, the probability variation latency mode may be terminated at the timing when the variation display for a predetermined number of variations (for example, 100 times) is terminated after suddenly the probability variation big hit or small hit is suddenly shifted to the probability variation latency mode. .

  Next, in step S8617, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) (step S8617). However, if it is a small hit, it is not a big hit, so the big hit display process (step S804) to the big hit end effect process (step S807) is not executed but set in step S8607. It is preferable that an effect corresponding to the small hit game is executed over a predetermined effect period in accordance with the process data, and the process returns to the variation pattern command reception waiting process in step S800.

  If the probability change suggestion effect execution flag is not set in step S8610 (if the probability change suggestion effect is not being executed), the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the probability change latent flag is set (step S8618). If the probability variation latency flag is set (that is, if the probability variation latency mode is in effect), the production control CPU 101 first switches to the probability variation latency mode when the gaming state is a normal state and a sudden probability big hit or little hit occurs. It is checked whether or not the value of the predetermined number counter for counting the number of fluctuations (predetermined number) since the start of the certain change suggestion effect is 0 (step S8619). If the value of the predetermined number counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S8621. If the value of the predetermined number counter is 0, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the specific number counter is 0 (step S8620). If the value of the specific number counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S8621. On the other hand, if the value of the specific number counter is 0 (in this case, both the value of the predetermined number counter and the value of the specific number counter are 0), the process proceeds to step S8627.

  By executing the processing of steps S8619 and S8620, in this embodiment, when a sudden probability change big hit or small hit occurs during the probability change latent mode, the number of fluctuations is within a predetermined number or within a specific number of times. Depending on the condition, the processing from step S8621 onward may be executed, and the probable change suggestion effect may be resumed.

  When at least one value of the predetermined number counter or the specific number counter is not 0, the effect control CPU 101 has the maximum value of the item number counter for counting the number of items to be displayed in the probability suggestion effect. It is confirmed whether it is 5 (step S8621). Note that the value of the item number counter is updated in the item number changing process executed in steps S8615 and S8639. Further, in this embodiment, the value of the item number counter is maintained without being reset until the probability variation latent mode is terminated even after the probability variation suggestion effect is terminated (see step S8616).

  If the value of the item counter is 5, the process proceeds to step S8621. In other words, the value of the item number counter being 5 has already increased the number of items up to 5 in the probable change suggestion effect that was previously executed, so the number of fluctuations is within a predetermined number or within a specific number of times. Even so, the process after step S8622 is not executed and the probability variation suggestion effect is not resumed. In addition, even if it is a case where the number of items has been increased to the maximum number of 5 in the probability variation suggestion that has already been executed last time, the probability variation suggestion may be configured to be resumable.

  If the value of the item counter is not 5, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether the value of the item counter is 4 (step S8622). If the value of the item number counter is not 4, the effect control CPU 101 adds 1 to the value of the item number counter (step S8623).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 displays the probability variation suggestion character on the display screen of the effect display device 9, displays the number of items indicated by the value of the current item number counter, and resumes the probability variation suggestion effect. (Step S8624). Further, the effect control CPU 101 sets a probability change suggestion effect execution flag (step S8625), and sets 15 as an initial value of the probability change suggestion effect counter for counting the number of fluctuations after the start of the probability change suggestion effect. (Step S8626). Then, control goes to a step S8617.

  By executing the processing of steps S8622 to S8626, in this embodiment, even after the probability variation suggestion effect is finished, the probability variation latent mode is in progress and the number of fluctuations is within a predetermined number or within a specific number of times. Probability suggestion resumption is resumed on condition that sudden change big hit or small win has occurred suddenly within the period. In this case, in particular, when the probability change suggestion effect is restarted on the condition that the sudden probability big hit or the small hit is generated by the processing in step S8623, the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion effect is increased by one. Probability suggestion resumption is resumed. However, if four items have already been displayed in the previous probability change suggestion effect, if you restart from the state where it has been increased by one, the probability change suggestion effect will start from the state where the number of items is suddenly the maximum number of five. Since four items have already been displayed in the previous probability change suggestion effect by executing the process in step S8622, the probability change suggestion is maintained from the state in which the previous item number 4 is maintained. The production is resumed.

  In this embodiment, the probability variation suggestion number counter is uniformly set to 15 and the probability variation suggestion effect is continued until the 15th variation display ends, but this embodiment shows the case. It can't be limited to things. For example, another initial value such as 10 or 20 may be set in the probability variation suggestion number counter, and the number of times of the probability variation suggestion effect may be set in the number setting process in step S708. Also, depending on the conditions for resuming the probable suggestion effect (for example, whether to restart the probable suggestion effect as a result of the lottery process, or to restart the probable suggestion effect based on the sudden occurrence of big odds or small hits), The number of continuations of the probable change suggestion may be varied.

  If the probability variation latency flag is not set in step S8618 (that is, not in the probability variation latency mode), the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the probability variation state flag is set (step S8627). If the certain change state flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the time reduction state flag is set (step S8628). If the short-time state flag is not set (that is, if the gaming state is the normal state), the production control CPU 101 sets the probability variation latency flag (step S8629) and shifts to the probability variation latency mode.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 displays a probability change suggestion character on the display screen of the effect display device 9, and starts a probability change suggestion effect (step S8630). Further, the effect control CPU 101 sets a probability change suggestion effect execution flag (step S8631), and sets 15 as an initial value of the probability change suggestion number-of-times counter (step S8632).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 sets an initial value to the predetermined number of times counter (step S8633). In this case, when Plan A is selected as the number-of-times setting process in Step S708, the effect control CPU 101 sets “50” in the predetermined number of times counter in Step S8633. If Plan B is selected as the number-of-times setting process in step S708, the effect control CPU 101 sets “60” in the predetermined number counter in step S8633. Then, control goes to a step S8617.

