JP5816933B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that generates a special gaming state that gives a player a gaming value, and more particularly, to a gaming machine that produces an effect using a gaming ball that has won a predetermined variable winning device during a special game.

  Conventional gaming machines, for example, pachinko gaming machines, display the identification information in a variable display device when the game ball launched by the launching device wins the start winning opening in the process of flowing down the game area formed on the game board. A game such as a variable display game is executed. When the result of the variable display game becomes a special result, a special game state in which a predetermined prize ball can be obtained as a game value occurs. After the special game state ends, the game state shifts to a predetermined game state according to the result of the variable display game. Here, the predetermined gaming state includes a so-called short-time state in which a state where the probability of occurrence of a special result is high (probability variation state) and a state where a game ball is likely to win a winning prize opening continues for a specified number of times.

  Some of these gaming machines notify the player of the gaming state after the end of the special gaming state. Patent Document 1 proposes a gaming machine that notifies whether or not the gaming state is a probable variation state based on the number of game balls that have won a predetermined variable prize device during the special gaming state.

JP 2011-10730 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the probability change notification using a game ball won in a predetermined variable winning device during a special game is only unilaterally performed. For this reason, the player's consciousness of participation in the game related to the probability change notification is thin, and there is room for enhancing the interest of the game.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and it is possible for a player to directly participate in a game related to notification of a gaming state after the end of a special gaming state, thereby enhancing the interest of the game. An object is to provide a gaming machine.

  The present invention provides a variable display device capable of displaying symbols in a variable manner, and a lottery for determining whether or not the game ball has won a winning winning opening provided in a game area where the game ball flows down. The lottery means to be executed, the symbol control means for controlling the symbol variation process to stop and display the symbols on the variable display device based on the lottery result by the lottery means, and the lottery result of the lottery means If the symbol control means displays the symbols in a variable manner, the predetermined winning symbol is stopped and displayed, and the game ball can be easily won in the variable winning device provided in the game area. In a gaming machine comprising a special game executing means for executing a special game, a storage means for storing game balls won in the variable winning device during the special game, and a game ball stored in the storage means And a game state notifying unit capable of executing a notification game for notifying a game state, wherein the game state notifying unit receives an operation input to an effect operation unit operable by a player after the special game is completed. It is possible to execute a notification game for notifying the game state after the end of the special game state based on receiving the game ball stored in the storage means and detecting the released game ball. And

  According to the present invention, when the player operates the effect operation unit, the notification game using the game balls stored during the special game is executed, and the game state after the end of the special game state is notified. The player can directly participate in the notification game. Thereby, while being able to raise a player's participation consciousness to a game, the interest of a game can be raised.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine and a card sand according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the presentation control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a table which shows the win 1st specification in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the game state transition pattern of the hit 1st specification in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a table which shows the win 2nd specification in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the storage timing at the time of substantially 12R big hit by the 2nd specification of hit in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the storage structure corresponding to the 2nd specification of the hit in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the production | presentation aspect of the alerting | reporting game of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the display mode used for the alerting | reporting game of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the production | presentation aspect in case the storage ball of the 1st Embodiment of this invention is digested by a pseudo | simulation ream. It is a figure which shows the effect aspect in case the storage ball of the 1st Embodiment of this invention is digested by the attack in the display effect of a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the production | presentation aspect in case the storage ball of the 1st Embodiment of this invention is used for the prefetch advance notice of starting memory. It is a flowchart of the first half part of the main process performed by the game control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the latter half part of the main process performed by the game control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the timer interruption process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure game process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the start port switch monitoring process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure start port switch common process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure pending | holding information determination process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the electric support state determination process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure normal process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure 1 fluctuation start process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure 2 fluctuation start process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the electric support state lottery process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the small hit flag 1 setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the small hit flag 2 setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the symbol fluctuation | variation control process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the main process performed by the microcomputer for main control of the presentation control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the command reception interruption process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the main process performed by the microcomputer for video control of the presentation control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the normal game process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the V blank interruption process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the storage structure of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the electric support state lottery process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the electric support counter setting of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the counter count process of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the electric support generation | occurrence | production probability of the 4th Embodiment of this invention, and the switching timing of electric support pre-reading. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the electric support prefetch process of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the electric support prefetch suppression process of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure 1 prefetch suppression process of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure 2 prize suppression process of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen display which promotes special figure 2 prize suppression of the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

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

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the front, rear, left, and right in the description of the embodiment refer to a direction viewed from the game board (a direction viewed from the player).

  With reference to FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 and the card sand 40 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an opening / closing frame that is attached to a main body frame (outer frame) 2 fixed to the island facility via a hinge 3 so that one side portion can be freely opened and closed. The open / close frame includes a front frame (game frame) 5 and a glass frame (front frame) 6.

  A game board 20 having a game area 21 is housed in the front frame 5 in a storage frame (not shown) attached to the back surface. A glass frame 6 provided with a cover glass (transparent member) 6 a that covers the front surface of the game board 20 is attached to the front frame 5. The front frame 5 and the glass frame 6 can be opened individually. For example, only the glass frame 6 can be opened to access the game area 21 of the game board 20. Further, by opening the front frame 5 in a state where the glass frame 6 is not opened, it is possible to access the game control device 100 (see FIG. 2) disposed on the back side of the game board 20.

  A decorative member 7 that emits decorative light is provided around the cover glass 6 a of the glass frame 6. Inside the decorative member 7 is provided a frame decoration device 261 (see FIG. 3) constituted by a lamp, an LED, or the like. By causing the frame decoration device 261 to emit light in a predetermined light emitting mode, the decorative member 7 emits light in a predetermined light emitting mode.

  An illumination unit 8 is provided in the upper center portion of the glass frame 6. Inside the illumination unit 8, light emitting members such as LEDs and lamps are provided.

  A movable illumination 9 is provided on the left and right of the illumination unit 8. The movable illumination 9 is disposed above the upper speaker 10a. In addition to illumination members such as LEDs, the movable illumination 9 includes an illumination drive motor (frame effect device 271), and is controlled to operate (for example, rotate) in accordance with the effect content.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a speaker 10 that emits sound (sound effect, warning sound, notification sound, etc.). The speaker 10 includes an upper speaker 10a and a lower speaker 10b. The upper speaker 10a is disposed above the glass frame 6, and the lower speaker 10b is disposed at the lower left of an effect button 16 described later.

  On the right side of the left movable illumination 9, a gaming state LED 32 for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 1 is provided. When an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, a notification sound for notifying the abnormality is further output from the speaker 10.

  Abnormalities occurring in the gaming machine 1 include failure of the gaming machine 1 and implementation of fraud. The cheating is, for example, an act of illegally manipulating the trajectory of a game ball launched by a magnet or an act of vibrating the gaming machine 1. These fraudulent acts are detected by detecting magnetism with the magnetic sensor switch (SW) 39a (see FIG. 2) or detecting vibration with the vibration sensor switch (SW) 39b (see FIG. 2). Also, the act of opening the open / close frame illegally is also included in the illegal act. At this time, it is detected by the frame opening sensor switch (front frame opening detection switch 5d, glass frame opening detection switch 6d, see FIG. 2) that the opening and closing frames of the front frame 5 and the glass frame 6 are opened during business hours. . When an illegal act as described above is detected, an abnormality is notified by the gaming state LED 32, the speaker 10, or the like.

  Below the cover glass 6a of the glass frame 6, an upper plate unit 11 including an upper plate 11a and the like is provided. The upper plate 11a supplies a game ball (game medium) to a hitting ball launching device (not shown).

  Further, a fixed panel that is positioned below the glass frame 6 and fixed to the front frame 5 is provided with a lower plate 13, an operation unit 14 of a ball striking device, and the like. When the player rotates the operation unit 14, the hitting ball launching device launches the game ball supplied from the upper plate 11 a to the game area 21 of the game board 20.

  The lower tray 13 is provided with a lower tray ball removing mechanism for discharging game balls stored in the lower tray 13. On the lower right side of the front frame 5, a key for locking the glass frame 6 is provided.

  In addition, on the front side of the upper plate 11a in the upper plate unit 11, an effect button (effect operation unit) 16 having a built-in effect button switch (SW) 251 (see FIG. 3) for receiving an operation input from the player. Is provided. By operating the effect button 16, the player can perform an effect in which the player's operation is intervened in the variable display game on the display device 30. For example, the production content can be selected. Note that the fluctuation display game includes a special figure fluctuation display game and a common figure fluctuation display game. In the present specification, when the fluctuation display game is simply referred to, the special figure fluctuation display game is indicated.

  Further, the effect pattern may be changed not only while the variable display game is being executed but also when the player operates the effect button 16 in a game state in which no special game state has occurred. The special gaming state is, for example, a state in which the probability of occurrence of a special result (big hit, small hit) is high in a specific gaming state (general power support state (electric support state) or short-time state) described later or a variable display game ( Probable change state) and big hit state (special game state).

  A ball lending button 17 that is operated when a player borrows a game ball and a discharge button 28 that is operated to discharge the prepaid card from the card sand 40 are provided on the upper right portion of the upper plate 11a.

  Next, the card sand 40 provided on the left side of the gaming machine 1 will be described. The card sand 40 lends a game ball used for a game in the gaming machine 1 and returns a card when the game is finished. The card sand 40 is provided with a card insertion slot 41, and the player first inserts a prepaid card into the card insertion slot 41. Each time the player presses the ball lending button 17 provided on the gaming machine 1, a predetermined game ball is paid out to the upper plate 11 a, and a game becomes possible. Further, when the game is ended, the prepaid card is discharged from the card insertion slot 41 when the player presses the discharge button 18 provided in the gaming machine 1.

  Next, the game board 20 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described. The game board 20 defines a substantially circular game area 21 by providing guide rails as partition members on the surface of a rectangular game board body made of plywood or plastic. A game ball is fired from the hitting ball launcher into the game area 21 to play a game. The game area 21 is provided with a windmill as a hitting direction changing member, a number of obstacle nails, and the like, and the shot game balls flow down the game area 21 while changing the rolling direction by these hitting direction changing members. To do.

