JP5642934B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a plurality of types of gaming states.

  In a conventional gaming machine, when a game ball wins in a start winning opening provided on the game board, a symbol change is started in the symbol display device, and when a special symbol (a jackpot symbol) is stopped, a special game ( It is configured to perform control of jackpot). In such special games, the big prize opening provided on the game board is opened so that the game ball can be easily won, and the prize ball corresponding to the game ball won in the big prize opening is paid out to the player. It has become.

  In addition, in order to improve the interest of the game, a game state (low probability game state, high probability game state) with different winning probabilities for shifting to a special game, or a game to a predetermined passing area (starting port) A plurality of game states such as a game state (time-short game state, non-time-short game state) with different ease of entry of a ball are provided.

  For example, if the jackpot symbol type is an odd symbol, a gaming machine that is in a high-probability gaming state after the jackpot is finished, while if the jackpot symbol type is an even symbol, a gaming machine that is in a short-time gaming state after the jackpot is known is known. (See Patent Document 1). In particular, since it is possible to easily generate a jackpot if it becomes a high probability gaming state, the player expects not only to generate a jackpot but also to shift to a high probability gaming state. Have a game.

JP 2004-33636 A

  However, in the conventional gaming machine, the probability of shifting to the high probability gaming state after the end of the special game is constant. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to further improve the interest of the game because the sense of expectation that the gaming state shifts to the high-probability gaming state also decreases.

  Here, it is possible to simply change the probability of changing to the high probability gaming state (probability change entry rate), but when the probability of changing to the high probability gaming state is high (for example, the probability change entry rate is 10%). (When it has changed from 90% to 90%), since the big hits continue abruptly, a large amount of game balls are paid out, and there is a possibility that the gambling of the gaming machine will be improved too much.

  An object of the present invention is to improve the interest of gaming by improving the sense of expectation that the gaming state will shift to the high probability gaming state without improving the gambling characteristics of the gaming machine. Is to provide.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a special game determination means for determining whether or not to control a special game advantageous to the player based on a predetermined probability, and the special game determination means by the special game determination means. Special game control means for controlling the special game on the condition that control is determined to be performed, and a low probability for causing the special game determination means to determine that the special game is controlled based on a first probability At least one of a gaming state and a high-probability gaming state in which the special gaming determination unit determines that the special game is controlled based on a second probability higher than the first probability is determined in advance. The gaming state determination means for determining with the determined probability, the gaming state control means for controlling the gaming state determined by the gaming state determination means, and the low probability gaming state is determined by the gaming state determination means. When the game state is determined, the first effect state is determined, and when the high probability game state is determined by the game state determination unit, the effect state determination unit determines the first effect state or the second effect state. And notifying the effect state determined by the effect state determining means, and notifying effect means for effecting according to the effect state based on the effect state and the determination result by the special game determining means, and time counting Determination for determining the second effect state when the high-probability gaming state is determined by the gaming state determination unit with respect to each of the preset time at a plurality of preset setting times. Determination probability information storage means for storing determination probability information in which probabilities are determined in association with each other, and a current time measured by the time measuring means is the plurality of set times Determination probability information determination means for determining the determination probability information associated with the setting time with respect to the current time from a plurality of the determination probability information stored in the determination probability information storage means when it is any set time And set time changing means for changing the set time associated with the decision probability information,
The effect state determining means determines the first effect state or the second effect state based on the decision probability information determined by the decision probability information determining means, and the notification effect means is the first effect state. A first effect mode based on the first effect state and the determination result by the special game determination means, and a second effect mode based on the second effect state and the determination result by the special game determination means. The set time changing means can change the set time when the current time measured by the time measuring means is a non-business time other than the plurality of set times, and the determination The probability information storage means includes first determination probability information corresponding to the first set time closest to the non-business time, and a second set time that is a business time and is different from the first set time. Correspondingly Storing a second decision probability information, the first decision probability information corresponding to the nearest the first set time in at least a game store closing time is stipulated in the second decision probability information A first determination probability that is higher than the second determination probability is defined.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the first production state (special mode) determined when the low probability gaming state or the high probability gaming state is determined, and when the high probability gaming state is determined. A plurality of production states with the determined second production state (probability change notification mode) are provided. Then, a determination probability for determining the second performance state is determined based on the time counted by the time measuring means (RTC), and when the high probability gaming state is determined, the determined determination probability is Based on this, the first effect state or the second effect state is determined.

As a result, even if the first performance state is notified, it is not possible to recognize that the transition to the high probability gaming state is made, and it is recognized that the transition to the high probability gaming state is made for the first time by notifying the second performance state. Yes, the player will feel great joy and excitement.
And since the probability that the second stage state is notified varies depending on the time, the probability change entry rate at which the high probability gaming state is determined by the gaming machine is constant, so that the gambling of the gaming machine is improved. In addition, the probability change entry rate experienced by the player fluctuates, and the sense of expectation that the gaming state shifts to the high-probability gaming state can be improved, thereby further enhancing the interest of the game.
For example, if the second stage production state is determined with a high probability for one hour from the opening of the amusement store, it seems that the probability change rate of the gaming machine is improved for one hour after the opening of the amusement store. It is possible to improve the operation of the gaming machine from the beginning of the store opening. In addition, if the second production state is determined with a high probability for the remaining one hour until the game store is closed, it is possible to improve the operation of the gaming machine just before the game store closes, and the high probability game after the store closes. It becomes easy to grasp the gaming machine in the state, and the task of clearing the gaming state of the gaming machine in the high probability gaming state (RAM clear) is also facilitated.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the high-probability gaming state is determined by the gaming state determination unit in the operation detection unit that detects a predetermined operation and the presentation state determination unit. in no event that is, when the predetermined operation Ru is detected by the operation detecting means when the current time measured by said time measuring means is a one of the set time of said plurality of set time, the decision probability Based on the decision probability information determined by the information determining means, the effect state of either the first effect state or the second effect state is determined, and the current time measured by the time measuring means is the the Most predetermined operation such is detected by the operation detecting means when a one of the set time of a plurality of set time, to determine the first effect state, the set time changes Stage, said the time measuring means a predetermined operation by said operation detecting means when current time measured is the non-operating time by is detected, and changes the set time.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the high-probability gaming state is determined and the player performs a predetermined operation, the first presentation state (special mode) or the second presentation state (probability change). One of the production states in the notification mode) is determined, but when the predetermined operation is not performed, the first production state is determined without determining the second production state.

  Thereby, if the player does not perform the predetermined operation, the second effect state is not notified, so that the player can experience not to shift to the high-probability gaming state unless the predetermined operation is performed. Become. For this reason, it is possible to prompt the player to perform a predetermined operation, to further increase the consciousness of participation in the game, and to further improve the interest of the game.

  According to the present invention, since the probability variation entry rate at which the high probability gaming state is determined by the gaming machine is constant, the probability that the second effect state is notified varies depending on the time. Without increasing the game performance, the probability change rate that the player experiences can be changed, and the expectation that the gaming state will shift to the high probability gaming state can be improved, and the interest of the game can be further improved. .

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a perspective view of the back side of a gaming machine It is a block diagram of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows an example of a big hit determination table and a hit determination table. It is a figure which shows an example of the symbol determination table. It is a figure which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table. It is a figure which shows an example of a game state change flag determination table, a jackpot end time setting data table, and a special electric accessory actuating mode determination table. It is a figure which shows an example of the open mode determination table for long wins, and the open mode determination table for per development. It is a figure which shows an example of the open mode determination table for short hits, and the open mode determination table for small hits. It is a figure which shows an example of the production mode determination table for 1st time and 2nd time. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation mode determination table at the time of 3rd time and production button non-operation. It is a figure which shows an example of the production pattern determination table at the time of normal mode and chance mode setting. It is a figure which shows an example of the production pattern determination table at the time of special mode and probability change alerting | reporting mode setting. It is a figure which shows the main process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the timer interruption process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special figure special electric control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special symbol memory | storage determination process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the big hit determination process in the main control board. It is a figure which shows the special symbol fluctuation | variation process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special symbol stop process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the jackpot game process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the small hit game process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the jackpot game end process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the common figure normal electric power control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the normal symbol fluctuation | variation process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the normal electric accessory control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the main process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the command analysis process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the timer interruption process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the timer update process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the effect input control process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the presentation mode determination process at the time of presentation button operation in a presentation control board.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the back side of the gaming machine.

The gaming machine 1 is provided with a gaming board 2 in which a gaming area 6 in which gaming balls flow down is formed, and a glass frame 110 is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the gaming area 6 of the gaming board 2. An operation handle 3 is rotatably provided on the glass frame 110.
When the player touches the operation handle 3, the touch sensor 3 b in the operation handle 3 detects that the player has touched the operation handle 3 and transmits a touch signal to the firing control board 106. When the firing control board 106 receives a touch signal from the touch sensor 3b, the firing control board 106 permits energization of the firing solenoid 4a. When the rotation angle of the operation handle 3 is changed, the gear directly connected to the operation handle 3 rotates and the knob of the firing volume 3a connected to the gear rotates. A voltage corresponding to the detection angle of the firing volume 3a is applied to a firing solenoid 4a provided in the game ball launching mechanism. When a voltage is applied to the firing solenoid 4a, the firing solenoid 4a is operated according to the applied voltage, and the game ball is directed toward the game area 6 with a strength according to the rotation angle of the operation handle 3. Fire.

The game ball fired as described above rises between the rails 5 a and 5 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 2, and then falls within the game area 6. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills (not shown) provided in the game area 6.
The game area 6 is provided with a plurality of general winning ports 7. Each of these general winning ports 7 is provided with a general winning port detecting switch 7a. When this general winning port detecting switch 7a detects the entering of a game ball, a predetermined winning ball (for example, 10 game balls) is provided. Will be paid out.

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

Further, a lower start position of the game area 6 is provided with a first start port 9 through which a game ball can enter, similarly to the general winning port 7. Further, a second start port 10 is provided directly below the first start port 9. The second starting port 10 has a pair of movable pieces 10b, a first mode in which the pair of movable pieces 10b is maintained in a closed state, and a second mode in which the pair of movable pieces 10b are in an open state. It is controlled to move according to the mode. When the second starting port 10 is controlled in the first mode, the first starting port 9 located immediately above the second starting port 10 becomes an obstacle and does not accept game balls. It is possible or difficult. On the other hand, when the second starting port 10 is controlled to the second mode, the pair of movable pieces 10b function as a tray, and it is easy to enter the game ball into the second starting port 10. That is, when the second start port 10 is in the first mode, there is almost no opportunity for entering a game ball, and when the second start port 10 is in the second mode, the opportunity for entering a game ball is increased.
The first start port 9 and the second start port 10 are provided with a first start port detection switch 9a and a second start port detection switch 10a for detecting the entrance of a game ball, respectively. When the game ball is detected, a lottery for acquiring a right to execute a jackpot game, which will be described later (hereinafter referred to as a “hit lottery”), is performed. Also, when the detection switches 9a and 10a detect the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 3 game balls) is paid out.