  By executing the processing of steps S 8627 to S 8633, in this embodiment, when the gaming state is the normal state, a transition to the probability variation latent mode is made on condition that sudden variation big hit or small hit has occurred. , Probability suggestion production is started. In this embodiment, the probability variation suggestion effect that is executed first when the mode is changed to the probability variation latent mode only shows the character for the probability variation suggestion effect and the number of items displayed is zero. For example, the mode of the probability change suggestion effect executed first at the time of the transition to the probability change latent mode, such as starting the probability change suggestion effect from the state where the number of items displayed is 1, is not limited to that shown in this embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the process of steps S8627 to S8629 is executed, so that the probability variation latent mode is started based on the fact that the probability variation big hit or the small hit suddenly occurs in the normal state. In this case, if the probability variation latent mode is started based on the sudden occurrence of probability variation big hit in the normal state, the probability variation state background is specified when starting the first variation display after starting the probability variation latent mode. The probability variation state flag is set based on the reception of the command (see steps S674 and S678), and the state is recognized as the probability variation state internally (however, in this case, the probability variation latency flag is set). Based on that, it is switched to the background screen corresponding to the probability variation latent mode, and it cannot be visually recognized whether or not it is in the probability variation state (see steps S675 and S676). Also, if the probability variation latency mode is started based on the occurrence of a small hit in the normal state, the normal state background designation command is issued when starting the first variation display after the probability variation latency mode is started. Since it is received, the probability variation state flag is not set (see steps S666 and S670), and is in a state in which the normal state is recognized internally (however, in this case, the probability variation latent flag is set based on the fact that it is set). Thus, the background screen corresponding to the probability variation latency mode is switched, and it is not possible to visually recognize whether or not the state is the probability variation state (see steps S667 and S668).

  Next, in the case where neither the big hit symbol nor the small hit symbol is displayed in step S8602 (that is, when the off symbol is displayed: N in step S8603), the CPU 101 for effect control has the probability change suggestion effect execution flag set? It is confirmed whether or not (step S8634). If the probability change suggestion effect execution flag is set (that is, if the probability change suggestion effect is being executed), the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the probability change suggestion number-of-times counter is 0 ( Step S8635). If the value of the probability change suggestion number counter is 0 (that is, if the execution period of the probability change suggestion effect has ended), the effect control CPU 101 uses the display screen of the effect display device 9 for the probability change suggestion effect. The character and the item are deleted, and the probability change suggestion is ended (step S8636). In addition, the effect control CPU 101 resets the probability change suggestion effect execution flag (step S8637).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 sets an initial value in the specific number counter (step S8638). In this case, when plan A is selected as the number-of-times setting process in step S708, the effect control CPU 101 sets “20” in the specific number counter in step S8638. If Plan B is selected as the number-of-times setting process in Step S708, the effect control CPU 101 sets “10” in the specific number counter in Step S8638. Then, the process proceeds to step S8648.

  If the value of the probability variation suggestion number counter is not 0 in step S8635 (that is, if the execution period of the probability variation suggestion effect has not ended), the effect control CPU 101 executes an item number change process (step S8639). Then, the process proceeds to step S8648.

  If the probability change suggestion effect execution flag is not set in step S8634 (if the probability change suggestion effect is not being executed), the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the probability change latent flag is set (step S8640). If the probability variation latency flag is set (that is, in the probability variation latency mode), the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the value of the counter of the predetermined number of times is 0 (step S8641). When the value of the predetermined number of times counter is not 0, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the value of the item number counter is 5 which is the maximum value (step S8642).

  If the value of the item counter is 5, the process proceeds to step S8648. In other words, the value of the item number counter being 5 means that the number of items has been increased to the maximum number of 5 in the probable change suggestion effect that was previously executed, so even if the number of fluctuations is within a predetermined number of times. In addition, the process after step S8643 is not executed, and the probability change suggestion effect is not resumed. In addition, even if it is a case where the number of items has been increased to the maximum number of 5 in the probability variation suggestion that has already been executed last time, the probability variation suggestion may be configured to be resumable.

  If the value of the item number counter is not 5, the effect control CPU 101 performs a lottery process using a random number for determining whether or not to restart the probability change suggestion effect, and determines whether or not to restart the probability change suggestion effect. Determination is made (step S8643). In this embodiment, in step S8643, for example, the effect control CPU 101 determines to resume the probability suggestion effect at a rate of 20%.

  When it is decided to resume the probability change suggestion effect (Y in step S8644), the effect control CPU 101 displays the character for the probability change suggestion effect on the display screen of the effect display device 9, and the current item number counter. The number of items indicated by the value of is displayed, and the probability change suggesting effect is resumed (step S8645). Further, the effect control CPU 101 sets a probability change suggestion effect execution flag (step S8646), and sets 15 as an initial value of the probability change suggestion effect number counter (step S8647). Then, the process proceeds to step S8648.

  By executing the processing of steps S8640 to S8647, in this embodiment, even after the probability variation suggestion effect is finished, in the variation display within the certain variation latent mode and the variation number is within the predetermined number of times, Probability suggestion resumption is resumed at a rate of 20% by lottery. Moreover, in this embodiment, when restarting the probability change suggestion effect based on the lottery process, the probability change suggestion effect is restarted from the state in which the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion effect is maintained. .

  Next, in step S8648, the effect control CPU 101 resets a predetermined flag (step S8648). For example, the effect control CPU 101 resets a command reception flag such as a display result designation command reception flag. The effect control CPU 101 may reset the command reception flag immediately after being referred to in the effect control process or the fourth symbol process (for example, as shown in step S811 in FIG. 35, the variation pattern). The fluctuation pattern command reception flag may be reset immediately after confirming the command reception flag). Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S8649).