  A center case 22 that forms a window portion serving as a display area for the variable display game is attached to the approximate center of the game area 21. Behind the window portion formed in the center case 22 is disposed a display device 30 as an effect display device capable of executing an effect of a variable display game that displays a plurality of identification information in a variable manner (variable display). The display device 30 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is arranged so that display contents can be visually recognized from the front side of the game board 20 through the window portion of the center case 22. The display device 30 is not limited to the one provided with the liquid crystal display, and may be provided with a display such as an EL or CRT.

  An area (display area) 31 in which an image of the display screen can be displayed is provided with a plurality of variable display areas, and identification information (special symbols) and characters that produce a variable display game are displayed in each variable display area. The In addition, the display area (display screen) 31 displays an image based on the progress of the game (for example, a jackpot display, a fanfare display, an ending display, etc.).

  The game area 21 on the upper right side of the center case 22 is provided with a normal figure start gate 25 that establishes a normal symbol (normal figure) variable display game start condition when a game ball passes.

  Further, three general winning openings 26 are arranged on the lower left side of the center case 22. In addition, winning of a game ball in the general winning opening 26 is detected by winning opening switches (SW) 26a to 26n (see FIG. 2) provided in the general winning opening 26.

  In the game area 21 below the center case 22, a first start winning opening 23 is provided which can give a start condition for a first special symbol (first special figure) variable display game based on winning of a game ball.

  In the game area 21 on the lower right side of the center case 22, a second start winning opening 24 is provided which can give a start condition for the second special symbol (second special figure) variable display game based on the winning of the game ball. . The second start winning opening 24 includes a movable member (ordinary electric accessory) 24a (not shown) that can be converted into a state in which a game ball easily flows into the winning opening and a state in which it is difficult to flow in. The movable member 24a of the second start winning opening 24 always holds a state where it is difficult for a game ball to win the second start winning opening 24 or a state where it is difficult to win (a disadvantageous state for the player). Then, when the result of the general-purpose variable display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode, the mode of the movable member 24a is converted by the general-purpose solenoid 24b (see FIG. 2) as the driving device, and the second start winning prize is obtained. It is configured to be changed to an open state (a state advantageous to the player, an easy-to-win state) in which a game ball easily flows into the mouth 24.

  The movable member 24a is controlled by a game control device 100 (see FIG. 2) described later. The game control device 100 generates the above-described specific game state (electric support state, short time state) by increasing the frequency of occurrence of the easy-to-win state or increasing the occurrence time of the easy-to-win state.

  Further, an attacker-type opening / closing opening that is pivotable to the center case 22 by a second big prize opening solenoid 28b (see FIG. 2) and can be opened laterally is provided below the second start prize opening 24 in the game area 21. A second variable winning device 28 having a second big winning opening having a door (special electric accessory) 28a is provided. Further, the center case 22 is provided with an armor portion 33 that protrudes forward from the game area 21 so as to surround the upper side and the side of the display screen 31 above the display screen 31 of the display device 30. The right armor portion 33 extends to the second variable winning device 28. When the open / close door 28a of the second big prize opening of the second variable prize winning device 28 is closed, there is no gap for the game ball to flow between the armor portion 33 and the open / close door 28a, and the second big prize is won. The mouth is closed. Then, when the open / close door 28a is opened in the right lateral direction, the game ball can flow into the armor portion 33, so that the second big prize opening is opened. At this time, the armor portion 33 serves as a guide plate for guiding the game ball to the second large winning opening of the second variable winning device 28, and guides the game ball flowing down along the armor portion 33 to the second large winning opening. The second variable winning device 28 changes from a state in which the second big prize opening is closed (blocking state unfavorable for the player) to an open state (a state advantageous to the player, a special game state) according to the result of the special figure changing display game. By converting and facilitating the inflow of game balls into the second grand prize opening, a predetermined game value (prize ball) is given to the player. Note that a second count switch 28d (see FIG. 2) serving as a detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the second big prize opening is disposed inside the big prize opening (winning area).

  Also, in the upper region of the center case 22 and above the display device 30, an attacker-type opening / closing door (special) that can be rotated and opened by a first big prize opening solenoid 27b (see FIG. 2). A first variable winning device 27 having a first big winning opening having an electric accessory 27a is provided. The first variable winning device 27 changes from a state in which the first big prize opening is closed (blocking state unfavorable for the player) to an open state (a state advantageous to the player, a special game state) according to the result of the special figure changing display game. By converting and facilitating the inflow of game balls into the first big prize opening, a predetermined game value (prize ball) is given to the player. Note that a first count switch 27d (see FIG. 2) serving as a detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the first big prize opening is disposed inside the big prize opening (winning area).

  A game ball wins at the general winning opening 26, the first starting winning opening 23, the second starting winning opening 24, the first large winning opening of the first variable winning apparatus 27, and the second large winning opening of the second variable winning apparatus 28. Then, the payout control device 410 (see FIG. 2) performs control so that the number of prize balls according to the type of the winning prize winning hole is discharged from the payout device to the upper plate 11a or the lower plate 13 of the front frame 5. Further, below the first start winning opening 23, there is provided an out opening 29 for collecting game balls that have not won the winning opening or the like.

  Note that the game balls that have won the first big prize opening of the first variable prize winning device 27 are usually guided to a discharge passage (not shown) that is discharged to the back surface of the game board 20, but the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the stored ball effect unit 70 is provided in addition to the discharge passage, and the game ball is guided to the stored ball effect unit 70 if a predetermined condition is satisfied. The game balls that have passed through the first count switch 27d are guided to the discharge passage or the stored ball effect unit 70.

  The storage ball effect unit 70 is provided inside (lower) the armor portion 33 so as to surround the left half of the display screen 31 of the display device 30. The front surface of the storage ball effect unit 70 can be transmitted from the center case 22. The storage ball effect unit 70 includes a storage passage 71, a storage release solenoid (SOL) 72, a flow-down passage 73, an exit display unit 74, and an effect ball detection switch 75. The storage passage 71 is disposed at an upper portion of the display screen 31 so as to be inclined from right to left, and includes a ball inlet 70b upstream and a storage release SOL 72 downstream. The storage release SOL 72 blocks the passage section of the storage passage 71 and blocks the game ball in the storage passage 71. The flow-down passage 73 is continuous with the downstream side of the storage passage 71, and is arranged in an L shape in the vertical direction on the left side and the lower portion of the display screen 31, and includes a ball outlet 70b on the downstream side. The exit display unit 74 is provided at the center of the lower portion of the display screen 31 so as to cover the ball outlet 70b from the front, and includes an effect ball detection switch 75 that detects a game ball that has passed through the ball outlet 70b.

  The game ball guided to the storage ball effect unit 70 passes through the ball inlet 70 a and flows down the storage passage 71, and is stored in the storage passage 71 while being blocked by the storage release SOL 72 in the flow-down direction. A predetermined number of game balls can be stored in the storage passage 71, and when the stored game balls (storage balls) reach a predetermined number (for example, eight), the game balls are guided to the other discharge passage. become.

  Here, storage cancellation | release SOL72 act | operates by the detection of the production | presentation button switch 251 which receives the operation input of the production | production button 16 by a player. The storage release SOL 72 is activated when the production button switch 251 is detected during a predetermined production button operation possible period, and the stored ball is guided down from the storage passage 71 to the downflow passage 73.

  Then, the stored ball that has flowed down the flow-down passage 73 passes through the ball outlet 70b and is discharged from the storage ball effect unit 70, and is merged downstream of the discharge passage, although not shown. Here, the effect sphere detection switch 75 detects the stored sphere that has passed through the ball outlet 70b, so that an effect display related to the display screen 31 is displayed. In addition, a related effect display is also made on the exit display unit 74.

  The storage passage 71 and the flow-down passage 73 of the storage ball effect unit 70 are configured by members that can transmit at least the front surface. Further, if the armor portion 33 covers the front surfaces of the storage passage 71 and the flow-down passage 73, the armor portion 33 is formed of a permeable clear member. With such a configuration, the player can visually recognize the storage state and the flow-down operation of the storage ball. In addition, when not visually recognizable, a configuration (sound notification by the speaker 10 or display notification on the display screen 31) that can notify the player of the storage state of the storage passage 71, the release of the stored ball, and the like is provided.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the game ball that has won the first big winning opening of the first variable winning device 27 is guided to the storage ball effect unit 70. It is stored in the storage passage 71. And in the effect which concerns on notification of a gaming state, the stored game ball (storage ball) is used. By including the operation input of the effect button 16 by the player in the storage release execution condition of the storage release SOL 72 for using the stored ball, the player can be directly involved in the notification effect. Note that the storage release execution condition of the storage release SOL 72 does not necessarily include the operation input of the effect button 16 by the player, and the stored ball may be allowed to flow into the flow-down passage 73 even if no operation is detected.

  In addition, in the lower right part of the game board 20, a special figure fluctuation display of the special figure fluctuation display game (first special figure fluctuation display game and second special figure fluctuation display game), a special figure winning memory number (first special figure) Fluctuation display game and second special figure fluctuation display game start memory number), ordinary figure fluctuation display game usual figure fluctuation display, ordinary figure winning memory number (ordinary figure fluctuation display game start memory number), and determination of jackpot A status indicator 50 for displaying the number of rounds and the like is provided.

  Here, the flow of the game in the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the details of the fluctuation display game (the normal figure fluctuation display game, the special figure fluctuation display game) will be described.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a game is performed by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from a hitting ball launcher (not shown) toward the game area 21. The launched game balls flow down the game area 21 while changing the rolling direction by means of direction changing members such as obstacle nails and windmills arranged at various locations in the game area 21, and the normal start gate 25 and the general winning opening 26. , Win the first start winning port 23, the second start winning port 24, the first variable winning device 27 or the second variable winning device 28, or flow into the out port 29 provided at the bottom of the game area 21 Discharged from the area. Then, when a game ball wins the general winning opening 26, the first starting winning opening 23, the second starting winning opening 24, the first variable winning apparatus 27 or the second variable winning apparatus 28, it corresponds to the type of the winning opening that has been won. A number of prize balls are discharged from the payout unit controlled by the payout control device 410 to the upper plate 11 a or the lower plate 13 of the front frame 5.

  As described above, in the usual figure starting gate 25, the gate switch 25a (see FIG. 2) for detecting the game ball that has passed through the usual figure starting gate 25 is provided. The usual start gate 25 is, for example, a non-contact type switch. When the game ball that has been driven into the game area 21 passes through the usual figure start gate 25, it is detected by the gate switch 25a, and the usual figure variation display game is executed.