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

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

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

The liquid crystal display device 13 displays an image while the game is not being performed or displays an image according to the progress of the game. In particular, when a game ball enters the first start port 9 or the second start port 10, the effect symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result is variably displayed. The effect symbol is, for example, scrolling and displaying three numbers, and stopping the scrolling after a predetermined time, and displaying a specific symbol (number) in an array. As a result, while the symbols are being scrolled, the player is given an impression that the lottery is currently being performed, and the player is notified of the lottery result by the symbols displayed when the scrolling is stopped. By displaying various images, characters, and the like during the variation display of the effect symbols, the player is given a high expectation that they may win a jackpot. Furthermore, in order to notify the gaming state, a background image corresponding to the gaming state is displayed.
In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 13 constitutes the notification means, but the audio output device 18, the effect lighting device 16, and the effect accessory devices 14 and 15 may be configured as the notification means.

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

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

  Further, an effect button 17 that can be pressed by the player is provided on the left side of the operation handle 3. For example, the effect button 17 is effective only when a message for operating the effect button 17 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13. The effect button 17 is provided with an effect button detection switch 17a. When the effect button detection switch 17a detects the player's operation, a further effect is executed according to this operation. In the present embodiment, the effect button detection switch 17a that detects the player's predetermined operation when the effect button 17 is pressed constitutes the operation detection means, but the player directly does not go through the effect button 17. These operations may be detected by an optical sensor or the like.

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

Below the game area 6, a first special symbol display device 19, a second special symbol display device 20, a normal symbol display device 21, a first special symbol hold indicator 22, a second special symbol hold indicator 23, A normal symbol hold indicator 24 is provided.
The first special symbol display device 19 notifies a jackpot lottery result that is performed when a game ball enters the first start port 9. In other words, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is notified to the player by displaying the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first special symbol display device 19. I am doing so. For example, “7” is displayed when the jackpot is won, and “−” is displayed when the player wins. “7” and “−” displayed in this way are special symbols, but these special symbols are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time. .

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

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

Furthermore, when a special ball is displayed in the first starting port 9 or the second starting port 10 during a special symbol variation display or during a special game to be described later, the special symbol variation display cannot be performed immediately. The right to display special symbols is reserved under the above conditions. In more detail, the right to display the variable of the special symbol in which the game ball enters and is retained at the first start opening 9 is reserved as the first hold, and the game ball enters the second start opening 10 and is retained. The right of variable display of special symbols is reserved as the second reservation.
For both of these holds, the upper limit reserve number is set to four, and the reserved number is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 22 and the second special symbol hold indicator 23, respectively. When there is one first hold, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 22 lights up, and when there are two first holds, the two LEDs on the first special symbol hold indicator 22 Lights up. Further, when there are three first holds, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 22 blinks and the right LED is lit. When there are four first holds, the first special symbol hold The two LEDs on the display 22 flash. In addition, the second special symbol hold indicator 23 displays the number of the second reserved reserves as described above.
The upper limit reserved number of normal symbols is also set to four, and the reserved number of normal symbols is displayed in the same manner as the first special symbol hold indicator 22 and the second special symbol hold indicator 23. Displayed on the device 24.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further, on the output side of the main control board 101, a starting opening / closing solenoid 10c for opening / closing the pair of movable pieces 10b of the second starting opening 10 and a large winning opening opening / closing solenoid 11c for opening / closing the large winning opening opening / closing door 11b. Are connected, and the first special symbol display device 19, the second special symbol display device 20, the normal symbol display device 21 that constitute the symbol display device, and the first special symbol hold indicator 22 that constitutes the hold indicator. And the second special symbol hold indicator 23 and the normal symbol hold indicator 24 are connected, and various signals are output through the output port.
Further, the main control board 101 outputs an external information signal necessary for managing a gaming machine in a hall computer or the like of a gaming store to the gaming information output terminal board 108.

The main ROM 101b of the main control board 101 stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.
For example, a jackpot determination table (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) that is referred to when determining whether or not a special symbol variation stop result is a jackpot, a normal symbol variation stop result is a hit. A hit determination table (see FIG. 4C) referred to when determining whether or not to perform, a symbol determination table (see FIG. 5) for determining a special symbol stop symbol, and a variation for determining a special symbol variation pattern Pattern determination table (see FIG. 6) A determination table (see FIG. 7A) for determining a gaming state change flag based on a special symbol, and a gaming state is determined based on the gaming state change flag and data in the gaming state buffer Jackpot end setting data table (see FIG. 7 (b)), special electric accessory operating mode determination table (see FIG. 7 (c)) for determining the opening / closing conditions of the big prize opening / closing door 11b, for long hit Release mode determination table (see FIG. 8A), short hit release mode determination table (see FIG. 8B), small hit release mode determination table (see FIG. 9A), small hits An opening mode determination table (see FIG. 9B) and the like are stored in the main ROM 101b. Specific examples of these various tables will be described later with reference to FIGS.
Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

The main RAM 101c of the main control board 101 has a plurality of storage areas.
For example, in the main RAM 101c, a normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, a normal symbol holding storage area, a special symbol holding number (U) storage area, a first special symbol storage area, a second special symbol storage area, a high probability game State remaining fluctuation count (X) storage area, Time-short game state remaining fluctuation count (J) storage area, Round game count (R) storage area, Open count (K) storage area, Number of entries in the big winning mouth (C) A storage area, a game state storage area, a game state buffer, a stop symbol data storage area, a game state change flag storage area, and various timer counters are provided. The game state storage area includes a short-time game flag storage area, a high-probability game flag storage area, a special-purpose special electric processing data storage area, and a general-purpose normal electric processing data storage area. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

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

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

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

The sub ROM 102b of the effect control board 102 stores an effect control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.
For example, an effect mode determination table (see FIGS. 10 and 11) for determining an effect mode based on an effect symbol designation command received from the main control board, a variation pattern designation command and an effect mode received from the main control board. An effect pattern determination table (see FIGS. 12 and 13) for determining an effect pattern based on the effect pattern determination table for determining an effect symbol is stored in the sub ROM 102b. Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

The sub RAM 102c of the effect control board 102 has a plurality of storage areas.
The sub RAM 102c is provided with a command reception buffer, a gaming state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, an operation effective time counter, and the like. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

In the present embodiment, the effect control board 102 is equipped with an RTC (real time clock) 102d for outputting the current time. The sub CPU 102a inputs a date signal indicating the current date and a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 102d, and executes various processes based on the current date and time. The RTC 102d is normally operated by power from the gaming machine when power is supplied to the gaming machine, and is powered by power supplied from a backup power source mounted on the power supply board 107 when the gaming machine is powered off. Operate. Accordingly, the RTC 102d can measure the current date and time even when the gaming machine is turned off. Note that the RTC 102d may be provided with a battery on the effect control board and operated by the battery.
In the present embodiment, an RTC (real time clock) 102d constitutes a time measuring means. Alternatively, the RTC 102d may not be provided, and the time may be measured by counting up a counter provided in the sub RAM 102c having a function as a backup RAM every predetermined time (for example, every 2 ms). In this case, in this embodiment, the sub RAM 102c having a function as a backup RAM constitutes a time measuring means.

The payout control board 103 performs game ball launch control and prize ball payout control. The payout control board 103 includes a payout CPU 103a, a payout ROM 103b, and a payout RAM 103c, and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The payout CPU 103a reads out the program stored in the payout ROM 103b based on the input signals from the payout ball count detection switch 32, the door opening switch 33, and the timer that detect whether or not the game ball has been paid out, and performs arithmetic processing. At the same time, based on the processing, the corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 101. The payout control board 103 is connected to a payout motor 31 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from the game ball storage unit to the player. The payout CPU 103a reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM 103b based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 101, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 31 of the prize ball payout device to execute a predetermined prize. Pay the ball to the player. At this time, the payout RAM 103c functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the payout CPU 103a.
Also, it is confirmed whether a game ball lending device (card unit) (not shown) is connected to the payout control board 103, and if the game ball lending device (card unit) is connected, the game control ball 106 is caused to fire a game ball. Send launch control data to allow that.

When the launch control board 106 receives the launch control data from the payout control board 103, the launch control board 106 permits the launch. Then, the touch signal from the touch sensor 3b and the input signal from the launch volume 3a are read out, the energization of the launch solenoid 4a is controlled, and the game ball is launched.
Here, the rotational speed of the firing solenoid 4a is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 106. As a result, the number of games played per minute is about 99.9 (pieces / minute) because one shot is fired every time the firing solenoid rotates. That is, the game ball is fired about every 0.6 seconds.

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

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

The image ROM stores a large number of image data such as effect symbols and backgrounds displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13, and the image CPU reads a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 102. Then, predetermined image data is read from the image ROM to the VRAM, and display control in the liquid crystal display device 13 is performed. The image CPU executes various image processing such as background image display processing, effect symbol display processing, and character image display processing on the liquid crystal display device 13, but the background image, effect symbol image, and character image are displayed on the liquid crystal display. The image is superimposed on the display screen of the device 13.
That is, the effect design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. .

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

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

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are diagrams showing a big hit determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not the special symbol variation stop result is a big hit. FIG. 4A is a jackpot determination table referred to in the first special symbol display device 19, and FIG. 4B is a jackpot determination table referred to in the second special symbol display device 20. In FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, although the winning probability for the small hits is different, the big hit probability is the same.
Specifically, the jackpot determination table is composed of a low-probability random number determination table and a high-probability random number determination table, and refers to the gaming state, and the low-probability random-number determination table or the high-probability random-number determination table is selected. Based on the selected table and the extracted random number value for determining the special symbol, it is determined whether it is “big hit”, “small hit” or “lost”.
For example, according to the low probability random number determination table in the first special symbol display device 19 shown in FIG. 4A, two special symbol determination random numbers “7” and “317” are determined to be big hits. . On the other hand, according to the high probability random number determination table, “7”, “37”, “67”, “97”, “127”, “157”, “187”, “217”, “247”, “277” ”,“ 317 ”,“ 337 ”,“ 367 ”,“ 397 ”,“ 427 ”,“ 457 ”,“ 487 ”,“ 517 ”,“ 547 ”,“ 577 ” The number is determined to be a big hit. Further, regardless of whether the low probability random number determination table or the high probability random number determination table is used, the special symbol determination random number values are “50”, “100”, “150”, and “200”. If it is a random number value for symbol determination, it is determined as “small hit”. If the random number is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.
Therefore, since the random number range of the special symbol determination random number is 0 to 598, the probability of being determined to be a big hit at a low probability is 1 / 299.5, and the probability of being determined to be a big hit at a high probability is increased by 10 times. 1 / 29.9. In addition, the probability determined to be a small hit is 1 / 149.75 for both low and high probabilities.

FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a hit determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not the stop result of the normal symbol variation is determined to be a win.
Specifically, the hit determination table is composed of a random time determination table in the non-short gaming state and a random number determination table in the short time gaming state, and refers to the gaming state, and in the non-short gaming state random number determination table or in the short time gaming state A random number determination table is selected, and based on the selected table and the extracted random number value for winning determination, it is determined whether it is “winning” or “losing”.
For example, according to the non-time-short game state random number determination table shown in FIG. 4C, it is determined that one hit determination random number value “0” is a hit. On the other hand, according to the short game state random number determination table at this time, ten hit determination random numbers from “0” to “9” are determined to be winning. If the random number is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.
Therefore, since the random number range of the hit determination random number value is 0 to 10, the probability of being determined to be a big hit at a low probability is 1/11, and the probability of being determined to be a big hit at a high probability is increased by 10 times to 10 / 11.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol.
FIG. 5A is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of a big hit, and FIG. 5B is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at a small hit, FIG. Is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of losing. More specifically, the symbol determination table is also configured for each special symbol display device, and includes a symbol determination table for the first special symbol display device 19 and a symbol determination table for the second special symbol display device 20. .

The special symbol type (stop symbol data) is determined by the symbol determination table on the basis of the extracted jackpot symbol random value or small symbol random number value.
Also, based on the determined special symbol type (stop symbol data), an effect symbol designating command is generated as a control command for transmitting information on the special symbol to the effect control board 102. Here, the control command is composed of 1-byte data, and 1-byte MODE data for identifying the control command classification and 1-byte data indicating the contents (function) of the executed control command. DATA data.
Furthermore, as will be described later, a game state change flag that is referred to in order to determine a jackpot mode or a gaming state after the jackpot end is determined according to the type of special symbol (stop symbol data).

As will be described in detail later, as shown in FIG. 7C, since the jackpot mode is determined corresponding to the type of special symbol (stop symbol data), it can be said that the type of special symbol indicates the jackpot mode.
Then, as a feature of the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 5A in the present embodiment, in the second special symbol display device 20 that is activated when a game ball enters the second starting port 10, “short” It can be said that "winning" is not decided.
This is because, in the non-short-time gaming state, almost no gaming ball enters the second starting port 10, but if a short hit is determined when a gaming ball enters the second starting port 10, This is because even if the short-time gaming state is provided, the player's willingness to play may be reduced. In order to prevent such a decline in the willingness to play games, in the symbol determination table of the second special symbol display device 20 shown in FIG. 5A, the type of special symbol (stop symbol data) corresponding to the short hit is not determined. I am doing so.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a variation pattern determination table for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol as will be described later.
Specifically, the variation pattern determination table determines the variation pattern based on the jackpot determination result, the special symbol to be stopped, the presence or absence of the short-time gaming state, the number of special symbol hold, the reach determination random number value, and the variation pattern random value. Is done. Based on the determined variation pattern, the variation time of the special symbol is determined, and a variation pattern designation command for transmitting the special symbol information to the effect control board 102 is generated. Therefore, it can be said that the “variation pattern” defines at least the jackpot determination result and the variation time of the special symbol. Note that the random number range for reach determination and the random number value for variation pattern are set to 100 random numbers (0 to 99).
Further, as a feature of the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 6, when the jackpot determination result is a loss, when the gaming state is the short-time gaming state, the variation time of the special symbol is set to be short. For example, when the jackpot determination result is a loss and the number of held balls is 2, if the game is in the short-time game state, the change pattern 12 (shortening change) with a change time of 3000 ms with a probability of 99% based on the reach determination random value However, if it is a non-time-saving gaming state, a variation pattern in which the variation time exceeds 3000 ms is determined. In this manner, the variation time is set to be short when the time-saving gaming state is entered.

  FIG. 7A is a game state change flag determination table for determining a game state change flag that is referred to in order to determine the game state after the jackpot ends. The game state change flag is determined based on a special symbol. Is done. Note that the gaming state change flag determination table shown in FIG. 5A is based on determining the gaming state change flag before the big hit game process (see FIG. 23) based on the type of special symbol (stop symbol data). Referenced.

  FIG. 7B is a jackpot end setting data table for determining the gaming state after the jackpot ends. Based on the game state at the time of winning and the game state change flag stored in the game state buffer according to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 7B, the setting of the high probability game flag, the remaining fluctuation of the high probability game state Setting of the number of times (X), setting of the short-time game flag, and setting of the remaining number of fluctuations (J) of the short-time game state are performed.

The table of FIG. 7B is characterized in that when the first special symbol 3 (stop symbol data 03, corresponding to the short symbol) is determined in the first special symbol display device 19, it is stored in the gaming state buffer. Based on the stored game state at the time of winning, the setting of the short-time game flag and the number of short-time games are varied.
Specifically, in the case of the first specific special symbol 3 (stop symbol data 03), 02H is determined as the gaming state change flag. Then, data indicating a gaming state in which both the high probability gaming flag and the short-time gaming flag are not set in the gaming state buffer (00H: low probability gaming state, non-short-time gaming state) or the high probability gaming flag is set. If data indicating a gaming state in which the short-time game flag is not set (01H: high-probability gaming state, non-short-time gaming state) is stored, the high-probability gaming flag is set after the jackpot is over, and the probability game The remaining number of times of change (X) of the state is set to 10000 times, the hourly gaming flag is also set, and the remaining number of times of fluctuation (J) of the hourly gaming state is also set to 10000 times. On the other hand, data indicating a gaming state in which the high probability gaming flag is not set in the gaming state buffer but the short-time gaming flag is set (02H: low-probability gaming state, short-time gaming state), or the high-probability gaming flag and the short-time gaming If data indicating a gaming state in which both of the flags are set (03H: high-probability gaming state, short-time gaming state) is stored, a high-probability gaming flag is set after the jackpot ends, and the probability gaming state Although the remaining fluctuation count (X) is set to 10000 times, the short-time gaming flag is not set, and the remaining fluctuation count (J) in the short-time gaming state is also set to zero.
Thereby, the remaining number of fluctuations (J) in the short-time gaming state can be changed, and the player can enjoy what is the gaming state at the time of winning the big hit.

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

FIGS. 8 and 9 are release mode determination tables showing details of the open mode table of the big prize opening determined in FIG. 7 (c), and FIG. 8 (a) is the open mode determination table for long hits, FIG. (B) is an opening mode determination table for development, FIG. 9 (a) is an opening mode determination table for short hits, and FIG. 9 (b) is an opening mode determination table for small hits.
Specifically, the number of round games (R), the number of times of opening (K), the opening time, and the closing time are stored in association with each other.

Here, the short hit release mode determination table in FIG. 9A and the small hit release mode determination table in FIG. 9B differ in the number of round games (R) and the number of releases (K). However, since the actual opening / closing operation of the grand prize opening / closing door 11b is the same (15 times), the opening time (0.052 seconds) and the closing time (0.052 seconds) are also the same. The person cannot distinguish whether it is a small hit or short hit from the appearance. Thereby, the pleasure which makes a player guess whether it is a small hit or a short win can be provided. However, it is not limited to setting exactly the same opening time and closing time, and any difference that cannot determine whether the player has a small hit or short hit is acceptable.
In addition, the opening time of “short win” or “small hit” (0.052 seconds) is shorter than the time (about 0.6 seconds) at which one game ball is fired as described above. Even if the open / close door 11b is opened, it is difficult to win the big prize opening 11, and the "short win" or "small win" opening mode can be said to be an "unfavorable opening mode". On the other hand, since the “long hit” release time (29.5 seconds) is longer than the time (about 0.6 seconds) at which one game ball is fired, it can be said to be an “advantageous release mode”.

  Further, the development-per-use release mode determination table shown in FIG. 8B is compared with the short-hit release mode determination table and the small-hit release mode determination table shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. From the appearance, until the eleventh opening number (K) is performed, the opening time (0.052 seconds) and the closing time (0.052 seconds) are the same. It is not possible to distinguish between small hits and short hits. However, from the number of times of opening the 12th time, it is possible to distinguish small hits and short hits per development. In addition, if it is impossible to determine whether the player has a small hit or a short hit until the number of releases in the middle, the short hit release mode determination table and the small hit release are also determined. You may provide a difference in the opening time and closing time with an aspect determination table.

  10 and 11 are effect mode determination tables for determining the effect mode, and the table shown in FIG. 10A is an effect mode determination table that is referred to at the first time, and FIG. ) Is an effect mode determination table referred to at the second time, and the table shown in FIG. 11A is an effect mode determination table referred to at the third time. ) Is an effect mode determination table that is referred to when the effect button is not operated.

The sub CPU 102a receives a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 102d, and when the signal of the effect button detection switch 17a is input under a predetermined condition (for example, within the operation effective time of the big round last round), First, an effect mode determination table for the first time shown in FIG. 10 (a), an effect mode determination table for the second time shown in FIG. 10 (b), and an effect for the third time shown in FIG. 11 (a). Any production mode determination table of the mode determination table is determined. On the other hand, when the signal of the effect button detection switch 17a is not input under a predetermined condition, the effect mode determination table when the effect button is not operated as shown in FIG. 11B is determined. Then, according to the determined effect mode determination table, for the effect designating command received from the main control board 101, the gaming state set in the gaming state storage area in the sub RAM 102c (that is, the gaming state at the time of winning) and mode selection The production mode is determined based on the random value. Note that 100 random numbers from “0” to “99” are used as the mode selection random values.
In addition, the “production mode” is shifted mainly with a special game as an opportunity, and the production mode (liquid crystal display device 13, audio output device 18, production lighting device 16, production effect devices 14 and 15) An effect state referred to for determining an effect pattern).

Here, four modes of “normal mode”, “chance mode”, “special mode”, and “probability change notification mode” are prepared. The “normal mode” is an effect mode that is set when the effect control board 102 is initially set when the power is turned on, and is also set at the end of the “chance mode”, “special mode”, and “probability change notification mode”. This is a production mode. The “chance mode” is an effect mode that is set after the end of the “short win” or “small win” when not shifting to the short-time gaming state. "Special mode" can be set both when transitioning to low probability gaming state after completion of "per long" and when transitioning to high probability gaming state after completion of "per long" or "per development" It is a production mode. The “probability change notification mode” is an effect mode that is set only when a transition is made to the high-probability gaming state after the end of “per-long” or “per-development”.
In the present embodiment, the “special mode” constitutes the first effect state, and the “probability change notification mode” constitutes the second effect state.