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the item number changing process in steps S8615 and S8639. In the item number changing process, the production control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the value of the item number counter is 5 (step S1501). If the value of the item counter is 5, the process is terminated as it is. That is, since the number of items displayed during the probability suggestion effect has already reached the maximum number of 5, the number of items displayed is not increased any further without proceeding to step S1502.

  If the value of the item counter is not 5, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the probability variation state flag is set (step S1502). If the probability variation state flag is set (that is, if the probability variation state is in effect), the effect control CPU 101 uses the probability variation as a table for determining whether or not to increase the number of items displayed in the probability variation suggestion effect. A state item number increase determination table is selected (step S1503). If the probability change state flag is not set (that is, in the normal state), the effect control CPU 101 is normally used as a table for determining whether or not to increase the number of items displayed in the probability change suggestion effect. A state item number increase determination table is selected (step S1504).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 uses the item number increase determination table selected in steps S1503 and S1504, and uses a random number to determine whether to increase the number of displayed items in the probable change suggestion effect. Processing is performed to determine whether or not to increase the number of items displayed in the probable suggestion effect (step S1505).

  FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of the item number increase determination table. Among these, FIG. 45A shows a specific example of the item number increase determination table for probability variation state selected in step S1503. FIG. 45B shows a specific example of the item number increase determination table for the normal state selected in step S1504. As shown in FIG. 45, in this embodiment, when the item number increase determination table for the normal state is used, it is determined that the number of items is increased by 1 at a rate of 5%, whereas the probability variation state When the item number increase determination table is used, it is determined that the number of items is increased by one at a rate of 10%. Therefore, when the gaming state is controlled to the probability change state, the rate of increase in the number of items displayed during the probability change suggestion effect is higher than when the gaming state is controlled to the normal state.

  If it is determined that the number of items displayed during the probable change effect is to be increased (Y in step S1506), the effect control CPU 101 adds 1 to the value of the item number counter (step S1507). Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the number of items displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9 to the number indicated by the value of the item number counter after the addition (step S1508). That is, the number of items displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9 is increased by one.

  In this embodiment, although the rate of increase in the number of items displayed during the probability suggestion effect is lower in the normal state than in the case of the probability change state, the item display is possible even in the normal state. Although the case where the number reaches the maximum number of 5 is shown, it may be configured such that the display number of the item can reach the maximum number of 5 only when the probability is changed. In this case, when the number of items displayed reaches the maximum number of 5, the probability change state is notified (for example, the display color of the background screen is changed to red), and the probability change latent mode is terminated. May be.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (step S804) in the effect control process. In the jackpot display process, the effect control CPU 101 first determines whether or not the big winning opening open flag indicating that the big winning opening open display command has been received is set (that is, the big winning opening at the start of round 1). Whether or not a display command during opening has been received is confirmed (step S901). When the special winning opening open flag is not set (N in step S901), the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S902), and the effect device (effect display) Control of the apparatus 9, the speaker 27, the frame LED 28, etc.) is executed (step S903). For example, the effect display device 9 displays a jackpot symbol and performs an effect of displaying characters or characters indicating that a jackpot has occurred.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S904), and if the process timer has timed out, switches the process data (step S905). That is, the process data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data) set next in the process table is switched. Then, the process timer setting value in the next process data is set in the process timer and the process timer is started (step S906).

  When the big prize opening open flag is set (Y in step S901), the effect control CPU 101 selects an effect during the round based on the contents of the big prize opening open display command (step S907). Next, the effect control CPU 101 resets the special winning opening open flag (step S908), and selects process data corresponding to the effect during round selected in step S907 (step S909). Then, the process timer is started (step S910), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the mid-round process (step S805) (step S911).

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end effect process (step S807) in the effect control process. In the jackpot end effect process, the effect control CPU 101 first subtracts 1 from the value of the effect period measurement timer for measuring the effect period of the ending effect executed at the end of the jackpot game (step S971). The production period measurement timer is set based on the fact that all rounds of the big hit game have been completed, for example, during production during round (see step S805) or post-round processing (see step S806). Next, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the production period measurement timer has timed out (step S972).

  When the production period measurement timer has not timed out (N in step S972), the production control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S973), and the production device (production display device 9) according to the contents of the process data n. , Speaker 27 etc.) is executed (step S974). For example, an effect of displaying that the big hit ends or displaying a predetermined character is executed.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S975), and if the process timer has timed out, switches the process data (step S976). Then, the process timer set value in the next process data is set in the process timer and the process timer is started (step S977).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 resets a predetermined flag (step S978). For example, the effect control CPU 101 resets a command reception flag such as a display result designation command reception flag. Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S979).

  Next, a specific example of the production mode of the probability variation suggestion effect executed during the probability variation latent mode will be described. 48 to 50 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of the production mode of the probability variation suggesting effect. In addition, in FIGS. 48-50, the aspect of an effect screen changes in order of (1) (2) (3) .... When the gaming state is controlled to the normal state (in this case, as shown in FIG. 48 (1), a background screen with a blue display color is displayed as a background screen corresponding to the normal state, and the variation display of the effect symbol is displayed. 48), as shown in FIG. 48 (2), “135” is stopped and displayed as the stop symbol of the production symbol, and when the probability variation big hit or small hit occurs suddenly, the probability variation latency flag is set and the probability variation latency mode is set. The process is started (see steps S8627 to S8629). When the probability variation latent mode is started, for example, as shown in FIG. 48 (3), the character 200 for the probability modification suggestion effect is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9, and the number of items displayed is 0. The certainty suggestion effect is started (see steps S8630 to S8631).