  In addition, a state in which the normal map change display game cannot be started, for example, when the normal map change display game has already been performed and the normal map change display game has not ended, or the result of the normal map change display game is a hit. When the second start winning opening 24 is converted to the open state and the game ball passes through the normal start gate 25, if the number of normal start memory is less than the upper limit, the normal start memory is added (+1). ) And one ordinary start memory is stored. The memorized number of the general start prize is displayed on the general chart start memory display for notifying the start prize number of the collective display device 50.

  In addition, in the normal chart start memory, a random number value for hit determination for determining a hit error of the normal figure fluctuation display game is stored, and when the random number value for hit determination coincides with the determination value In addition, a specific result mode (specific result) is derived by hitting the common map fluctuation display game.

  The usual map variation display game is executed by a variation display unit (common diagram display) provided in the collective display device 50. The general-purpose indicator is composed of LEDs indicating normal identification information (general and normal symbols) in the lit state and indicating a shift in the unlit state, and the normal identification information is displayed by blinking this LED. The fluctuation display is performed, and after a predetermined fluctuation display time has elapsed, the LED is turned on or off to display the result.

  Note that, for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, and the like may be used as the normal identification information, and this may be configured to be displayed by variably displaying for a predetermined time and then stopped. If the stop display of the usual figure change display game is a specific result, the pair of movable members 24a of the second start winning opening 24 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds). It becomes an open state. This makes it easier for a game ball to win the second start winning opening 24, and the number of times that the special figure 2 variable display game is executed increases.

  When the random number value extracted at the time of detection of the passage to the normal signal start gate 25 is a winning value, the normal symbol displayed on the universal symbol display device stops in the hit state and enters a hit state. At this time, the second start winning opening 24 is in a state in which the movable member 24a is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) by driving the built-in power solenoid 24b (see FIG. 2). And the winning of the game ball into the second start winning opening 24 is allowed.

  The winning ball to the first starting winning port 23 and the winning ball to the second starting winning port 24 are respectively a start port 1 switch 23d (see FIG. 2) and a start port 2 switch 24d (see FIG. 2) provided inside. ) Is detected. The game balls that have won the first start winning opening 23 are detected as start winning balls for the special figure 1 variable display game and are stored in the limit of four, and the game balls that have won the second start winning opening 24 are special figures. It is detected as a start winning ball of a two-variable display game and is stored up to four.

  In addition, when the starting winning ball is detected, a jackpot random number value, a jackpot symbol random number value, and each variation pattern random number value are extracted, and the extracted random number value is stored in a special chart in the game control device 100 (see FIG. 2). Each area (a part of the RAM) is stored as a special figure start winning memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four times). The number stored in the special figure start winning memory is displayed on the start display number storage display (special figure 1 hold display, special figure 2 hold display) of the collective display device 50 and the display device. 30 display screens 31 are also displayed.

  The game control device 100 is configured to display a special figure indicator (variable display device, special figure 1 display or special figure 2) based on winning in the first starting prize opening 23 or the second starting prize opening 24, or their start memory. A special figure 1 fluctuation display game or a special figure 2 fluctuation display game is played on the display).

  The special figure 1 fluctuation display game and the special figure 2 fluctuation display game are performed by variably displaying a plurality of special symbols (special figures and identification information) and then stopping and displaying a predetermined result form. In addition, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game that displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, etc.) corresponding to each special figure fluctuation display game on the display screen 31 is executed. ing.

  In the decorative special symbol variation display game on the display screen 31, for example, the decorative special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-described numbers is left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), middle (third special symbol). The variation display is started in the order of symbols), the symbols that have been varied after a predetermined time are sequentially stopped, and the result of the special symbol variation display game is displayed. In addition, on the display screen 31, a decoration special figure variation display game with a special decoration pattern corresponding to the number of stored special figure winning memories is performed, and various effect displays such as the appearance of characters are performed in order to improve interest.

  Further, when a winning is made to the first start winning opening 23 or the second starting winning opening 24 at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the winning random number at the time of winning detection is a winning value) As a result of the variable display game, a specific result mode (special result mode) is derived from the display symbols, and a big hit state (special game state) is obtained. Correspondingly, the display mode of the display screen 31 is also a special result mode (for example, any one of the numbers in the flat order such as “7, 7, 7”).

  At this time, the first variable winning device 27 does not accept the game ball for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) by energizing the first big winning port solenoid 27b (see FIG. 2). The closed state (a state disadvantageous to the player) is converted into an open state (a state advantageous to the player) in which the game ball can be easily received. That is, the first big prize opening provided in the first variable prize winning device 27 is opened widely for a predetermined time or until a predetermined number of game balls are won, so that the player can acquire many game balls during this period. Benefits are granted. The same applies to the second variable winning device 28.

  Note that the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the player makes a left or right strike according to the game state, and the special result mode (stop symbol) at the time of big hit is a specific symbol or the like. In such a case, the gaming state after the big hit gaming state becomes a short-time state. The time reduction state is continued until a special figure fluctuation display game (first special figure fluctuation display game or second special figure fluctuation display game) is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). During the short-time state, the gaming machine 1 is set so that the player makes a right turn.

  By the way, the special figure 1 display and the special figure 2 display may be separate displays or the same display, but each special figure variation display game is not executed simultaneously. In addition, for the decorative special figure variation display game on the display device 30, the special figure 1 variation display game and the special figure 2 variation display game may be executed in different display devices or in different display areas. It may be executed in the display device or display area. In this case, the decorative special figure fluctuation display game corresponding to the special figure 1 fluctuation display game and the special figure 2 fluctuation display game is prevented from being executed simultaneously.

  The special figure 2 variable display game is executed with priority over the special figure 1 variable display game. That is, when there is a start memory of the special figure 1 fluctuation display game and the special figure 2 fluctuation display game, and the execution of the special figure fluctuation display game becomes possible, the special figure 2 fluctuation display game is executed.

  In addition, in a state where the special figure 1 variable display game (special figure 2 variable display game) can be started and the start memory number is 0, a game is played in the first start winning port 23 (second start winning port 24). When the ball wins, the start memory is stored as the start right is generated. At this time, the start memory number is incremented by 1, and the special figure 1 fluctuation display game (special figure 2 fluctuation display game) is immediately started based on the start memory, and at this time, the start memory number is decremented by one.

  On the other hand, a state in which the special figure 1 fluctuation display game (the special figure 2 fluctuation display game) cannot be started immediately, for example, the special figure 1 fluctuation display game or the special figure 2 fluctuation display game has already been performed, and the special figure fluctuation display game is ended. If the game ball is won in the first start winning opening 23 (second start winning opening 24) in a state that is not played or in a special gaming state, if the start memory number is less than the upper limit number, the start memory number 1 is added and one start-up memory is stored. And the state where the special figure 1 variable display game (the special figure 2 variable display game) can be started in the state where the starting memory number becomes 1 or more (the end of the previous special figure variable display game or the end of the special game state) Then, the start memory number is decremented by 1, and the special figure 1 variable display game (special figure 2 variable display game) is started based on the stored start memory.

  In the following description, when the special figure 1 fluctuation display game and the special figure 2 fluctuation display game are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as a special figure fluctuation display game.

  Although not particularly limited, the first start opening switch 23d in the first start winning opening 23, the second start opening switch 24d in the second starting winning opening 24, the gate switch 25a, and the winning opening switch are not particularly limited. 26a to 26n, the first count switch 27d, and the second count switch 28d are non-contact type detecting a game ball using a phenomenon that a magnetic field is changed when a metal comes close to the coil, and a magnetic field changes. Magnetic proximity sensors (hereinafter referred to as proximity switches) are used. As the front frame open detection switch 5d on the front frame 5 or the glass frame open detection switch 6d provided on the glass frame 6, a micro switch having a mechanical contact can be used.

  Next, the game control device 100 and the effect control device 200 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the effect control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  A game control device 100 shown in FIG. 2 is a main control device (main board) that comprehensively controls games in the gaming machine 1. A power supply device 450, a payout control device 410, and an effect control device 200 are connected to the game control device 100. The game control device 100 transmits a control signal (command) to the payout control device 410 and the effect control device 200 to instruct execution of various processes. Furthermore, the game control device 100 is connected to various switches and solenoids to be controlled.

  The game control device 100 includes a CPU unit 110 that performs various arithmetic processes, an input unit 120 that receives input of various signals, and an output unit 130 that outputs various signals and control signals. The CPU unit 110, the input unit 120, and the output unit 130 are connected to each other by a data bus 180.

  The input unit 120 receives signals output from various switches provided on the game board and the like and signals output from the payout control device 410. The input unit 120 includes a proximity interface (I / F) 121 and input ports 122 and 123.

  The input ports 122 and 123 receive a signal input via the proximity I / F 121 or directly receive a signal input from the outside. Information input to the input ports 122 and 123 is provided to the CPU unit 110 and the like via the data bus 180.

  The proximity I / F 121 is an interface that receives signals output from various switches, converts the input signals, and outputs the converted signals to the input port 122. The proximity I / F 121 is connected to a first start port switch 23d, a second start port switch 24d, a gate switch 25a, winning port switches 26a to 26n, a first count switch 27d, and a second count switch 28d.

  The first start port switch 23d is a switch that detects that a game ball has won the first start winning port 23. The second start port switch 24d is a switch for detecting that the game ball has won the second start winning port 24. The gate switch 25a is a switch for detecting that the game ball has passed through the usual start gate 25. The winning opening switches 26 a to 26 n are switches that detect that the game ball has won the general winning opening 26.

  Detection signals from the first start port switch 23d and the second start port switch 24d are output to the input port 122 and also output to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the inverting circuit 112 of the CPU unit 110. This is because the signal input terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 is designed to detect a low level as an effective level.

  The first count switch 27d and the second count switch 28d are switches that detect that a game ball has won the first big prize opening 27 and the second big prize opening 28, respectively. When a winning of a game ball is detected by the first count switch 27d and the second count switch 28d, the number of game balls won in each big winning opening is counted, and the counted number of game balls is sent to the game control device 100. It is stored in the provided memory.