  As a feature of the effect mode determination table shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the same “chance mode” is set when “short win” or “small win” is determined when the transition to the short-time gaming state is not made. The If it is “short win” here, it is controlled to the high probability gaming state, so the player plays the game while expecting to be controlled to the high probability gaming state during the “chance mode”. be able to. Similarly, when transitioning to a low probability gaming state after the end of “per long”, “special mode” is set, but when transitioning to a high probability gaming state after the end of “per long” or “per development” Since the same “special mode” is set, the player can play a game while expecting to be controlled to a high-probability gaming state during the “special mode”. In addition, since the “probability change notification mode” is set only when the “probability change notification mode” is entered after the “per-long” or “per-development” end, the high probability is not established until the player grasps the “probability change notification mode”. It is possible to recognize that the game state has been changed and to give the player great joy and excitement.

  Furthermore, the first time effect mode determination table shown in FIG. 10A, the second time effect mode determination table shown in FIG. 10B, and the third time effect mode shown in FIG. Comparing the determination tables, the probability that the “probability change notification mode” is determined when the gaming state is shifted to the high probability gaming state after the jackpot ends is different. For example, when the effect designating command received is “E0H01H”, when the effect mode determination table for the first time shown in FIG. 10A is determined, the mode selection random number value has a probability of 75%. “Probability change notification mode” is determined, but when the production mode determination table for the second time shown in FIG. 10B is determined, “probability change notification mode” is determined with a probability of 50% by the random number value for mode selection. When the effect mode determination table for the third time shown in FIG. 11A is determined, the “probability change notification mode” is determined with a probability of 100% without referring to the mode selection random value. Thus, since the production mode determination tables determined according to the time are different, the probability that the “probability change notification mode” is determined according to the time can be varied. As a result, the probability change entry rate experienced by the player varies, and the expectation that the gaming state shifts to the high-probability gaming state can be improved, so that the interest of the game can be further improved.

Here, the “first time” means, for example, a time of 1 hour (from 10:00 to 11:00) immediately after the opening of the amusement shop, and the “second time” means, for example, immediately after the opening of the amusement shop and immediately before closing. Excludes normal business hours (11:00 to 22:00), and “third time” refers to the remaining one hour (22:00 to 23:00) until the amusement store is closed. In this case, since the “probability change notification mode” is determined with a high probability for one hour (first time) from the opening of the amusement store, the probability change entry rate is improved for one hour after the opening of the amusement store. It can be experienced and the operation of the gaming machine can be improved from the beginning of the opening of the amusement store. In addition, since the “probability change notification mode” is determined with a very high probability for the remaining one hour (third time) until the game store is closed, it is possible to improve the operation of the gaming machine just before the game store is closed. It becomes easy to grasp the gaming machine in the high probability gaming state after the store is closed, and the task of clearing the gaming state of the gaming machine in the high probability gaming state (RAM clear) is also facilitated.
In the present embodiment, the initial values of the first time, the second time, and the third time are as described above. However, the business hours vary depending on the business area and the amusement store, and there are management policies for the amusement store. For this reason, the first time, the second time, and the third time can be appropriately set as desired outside the business hours (after 24:00). Details will be described later.

Further, in the effect mode determination table when the effect button is not operated as shown in FIG. 11B, the “probability change notification mode” is stored so as not to be determined. Therefore, if the player does not operate the effect button 17, the high-probability gaming state will not be notified. Therefore, if the player does not operate the effect button 17, the player will experience not to enter the high-probability gaming state. It will be. For this reason, it is possible to prompt the player to operate the effect button 17 and to further increase the consciousness of participation in the game, thereby further enhancing the interest of the game.
In the present embodiment, the sub ROM 102b storing the effect mode determination table shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 constitutes a determination probability information storage unit.

  12 and 13 are diagrams showing an effect pattern determination table for determining the effect mode in the liquid crystal display device 13 and the like. FIG. 12A shows an effect pattern determination table when the effect mode is set to the normal mode. 12B is an effect pattern determination table when the effect mode is set to the chance mode, and FIG. 13A is an effect pattern determination table when the effect mode is set to the special mode. b) is an effect pattern determination table when the effect mode is set to the probability change notification mode.

The sub CPU 102a determines one of the effect pattern determination tables shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 based on the effect mode set in the effect mode storage area in the sub RAM 102c. Then, with reference to the determined effect pattern determination table, the effect pattern is determined based on the variation pattern designation command and the effect random number value received from the main control board 101. The “effect pattern” refers to a specific effect mode performed by effect means (the liquid crystal display device 13, the audio output device 18, the effect lighting device 16, the effect accessory devices 14, 15). Thus, the background and character displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 are determined.
Here, the effect pattern determination tables shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are configured such that different effect patterns are determined depending on the effect mode even with the same variation pattern designation command. Therefore, the player can grasp the effect mode from the difference in the effect pattern, and can give the player the pleasure of guessing the game state from the effect mode.

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

In the present embodiment, the “low probability gaming state” means that in the jackpot lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first starting port 9 or the second starting port 10, the winning probability of the jackpot is 1 / The game state set to 299.5. The jackpot winning here is to acquire the right to execute “game per long”, “per development” or “game per short”, which will be described later.
On the other hand, the “high probability gaming state” means a gaming state in which the jackpot winning probability is set to 1 / 29.9. Therefore, in the “high probability gaming state”, it is easier to acquire the right to execute “game per long”, “per development” or “game per short” than in the “low probability gaming state”.

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

On the other hand, the “short-time gaming state” means that the time required for the normal symbol lottery is 3 seconds, which is shorter than the “non-short-time gaming state”, and the second starting point when winning in the win A game state in which the release control time of 10 is set to 3.5 seconds, which is longer than the “non-short game state”. Furthermore, in the “non-short game state”, the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery is set to 1/11, and in the “short time game state”, the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery is set to 10/11. Set.
Therefore, in the “short-time gaming state”, the second starting port 10 is more easily controlled to the second mode as long as the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 8 than in the “non-short-time gaming state”. Thereby, in the “short-time gaming state”, the player can advance the game without consuming the game ball.
Note that the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery may be set so that it does not change in any of the “non-short-time gaming state” and the “time-short gaming state”.

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

In the present embodiment, “long win game” means the right to execute a long hit game in the jackpot lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 9 or the second start port 10. A game that is executed when the player wins the game.
In the “long game”, a round game in which the special winning opening 11 is opened is performed 15 times in total. The total opening time of the grand prize opening 11 in each round game is set to a maximum of 29.5 seconds, and if a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9) enter the big prize opening 11 during this time, one round The game ends. In other words, “game per long” is a game in which a large amount of prize balls can be obtained because a game ball enters the big winning opening 11 and a player can obtain a prize ball according to the winning ball.

In the present embodiment, “game per development” refers to a right to execute a game per development in a jackpot lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 9 or the second start port 10. A game that is executed when the player wins the game.
In the “game per development”, a round game in which the special winning opening 11 is opened is performed 15 times in total. In the first round game, after performing an opening / closing operation with a short opening time of the special winning opening 11 a plurality of times, an opening / closing operation with a long opening time of the special winning opening 11 is performed. The total opening time of the grand prize opening 11 in each round game excluding the first round game is set to 29.5 seconds at the maximum, and a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9) enter the big prize opening 11 during this period. When a ball is played, one round game is completed. That is, in the “game per development”, after the opening / closing operation with a short opening time of the grand prize opening 11 is repeated initially, the opening / closing operation with a long opening time of the big winning opening 11 is repeated. A game ball can be obtained, since a player can acquire a prize ball according to the entry and a game ball can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, “short win game” means the right to execute a short win game in the jackpot lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 9 or the second start port 10. A game that is executed when the player wins the game.
In the “short win game”, a round game in which the special winning opening 11 is opened is performed 15 times in total. However, in each round game, the special winning opening 11 is opened only once, and the opening time is set to 0.052 seconds. During this time, when a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9 balls) enter the big prize opening 11, one round game is finished. However, since the opening time of the big prize opening 11 is extremely short as described above, Hardly enters, and even if a game ball enters, only one or two game balls enter in one round game. In this “short win game”, when a game ball enters the big winning opening 11, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 game balls) is paid out.

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

In the present embodiment, the “long win game”, the “per development game”, and the “short win game” are referred to as “big hit game”, and the “big hit game” and the “small hit game” are collectively referred to. It is called “special game”.
In the main control board 101, a flag is stored in the game state storage area of the main RAM 101c so as to grasp which game state is the current game state.
Also, the game state is changed from one game state to another game state after winning the jackpot and finishing the jackpot game as a result of the jackpot lottery.
In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of “big jackpots” are provided, and the type of “big jackpot” is determined according to the type of special symbol (type of jackpot symbol) determined by winning the jackpot. Then, after the jackpot ends, the subsequent gaming state changes according to the type of jackpot symbol.
In the case where “small hit” is won, the gaming state such as “high probability gaming state” or “short-time gaming state” is not changed after the “small hit gaming state” ends. For example, when “small hit” is won in the “high probability gaming state”, the “high probability gaming state” continues even after the “small hit gaming state” ends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In step S120, the main CPU 101a performs a random number update process for the special symbol determination random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, the small hit symbol random number value, and the hit determination random number value.
Specifically, each random number counter is incremented by 1 to update the random number counter. When the addition result exceeds the maximum value in the random number range, the random number counter is reset to 0. When the random number counter makes one round, the random number is updated from the initial random number value at that time.

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

In step S200, the main CPU 101a performs input control processing.
In this process, the main CPU 101a performs an input process for determining whether or not there is an input to the switch.

  Specifically, when the main CPU 101a receives a detection signal from the general winning opening detection switch 7a, the main CPU 101a updates a general winning opening prize ball counter used for winning balls.

  Further, when the main CPU 101a receives the detection signal from the grand prize opening detection switch 11a, the main prize winning counter for use in winning the prize ball, and the big prize for counting the game balls won in the big prize opening 11 are shown. The counter of the entrance ball counter (C) storage area is updated.

  Further, when the main CPU 101a receives a detection signal from the first start port detection switch 9a or the second start port detection switch 10a, the main CPU 101a updates the prize ball counter used for the prize ball and also stores the special symbol reservation number (U ) Add “1” to the storage area, extract the random number value for special symbol determination, random number value for big hit symbol, random number value for small hit symbol, and extract it to the first special symbol storage area or the second special symbol storage area Store the random value. More specifically, when a detection signal is received from the first start port detection switch 9a, the random number values extracted in the vacant storage unit are sequentially extracted from the first storage unit in the first special symbol storage area. Remember. When the detection signal from the second start port detection switch 10a is received, the random number values extracted in the vacant storage unit are stored in order from the first storage unit in the second special symbol storage area. However, when a detection signal is received from the first start port detection switch 9a, if the data is already stored in the fourth storage section of the first special symbol storage area, the special symbol hold count (U) is stored. Neither adding “1” to the area nor storing the random value in the storage unit in the first special symbol storage area is performed. The same applies to a case where a detection signal is received from the second start port detection switch 10a.