  Next, when the first variation display in the probability variation latency mode is started based on the reception of the variation pattern command, the probability variation latency flag is set as shown in FIG. 48 (3). First, the screen is switched to a background screen corresponding to the probability variation latency mode (for example, a background screen whose display color is yellow) (see steps S668 and S676), and it is difficult to recognize whether or not it is in the probability variation state. Fluctuation display is executed. In addition, based on the fact that the probability change suggestion is being executed, a lottery process for determining whether to increase the number of items displayed during the probability change suggestion effect is executed (see steps S1502 to S1505). The example shown in FIG. 48 (4) shows a case where the first variation display in the probability variation latent mode is terminated without increasing the number of items displayed (with the item number displayed being 0). . In addition, when the probability change suggesting effect is being executed, as shown in FIGS. 48 (3) and (4) (hereinafter FIGS. 48 (5) to (8), FIGS. 49 (9), (10), (15), (16), and FIGS. 50 (17), (18), (23), (24) are also the same), for example, a variation display or stop symbol of the effect symbol is displayed on the upper left of the display screen of the effect display device 9. Reduced display.

  Next, when the second variation display in the probability variation latency mode is started based on the reception of the variation pattern command, the probability variation latency flag is set as shown in FIG. 48 (5). Basically, the display of variation of the effect symbol is executed in a state where a background screen (for example, a background screen whose display color is yellow) corresponding to the probability variation latent mode is continuously displayed. In addition, based on the fact that the probability change suggestion is being executed, a lottery process for determining whether to increase the number of items displayed during the probability change suggestion effect is executed (see steps S1502 to S1505). The example shown in FIG. 48 (6) shows a case where the second variation display in the probability variation latent mode is also terminated without increasing the item display number (with the item display number 0). .

  Next, when the third variation display in the probability variation latency mode is started based on the reception of the variation pattern command, the probability variation latency flag is set as shown in FIG. 48 (7). Basically, the display of variation of the effect symbol is executed in a state where a background screen (for example, a background screen whose display color is yellow) corresponding to the probability variation latent mode is continuously displayed. In addition, based on the fact that the probability change suggestion is being executed, a lottery process for determining whether to increase the number of items displayed during the probability change suggestion effect is executed (see steps S1502 to S1505). In the example shown in FIG. 48 (8), it is decided to increase the number of items displayed, one item 201 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9, and the number of items displayed is increased from 0 to 1. The case where the third variation display in the probability variation latent mode is terminated is shown.

  After that, as shown in FIG. 49 (9), it is assumed that the fifteenth variation display in the certain variation latent mode has been started without increasing the number of items displayed in the certain variation suggestion effect. In this case, as shown in FIG. 49 (10), when the fifteenth variation display is ended, the variation display number after the start of the probability variation suggestion reaches 15 times, and the effect period of the probability variation suggestion ends. It is determined that it has been (see step S8635). Then, the probability change suggestion character 200 and the item 201 are erased from the display screen of the effect display device 9, and the probability change suggestion effect ends (see step S8636).

  Next, based on the fact that the variation pattern command has been received, the probability variation latency flag is set as shown in FIG. 49 (11) when the 16th variation display in the probability variation latency mode is started. Basically, the display of variation of the effect symbol is executed in a state where a background screen (for example, a background screen whose display color is yellow) corresponding to the probability variation latent mode is continuously displayed. However, as shown in FIG. 49 (11), the character or item for the probability variation suggestion effect is not displayed and the normal display mode (reduced) is displayed because the probability variation suggestion effect is ended at the end of the previous variation display. Variation display of the effect symbol is executed in a display mode that is not displayed). Then, as shown in FIG. 49 (12), the stop symbol of the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal display mode, and the 16th variation display in the probability variation latent mode is terminated.

  After that, after displaying the variation pattern multiple times, based on the fact that the variation pattern command has been received, within a predetermined number of times since the probability variation latent mode is started (for example, within 50 times in the case of Plan A, in the case of Plan B) It is assumed that the fluctuation display (within 60 times) has started. In this case, as shown in FIG. 49 (13), a background screen (for example, a background screen whose display color is yellow) corresponding to the probability variation latency mode is continuously displayed based on the fact that the probability variation latency flag is set. In such a state, the effect symbol variation display is executed. However, since the probability change suggestion effect is not being executed, as shown in FIG. 49 (13), the characters and items for the probability change suggestion effect are not displayed, and the normal display mode (display mode not reduced display) is used. A variation display of the effect symbol is executed. Then, as shown in FIG. 49 (14), the stop symbol of the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal display mode, and the variation display within the predetermined number of times during the probability variation latent mode is terminated.

  However, if it is within a predetermined number of times after the probability variation latent mode is started, a lottery process for determining whether or not the probability variation suggestion effect is resumed is executed when the variation display is ended (see steps S8641 and S8643). ). In the example shown in FIG. 49 (14), it is assumed that the result of the lottery process is determined to restart the probability change suggestion effect. In this case, when the variable display is ended, the character 200 for the probable change suggestion effect is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9 in a manner as shown in FIG. The item 201 is displayed by taking over the number of items that have been, and the probability change suggestion effect is resumed (see steps S8643 to S8645). In this example, as shown in FIG. 49 (10), since the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion effect is one, the number of items 1 displayed in the previous probability change suggestion effect is inherited. Probability suggestion production is resumed from the state.

  Next, the probability variation latency flag is set as shown in FIG. 49 (15) when the first variation display after resuming the probability variation suggestion effect is started based on the reception of the variation pattern command. Based on the above, in the state in which the background screen (for example, the background screen whose display color is yellow) corresponding to the probability variation latent mode is continuously displayed, the variation display of the effect symbols is executed. In addition, based on the fact that the probability change suggestion is being executed, a lottery process for determining whether to increase the number of items displayed during the probability change suggestion effect is executed (see steps S1502 to S1505). In the example shown in FIG. 49 (16), the case where the first variation display after resuming the probable change suggestion effect is ended without increasing the number of items displayed (while the number of items displayed is 1) is shown. .