  Since the voltage of the input signal to the proximity I / F 121 is normally within a predetermined range, according to the proximity I / F 121, disconnection of lead wires in various switches based on voltage values of signals from the various switches, Short circuit, abnormal voltage value, etc. can be detected. When such an abnormality is detected, the proximity I / F 121 outputs a signal indicating the abnormality from the abnormality detection output terminal.

  In addition, since the output value (ON / OFF) of the signal input to the proximity I / F 121 is switched by attaching / detaching the connector of the switch connected to the proximity I / F 121, the proximity I / F 121 is not connected to the switch. Even so, the output is kept constant.

  Further, signals from the magnetic sensor switch 39a and the vibration sensor switch 39b are directly input to the input port 122, and the front port opening detection switch (SW) 5d and the glass frame opening detection switch (SW) 6d are input to the input port 123. The signal is input directly. Various signals from the payout control device 410 are also input to the input port 123.

  The magnetic sensor switch 39a detects a magnetic force in order to detect an illegal act of manipulating the trajectory of the launched game ball with a magnet. The vibration sensor switch 39b detects the vibration of the gaming machine 1 in order to detect an illegal act that vibrates the gaming machine 1.

  The front frame opening detection SW 5d detects that the front frame 5 has been opened. The front frame opening detection SW 5 d is set to ON when the front frame 5 is released from the main body frame 2, and is set to OFF when the front frame 5 is closed by the main body frame 2.

  The glass frame open detection SW 6d detects that the glass frame 6 has been opened. The glass frame open detection SW 6 d is set to ON when the glass frame 6 is released from the front frame 5, and is set to OFF when the glass frame 6 is closed to the front frame 5.

  The CPU unit 110 of the game control device 100 includes a game microcomputer 111, an inverting circuit 112, and a crystal oscillator 113.

  The gaming microcomputer 111 includes a CPU 111a, a ROM 111b, and a RAM 111c. The gaming microcomputer 111 executes programs stored in the ROM 111b based on signals input via the input unit 120 and executes various processes such as a big win lottery. . The gaming microcomputer 111 is connected via the output unit 130 to a collective display device comprising a gaming status notification LED 32, a status indicator 50, etc., a general electric solenoid 24b, a first big prize opening solenoid 27b, and a second big prize opening solenoid. 28b, a control signal is transmitted to the production control device 200 and the payout control device 410, and the gaming machine 1 is comprehensively controlled. The gaming microcomputer 111 selects a port for inputting or outputting a signal by chip select.

  The ROM 111b is a non-volatile storage medium and stores programs, data, and the like for game control.

  The RAM 111c is a volatile storage medium and is used as a work area for temporarily storing information (for example, random number values) necessary for game control.

  The inverting circuit 112 inverts the logical value of the signal (the signal from the first start port switch 23d and the second start port switch 24d) input via the proximity I / F 121 and outputs the inverted value to the gaming microcomputer 111.

  The crystal oscillator 113 is configured as an operating clock source of a hard random number for performing timer interrupt, system clock signal, jackpot lottery and the like.

  The output unit 130 of the game control apparatus 100 includes ports 131a to 131e, buffers 132a and 132b, drivers 133a to 133d, and a photocoupler 134.

  The ports 131a to 131e accept signals input via the data bus 180.

  The buffers 132a and 132b temporarily hold signals input via the data bus 180 and the ports 131a and 131b.

  The drivers 133a to 133d generate various drive signals from the signals input via the ports 131c to 131e and output them to each device.

  The photocoupler 134 is configured to be connectable to an external inspection device 170, and removes noise from various signals that are input and output to shape the waveforms of the various signals. Information is transmitted and received between the photocoupler 134 and the inspection device 170 by serial communication.

  Information output from the CPU unit 110 by parallel communication is transmitted to the payout control device 410 via the port 131a. Since there is no need to secure one-way communication for the payout control device 410, a control signal is directly transmitted from the port 131a to the payout control board of the payout control device 410.

  The payout control device 410 discharges the winning ball from the payout unit (not shown) based on the prize ball command signal from the game control device 100, or the payout unit based on the lending request signal from the card unit (not shown). Or renting a ball. The payout control device 410 outputs a payout abnormality status signal, a shot ball shortage switch signal, and an overflow switch signal to the game control device 100 when a failure such as a ball breakage or a failure occurs.

  The payout abnormality status signal is a signal output when the game ball is not paid out normally. The payout chute ball switch signal is a signal that is output when there is a shortage of game balls before payout. The overflow switch signal is a signal that is output when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower tray 13 (see FIG. 1).

  The effect control apparatus 200 receives a data strobe signal (SSTB) from the port 131a of the output unit 130 and an 8-bit data signal from the port 131b via the buffer 132a. The data strobe signal (SSTB) is a 1-bit signal indicating whether data is valid or invalid. The 8 + 1 bit signal (subcommand) from the buffer 132a is output by parallel communication. The buffer 132a is provided to secure one-way communication so that a signal cannot be transmitted from the effect control device 200 to the game control device 100. The subcommands transmitted to the effect control device 200 include effect control command signals such as a change start command, a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, and an error designation command.

  A signal output from the CPU unit 110 is input to the general electric solenoid 24b, the first big prize opening solenoid 27b, and the second big prize opening solenoid 28b via the port 131c and the driver 133a. The first big prize opening solenoid 27b rotates the opening / closing door 27a (see FIG. 1) of the first variable prize winning device 27, and the second big prize winning solenoid 28b is the rotating portion 28a (see FIG. 1) of the second variable prize winning device 28. The general electric solenoid 24b operates the movable member 24a of the second start winning opening 24 in the open state.

  The collective display device includes a gaming state notification LED 32, a state indicator 50, and the like. The anode terminal of the LEDs of the collective display device is connected to the driver 133c via a segment line, and the driver 133c and the port 131d are connected. The cathode terminal of the LEDs of the collective display device is connected to the driver 133b via a digit line, and the driver 133b and the port 131c are connected. An on / off drive signal from the driver 133c is input to the anode terminal of the LEDs of the collective display device, and an on / off drive signal is output to the driver 133b from the cathode terminal of the LEDs of the collective display device.

  The external information terminal 160 is a terminal for outputting game data such as a start signal indicating the start of the variable display game and a special prize signal indicating the occurrence of the big hit gaming state to the information collecting terminal device. The game data is output to the external information terminal 660 via the port 131e and the driver 133d.

  The game control device 100 is configured to be connectable to an external test firing test device via a relay board 150. The test firing test apparatus is an apparatus for performing a type test of the gaming machine 1 in a predetermined engine. The test firing test device includes a first start port switch 23d, a second start port switch 24d, a gate switch 25a, winning port switches 26a to 26n, signals from the first count switch 27d and the second count switch 28d, and a general-purpose solenoid. Signals necessary for the test test, such as signals output to 24b, the first grand prize winning solenoid 27b, and the second big prize winning solenoid 28b, are input.

  The game control device 100 is connected to the power supply device 450 via a Schmitt circuit 124 provided in the input unit 120. The Schmitt circuit 124 is a circuit that removes fluctuation (noise) of the input signal in order to prevent the operation of the gaming machine 1 from becoming unstable when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. The Schmitt circuit 124 receives a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal from the power supply device 450.

  The power supply device 450 includes a normal power supply unit including an AC-DC converter that generates a DC32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power supply, and a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC12V and DC5V from the DC32V voltage. 460, a backup power supply unit 470 that supplies a power supply voltage to the RAM 111c in the gaming microcomputer 111 at the time of a power failure, a power failure monitoring circuit and an initialization switch, and notifies the game control device 100 of the occurrence and recovery of the power failure. And a control signal generation unit 480 that generates and outputs control signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal.

  The backup power supply unit 470 is a power supply for backing up game data stored in the RAM 111 c of the game microcomputer 111. The game control device 100 restores the gaming state before the power failure based on the game data held in the RAM 111c after the power failure is restored.

  The control signal generator 480 monitors the input voltage (guaranteed DC 32V) of the switching regulator that generates DC 12V and DC 5V. When the detected voltage is DC17.2V to DC20.0V, it is determined that a power failure has occurred, and a power failure monitoring signal is output from the control signal generator 480. The power failure monitoring signal is input to the input port 123 of the input unit 120 via the Schmitt circuit 124. After the power failure monitoring signal is output, the power failure monitoring circuit outputs a reset signal. The reset signal is input to each port 131a to 131e of the gaming microcomputer 111 and the output unit 130 via the Schmitt circuit 124. When the game control device 100 receives a power failure monitoring signal, the game control device 100 performs a predetermined power failure process, and stops the operation of the CPU unit 110 after receiving a reset signal.

  The control signal generation unit 480 includes an initialization switch (not shown), and an initialization switch signal is output from the control signal generation unit 480 when the initialization switch is in an ON state when the power is turned on. The initialization switch signal is input to the input port 123 of the input unit 120 via the Schmitt circuit 124. The initialization switch signal is a signal forcibly initializing information stored in the RAM 111c of the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM of the payout control device 410.

  The effect control device 200 shown in FIG. 5 controls the video under the control of the main control microcomputer 210 (1st CPU) 210 composed of an amusement chip (IC) and the main control microcomputer 210 in the same manner as the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100. And a video display processor (VDP) 230 that performs image processing for video display on the display device 30 (see FIG. 1) in accordance with commands and data from the video control microcomputer 220. And a sound source LSI 205 that reproduces various melodies and sound effects from the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b.

  The main control microcomputer 210 and the video control microcomputer 220 are respectively connected to PROMs (Programmable Read Only Memory) 202 and 203 storing programs executed by the CPUs, and the VDP 230 stores character images and video data. The image ROM 204 is connected, and the sound source LSI 205 is connected with an audio ROM 206 storing audio data. The main control microcomputer 210 analyzes a command from the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100, instructs the video control microcomputer 220 about the content of the output video, instructs the sound source LSI 205 to reproduce sound, LED, etc. Processing such as lighting, motor drive control, production time management, etc. is executed.

  RAMs 211 and 221 that provide work areas for the main control microcomputer 210 and the video control microcomputer 220 are provided in the respective chips. Note that the RAMs 211 and 221 that provide the work area may be provided outside the chip.

  Data transmission / reception is performed between the main control microcomputer 210 and the video control microcomputer 220 and between the main control microcomputer 210 and the sound source LSI 205 in a serial manner. On the other hand, the main control microcomputer 210 and the VDP 230 are configured to transmit and receive data in a parallel manner. By transmitting and receiving data in the parallel system, commands and data can be transmitted in a shorter time than in the serial system.