  Further, when the gate detection switch 8a detects a signal, the main CPU 101a adds “1” to the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, extracts the hit determination random number value, and extracts the normal symbol holding storage area. The extracted random value is stored. However, if “4” is stored in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, “1” is added to the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, or a random number value for hit determination is extracted. However, the extracted random number value is not stored in the normal symbol holding storage area.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S310-2, when the special symbol is not changing, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the special symbol hold number (U) is 1 or more. If the special symbol hold number (U) is not 1 or more, the special symbol storage determination process is terminated. Move processing.

  In step S310-3, the main CPU 101a stores a new hold number (U) obtained by subtracting “1” from the value (U) stored in the special symbol hold number (U) storage area.

In step S310-4, the main CPU 101a performs a shift process on the data stored in the special symbol reservation storage area. Specifically, each data stored in the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit in the first special symbol storage area or the second special symbol storage area is shifted to the previous storage unit. For example, the data stored in the first storage unit is shifted to the 0th storage unit (determination storage area). At this time, the data stored in the first storage unit is written in the 0th storage unit (determination storage area), and the data already written in the 0th storage unit (determination storage area) is stored in the special symbol hold storage. It will be erased from the area. As a result, the special symbol determination random number value, the jackpot symbol random value, and the small bonus symbol random value used in the previous game are deleted.
In addition, when data is stored in the first storage unit of the first special symbol storage area and the first storage unit of the second special symbol storage area, the special symbol storage area to be shifted according to a predetermined priority order To decide. Here, the “predetermined priority order” includes shifting by giving priority to the second special symbol storage area, or the order stored in the storage unit of the special symbol storage area.

  In step S311, the main CPU 101a writes the data (special symbol determination random number value, jackpot symbol random number value, small hit value) written in the 0th storage unit (determination storage area) of the special symbol reservation storage area in step S310-4 The jackpot determination process is executed based on the design random number. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S312, the main CPU 101a performs a variation pattern selection process.
The variation pattern selection process obtains the reach determination random number value and the variation pattern random value, and refers to the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 6 to determine the jackpot determination result, the type of special symbol, the presence or absence of the short-time gaming state, The variation pattern is determined based on the special symbol hold number (U), the acquired reach determination random value, and the variation pattern random value.

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

  In step S314, the main CPU 101a confirms the gaming state at the start of the change, and sets a gaming state designation command corresponding to the current gaming state in the transmission buffer.

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

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

  In step S317, the main CPU 101a sets the special symbol special processing data = 1, shifts the processing to the special symbol variation processing shown in FIG. 19, and ends the special symbol memory determination processing.

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

  In step S311-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a flag is turned on in the high probability game flag storage area. The case where the flag is turned on in the high probability game flag storage area is a case where the current gaming state is a high probability gaming state.

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

  If the main CPU 101a determines in step S311-3 that the current gaming state is not the high probability gaming state (low probability gaming state), the main CPU 101a selects the “low probability random number determination table”.

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

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

In step S311-6, the main CPU 101a determines the jackpot symbol random number value written in the 0th storage section (determination storage area) of the special symbol reservation storage area in step S310-4, and in step S311-7 The type of special symbol (stop symbol data) is determined.
Specifically, when the special symbol holding storage area shifted in step S310-4 is the first special symbol storage area, the symbol determination table for the first special symbol display device in FIG. If the special symbol reserved storage area shifted in step S310-4 is the second special symbol storage area, the symbol determination table for the second special symbol display device is referred to, and Based on the numerical value, the type of special symbol to be stopped is determined.
Note that the determined special symbol is used to determine “big hit” or “small hit” in the special symbol stop process of FIG. 20 as will be described later, as well as the big hit game process of FIG. 21 and the small hit of FIG. It is also used to determine the operation mode of the big prize opening in the game process, and to determine the game state change flag that is referred to in order to determine the game state after the jackpot end in the jackpot game end process of FIG. Used. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main CPU 101a that performs the process of step S311-6 for determining the type of special symbol constitutes the gaming state determining means.

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

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

In step S <b> 311-9, the main CPU 101 a determines a gaming state change flag that is referred to in order to determine a gaming state after the jackpot, based on the stop symbol data and the current gaming state.
Specifically, the game state change flag is determined based on the stop symbol data with reference to the game state change flag determination table shown in FIG.

  In step S311-10, the main CPU 101a sets the gaming state change flag determined in step S311-9 in the gaming state change flag storage area.

In step S3111-11, the main CPU 101a determines the game state at the time of winning the big win from the information set in the game state storage area (time-short game flag storage area, high probability game flag storage area), and the game state at the time of the big win Is set in the game state buffer. Specifically, if both the short-time game flag and the high-probability game flag are not set, 00H is set. If the short-time game flag is not set but the high-probability game flag is set, 01H is set. If the short-time game flag is set but the high-probability game flag is not set, 02H is set. If both the short-time game flag and the high-probability game flag are set, 03H is set.
In this way, apart from the game state storage area (time-short game flag storage area, high-probability game flag storage area), the game state at the time of winning the jackpot is set in the game state buffer. Since the high-probability game flag and the short-time game flag in the state storage area (time-short game flag storage area, high-probability game flag storage area) are reset, after the jackpot ends, based on the game state at the time of winning the jackpot This is because the game state storage area cannot be referred to when determining the game state at the time of the big hit. As described above, by providing a game state buffer for storing game information indicating the game state at the time of winning the big hit, apart from the game state storage area, it is possible to refer to the game information in the game state buffer after the end of the big win Based on the gaming state at the time of winning the jackpot, it is possible to newly set a gaming state after the jackpot (such as a short-time gaming state and a short-time number of times).

  In step S311-12, if the main CPU 101a does not determine a big hit in step S311-5, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a big hit is determined. If it is determined to be a small hit, the process proceeds to step S311-13, and if it is not determined to be a small hit, the process proceeds to step S311-16.

In step S311-13, the main CPU 101a determines the small symbol number for the small symbol written in the 0th storage unit (determination storage area) of the special symbol holding storage area in step S310-4, and determines the type of the special symbol. To decide.
Specifically, referring to the symbol determination table of FIG. 5B, the type of the special symbol is determined based on the random number value for the small hit symbol. In the present embodiment, “small hit A” and “small hit B” are provided as the types of “small hit”. However, regardless of which “small hit” is won, the contents of the small hit game executed thereafter are exactly the same, and the “small hit A” and “small hit B” have special symbol display devices 19, Only the special symbol stopped and displayed at 20 is different.

  In step S311-14, the main CPU 101a sets stop symbol data indicating the determined special symbol type for small hits in the stop symbol data storage area.

  In step S311-15, in order to transmit the data corresponding to the special symbol to the effect control board 102, the main CPU 101a generates an effect symbol designation command corresponding to the special symbol for the small hit and sets it in the transmission buffer.

  In step S311-16, the main CPU 101a refers to the symbol determination table of FIG. 5C to determine the special symbol for loss, and sets the determined stop symbol data for loss in the stop symbol data storage area.

In step S311-17, the main CPU 101a generates an effect symbol designating command corresponding to the special symbol for losing in order to transmit data corresponding to the special symbol to the effect control board 102, sets it in the transmission buffer, and hits the jackpot The determination process ends.
In the present embodiment, the main CPU 101a that performs the jackpot determination process shown in FIG. 18 constitutes a special game determination unit.

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

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

  In step S320-2, when the main CPU 101a determines that the set time has elapsed, in the routine process (big hit determination process) before the special symbol variation process, the steps S311-7, S311-14, The special symbol set in S311-16 is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display devices 19 and 20. As a result, the jackpot determination result is notified to the player.

  In step S320-3, the main CPU 101a sets a symbol determination command in the transmission buffer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S330-6, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a flag is turned on in the high probability game flag storage area. The case where the flag is turned on in the high probability game flag storage area is a case where the current gaming state is a high probability gaming state. If the flag is turned on in the high probability game flag storage area, the process proceeds to step S330-7. If the flag is turned off in the high probability game flag storage area, the process proceeds to step S330-10. Move.

  In step S330-7, when the current gaming state is the high probability gaming state, the main CPU 101a stores “1” from (X) stored in the remaining variation count (X) storage area of the high probability gaming state. Is stored as a new remaining number of fluctuations (X).

  In step S330-8, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the remaining fluctuation count (X) = 0. If it is determined that the remaining number of fluctuations (X) = 0, the process proceeds to step S330-9. If it is determined that the remaining number of fluctuations (X) = 0 is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S330-10. Move.

  In step S330-9, the main CPU 101a turns off the flag stored in the high probability game flag storage area when the remaining number of changes (X) = 0. Note that the number of remaining fluctuations (X) being “0” means that the special symbol fluctuation display in the high probability gaming state is performed a predetermined number of times and the high probability gaming state is terminated.

  In step S330-10, the main CPU 101a confirms the current gaming state and sets a gaming state designation command in the transmission buffer.

  In step S330-11, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not it is a big hit. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage area is that of a jackpot symbol (stop symbol data = 01 to 08?). If it is determined that the jackpot symbol is determined, the process proceeds to step S330-15. If the symbol is not determined to be a jackpot symbol, the process proceeds to step S330-12.

  In step S330-12, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not it is a small hit. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage area is a small hit symbol (stop symbol data = 09, 10?). If it is determined that the symbol is a small hit symbol, the process proceeds to step S330-13. If it is not determined to be a small symbol, the process proceeds to step S330-14.

  In step S330-13, the main CPU 101a sets 4 to the special figure special electric processing data, and shifts the processing to the small hit game processing shown in FIG.

  In step S330-14, the main CPU 101a sets 0 to the special symbol special electricity processing data, and shifts the processing to the special symbol memory determination processing shown in FIG.

  In step S330-15, the main CPU 101a sets 3 to the special figure special electricity processing data, and shifts the processing to the jackpot game processing shown in FIG.

  In step S330-16, the main CPU 101a resets the gaming state and the number of working hours. Specifically, the data in the high probability game flag storage area, high probability game state remaining fluctuation count (X) storage area, time-short game flag storage area, time short game state remaining fluctuation count (J) storage area is cleared. . When this process ends, the special symbol stop process ends.

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

  In step S340-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether an opening command has already been transmitted. If it is determined that the opening command has not been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S340-2. If it is determined that the opening command has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S340-5.

In step S340-2, the main CPU 101a determines which jackpot is “big hit” or “short hit” according to the stop symbol data, and determines an opening mode determination table according to the jackpot type. .
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), according to the stop symbol data, an open mode determination table for long hits (FIG. 8 (a)), an open mode determination table for developments (FIG. 8 (b)). ), Any one of the short hits open mode determination table (FIG. 9A) is determined.

  In step S340-3, the main CPU 101a determines whether it is a big hit of "long win", "per development" or "short win" according to the stop symbol data, and an opening command corresponding to the type of the big hit Is set in the send buffer.