  After that, in one of the variable displays during the reproducibility suggestion effect that has been resumed, the number of items displayed is increased by 1 and the number of items displayed is 2, as shown in FIG. 50 (17). It is assumed that the fifteenth variation display after the resumption of production has started. In this case, as shown in FIG. 50 (18), when the fifteenth fluctuation display is finished, the number of fluctuation displays after the start of the probability change suggestion reaches 15 times, and the effect period of the probability change suggestion ends. It is determined that it has been done (see step S8635). Then, the probability change suggestion character 200 and the two items 201 are deleted from the display screen of the effect display device 9, and the probability change suggestion effect ends (see step S8636).

  Further, after a plurality of fluctuation displays, the probability variation latent mode is started based on the fact that the fluctuation pattern command is received. In this case, it is assumed that the fluctuation display within 60 times) has started. In this case, as shown in FIG. 50 (19), a background screen (for example, a background screen whose display color is yellow) corresponding to the probability variation latency mode is continuously displayed based on the fact that the probability variation latency flag is set. In such a state, the effect symbol variation display is executed. However, since the probability variation suggestion effect is not being executed, as shown in FIG. 50 (19), the characters and items for the probability variation suggestion effect are not displayed, and in a normal display mode (display mode not reduced display). A variation display of the effect symbol is executed. Then, as shown in FIG. 50 (20), the stop symbol of the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal display mode, and the variable display within the predetermined number of times during the probability variation latent mode is ended.

  Then, since the variation display within a predetermined number of times after the probability variation latent mode is started, the probability variation suggestion effect is not resumed by the lottery process (see steps S8641 and S8643).

  Further, after a plurality of fluctuation displays, the fluctuation pattern command is received, and then within a specific number of times after the last probable change suggestion effect is completed (for example, within Plan A, within 20 times, In the case of B, it is assumed that the display of fluctuation (within 10 times) has started. In this case, as shown in FIG. 50 (21), based on the fact that the probability variation latency flag is set, a background screen corresponding to the probability variation latency mode (for example, a background screen with a yellow display color) is displayed. In such a state, the effect symbol variation display is executed. However, since the probability change suggestion effect is not being executed, as shown in FIG. 50 (21), the characters and items for the probability change suggestion effect are not displayed, and the normal display mode (display mode not reduced display) is used. A variation display of the effect symbol is executed. Then, as shown in FIG. 50 (22), the stop symbol of the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal display mode, and the variation display within the specific number of times is ended after the previous probability change suggestion effect is ended.

  However, if it is within a specific number of times since the end of the previous probability change suggestion effect, the probability change suggestion effect is resumed on the condition that a sudden probability big hit or small hit has occurred in the fluctuation display (step S8620, (See S8622 to S8624). In the example shown in FIG. 50 (22), the combination of the symbol “135” is stopped and displayed as the stop symbol of the effect symbol, and the probability variation suggestion suddenly occurs and the probability variation suggestion effect is resumed. ing. In this case, when the variable display is ended, the character 200 for the probable change suggestion effect is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9 in a manner as shown in FIG. The certainty suggestion effect is resumed from the state where the number of items that have been increased by 1 (see steps S8622 to S8624). In this example, as shown in FIG. 50 (18), since the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion effect is two, the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion effect is increased by one. Then, as shown in FIG. 50 (23), the probability change suggestion is resumed from the state where the three items 201 are displayed.

  Next, the probability variation latency flag is set as shown in FIG. 50 (23) when the first variation display after the probability variation suggestion resumption is started based on the reception of the variation pattern command. Based on the above, in the state in which the background screen (for example, the background screen whose display color is yellow) corresponding to the probability variation latent mode is continuously displayed, the variation display of the effect symbols is executed. In addition, based on the fact that the probability change suggestion is being executed, a lottery process for determining whether to increase the number of items displayed during the probability change suggestion effect is executed (see steps S1502 to S1505). In the example shown in FIG. 50 (24), the case where the first variation display after resuming the probable change suggestion effect is ended without increasing the number of items displayed (while the number of items displayed is 1) is shown. .

  Next, the execution timing of the probability change suggestion effect executed during the probability change latent mode will be described. FIG. 51 is a timing chart showing a specific example of the execution timing of the probability change suggestion effect. In the example illustrated in FIG. 51, as an example, the case where the plan A is set in the number setting process in step S708 will be described. That is, a case will be described in which 50 is set as the predetermined number of initial values and 20 is set as the specific number of initial values. Note that when Plan B is set in the number setting process of step S708, the predetermined timing and the specific number of times are the same as in the execution timing of the certainty suggestion effect shown in FIG.

  When the gaming state is controlled to the normal state (in this case, as shown in FIG. 51, a background screen whose display color is blue is displayed as a background screen corresponding to the normal state, and the variation display of the effect symbols is performed. ) When the probability variation big hit or small hit suddenly occurs, the probability variation latent flag is set, and the probability variation latent mode is started (see steps S8627 to S8629). When the probability variation latent mode is started, the probability variation suggestion effect A is started as shown in FIG. 51 (see steps S8630 to S8631). Also, based on the fact that the variation pattern command is received, when the first variation display in the probability variation latency mode is started, as shown in FIG. 51, based on the fact that the probability variation latency flag is set, The screen is switched to a background screen corresponding to the probability variation latency mode (for example, a background screen with a yellow display color) (see steps S668 and S676), and the variation display of the effect design is performed in a state where it is difficult to recognize whether or not the probability variation state is present. Executed.

  When the probability change suggestion effect A is being executed, a lottery process for determining whether or not to increase the number of items displayed in the probability change suggestion effect when each variation display is finished is executed (see steps S1502 to S1505). . In the example shown in FIG. 51, it is determined that the number of items displayed is increased only once in a certain variation display during execution of the probability change suggestion effect A, and the number of items displayed is increased from 0 to 1. ing.