  The VDP 230 includes an ultra-high speed VRAM (video RAM) 231 used for developing and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 204, and a scaler 232 for enlarging and reducing the image. And a signal conversion circuit 233 for generating a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 30 by the LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) method.

  A vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is output from the VDP 230 to the main control microcomputer 210 in order to synchronize the image of the display device 30 and the lighting of the LEDs provided on the front frame 5 and the game board. Further, the VDP 230 notifies the video control microcomputer 220 that it is waiting to receive commands and data from the interrupt control signals INT0 to n and the video control microcomputer 220 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing in the VRAM 231. A wait signal WAIT is output.

  From the video control microcomputer 220 to the main control microcomputer 210, a synchronization signal SYNC that informs that the video control microcomputer 220 is operating normally and gives command transmission timing is output.

  Between the main control microcomputer 210 and the tone generator LSI 205, a call signal CTS and a response signal RTS are exchanged in order to transmit and receive commands and data by the handshake method.

  The video control microcomputer 220 uses a CPU that is faster than the main control microcomputer 210. By providing the video control microcomputer 220 separately from the main control microcomputer 210 and sharing the processing, it is possible to display on the display device 30 a fast moving image on a large screen that is difficult to achieve with the main control microcomputer 210 alone. In addition, an increase in cost can be suppressed as compared with the case where two CPUs having processing capabilities equivalent to those of the video control microcomputer 220 are used.

  The effect control device 200 includes an interface chip (command I / F) 201 for receiving a command transmitted from the game control device 100. The effect control device 200 receives the change start command, the customer waiting demo command, the fanfare command, the probability information command, the error designation command, and the like transmitted from the game control device 100 as the effect control command signal via the command I / F 201. To do. Since the game microcomputer 111 of the game control apparatus 100 operates at DC 5V and the main control microcomputer 210 of the effect control apparatus 200 operates at DC 3.3V, the command I / F 201 has a signal level conversion function. Yes.

  The effect control device 200 controls a panel decoration LED control circuit 241 that controls a panel decoration device 260 including LEDs and the like provided on the center case and the game board, and a frame decoration device 261 that includes LEDs and the like provided on the front frame 5 and the like. Drive control of the board decoration device 270 including the frame decoration LED control circuit 242 and the electric effect object that enhances the production effect in cooperation with the production display on the display device 30, the storage release SOL72 of the storage ball production unit 70, the storage prevention SOL76, etc. A frame effect motor control circuit 244 for driving and controlling a frame effect device 271 including a board effect motor / SOL (solenoid) control circuit 243 and an illumination drive motor for the movable illumination 9 is provided. These control circuits 241 to 244 are connected to the main control microcomputer 210 via an address / data bus 240.

  Further, the effect control device 200 detects an effect button switch (SW) 251 that detects that the effect button 16 (see FIG. 1) is operated, and an effect ball detection that detects a stored ball discharged from the stored ball effect unit 70. A switch (SW) input circuit 250 that detects the switch 75 and transmits a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 210, and amplifier circuits 207 and 208 including an audio power amplifier that drives the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b are provided. ing.

  The normal power supply 470 of the power supply device 450 is configured to be capable of generating a plurality of types of voltages in order to supply a predetermined level of DC voltage to the effect control device 200 and the electronic components controlled by the effect control device 200. Yes. Specifically, in addition to DC 32V for driving the drive motor and solenoid, DC 12V for driving the display device 30 including a liquid crystal panel, DC 5V as the power supply voltage of the command I / F 201, the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker It is possible to generate a DC 18V for driving the speaker 10b and a voltage of NDC 24V used as a reference for these DC voltages or for turning on the power monitor lamp.

  The reset signal RST generated by the control signal generation unit 480 of the power supply device 450 is supplied to the main control microcomputer 210, the video control microcomputer 220, the VDP 230, the tone generator LSI 205, and the various control circuits 241 to 244, 207, 208. To the reset state. The power supply device 450 has a function of generating and supplying a reset signal for the VDP 230 using a general-purpose port of the video control microcomputer 220. Thereby, the cooperation of the operations of the video control microcomputer 220 and the VDP 230 can be improved.

[First spec]
FIG. 4 is a table showing the first specs of winning in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, in common with the first start winning opening 23 and the second starting winning opening 24, a small hit probability, a big hit probability, and a big hit probability among high probabilities are set, respectively, 1/200, 1/99, It is set to 1 / 9.9.

  In addition, the ratio of the winning hit distribution of the start memory won in the first start winning opening 23 and the big hit distribution allocated in the second start winning opening 24 is the same (60:40). The type settings are different.

  In the big hit allocation of the start memory won in the first start winning opening 23, three types of probability variation 16R big hit, probability variation 4R big hit and sudden hit are set. In addition, two types of normal big hits are usually set: 4R big hit and per rush.

  In the big hit allocation that won the second start winning opening 24, two types of probability variation 16R big hit and probability variation 4R big hit are set as the probability variation big hit. Further, one type of normal 4R big hit is set as the normal big hit.

  Here, the probability variation 16R big hit and the probability variation 4R big hit are given a continuation of the high probability state and the electric support state until the next big hit. Moreover, the electric support state is normally given 20 times for 4R big hit. In this way, a more advantageous gaming state for the player is more likely to be selected when the starting memory that has won the second starting prize opening 24 is a big hit than the first starting prize opening 23.

[Game state transition pattern of the first spec]
Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a game state transition pattern of the first spec in the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the big hit distribution of the start memory won in the first start winning opening 23 will be described.

  First, a small hit (A) is generated with a probability of 1/200 from the gaming state in the normal state. Also, big hits (B) to (H) are generated with a probability of 1/99. Furthermore, of the big hits, the ratios of occurrence of the hit (B) and the hit probability (C) are 5% and 25%, respectively. The normal 4R big hit (D → G), in which the electric support state is only given 20 times from 4D (D), occurs at a rate of 35%. Further, the probability variation 4R big hit (D → H), which becomes a high probability state and a power support state from the next big hit (D) to the next big hit, occurs at a rate of 30%. Further, the probability variation 16R big hit (E → H) occurs at a rate of 5%.

  In the first specification, when the small hit (A), the rush hit (B), and the quick hit (C) occur, the first variable winning device 27 is opened during the special game, and the first variable winning is determined. A notification game (F) for notifying the game state after the end of the special game state is executed by the game ball (stored ball) stored in the device 27. Note that the opening pattern of the first variable winning device 27 due to these hits is substantially the same and is difficult to distinguish. Moreover, the electric support state is not given by these hits. That is, when the notification game (F) is executed, there is no electric support state.

[Second spec]
Next, FIG. 6 is a table showing the second specs of winning in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, in common with the first start winning opening 23 and the second starting winning opening 24, the small hit probability, the big hit probability, and the big hit probability among the high probabilities are set, respectively, 1/200, 1/399, It is set to 1/40.

  In addition, in the big hit distribution of the start memory won in the first start winning opening 23 and the big hit distribution in the second start winning opening 24, the ratio of the probability change or normal is the same (70:30). The type settings are different.

  In the jackpot distribution that won the second start winning opening 24, there are only two types of jackpots, and the probability variation 16R jackpot and the normal 16R jackpot are set.

  In the big hit allocation of the start memory won in the first start winning opening 23, as the probability variation big hit, in addition to the probability variation 16R big hit, the real 12R big hit, the real 9R big hit, and the real 6R big hit are set, and each is given 100 times electric support. Since two patterns are set for the case and not, a total of seven types are set. Further, as a normal big hit, in addition to a normal 16R big hit (electric support 100 times), a real 12R big hit without electric support, a real 9R big hit, and a real 6R big hit are set, and a total of four types are set.

  In the second specification, when the real 12R big hit, the real 9R big hit and the real 6R big hit without electric support are generated regardless of the probability state, the first variable winning device 27 is opened during the special game, and the first A notifying game for notifying the game state after the end of the special game state is executed by the game ball (stored ball) stored in the variable winning device 27.

  Here, the actual 12R big hit is originally a 16R big hit, but the remaining 4R is a big hit with a short opening time of the target variable winning device. The game balls that can be acquired by the player are almost the same as the 12R big hit, so such a big hit is regarded as a substantial 12R big hit. Similarly, the actual 9R jackpot and the actual 6R jackpot are also essentially 16R jackpots, but the remaining 7R and 10R are each set with a short opening time of the target variable winning device. Moreover, the variable winning device to be opened may not be the same in all rounds. For example, in the case of a substantial 12R big hit, the first 12R winning device 28 may be opened for the first 12R, and the first variable winning device 27 may be opened for the remaining 4R having a short opening time.

[Notification game execution timing]
Next, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the storage timing at the time of a substantial 12R big hit in the second spec of hit in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As described above, in the second specification, when a substantial 12R big hit, a real 9R big hit, and a real 6R big hit occur, the notification game is executed. And the storage ball used for a notification game is a game ball which won a prize in a period when the opening time of the 1st change prize-winning device 27 is short in each big hit.

  More specifically, taking the actual 12R big hit as an example, the opening time of the first variable winning device 27 in the last 4R out of 16R is shorter than that in 1R to 12R. In the second specification, the game balls won in the first variable winning device 27 during the last 4R are stored and used for the notification game.

  Even in the case of a real 9R big hit or a real 6R big hit, the game game is executed by storing the winning game balls during the last 7R, 10R.

[Second spec storage structure]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a storage structure corresponding to the second spec in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As described above, the storage of game balls in the second specification is performed in the last few rounds of the acquired rounds. Therefore, in the storage ball effect unit 70, the game ball won in the first variable winning device 27 is not allowed to flow down to the storage passage 71 until it becomes a round that can be stored even if the round is started in the special game state. A prevention solenoid (SOL) 76 is provided. In addition, the storage prevention SOL 76 is arranged so as to be able to block the sphere entrance 70a of the storage sphere rendering unit 70 or to open the sphere entrance 70a.

  In the case of substantially 12R big hit, the storage prevention SOL 76 operates up to 12R and closes the ball inlet 70a of the storage ball effect unit 70. Then, after 13R, the ball inlet 70a is released to allow the game ball to flow down to the storage passage 71.

  Next, an example of screen transition according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13.