  In step S 340-4, the main CPU 101 a determines whether it is a big hit of “long win”, “per development” or “short win” according to the stop symbol data, and the opening time according to the type of the big hit Is set in the special game timer counter. The special game timer counter is subtracted every 4 ms in step S110.

  In step S340-5, when determining that the opening command has already been transmitted, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the opening command is currently being opened. If it is determined that it is currently opening, the process proceeds to step S340-6, and if it is determined that it is not currently opening, the process proceeds to S340-12.

In step S340-6, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a preset opening time has elapsed. That is, it is determined whether or not the special game timer counter = 0, and when the special game timer counter = 0, it is determined that the opening time has elapsed. Further, as will be described later, it is determined in step 340-12 that the special prize opening is being closed, and it is also determined whether or not the closing time set in step S340-20 has elapsed. Note that the closing time is also determined by whether or not the special game timer counter = 0 as in the opening time.
As a result, if the set time has not elapsed, the game processing per long is ended, the next subroutine is executed, and if the set time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S340-7.

  In step S340-7, when the main CPU 101a determines that the set time has elapsed, the main CPU 101a clears the special winning opening entrance number (C) storage area.

  In step S340-8, the main CPU 101a adds “1” to the current round game count (R) stored in the round game count (R) storage area and stores the result. If it is determined that the opening is currently in progress and the set opening time has elapsed, nothing is stored in the round game count (R) storage area. That is, since no round game has been performed yet, “1” is stored in the round game count (R) storage area. At this time, in order to transmit information on the number of rounds to the effect control board 102 in accordance with the number of round games (R), a special winning opening (R) round designation command is set in the transmission buffer. For example, if the number of round games (R) is “2”, a special winning opening 2 round designation command is set in the transmission buffer.

  In step S340-9, the main CPU 101a adds “1” to the current number of times of release (K) stored in the number of times of release (K) storage area and stores it.

  In step S340-10, the main CPU 101a starts energizing the big prize opening / closing solenoid 11c and opens the big prize opening / closing door 11b.

  In step S340-11, the main CPU 101a refers to the release mode determination table (see FIGS. 8 and 9) determined in step 340-2, and determines the current number of round games (R) and the number of releases (K). Based on, the opening time of the special winning opening 11 is set in the special game timer counter.

  In step S340-12, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the special winning opening is being closed. If it is determined that the special prize opening is being closed, it is determined in step S340-6 whether the closing time has elapsed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special winning opening is not closed, the process proceeds to step S340-13.

  In step S340-13, the main CPU 101a determines whether it is currently ending. Ending here refers to processing after all preset round games have been completed. Therefore, if it is determined that the current ending is in progress, the process proceeds to step S340-24, where it is determined whether or not the ending time has passed. If it is determined that the current ending is not currently performed, the process proceeds to step S340-14. Processing is transferred to.

  In step S340-14, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the set release time has elapsed (whether or not the special game timer counter = 0). If the set opening time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S340-16, and if the set opening time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S340-15.

In step S340-15, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the value of the special winning opening entrance counter (C) has reached a predetermined number (for example, 9).
Here, if the set opening time has not elapsed and the winning prize opening counter (C) has not reached the predetermined number, the long hit game process is terminated as it is, If the number of the winning counters (C) has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S340-16 to close the big winning opening.

  In step S340-16, the main CPU 101a has entered a predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls into the big winning opening 11 when the set opening time has elapsed or even within the set opening time. In this case, the energization of the special winning opening / closing solenoid 11c is stopped. As a result, the big prize opening is closed.

In step S340-17, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the number of times of opening (K) is the maximum number of times of opening per round. If the number of releases (K) is the maximum number of releases per round, the process proceeds to step S340-18. If the number of releases (K) is not the maximum number of releases per round, step S340-20 is performed. Move processing to.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 (a) and FIG. 9 (a), in the case of “long hit” and “short hit”, the maximum number of releases per round is one, As shown in FIG. 8B, in the case of “per development”, the maximum number of times of opening per round for the first round is 12 times. Accordingly, when “per development”, when the number of times of opening 12 times is completed in the first round, the process proceeds to step S330-18.

  In step S340-18, the main CPU 101a clears the release count (K) storage area.

  In step S340-19, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the round game number (R) stored in the round game number (R) storage area is the maximum. If the round game number (R) is the maximum, the process proceeds to step S340-21, and if the round game number (R) is not the maximum, the process proceeds to step S340-20.

  In step S340-20, the main CPU 101a refers to the release mode determination table (see FIGS. 8 and 9) determined in step 340-2, and determines the current number of round games (R) and the number of releases (K). Based on, the closing time of the special winning opening 11 is set in the special game timer counter.

  In step S340-21, the main CPU 101a resets the round game number (R) stored in the round game number (R) storage area.

  In step S340-22, the main CPU 101a determines whether it is a big hit of “long hit”, “per developed” or “short hit” according to the stop symbol data, and an ending command corresponding to the type of the big hit Is set in the transmission buffer for transmission to the effect control board 102.

  In step S340-23, the main CPU 101a determines whether it is a big hit of “long hit”, “per developed” or “short hit” according to the stop symbol data, and the ending time according to the type of the big hit Is set in the special game timer counter.

  In step S340-24, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the set ending time has elapsed. If it is determined that the set time has elapsed, in step S340-25, the main CPU 101a The processing data is set to 5, and the processing shifts to the jackpot game end processing shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S340-24 that the set time has not elapsed, the long hit game process is terminated.

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

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

  In step S350-2, the main CPU 101a determines a small hit release mode determination table (FIG. 9B).

  In step S350-3, the main CPU 101a sets a small hitting opening command in the transmission buffer.

  In step S350-4, the main CPU 101a sets the opening time in the special game timer counter.

  In step S350-5, when determining that the opening command has already been transmitted, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the opening command is currently being opened. If it is determined that it is currently opening, the process proceeds to step S350-6. If it is determined that it is not currently opening, the process proceeds to S350-10.

In step S350-6, if the main CPU 101a determines that the opening is currently in progress, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a preset opening time has elapsed. That is, it is determined whether or not the special game timer counter = 0, and if the opening timer counter = 0, it is determined that the opening time has elapsed. As will be described later, it is determined in step 350-10 that the special winning opening 11 is being closed, and it is also determined whether or not the closing time set in step S350-16 has elapsed. Note that the closing time is also determined by whether or not the special game timer counter = 0 as in the opening time.
As a result, if the set time has not elapsed, the small hit game process is terminated, the next subroutine is executed, and if the set time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S350-7.

  In step S350-7, the main CPU 101a adds “1” to the current operation count (K) stored in the release count (K) storage area and stores it.

  In step S350-8, the main CPU 101a starts energization of the big prize opening / closing solenoid 11c and opens the big prize opening / closing door 11b.

  In step S350-9, the main CPU 101a refers to the small hitting release mode determination table (FIG. 9B) determined in step 350-2, based on the number of times of opening (K), 11 open time is set in the special game timer counter.

  In step S350-10, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the special winning opening 11 is closed. If it is determined that it is closed, it is determined in step S350-6 whether the closing time has elapsed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special winning opening is not closed, the process proceeds to step S350-11.

  In step S350-11, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not it is currently ending. If it is determined that it is currently ending, it is determined in step S350-21 whether or not the set ending time has elapsed. If it is determined that it is not currently ending, the process proceeds to step S350-12. Is moved.

  In step S350-12, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the opening time has elapsed (whether or not the special game timer counter = 0). If the set opening time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S350-14. If the set opening time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S350-13.

In step S350-13, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the value of the special winning opening entrance counter (C) has reached a predetermined number (for example, 9).
Here, when the set opening time has not elapsed and the big winning opening entrance counter (C) has not reached the predetermined number, the small hit game processing is ended as it is, but the big winning opening is ended. If the number of the winning counters (C) has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S350-14, and the big winning opening is closed.

  In step S350-14, the main CPU 101a has entered a predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls into the big prize opening 11 when the set opening time has elapsed or even within the set opening time. In this case, the energization of the special winning opening / closing solenoid 11c is stopped. As a result, the big prize opening is closed.

  In step S350-15, when the main CPU 101a stops energizing the special prize opening / closing solenoid 11c, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the current number of operations (K) stored in the number-of-opens (K) storage area is the maximum. To do. If the number of times of opening (K) is the maximum number of times of opening, the process proceeds to step S350-17. If the number of times of opening (K) is not the maximum number of times of opening, the process proceeds to step S350-16. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9C, in the case of “small hit”, the maximum number of times of opening is 15.

  In step S350-16, the main CPU 101a refers to the small hitting release mode determination table (FIG. 9C) determined in step 350-2, and sets the closing time based on the number of times of opening (K). Set to the special game timer counter.

  In step S350-17, when the main CPU 101a determines that the number of times of opening (K) has reached the maximum, the number of times of opening (K) stored in the number of times of opening (K) storage area is reset.

  In step S350-18, the main CPU 101a clears the winning prize opening number (C) storage area.

  In step S350-19, the main CPU 101a sets an ending command in the transmission buffer in order to transmit information on the end of the small hit game to the effect control board 102.

  In step S350-20, the main CPU 101a sets a counter corresponding to the ending time in the special game timer counter in the special game timer counter of the main RAM 101c.

In step S350-21, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the ending time has elapsed. If it is determined that the ending time has elapsed, 0 is set in the special figure special processing data in step S350-22. The process moves to the special symbol memory determination process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S350-21 that the ending time has not elapsed, the small hit game process is terminated as it is.
In the present embodiment, the small hit game process is performed. However, the small hit game process may be omitted. Further, in this embodiment, the main CPU 101a that performs the big hit game process shown in FIG. 21 and the small hit game process shown in FIG. 22 constitutes a special game control means. When the small hit game process shown in FIG. 22 is not performed, the main CPU 101a that performs the big hit game process shown in FIG. 21 is configured as a special game control means.

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

  In step S360-1, the main CPU 101a loads the gaming state change flag set in the gaming state change flag storage area in step S311-10 and the gaming information in the gaming state buffer.

  In step S360-2, with reference to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 7B, based on the gaming state change flag loaded in S360-1 and the gaming information in the gaming state buffer, the high hitting end high data is set. Processing for determining whether or not to set a high probability flag in the probability game flag storage area is performed. For example, if the game state change flag is 02H, the high probability flag is set in the high probability game flag storage area.

  In step S360-3, referring to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 7B, based on the gaming state change flag loaded in S360-1 and the gaming information in the gaming state buffer, the high probability gaming state A predetermined number of times is set in the remaining number of fluctuations (X) storage area. For example, if the gaming state change flag is 02H, 10,000 is set in the remaining variation count (X) storage area of the high probability gaming state.

  In step S360-4, referring to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 7B, based on the gaming state change flag loaded in S360-1 and the gaming information in the gaming state buffer, the short-time gaming flag is stored. Whether or not to set the short-time game flag in the area is processed. For example, when the game state change flag is 02H and the game information in the game state buffer is 00H or 01H, the time-short game flag is not set in the time-short game flag storage area, but the game information in the game state buffer is 02H or 03H. In this case, the time-short game flag is set in the time-short game flag storage area.