  Thereafter, when the fifteenth variation display in the probability variation latent mode is finished, it is determined that the variation display number after the probability variation suggestion effect A has started reaches fifteen times, and the effect period of the probability variation suggestion effect has ended. As shown in FIG. 51, the probability variation suggesting effect A is terminated (see step S8636). After the probability variation suggestion effect A is finished, the display of the background screen (for example, the background screen whose display color is yellow) corresponding to the probability variation latency mode is continued based on the probability variation latency mode. The suggestion effect is not executed and the item is not displayed.

  On the other hand, after the probability variation suggestion effect A is finished, if it is within a predetermined number of times (in this example, within 50 times) after the probability variation latent mode is started, the probability variation suggestion is displayed when each variation display is terminated. A lottery process for determining whether to resume the performance is executed (see steps S8641 and S8643). Then, as shown in FIG. 51, based on having decided to restart the probability variation suggestion in a certain variation display after the probability variation suggestion effect A is finished, the probability variation suggestion effect (in FIG. 51, the probability variation suggestion effect B). Is resumed. Here, when the probability change suggestion effect is resumed by the lottery process, as shown in FIG. 51, the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion effect A (1 in this example) is taken over, Probability change suggestion effect B is started from the state in which one is displayed (see steps S8643 to S8645).

  Similarly to the case where the probability change suggestion effect A is being executed, when the probability change suggestion effect B is being executed, whether or not to increase the display number of items in the probability change suggestion effect when each variation display is ended. The lottery process is executed (see steps S1502 to S1505). In the example shown in FIG. 51, it is determined that the number of items displayed is increased only once in a certain variation display during execution of the probability variation suggestion effect B, and the number of items displayed is increased from 1 to 2. ing.

  Thereafter, when the fifteenth variation display in the probability variation latent mode is finished, it is determined that the variation display number after the probability variation suggestion effect B has started reaches fifteen times, and the effect period of the probability variation suggestion effect has ended. As shown in FIG. 51, the probability variation suggesting effect B is terminated (see step S8636). Then, after the probability variation suggestion effect B is finished, the display of the background screen (for example, the background screen whose display color is yellow) corresponding to the probability variation latency mode is continued based on the probability variation latency mode. The suggestion effect is not executed and the item is not displayed.

  Furthermore, after the probability variation suggestion effect B is finished, after the probability variation suggestion effect B is finished, the probability variation latent mode is started within a predetermined number of times (in this example, within 50 times). When each variation display is terminated, a lottery process for determining whether or not to resume the probable change suggestion effect is executed (see steps S8641 and S8643). As shown in FIG. 51, when the variation display within a predetermined number of times after the probability variation latent mode is started, the probability variation suggestion effect is not resumed by the lottery process thereafter (step 51). (See S8641 and S8643).

  As described above, when the variation display within a predetermined number of times after the probability variation latent mode is started, the probability variation suggestion effect is not resumed by the lottery process, but in this embodiment, Even after the fluctuation display within the predetermined number of times is ended, as shown in FIG. 51, the fluctuation display within the specific period (in this example, within 20 times) from the previous probability change suggestion effect is executed. If so, the probability variation suggestion effect (probability suggestion effect C in FIG. 51) may be resumed on the condition that a sudden probability big hit or small hit has occurred (see steps S8620, S8622 to S8624). Here, when the probability variation suggestion is resumed on condition that sudden probability big hit or small hit has suddenly occurred, the probability suggestion suggestion starts from a state where the number of items displayed in the previous probability variation suggestion is increased by one. The process is resumed (see steps S8622 to S8624). In the example shown in FIG. 51, since the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion effect is two, the probability change suggestion effect C is started from a state in which one item is increased and three items are increased.

  In the example shown in FIG. 51, the probability change suggestion effect is resumed on the condition that sudden change big hit or small hit is generated after the fluctuation display within a predetermined number of times after the probability change latent mode is started. However, in this embodiment, the probability variation suggestion effect is resumed also when the probability variation big hit or small hit suddenly occurs in the fluctuation display within the predetermined number of times (see steps S8619, S8622 to S8624). Similarly, when the sudden change suggestion effect is restarted due to the occurrence of sudden probability change big hit or small hit in the fluctuation display within the predetermined number of times, the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion effect is similarly increased by one. The probable change suggestion effect is resumed from the state (see steps S8622 to S8624).

  In addition, the production mode of the probable change suggestion is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, in this embodiment, it is possible to recognize that the probability variation suggestion effect is being executed by displaying the character 200 for the probability variation suggestion effect. It may be possible to recognize that the probability change suggestion is being executed by changing to the landscape screen or displaying a predetermined object for the probability change suggestion. Moreover, in this embodiment, the case where a circular figure is displayed as the item 201 during the execution of the probable suggestion effect is shown, but for example, other figures such as a star may be displayed. Pictures such as flowers and insects may be displayed as items. In this embodiment, the case where up to five items are displayed has been shown. However, the number is not limited to five, and for example, six or more items may be increased during the execution of the probable change suggestion effect.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, a plurality of types of probable change suggestion effects with different degrees of expectation for being controlled in the probabilistic state are executed as effects that are difficult to recognize whether or not the probable state is in effect. To do. For example, in this embodiment, the probability suggestion effect can be executed by changing the number of displayed items from 0 to 5. In this case, when the gaming state is the normal state, the probability variation suggestion effect is started on the condition that a sudden probability variation big hit or small hit has occurred and the mode is changed to the probability variation latent mode, and the fluctuating display is repeated 15 times. The execution of the probable suggestion effect is terminated. In addition, after the execution of the probability variation suggestion effect is finished, the execution of the probability variation suggestion effect is resumed on the basis that the resumption condition of the probability variation suggestion effect is satisfied. In this case, after the execution of the probability change suggestion effect is finished, the probability change suggestion effect is determined by a lottery process within a predetermined period after starting the probability change latent mode (in this example, within 50 times for Plan A and within 60 times for Plan B). Based on the fact that it is decided to resume, the expected degree of being controlled in the probability variation state compared to the probability variation suggestion effect at the start of the probability variation latent mode (in this example, the probability variation suggestion effect of 0 items) The execution of the type of probability change suggestion that does not decrease starts. In addition, even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the probability variation latent mode, within a specific period after the execution of the previous probability variation suggestion effect (in this example, within plan A within 20 times, plan B Is less than 10 times), and the probability variation state is compared to the probability variation suggestion effect at the start of probability variation latent mode (in this example, the probability variation suggestion effect with 0 items). The execution of the certainty suggestion effect of the kind that does not decrease the degree of expectation for being controlled to the start is started. Therefore, even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the first probability change suggestion effect at the start of the probability change latent mode, the probability change suggestion appears again within a specified period in which the elapsed period from the end of the previous probability change suggestion effect is short In addition, it is possible to make the player recognize that the last certainty change suggestion production and the production are continuous, and to improve the interest in the game.