[Direction of notification game]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a presentation aspect of the notification game according to the first embodiment of this invention. Here, any one of the first spec small hit (A), rush hit (B), bump hit (C), second spec real 12R / 9R / 6R big hit occurs, A description will be given from a state where four game balls won in the first variable prize winning device 27 are stored in the storage passage 71. As a notification game, a shooting game that aims at a target character (UFO) with a rocket is executed.

  FIG. 9A shows a start mode of the notification game. At this time, on the display screen 31 of the display device 30, the special figure variation display game is executed, and the variation of the identification information is displayed at the lower right of the screen. Then, the UFO character A floating from the right side of the screen toward the center is displayed.

  At this time, the operation of the effect button 16 becomes effective, and the player presses the effect button 16 as shown in FIG.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9 (C), in response to an operation input to the effect button 16, the storage release SOL 72 of the storage ball effect unit 70 is activated, and only one stored ball is released from the storage passage 71, and the flow-down passage 73 flows down. If the player does not press the effect button 16 (does not operate) in FIG. 9B, the stored ball does not flow down the flow-down passage 73, and the notification effect described below is not performed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9D, when the stored ball that has flowed down passes through the ball outlet 70 b of the stored ball effect unit 70 and is detected by the effect ball detection switch 75, “GO” is displayed on the exit display unit 74. A message is displayed and a rocket is displayed in the lower center of the display screen 31. The rocket is displayed above the exit display unit 74, and an effect display that is launched toward the top of the screen is performed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9E, if the rocket can shoot down the UFO floating above the screen, the game state is notified on the screen shown in FIG. 9F.

  FIG. 9F shows a screen display for notifying the gaming state. Here, “probability change” is displayed in the upper center of the display screen 31 to notify that the current game state is a probability change state (high probability state).

  Here, in FIG. 9E, when the rocket cannot shoot down the UFO, the gaming state notification as shown in FIG. 9F may not be performed.

  In addition, when the result of the special figure variation display game being executed is a win, it is notified on the display screen 31 that it is a win even during the notification game. By doing in this way, it is possible to reliably notify the player of a win.

  Further, when the rocket can shoot down the UFO in the notification game (when it hits the game), it is also notified whether or not the gaming state after the special gaming state is a certain change state.

  The stored balls stored in the stored ball effect unit 70 may be stored in the storage passage 71 until they are digested (released), but the display screen 30 may become a customer waiting demonstration screen and the player may be switched. In the case of being predicted, the storage ball SOL72 may be canceled to release the stored balls all at once.

[Display mode]
Next, a display mode in the notification game will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display mode used in the notification game according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram showing the type of target character targeted by the rocket in FIG. 9 described above. In FIG. 9 described above, the UFO character A is used. In addition, UFO characters B and C are prepared.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a display mode of the notification content displayed on the display screen 31 as shown in FIG. 9F described above. As notification contents, messages such as “probability change”, “reach”, “item”, “one more time”, and “out of place” are set, and “?” Is added to the ending when the notification is ambiguous. Here, the “item” indicates that the player has acquired a small accessory for production (for example, a gun or a hat). Further, “one more time” indicates that the player is prompted to execute the notification game again when the pseudo-ream is performed. “Probability change” indicates that the gaming state is a probability change state, and “big hit” and “reach” indicate prefetching of the gaming state.

  FIG. 10C is a table showing the display ratio of the target character (FIG. 10A) with respect to the aforementioned notification content (FIG. 10B). Here, “others” in the notification content indicates a message in which “?” Is added to make each notification content described in FIG. 10B ambiguous.

  In the table, notification contents that are valuable to the player are arranged in order from the top. The higher the value of the notification content is, the higher the ratio that the UFO character C is selected as the target character. Then, the reliability of the target character (expectation for notifying information with high value to the player) is UFO character A <UFO character B <UFO character C. Therefore, the player can predict the notification content from the target character displayed in the notification game.

  In this way, when the player operates the effect button 16, the stored ball flows down from the stored ball effect unit 70, and the shooting game of the notification game starts, so that the player's consciousness of participation in the game can be enhanced. The fun of gaming can be enhanced.

  In addition, since one notification game is executed for each stored ball, the player aims to win the first variable winning device 27 during the special game state in which the stored game can be stored. Even if the opening time of the first variable prize-winning device 27 (the time when the stored ball can be won) is short, the player actively plays games, so the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

  Further, since the stored ball is released from the storage when the player operates the effect button 16, the notification game can be executed at a timing desired by the player based on the player's intention. And since a notification game can be performed until there is no stored ball, the interest of the game can be improved.

  Moreover, since the stored ball effect unit 70 of the present invention is disposed around the display screen 31 in front of the center case 22, the stored ball does not interfere with the notification game effect display on the display screen 31. If the front surfaces of the storage passage 71 and the flow-down passage 73 of the storage ball production unit 70 are made of a transparent member, the player can enjoy both the operation of the storage ball and the production display related to the operation of the storage ball on the display screen 31. Can increase the interest of the game.

[Directing mode when pseudo-ream is performed]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an effect aspect in the case where the storage ball of the first embodiment of the present invention is digested in a pseudo-continuous manner. Here, the pseudo-ream refers to a variation display game in which variation display is performed in a plurality of times in a pseudo special variation display game for one start-up memory digestion. Specifically, it refers to a variation display game in which after the variation display is started, the temporary stop display and the re-variation are repeated, and then the suspension display is performed.

  FIG. 11 (A) is an effect mode in a state where the notification content of FIG. 9 (F) is “another time” instead of “certain change”. When “once again” is displayed on the display screen 31, a pseudo-ream has occurred in one special figure variation display game. At this time, the identification information oscillates in the center of the display screen 31 as shown in FIG.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 11 (C), the notification game start screen of FIG. 9 (A) is displayed on the display screen 31, and the target character appears again. When the notification game start screen is displayed, the message “GO” displayed on the exit display unit 74 of the stored ball effect unit 70 is not displayed.

  Thereafter, when the player presses the effect button 16, one stored ball stored in the storage passage 71 of the stored ball effect unit 70 is released and flows down the flow-down passage 73. Then, as shown in FIG. 11 (D), when the stored ball that has flowed down passes through the ball outlet 70 b of the stored ball effect unit 70, the message “GO” is displayed again on the outlet display unit 74, and the display screen 31. A rocket targeting the target character is displayed. Thereafter, as described above, if the rocket can shoot down the target character, the notification related to the gaming state is executed, and if the rocket can not shoot down, the notification is not executed.

  By performing the pseudo-ream in this way, a plurality of notification games can be executed in one special figure variation display game. Thereby, since the frequency | count of a player's participation in a game also increases, the interest of a game can be raised more.

[Directing mode when attacked by target character]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an effect aspect in the case where the storage ball according to the first embodiment of the present invention is digested by an attack in the display effect of the display device.

  FIG. 12A is the same as FIG. In FIG. 9, the launched rocket was able to shoot down the UFO, but here the rocket could not shoot down the UFO, and as shown in FIG. A case where an effect display that hits the storage cancellation SOL 72 or the exit display unit 74 is performed will be described.

  FIG. 12C shows an effect mode when the UFO hits the exit display unit 74 of the stored ball effect unit 70. At this time, the message “GO” displayed on the exit display unit 74 rotates to the right. The exit display unit 74 may be rotated to the right. Thereby, even if the storage ball passes, the effect ball detection switch 75 is not detected.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12D, when the “GO” message on the exit display unit 74 rotates 180 degrees, the storage release SOL 72 is also released and all the stored balls in the storage passage 71 flow down to the flow-down passage 73. . At this time, the identification information is variably displayed on the display screen 31 at the center of the screen.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12E, the stored ball is discharged from the stored ball effect unit 70, and the display screen 31 displays the stop mode of the identification information.

  Thus, the entertainment of the game can be further enhanced by performing a series of effects by the display mode of the display screen 31 of the display device 30 and the operation of the storage ball effect unit 70. Further, if the aim of the rocket is removed, there is a possibility that the stored ball may disappear, so the player operates the effect button 16 after more timing for launching the rocket. As a result, the player's awareness of participation in the game is increased, and the interest of the game can be enhanced.

[Directing mode when used for pre-reading notice]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an effect aspect in the case where the storage ball of the first embodiment of the present invention is used for the pre-reading notice of the start memory. Here, the stored ball is associated with the start memory that is held, and there are three start memories that are held at this time.

  FIG. 13 (A) shows the same situation as FIG. 9 (D), but at this time the rocket is launched not toward UFO but toward the storage ball stored in the storage passage 71 of the storage ball effect unit 70. .

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13B, an effect display is performed such that the rocket hits the second storage ball in the release order. In the screen display area where the rocket hits, some pre-reading notice effect is displayed as shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, when the second storage ball in the release order is actually released and detected by the effect ball detection switch 75 of the storage ball effect unit 70, the start that is secondly held on the display screen 31 of the display device 30 is started. A pre-reading notice corresponding to the memory is executed.

  In this way, since the storage ball and the start memory are related and produced, the interest of the game can be further enhanced. Further, since the player thinks that the operation of the effect button 16 is related to the execution of the pre-reading notice, the player's awareness of participation in the game is further increased.

  Hereinafter, specific processing for the control by the game control device 100 will be described.

[Main processing (game control device)]
First, the main process will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the first half of the main processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the latter half of the main processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The main process is executed when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. For example, it is executed when a gaming machine is turned on to start business at a game hall or when a power failure is restored.

  When the execution of the main process is started, the game control device 100 first disables an interrupt (S1501). Next, interrupt vector setting processing for setting a vector address indicating a jump destination executed when an interrupt occurs is executed (S1502). Further, a stack pointer that is the start address of an area for saving a value of a register or the like when an interrupt occurs is set (S1503). Further, an interrupt processing mode is set (S1504).

  Next, the game control apparatus 100 waits until the program of the payout control apparatus (payout board) 410 is normally started (S1505). For example, wait for 4 milliseconds. By controlling in this way, when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 is activated first, and the command is transmitted to the payout control device 410 before the start of the payout control device 410 is completed. Thus, it is possible to avoid that the payout control device 410 misses the transmitted command.