  In step S360-5, referring to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 7B, based on the gaming state change flag loaded in S360-1 and the gaming information in the gaming state buffer, the short-time gaming state A predetermined number of times is set in the remaining fluctuation number (J) storage area. For example, when the game state change flag is 02H and the game information in the game state buffer is 02H, the remaining change count (J) storage area of the short-time game state is set to 0, and the game information in the game state buffer is If it is not 02H, 10000 times is set in the remaining change count (J) storage area of the short time gaming state.

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

In step S360-7, the main CPU 101a sets 0 to the special symbol special electric processing data, and shifts the processing to the special symbol memory determination processing shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, step S360-2 for setting the high probability flag, step S360-3 for setting the number of remaining fluctuations (X) storage area of the high probability gaming state, step S360-4 for setting the short-time game flag, Step S360-5 for setting the number of remaining fluctuations in the short-time gaming state (J) storage area, the high probability gaming flag storage area, the remaining number of fluctuations in the high probability gaming state (X) storage area, the short-time gaming flag storage area, and the time shortening The main CPU 101a that performs the process of step S330-16 to clear the data in the remaining change count (J) storage area of the gaming state constitutes the gaming state control means.

With reference to FIG. 24, the ordinary power control process will be described.
First, in step S401, the value of the ordinary map electric power processing data is loaded, and the branch address is referenced from the loaded ordinary electric power processing data in step S401. The process is moved to (Step S410), and if the ordinary power / general power process data = 1, the process is moved to the ordinary electric accessory control process (Step S420). Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26.

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

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

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

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

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

In step S410-5, the main CPU 101a determines the winning random number stored in the normal symbol holding storage area. When a plurality of winning random numbers are stored, the winning random numbers are read in the stored order.
Specifically, with reference to the hit determination table shown in FIG. 4C, it is determined whether or not the extracted hit determination random number value is checked against the above table. For example, according to the above table, one hit determination random value of “0” out of the hit random numbers “0” to “10” is determined to be a hit in the non-short-time gaming state, and the short-time gaming state For example, ten hit determination random numbers from “0” to “9” out of the hit random numbers from “0” to “10” are determined to be wins, and the other random numbers are determined to be lost.

In step S410-6, the main CPU 101a refers to the result of the determination of the winning random number in step S205. If the winning determination is made, the main CPU 101a sets the winning symbol in step S410-7 and determines that it is lost. In this case, a lost symbol is set in step S410-8.
Here, the winning symbol is a symbol in which the LED is finally turned on in the normal symbol display device 21, and the lost symbol is a symbol in which the LED is finally turned off without being turned on. The winning symbol set is to store a command to turn on the LED in the normal symbol display device 21 in a predetermined storage area, and the lost symbol set is a command to turn off the LED in the normal symbol display device 21. Is stored in a predetermined storage area.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S1300, the sub CPU 102a performs initialization processing. In this process, the sub CPU 102a reads the main processing program from the sub ROM 102b and initializes and sets a flag stored in the sub RAM 102c in response to power-on. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1400.

  In step S1400, the sub CPU 102a performs an effect random number update process. In this processing, the sub CPU 102a performs processing for updating random numbers (mode selection random value and effect random number value) stored in the sub RAM 102c. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1500.

  In step S1500, the sub CPU 102a performs command analysis processing. In this processing, the sub CPU 102a performs processing for analyzing a command received from the main control board 101 and stored in the reception buffer of the sub RAM 102c. A specific description of the command analysis processing will be described later with reference to FIG. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1600.

  In step S1600, the sub CPU 102a performs display / sound control processing. In this process, the sub CPU 102a causes the effect control board 105 to perform display control of the effect display device 13 and output control of the audio output device 18 based on the effect pattern determined in the command analysis process, as will be described later. The data for determination is determined and stored in the transmission buffer in the sub RAM 102c. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1700.

  In step S1700, the sub CPU 102a performs a lamp / effect combination control process. In this process, the sub CPU 102a determines data for causing the lamp control board 104 to perform lighting control of the effect lighting device 16 based on the effect pattern determined in the command analysis process, and the transmission buffer in the sub RAM 102c. To store. Thereafter, the processes from step S1400 to step S1700 are repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

The command analysis process of the effect control board 102 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when the effect control board 102 receives a control command transmitted from the main control board 102, a command reception interrupt process of the effect control board 102 (not shown) occurs, and the received control command is stored in the reception buffer. Thereafter, as shown below, the command stored in the reception buffer is analyzed by command analysis processing.

First, in step S1501, the sub CPU 102a checks whether there is a control command in the reception buffer, and checks whether the command has been received.
If there is no control command in the reception buffer, the sub CPU 102a ends the command analysis process, and if there is a control command in the reception buffer, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1502.

In step S1502, the sub CPU 102a checks whether or not the control command stored in the reception buffer is a variation pattern designation command.
If the control command stored in the reception buffer is a fluctuation pattern designation command, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1503, and if not, moves the process to step S1504.

In step S1503, the sub CPU 102a extracts one random number value from the effect random number value updated in step 1400, the effect random number value extracted, the effect mode set in the effect mode storage area, and the variation pattern. Based on the contents of the designated command, one effect pattern is determined from the plurality of effect patterns.
Specifically, based on the effect mode stored in the effect mode storage area, one effect pattern determination table is determined from the plurality of effect pattern determination tables shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and the determined effect pattern is determined. With reference to the determination table, one effect pattern is determined, and the determined effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area. For example, when “E6H01H” is received as the variation pattern designation command when the chance mode is set, the effect random number value “0 to 49” is extracted with reference to the effect pattern determination table shown in FIG. ], The effect pattern 21 is determined, and if the extracted effect random number is “50 to 99”, the effect pattern 22 is determined.
Thereafter, the effect display device 13, the effect lighting device 16, and the audio output device 18 are controlled based on the effect pattern.

In step S1504, the sub CPU 102a checks whether or not the control command stored in the reception buffer is an effect designating command.
If the control command stored in the reception buffer is an effect symbol designation command, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1505, and if it is not an effect symbol designation command, moves the process to step S1507.

  In step S1505, the sub CPU 102a determines an effect symbol to be displayed on the effect display device 13, based on the content of the received effect symbol designation command. For example, in the case of an effect designating command corresponding to “short win”, “small hit”, and “per development”, a combination of effect symbols in which “chance-chance-chance” characters are arranged is determined. In the case of an effect designating command corresponding to “long hit”, a combination of effect symbols in which three-digit numbers such as “777” are arranged is determined.

In step S1506, the sub CPU 102a determines whether or not the control command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command.
If the control command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1507, and if it is not a gaming state designation command, moves the process to step S1508.

  In step S1507, the sub CPU 102a sets a gaming state based on the received gaming state designation command in the gaming state storage area.

In step S1508, the sub CPU 102a determines whether or not the control command stored in the reception buffer is a special winning opening 15-round designation command (final round designation command).
If the control command stored in the reception buffer is a big prize opening 15 round designated command, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1509, and if it is not a big prize opening 15 round designated command, the sub CPU 102a moves the process to step S1512. .

  In step S1509, the sub CPU 102a performs a process of determining an effect pattern before the operation of the effect button 17 and setting the determined effect pattern in the effect pattern storage area. For example, an effect pattern is determined such that a message such as “Please press the effect button!” Is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13.

  In step S1510, the sub CPU 102a performs an operation valid time determination process to determine the valid time of the effect button 17. Specifically, a counter corresponding to 5000 ms is set in the operation effective time counter as the effective time of the effect button. The counter set in the operation effective time counter is subtracted by −1 every 2 ms in the update processing of various timer counters in step S1821 shown in FIG. 30 described later.

  In step 1511, the sub CPU 102a sets a button operation valid flag to ON in order to confirm the player's button operation.

  In step 1512, the sub CPU 102a checks whether or not the control command stored in the reception buffer is another command, executes the corresponding process, and ends the command analysis process.

(Timer interrupt processing of effect control board 102)
The timer interrupt process of the effect control board 102 will be described with reference to FIG.
Although not shown in the figure, a clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (2 milliseconds) by a reset clock pulse generation circuit provided in the effect control board 102, a timer interrupt processing program is read, and a timer of the effect control board is read. Interrupt processing is executed.

  First, in step S1810, the sub CPU 102a saves the information stored in the register of the sub CPU 102a to the stack area.

  In step S1820, the sub CPU 102a performs update processing of various timer counters used in the effect control board 102, effect mode determination processing after the operation effective time has elapsed, and effect pattern determination processing. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1830, the sub CPU 102a checks the signal of the effect button detection switch 17a and performs effect input control processing related to the effect button 17. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1840, the sub CPU 102a transmits various data set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 102b to the image control board 105 and the lamp control board 104.

  In step S1850, the sub CPU 102a restores the information saved in step S1810 to the register of the sub CPU 102a.

The timer update process of the effect control board 102 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, in step S1821, the sub CPU 102a performs update processing of various timer counters used in the effect control board 102. Specifically, a process of subtracting -1 every 2 ms from the operation effective time counter is performed.

  In step S1822, the sub CPU 102a determines whether or not the operation valid time counter subtracted in step S1821 is zero. That is, it is determined whether the operation effective time has elapsed. If the operation valid time counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S1823, and if the operation valid time counter is not 0, the timer update process is terminated.

  In step S1823, the sub CPU 102a determines whether or not the button operation valid flag is on. If the button operation valid flag is on, the process proceeds to step S1824. If the button operation valid flag is not on, the timer update process ends. As will be described later, since the button operation valid flag is turned off when a signal from the effect button detection switch 17a is input (see S1835-7), the button operation valid flag is turned on after the operation valid time has elapsed. This means that the operation effective time has passed without the operation of the effect button 17 being performed. And when operation effective time passes without operation of the production button 17, the process of step S1824-step S1827 mentioned later will be performed.

  In step S1824, the sub CPU 102a performs a determination process for the effect mode determination table. Specifically, as the effect mode determination table when the effect button 17 is not operated, the effect mode determination table when the effect button is not operated shown in FIG. 11B is determined.

In step S1825, the sub CPU 102a refers to the effect mode determination table determined in step S1824, that is, the effect mode determination table when the effect button is not operated as shown in FIG. One effect mode is determined from the plurality of effect modes, and the determined effect mode is set in the effect mode storage area.
Here, according to the effect mode determination table when the effect button is not operated as shown in FIG. 11B, all “special modes” are determined and “probability change notification mode” is determined if the effect symbol designation command corresponds to the jackpot. Will never be done. For this reason, the player will experience not to shift to the high-probability gaming state unless the effect button 17 is operated.