  In this embodiment, when resuming the probability change suggestion effect, the probability change suggestion effect is resumed by taking over the number of items displayed at the end of the previous probability change suggestion effect, or at the end of the previous probability change suggestion effect. Although the case where the probability variation suggestion effect is resumed from the state where the number of displayed items is increased by one is shown, it is not limited to the one shown in this embodiment. For example, as shown in this embodiment, when the probability variation suggestion effect starts from the state where the number of items is zero at the start of the probability variation latent mode, the number of items displayed at the end of the previous probability variation suggestion effect is two. In such a case, the number of items may be decreased by one and the probability suggestion effect may be resumed from the state of one item. As such, at least the first certainty suggestion effect (the number of items is 0) at the start of the certainty latent mode is executed, and the kind of certainty suggestion effect that does not decrease the degree of expectation for being controlled to the certainty state is executed. If it is a thing, you may restart a probability variation suggestion effect from the state reduced from the number of items displayed at the end of the last probability variation suggestion effect. Further, for example, the certainty suggestion effect may be resumed from a state where two or more items are displayed from the number of items displayed at the end of the previous certainty suggestion effect.

  In this embodiment, it is determined that the predetermined period has passed based on the fact that the number of fluctuations since the start of the probability variation latent mode has reached 50 or 60 times, and the previous certainty suggestion effect is ended. The case where it is determined that the specific period has passed based on the number of times of fluctuation from 20 or 10 has been shown, but the measurement method for the predetermined period or the specific period is shown in this embodiment. It cannot be caught. For example, a timer for measuring a predetermined period at the start of the probability variation latency mode is set, and the predetermined period has elapsed based on the passage of a predetermined elapsed time (for example, 15 minutes) since the probability variation latency mode was started. You may make it determine. In addition, for example, a timer for measuring a specific period is set at the end of the probability variation suggestion, and the specific period is determined based on the passage of a specific elapsed time (for example, 5 minutes) after the probability variation suggestion is ended. You may make it determine with having passed.

  Further, according to this embodiment, when the predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the probability variation latent mode, the probability that the probability variation suggesting effect is resumed is compared with the case where it is within the predetermined period. Low. Specifically, in this embodiment, in the case where it is within a predetermined period from the start of the probability variation latent mode, a lottery is performed in addition to the case where the probability variation suggestive effect is restarted on the condition that sudden sudden change big hit or small hit occurs. In some cases, the certainty suggesting effect is restarted by the process, but when the predetermined period has elapsed, the certainty suggesting effect is suddenly resumed only on the condition that the sudden probability big hit or the small hit is generated. Therefore, by suppressing the restart frequency of the probability change suggestion after a predetermined period of time, the probability change suggestion is prevented from restarting frequently, and the probability change suggestion is prevented from being continuously executed more than necessary. can do.

  In addition, even after the predetermined period has elapsed, the probability variation suggesting effect may be restarted by the lottery process. In this case, for example, by performing a lottery process using different tables before and after the predetermined period has elapsed, after the predetermined period has elapsed, compared to the case where the predetermined period has elapsed, What is necessary is just to make it the ratio determined when restarting the probable change suggestion effect by a lottery process become low. As described above, if it is configured so that the rate at which the probability variation suggesting effect is resumed is lower than when it is within the predetermined period when the predetermined period has elapsed, the aspect of the process Does not matter.

  Further, according to this embodiment, execution of the certainty suggestion effect is resumed based on the fact that any one of a plurality of types of conditions is established as a condition for resuming the certainty suggestion effect, and depending on which condition is satisfied. Then, the execution of a certain probability suggestion effect of a different type of expectation for being controlled to the probability variation state is started. Specifically, in this embodiment, when resuming the probability change suggestion effect by the lottery process, while taking over the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion effect and restarting the probability change suggestion effect, When the probability change suggestion is restarted on the condition that the sudden probability big hit or the small hit is suddenly generated, the probability change suggestion is resumed in a state where the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion is increased by one. Therefore, since the type of the probability change suggestion after the restart differs depending on which condition is satisfied, the interest in the game can be further improved.

  It should be noted that the method of varying the type of probability change suggestion after resumption is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, contrary to the example shown in this embodiment, when resuming the probability change suggestion effect by the lottery process, the probability change suggestion effect is increased by 1 from the number of items displayed in the previous probability change effect effect. When the probability suggestion effect is suddenly restarted on the condition that sudden probability big hit or small hit occurs, the probability suggestion effect is resumed by taking over the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion effect. May be. Also, for example, when the probability change suggestion is restarted by lottery processing, the probability change suggestion is restarted in a state where the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion is increased by 1, and suddenly the probability change big hit or small When resuming the probable change suggestion on condition that the hit occurs, there are various modes such as resuming the probable suggestion effect in a state where the number of items displayed in the previous probability change suggestion is increased by two. Conceivable.