  Thereafter, the game control apparatus 100 permits access to a read / write RWM (read / write memory) such as a RAM or EEPROM (S1506). Furthermore, all output ports are set to off (no output) (S1507). In addition, the serial port preinstalled in the gaming microcomputer 111 is set not to be used (S1508). This is because the serial port is not used because parallel communication is performed with the payout control device 410 and the effect control device 200 in the present embodiment.

  Subsequently, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the initialization switch signal in the power supply device 450 is set to ON (S1509). The initialization switch signal is a signal for setting whether or not to start a game in an initialized state when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. For example, when the power is normally turned off at the time of closing the store and the power is turned on at the opening of the next day, the initialization switch signal is set to ON so that the game is started in the initialized state. . On the other hand, when the power is turned on again after a power failure, the initialization switch signal is turned off so that the game machine is not initialized in order to resume the game as close to the gaming state as possible before the power failure. Is set.

  When the initialization switch signal is set to OFF (the result of S1509 is “N”), the game control apparatus 100 checks the power failure inspection area in the RWM (S1510). More specifically, the power failure inspection area check data is stored in the power failure inspection area. Next, it is checked whether or not the power failure inspection area check data stored in the power failure inspection area is normal (S1510).

  When it is determined that the power failure inspection area check data in the power failure inspection area in the RWM is normal, that is, the game control apparatus 100 is determined to have recovered from the power failure (the result of S1511 is “Y”), it is called a checksum. A checksum calculation process for calculating verification data is executed (S1512).

  Then, the game control apparatus 100 determines whether or not the checksum value calculated in the checksum calculation process matches the checksum value calculated when the power is turned off (S1513).

  On the other hand, when the initialization switch signal is set to ON (result of S1509 is “Y”), the game control device 100 is not recovered from a power failure (result of S1511 is “N”), and is turned off. When the checksum value in step S1512 does not match the checksum value calculated in step S1512 (the result in step S1513 is “N”), the initialization processing in steps S1540 to S1542 in FIG. 15 is executed. Details of the initialization process will be described later.

  When the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value at the time of power-off (the result of S1513 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 100 has executed the power failure process normally. The process for recovering to this state is executed (S1514 to S1519 in FIG. 15).

  First, the game control device 100 clears an area in the RWM (read / write memory: RAM in the embodiment) in which information for determining whether or not the information at the time of the power failure has been normally stored is stored ( initialize. Specifically, the initial value at the time of power failure recovery is saved in the area to be initialized (the power failure inspection area and the area where the checksum is stored) (S1514). Furthermore, an area for storing error-related information and information for monitoring fraud is reset (S1515).

  Next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the game state at the time of the power failure is a high probability state from the area for storing the game state in the RWM (S1516). If it is determined that the state is not a high probability state (the result of S1516 is “N”), the processing after S1519 is executed.

  When it is determined that the gaming state at the time of the power outage is a high probability state (result of S1516 is “Y”), the game control device 100 sets the high probability notification flag to ON and sets the high probability notification flag area. (S1517). Subsequently, the high-probability notification LED provided in the collective display device 50 is set to ON (lighted) (S1518).

  Furthermore, the game control device 100 transmits a command at the time of power failure recovery corresponding to the special figure game process number to the effect control device 200 (S1519). The special figure game process number is a number indicating the state of the special figure game, and is stored in a predetermined area of the RWM when a power failure occurs. In this way, by transmitting the power failure recovery command corresponding to the special figure game process number to the effect control device 200, the game can be resumed in a state as close as possible before the occurrence of the power failure.

  Here, a case where the initialization process is executed will be described. As described above, the initialization process is executed when a gaming machine that has been normally powered off is activated or when it cannot return to the state before the occurrence of a power failure.

  In the initialization process, the game control device 100 first resets the work area to be used (S1540). Further, an initial value for power-on is saved in the area to be initialized (S1541). And the command at the time of power activation is transmitted to the effect control apparatus 200 (S1542), and the process after S1520 is performed.

  When the processing of S1519 or S1542 is completed, the gaming control device 100 activates a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the gaming microcomputer 111 (clock generator). (S1520).

  The CTC circuit is provided in a clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 111. The clock generator includes a frequency dividing circuit that divides the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 113 and the CTC circuit described above. The timer interrupt signal is a signal for causing the CPU 111a to generate a timer interrupt with a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) based on the divided signal. The random number update trigger signal (CTC) is supplied to the random number generation circuit based on the divided signal, and the random number generation circuit serves as a trigger for updating the random number.

  When the CTC circuit is activated, the game control device 100 performs activation setting of the random number generation circuit (S1521). Specifically, the CPU 111a executes processing such as setting a code (specified value) for starting the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. Further, the values of predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at power-on are saved in predetermined areas of the RWM as initial values (start values) of various initial value random numbers (S 1522). . Thereafter, the game control device 100 permits an interrupt (S1523).

  Note that the random number generation circuit in the CPU 111a of the present embodiment is configured such that the initial value of the soft random number register is changed every time the power is turned on, and initial values of various initial value random numbers are based on the initial value of the soft random number register. By setting a value (start value), it becomes possible to break the regularity of random numbers generated by software, making it difficult for a player to acquire illegal random numbers. Various initial value random numbers include, for example, a random number for determining a big hit symbol (big hit symbol random number 1, a big hit symbol random number 2), a random number for determining the hit of a general variable display game (hit random number), a game state in a short state (normal A random number (electric support lottery random number) to be won in the electric support lottery to be set to (electric support state) is included.

  Subsequently, the game control device 100 executes an initial value random number update process for updating the values of various initial value random numbers and breaking the regularity of the random numbers (S1524). In the present embodiment, the big hit random number is configured to be generated using a random number generated in the random number generation circuit. That is, the big hit random number is a hard random number generated by hardware, and the big hit symbol random number, the hit random number, the variation pattern random number, and the electric support lottery random number are soft random numbers generated by software. Note that the source of various random numbers is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the big hit random number may be a software random number, or the big hit symbol random number, the hit random number, the variation pattern random number, the electric support lottery random number is a hardware random number. It may be.

  Further, after the initial value random number update process is executed, the game control device 100 determines whether or not a power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 450 and read via the port and the data bus is on (S1525). ). Whether or not a power failure has occurred can be determined based on whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is on. When the power failure monitoring signal is not on, that is, when there is no power failure (result of S1525 is “N”), the initial value random number update processing of S1524 is executed again, and the processing of S1524 and S1525 is executed repeatedly (loop) processing).

  In addition, by permitting an interrupt (S1523) before the initial value random number update process (S1524), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process can be preferentially executed. Become. Accordingly, since the timer interrupt process cannot be executed until the execution of the initial value random number update process is completed, it is possible to avoid a shortage of time for executing various processes included in the interrupt process.

  In the initial value random number update process (S1524), the initial value random number update process may be executed by a timer interrupt process in addition to the main process. However, when the initial value random number update process is executed in the timer interrupt process, an interrupt is issued during the initial value random number update process in the main process in order to avoid executing the initial value random number update process in both processes. It is prohibited to release the interrupt after updating the initial random number. However, if the initial value random number update process is not executed in the timer interrupt process and the initial value random number update process is executed only in the main process as in this embodiment, the interrupt can be canceled before the initial value random number update process. There is no problem, and there is an advantage that the main processing is simplified.

  On the other hand, when the power failure monitoring signal is set to ON (the result of S1525 is “Y”), the game control device 100 considers that a power failure has occurred and executes the process when a power failure occurs (S1526 to S1526). S1531).

  The game control device 100 prohibits interruption (S1526) and sets all output ports to off (S1527). Thereafter, the power failure recovery inspection area check data is saved in the power failure recovery inspection area (S1528).

  Further, the game control apparatus 100 executes a checksum calculation process for calculating a checksum when the RWM is turned off (S1529), and saves (saves) the calculated checksum value in the checksum area of the RWM ( S1530). Finally, access to the RWM is prohibited so that the contents of the RWM are not changed (S1531), and the system waits until the gaming machine 1 is turned off. In this way, by saving check data in the power failure recovery inspection area and calculating and storing the checksum at the time of power-off, the information stored in the RWM before power-off is correctly backed up. It is possible to determine when the power is turned on again.

[Timer interrupt processing (game control device)]
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of timer interrupt processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The timer interrupt process is started when a periodic (for example, 1 millisecond) timer interrupt signal generated by a CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 111a.

  When the timer interrupt process is started, the game control device 100 first saves the register by moving the value held in the predetermined register to the RWM (S1601). In this embodiment, a Z80 microcomputer is used as the game microcomputer. The Z80 microcomputer has a front register and a back register, and the processing in S1601 can be implemented by saving the value held in the front register to the back register.

  Next, the game control apparatus 100 executes an input process of acquiring input signals from various sensors and switches input via the input unit 120 and reading the state of each input port (S1602). The various sensors include a start port 1 switch 23d, a start port 2 switch 24d, a conventional gate switch 25a, a first count switch 27d, a second count switch 28d, and the like. In the input process, the input information is confirmed by performing chattering removal or the like on the input signal.

  Further, the game control device 100 executes output processing for transmitting output data related to game control set in various processes to the effect control device 200 and the payout control device 410 (S1603). The output data is information for performing drive control of an actuator such as a solenoid, and the solenoids to be controlled include, for example, a first big prize opening solenoid (SOL) 27b and a second big prize opening solenoid (SOL). 28b, a general electric solenoid (SOL) 24b is included. The output processing includes outputting game data to an information collection terminal device (not shown) that collects game data in the gaming machine.

  Next, the game control apparatus 100 executes a command transmission process for transmitting (outputting) the command set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the effect control apparatus 200, the payout control apparatus 410, and the like (S1604). Specifically, the effect control device 200 receives a change pattern designation command for specifying a change pattern of identification information in the special figure change display game, and a power failure recovery command for causing the effect control device 200 to execute a power failure recovery process when recovering from a power failure. Or a prize ball command specifying the number of prize balls to be paid out from the payout device is sent to the payout control device 410.

  Further, the game control device 100 executes a random number update process 1 for updating the jackpot symbol random number 1 and the jackpot symbol random number 2 (S1605), and subsequently uses a variation pattern random number for determining the variation pattern in the special diagram variation display game. Random number update processing 2 to be updated is executed (S1606). In random number update processing 1 and random number update processing 2, in order to give randomness to various random numbers, the values of counters corresponding to various random numbers (big hit random number counter, hit random number counter, presentation determination random number counter, etc.) are incremented by one To do.