  In step S1826, the sub CPU 102a refers to the determined effect mode, and determines an effect pattern corresponding to the effect button 17 not being operated within the operation effective time. Then, effect pattern data corresponding to the determined effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 102b. For example, an effect pattern is determined such that a message such as “Please press the effect button next! Enter special mode!” Is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13, and such effect pattern data is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 102b. . As a result, the contents of the effect mode are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 after the operation effective time of the last round has elapsed.

  In step S1827, since the effect mode has been determined, the sub CPU 102a turns off the button operation valid flag. As a result, the effect mode determination process when the effect button 17 in steps S1824 to S1827 is not operated is executed only once after the operation effective time has elapsed. When this step is finished, the timer update process is finished.

The effect input control process of the effect control board 102 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, in step S1831, the sub CPU 102a determines whether or not a detection signal is input from the effect button detection switch 17a. If a detection signal is input from the effect button detection switch 17a, the process proceeds to step S1832, and if a detection signal is not input from the effect button detection switch 17a, the effect input control process ends.

  In step S1832, the sub CPU 102a inputs a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 102d, and determines whether it is outside business hours (24:00 to 6 o'clock). If it is not business hours, the process proceeds to step S1833, and if it is not business hours, the process proceeds to step S1834.

In step S1833, the sub CPU 102a performs an effect mode determination table setting process to set the first time, the second time, and the third time of the effect mode determination table.
Specifically, as the initial value of the gaming machine, 10:00 to 11:00 is set as the first time, 12:00 to 22:00 is set as the second time, and 22:00 to 23:00 is set as the third time. However, the first time, the second time, and the third time can be freely set at the amusement store in order to match the business hours and management policy of the amusement store. For example, when a detection signal is first input from the effect button detection switch 17a outside business hours, 10 seconds for changing the set time of the first time is set, and the effect button detection switch 17a detects again within 10 seconds. Every time a signal is input, the set time of the first time is changed (for example, “10:00 to 11:00” → “10:30 to 11:30” → “11:00 to 12:00” → -> Change from "9: 30-10: 30"->"10-11:00"). When 10 seconds for changing the set time for the first time have elapsed, the set time for the first time is determined, and 10 seconds for changing the set time for the second time are set. Within 10 seconds for changing the setting time of the second time, the setting time of the second time is changed every time the detection signal is input again from the effect button detection switch 17a. Thereafter, similarly, when 10 seconds for changing the set time of the second time are completed, the set time of the second time is determined, and 10 seconds for changing the set time of the third time are set. When 10 seconds for changing the set time of the third time are completed, the set time of the third time is determined.
Thereby, when a detection signal is input from the effect button detection switch 17a outside business hours, the first time, the second time, and the third time in the effect mode determination table shown in FIGS. It can be set freely as appropriate. Note that this step may be omitted so that the game store cannot freely set the first time, the second time, and the third time in the effect mode determination table.

  In step S1834, the sub CPU 102a determines whether or not the operation valid time is zero. If the operation valid time is 0, the effect input control process is terminated, and if the operation valid time is not 0, the process proceeds to step S1835. That is, even when the operation button 17 is operated when the operation effective time is 0, the operation becomes invalid.

  In step S1835, the sub CPU 102a performs an effect mode determination process when the effect button is operated. That is, if the effect button 17 is operated when the operation effective time is not 0, the effect mode at the time of the effect button operation is determined. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

The effect mode determination process at the time of effect button operation of the effect control board 102 is demonstrated using FIG.
First, in step S1835-1, the sub CPU 102a performs current time detection processing in which a time signal indicating the current time is input from the RTC 102d.

  In step S1835-2, the sub CPU 102a extracts a mode selection random value for determining the effect mode.

In step S1835-3, the sub CPU 102a, based on the time signal input in step S1835-1, has the first time effect mode determination table shown in FIG. 10 (a) and the second time shown in FIG. 10 (b). One effect mode determination table is determined from the effect mode determination table for the time and the effect mode determination table for the third time shown in FIG.
As described in step S1833, the initial value of the gaming machine is set to 10:00 to 11:00 as the first time, from 11:00 to 22:00 as the second time, and from 22:00 to 3rd as the third time. 23:00 is set, but the first time, the second time, and the third time can be appropriately changed at the game store side. For example, when the game store does not change the first time, the second time, and the third time, and the current time is 10:30, the effect mode for the first time shown in FIG. A decision table is determined. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 102a that determines the effect mode determination table based on the time signal constitutes a determination probability information determination unit.

  In step S1835-4, the sub CPU 102a refers to the effect mode determination table determined in step S1835-3, and uses the received effect designating command and the mode selection random number extracted in step S1835-2. An effect mode determination process is performed to determine the effect mode and set the determined effect mode in the effect mode storage area. For example, when the effect designating command received when the effect mode determination table for the first time shown in FIG. 10A is determined is “E0H01H”, the mode selection random value is “0 to 74”. If there is, the “probability change notification mode” is determined. If the random number value for mode selection is “75 to 99”, the “special mode” is determined.

  In step S1835-5, the sub CPU 102a determines the effect pattern after the operation of the effect button 17 to indicate that the button operation has been performed, and the effect pattern data corresponding to the determined effect pattern is stored in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 102b. set. At this time, the effect pattern after the button operation is determined based on the effect mode determined in step S1835-4. For example, when the “probability change notification mode” is determined, an effect pattern in which a message such as “Yeah! Probability change rush!” Is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13, and the “special mode” is set. If it is determined, an effect pattern is determined such that a message such as “There is still a chance! Special mode has entered!” Is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13, and such effect pattern data is transmitted to the sub-RAM 102b. Set to buffer. As a result, after the final round effect button 17 is operated, the contents of the effect mode are notified to the liquid crystal display device 13.

  In step S1835-6, the sub CPU 102a sets operation effective time = 0 and clears the operation effective time.

In step S1835-7, the sub CPU 102a turns off the button operation valid flag to indicate that the button operation has been performed. Thereby, even if the operation valid time becomes 0, the processing of S1824 to S1827 is not performed by the processing of S1823. When the process of step S1835-7 is ended, the effect mode determination process at the time of the effect button operation is ended.
In the present embodiment, the process of step S1825 for determining the effect mode when the effect button is not operated, and the effect mode determining process of FIG. 32 for determining the effect mode when the effect button is operated are performed. The sub CPU 102a constitutes an effect state determination unit.

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

  When controlling the liquid crystal display device 13 on the image control board 105, the voice CPU reads the voice output device control program from the voice ROM based on the received command for presentation, and outputs the voice in the voice output device 18. Control. When an effect command is transmitted from the effect control board 102 to the image control board 105, the image CPU reads a program from the image ROM and displays an image on the liquid crystal display device 13 based on the received effect command. Control.

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

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the “special mode” determined when the low-probability gaming state or the high-probability gaming state is determined and the “determined when the high-probability gaming state is determined”. A plurality of effect modes including “probability change notification mode” are provided. Then, the determination probability for determining the “probability change notification mode” is determined based on the current time counted by the RTC, and when the high probability gaming state is determined, the determination probability is determined based on the determined determination probability. "Special mode" or "Probability change notification mode" is determined.

  As a result, the probability that the probability variation notification mode in which the high probability gaming state is determined by the gaming machine is constant, but the probability that the “probability variation notification mode” is notified varies depending on the time, thereby improving the gambling ability of the gaming machine. Without making it possible, the probability change entry rate experienced by the player fluctuates, and the expectation that the gaming state shifts to the high-probability gaming state can be improved, so that the interest of the game can be further improved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the high probability gaming state is determined, when the player operates the effect button 17, the effect mode of “special mode” or “probability change notification mode” is set. Although determined, when the operation of the effect button 17 is not performed, the “special mode” is determined without determining the “probability change notification mode”.

  Thus, if the player does not operate the effect button 17, the “probability change notification mode” is not notified, so that the player does not enter the high-probability gaming state unless the player operates the effect button 17. You will experience it. For this reason, it is possible to prompt the player to operate the effect button 17 and to further increase the consciousness of participation in the game, thereby further enhancing the interest of the game.

17 effect button 17a effect button detection switch 101 main control board 101a main CPU
101b Main ROM
101c Main RAM
102 Production control board 102a Sub CPU
102b Sub ROM
102c Sub RAM

Claims (2)

Special game determination means for determining whether or not to control a special game advantageous to the player based on a predetermined probability;
Special game control means for controlling the special game on condition that the special game determination means determines that the special game is to be controlled;
Based on a low probability game state in which the special game determination means determines that the special game is to be controlled based on a first probability, and on a second probability higher than the first probability in the special game determination means. A gaming state determination means for determining at least one gaming state with a high probability gaming state to be determined to control the special game with a predetermined probability;
Gaming state control means for controlling the gaming state determined by the gaming state determination means;
When the low probability gaming state is determined by the gaming state determination means, a first performance state is determined. When the high probability gaming state is determined by the gaming state determination means, the first performance state is determined. Or the production state determination means for determining the second production state,
Notifying the effect state determined by the effect state determining means, and the effect effect means for effecting in the effect mode based on the effect state and the determination result by the special game determining means;
A time measuring means for measuring time;
A determination probability is determined for determining the second effect state when the high probability gaming state is determined by the gaming state determination means for each of the plurality of preset setting times. Determination probability information storage means for storing the determined probability information in association with each other;
If the current time measured by the time measuring means is any one of the plurality of set times, the set time for the current time is determined from the plurality of determined probability information stored in the determined probability information storage means. Determination probability information determination means for determining the determination probability information associated with
Setting time changing means for changing the setting time associated with the decision probability information,
The effect state determining means determines the first effect state or the second effect state based on the decision probability information determined by the decision probability information determining means,
The notification effect means is based on the first effect state based on the first effect state and the determination result by the special game determination means, and on the second effect state and the determination result by the special game determination means. Different from the second production mode,
The set time changing means can change the set time when the current time measured by the time measuring means is a non-business time other than the plurality of set times,
The determination probability information storage means includes first determination probability information corresponding to a first set time closest to the non-business time, and a second setting that is a business time and is different from the first set time. Storing second determination probability information corresponding to the time,
The first determination probability information corresponding to the first set time closest to the closing time of the amusement store is higher than the second determination probability determined in the second determination probability information, A game machine characterized in that a determination probability of is determined. Operation detecting means for detecting a predetermined operation;
When the high-probability gaming state is determined by the gaming state determination unit, the performance state determination unit is when the current time measured by the timing unit is any one of the set times When a predetermined operation is detected by the operation detection means, the first effect state or the second effect state is selected based on the determination probability information determined by the determination probability information determination means. When the production state is determined and a predetermined operation is not detected by the operation detection unit when the current time measured by the time measurement unit is one of the plurality of set times, the first production is performed. Determine the state,
The set time changing means changes the set time when a predetermined operation is detected by the operation detecting means when the current time measured by the time measuring means is the non-business time. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

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