  Further, according to this embodiment, a predetermined period or a specific period is set based on an operation by an operation unit such as the stick controller 122 or the push button 120. Therefore, since the predetermined period or the specific period can be changed based on the operation by the operation means, the predetermined period or the specific period can be set according to the player's preference.

  In the above embodiment, the production control board 80, the audio output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as the boards on which the circuit for controlling the production apparatus is mounted. You may mount on one board | substrate. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the effect display device 9 and the like is mounted and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (lamps, LEDs, speakers 27, etc.) are mounted. You may make it provide two board | substrates with two production | presentation control boards.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100. However, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits another command (for example, FIG. 3). The sound output board 70 and the lamp driver board 35 shown in FIG. 5 or the sound / lamp board having the function of the circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and the function of the circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). A control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 on the effect control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through another board, or the sound output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board are equipped with control means such as a microcomputer, and the control means receives the command. In response to this, control related to sound control and lamp control is executed, and the received command is changed as it is or, for example, to a simplified command to control the effect display device 9. You may make it transmit to. Even in that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the display control in accordance with the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 560 in the above-described embodiment. Display control can be performed in accordance with commands received from the board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  In addition, the configuration for performing the probability change suggestion shown in the above embodiment is not limited to pachinko gaming machines and can be applied to various types of gaming machines. For example, you may make it apply the structure which performs the probability change suggestion effect shown by embodiment shown above to a slot machine.

  In general, a slot machine is provided with a variable display device having a plurality of (usually three) reels on which a plurality of types of symbols as identification information are drawn on the outer periphery, and first, a bet number is determined by a player's BET operation. The rotation of the reels is started by performing a start operation in a state where a predetermined number of bets is set, and the rotation is stopped by operating a stop button provided corresponding to each reel. When all the reels stop rotating, a winning combination is generated when a predetermined combination of winning symbols (for example, 7-7-7) is arranged on the winning line. That is, the game is advanced by the player's operation. In addition, some of these slot machines have a liquid crystal display on the front door, so that the possibility of winning a prize will be announced or the stop button operation order will be suggested. There is something configured. In such a slot machine, for example, it is configured to be controllable to a high probability state in which the probability of internal winning is improved, and by applying the configuration of the embodiment described above, the slot machine liquid crystal display When performing a variable display, you may comprise so that the probability change suggestion effect which suggests that it is a high probability state may be performed.

  Further, for example, the configuration for performing the probability change suggestion shown in the above-described embodiment may be applied to a sealed circulation pachinko machine. In the enclosed circulation type pachinko machine, a predetermined number (for example, 50) of game balls used in the pachinko machine are enclosed in an enclosed area (for example, in a pachinko machine), and the game area provided in the pachinko machine In order to fire game balls through the game area, collect the game balls via the collection unit (for example, each winning opening, out port, foul ball return opening), and fire the collected game balls again into the game area In the enclosed area. In addition, in such a sealed circulation pachinko machine, when there is a prize at each prize opening, points corresponding to the number of prize balls are added to the card inserted in the card unit instead of the prize balls. Processing is performed. In such an enclosed circulation pachinko machine, the configuration of the embodiment described above is applied, and the effect change suggestion effect is executed when the effect display device of the enclosed circulation pachinko machine displays the variation of the effect design. You may comprise.

  The present invention controls a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable and deriving and displaying the display result. In addition, after the specific gaming state is ended, the present invention is preferably applied to a gaming machine that can be controlled to a special gaming state in which the display result of the variable display of the identification information is likely to be the specific display result as compared to the normal gaming state. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display device 8b 2nd special symbol display device 9 Production display device 13 1st starting winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 20 Special variable winning ball device 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
109 VDP
120 Push Button 121 Trigger Button 122 Stick Controller 123 Tilt Direction Sensor Unit 124 Push Sensor 125 Trigger Sensor 126 Vibrator Motor

Claims (2)

When the specific display result is derived and displayed on the variable display means for variably displaying each of a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified and deriving and displaying the display result, the control is performed in a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, A gaming machine that can be controlled to a special gaming state in which the display result of the variable display of the identification information is likely to be the specific display result after completing the specific gaming state, compared to the normal gaming state,
As an effect that is difficult to recognize whether or not it is controlled in the special gaming state , it comprises a common effect execution means capable of executing a plurality of types of common effects with different expectations for being controlled in the special gaming state,
The common effect execution means includes
Production start means for starting execution of the common production based on the establishment of the common production start condition,
Production end means for ending execution of the common production based on the completion conditions of the common production being satisfied,
After resuming the execution of the common effect, including resumption means for resuming the execution of the common effect based on the establishment of the resumption condition of the common effect,
The production resumption means
After finishing the execution of the common effect, based on the fact that the restart condition is satisfied within a predetermined period after the start condition is satisfied, compared with the common effect executed based on the establishment of the start condition, A first effect resuming means for resuming execution of the common effect by a common effect of a kind that does not reduce the degree of expectation for being controlled in the special gaming state;
Even after the predetermined period has elapsed after the start condition is satisfied after the execution of the common effect, the restart condition is satisfied within a specific period after the execution of the previous common effect is ended. Based on that, the execution of the common effect is resumed by the kind of common effect that does not decrease the degree of expectation for being controlled to the special gaming state compared to the common effect executed based on the establishment of the start condition. And a second effect restarting means. Operation means that can be operated by the player;
Setting means for performing setting based on an operation by the operation means
The gaming machine according to claim 1.

Images