  After that, the game control apparatus 100 executes a winning port switch / error monitoring process for monitoring various winning port switches and the like, and monitoring errors such as unauthorized opening of the frame (S1607). The various winning opening switches include, for example, a starting opening 1 switch 23d, a starting opening 2 switch 24d, a gate switch 25a, winning opening switches 26a to 26n, a first count switch 27d, and a second count switch 28d. In the prize opening switch / error monitoring process, it is monitored whether a normal signal is input from these switches. As for error monitoring, the front frame 5 and the glass frame 6 are targeted for unauthorized opening.

  Further, the game control device 100 executes a special figure game process for performing a process related to the special figure variation display game (S1608). The details of the special figure game process will be described later with reference to FIG. Subsequently, a general game process for performing a process related to the normal map variable display game is executed (S1609).

  Next, the game control device 100 executes a segment LED editing process for controlling the display contents of the segment LED for displaying the special figure variation game and various information related to the game (S1610). Specifically, the parameters for outputting the results of the special map variation display game and the general map variation display game to the segment LED (for example, the collective display device 50) are edited.

  The game control apparatus 100 checks the detection signals from the magnetic sensor switch 39a and the vibration sensor switch 39b, and executes a magnet fraud monitoring process for determining whether there is an abnormality (S1611). When the occurrence of an abnormality is detected, a notification sound is output from the speaker 10 or the gaming state LED 32 is turned on to notify the outside.

  Next, the game control apparatus 100 executes an external information editing process for editing various signals output from the external information terminal 160 (S1612).

  Then, the game control device 100 clears the interrupt request and declares the end of the interrupt (S1613). Thereafter, the register temporarily saved in the process of S1601 is restored (S1614), the interrupt and timer interrupt by the prohibited external device are permitted (S1615), the timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process. .

[Special Figure Game Processing]
Next, the details of the special game process (S1608) in the above-described timer interrupt process (FIG. 16) will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special game process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  In the special figure game process, the input signal is monitored by the start port 1 switch 23d and the start port 2 switch 24d, the entire process related to the special figure variation display game is controlled, and the display of the special figure (identification symbol, identification information) is performed.

  When the special figure game process is started, the game control device 100 first executes a start switch monitoring process for monitoring a winning of the start port 1 switch 23d and the start port 2 switch 24d (S1701).

  In the start port switch monitoring process, when a game ball wins at the first start winning port 23 and the second start winning port 24, various random numbers (such as big hit random numbers) are extracted, and a special variable display game based on the win Prior to the start of the game, a game result pre-determination is made to pre-determine a game result based on a prize. The details of the start port switch monitoring process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the game control device 100 executes a count switch monitoring process (S1702). In the count switch monitoring process, a game won in the corresponding special variable winning device by the first count switch 27d provided in the first variable winning device 27 or the second count switch 28d provided in the second variable winning device 28. The ball is detected and the number of winning game balls is monitored.

  Next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the special figure game processing timer has already expired or the special figure game processing timer has expired as a result of updating (-1) the special figure game processing timer. Is checked (S1703). The special figure game process timer is set to an initial value when executing each process (S1709 to S1715) to be branched according to a special figure game process number to be described later, and in the process of S1703, the special figure game process timer is set. Decrease the value by 1. The value set as the initial value is a time value until the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is ended. For example, the value is set in the special figure normal process (S1709; special figure game process number “0”). As the value to be set, the time value during which the special symbol is variably displayed in the special figure variation display game is set. Then, when the value of the special figure game processing timer becomes 0, it is determined that the time is up.

  If the special game process timer has not expired (the result of S1704 is “N”), the game control device 100 executes the processes after S1716.

  On the other hand, when the special figure game process timer expires (the result of S1704 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 100 refers to the special figure game sequence to be branched to the process corresponding to the special figure game process number. The branch table is set in the register (S1705). Further, the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is acquired based on the table (S1706). Then, the return address after the branch process is completed is saved in the stack area (S1707), and the process is branched according to the game process number (S1708).

  When the game process number is “0” (the result of S1708 is “0”), the game control apparatus 100 executes a special figure routine process (S1709). The special chart routine process monitors the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game, sets the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game, sets the effects, sets the information necessary to execute the special figure fluctuation processing, etc. Do. Details of the special figure routine processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the game process number is “1” (result of S1708 is “1”), the game control apparatus 100 executes the special figure changing process (S1710). In the special figure changing process, the stop display time of the identification information in the special figure changing display game, the setting of information necessary for performing the special figure display process, and the like are performed.

  When the game process number is “2” (the result of S1708 is “2”), the game control apparatus 100 executes a special figure display process (S1711). In the special figure display process, if the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is a big hit, the fanfare command setting according to the type of the big hit, the fanfare time corresponding to the big winning opening opening pattern of each big hit, For example, information necessary for performing fanfare / interval processing is set.

  When the game process number is “3” (the result of S1708 is “3”), the game control apparatus 100 executes the fanfare / interval process (S1712). In the fanfare / interval processing, setting of the opening time of the big prize opening, updating of the number of times of opening, setting of information necessary for performing the processing during opening of the big prize opening, and the like are performed.

  When the game process number is “4” (the result of S1708 is “4”), the game control apparatus 100 executes a special winning opening opening process (S1713). The processing during opening of the big prize opening is necessary to set an interval command if the big hit round is not the final round, while setting the command of the big hit end screen if the big round is the final round, or to perform the big prize opening remaining ball processing Set information.

  Further, the opening process of the special winning opening 27 is based on the opening time of the special winning opening 27 corresponding to the case where the result of the special figure variation display game is a special result, or the second variation. Since the open / close door 28a of the winning device 28 is opened to generate a special game state that gives a player a game value, the game control device 100 serves as a special game state control means.

  When the game process number is “5” (the result of S1708 is “5”), the game control apparatus 100 executes the big winning opening remaining ball process (S1714). In the winning ball remaining ball processing, when the big hit round is the final round, the time for the remaining ball in the big winning mouth to be discharged is set, or the information necessary to perform the big hit end processing is set Or

  In the winning prize remaining ball process, information necessary for updating the special symbol process timer and performing the fanfare / interval process or the big hit end process is set. In addition, it is determined whether the maximum opening time of the grand prize opening has elapsed, or whether a predetermined number (predetermined number) of game balls have been won in the big prize opening, and the opening / closing door corresponding to any of the conditions is established. Close. After this is repeated for a predetermined number of rounds, the special figure game process number is set to 6.

  When the game process number is “6” (the result of S1708 is “6”), the game control apparatus 100 executes a jackpot end process (S1715). In the big hit end process, information necessary for performing the special figure routine process of S1709 is set.

  After that, the game control device 100 prepares a table for controlling the variation of symbols in the special figure 1 display (S1716). Subsequently, the symbol fluctuation control process related to the special figure 1 display is executed (S1717). Details of the symbol variation control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Furthermore, the game control apparatus 100 prepares a table for controlling the variation of symbols in the special figure 2 display (S1718). Subsequently, the symbol fluctuation control process related to the special figure 2 display is executed (S1719). Thereafter, the special figure game process is terminated.

[Starter switch monitoring process]
Next, details of the start port switch monitoring process (S1701) in the special figure game process (FIG. 17) described above will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the start port switch monitoring process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  When the start port switch monitoring process is started, the game control device 100 first prepares a table for setting information on hold due to a game ball winning in the first start winning port 23 (S1801).

  Subsequently, the game control device 100 executes a special-purpose start port switch common process that is executed in common when a game ball wins the first start winning port 23 or the second start winning port 24 (S1802). The details of the special figure start port switch common process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in the game control device 100, the ordinary electric accessory (ordinary variable winning device, movable member 24a of the second starting winning port 24) is operating, that is, the movable member 24a of the second starting winning port 24 is a game. It is checked whether or not the ball is open so that a winning of a ball is possible (S1803). When the ordinary electric accessory is in operation (the result of S1803 is “Y”), the processing after S1806 is executed.

  On the other hand, if the ordinary electric accessory is not in operation (the result of S1803 is “N”), the game control device 100 determines whether the number of fraudulent winnings in the second start winning opening 24 is greater than or equal to the fraud occurrence determination number. It is checked (S1804), and it is determined whether or not the number of fraudulent winnings is equal to or greater than the number of fraud determination (S1805).

  The illegal winning will be described in detail. The second start winning opening 24 cannot receive a game ball when the movable member 24a is closed, and can receive a game ball only when the movable member 24a is open. Therefore, when the game ball wins in the closed state, there is a high possibility that some abnormality or fraud has occurred, and when there is a game ball won in the closed state, the number is counted as the number of illegal wins. Then, in the processing of S1804 and S1805, it is determined whether or not the number of illegal prizes thus counted is equal to or greater than a predetermined fraud occurrence determination number (upper limit value).

  When the number of illegal winnings is equal to or larger than the number of fraud determinations (the result of S1805 is “Y”), the game control device 100 determines that the game ball is won and invalidated at the second start winning port 24, and the process related to the special figure variable display game Is not executed, and the start port switch monitoring process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the number of fraudulent winnings is less than the number of fraud determinations (the result of S1805 is “N”), the game control device 100 prepares a table for setting information on hold by the second start winning award 24 (S1806). Then, the special figure start port switch common process is executed (S1807). Thereafter, the start port switch monitoring process is terminated.

[Special figure start port switch common processing]
Next, details of the special-purpose start-port switch common processing (S1802, S1807) in the above-described start-port switch monitoring processing (FIG. 18) will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure start port switch common process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The special figure start port switch common process is common when a signal is input from the start port 1 switch 23d or the start port 2 switch 24d due to a game ball winning in the first start winning port 23 or the second start winning port 24. Is executed.

  First, the game control apparatus 100 checks whether or not a signal is input from a start port switch to be monitored (for example, the start port 1 switch 23d) among the start port 1 switch 23d and the start port 2 switch 24d (S1901). , S1902). If no signal is input from the target starter switch (the result of S1902 is “N”), the special-purpose starter switch common process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when a signal is input from the target start port switch (the result of S1902 is “Y”), the game control device 100 sets the start port winning flag corresponding to the target start port switch to a predetermined value of the RWM. Save in the area (S1903). Furthermore, the big hit random number extracted to the hard random number latch register corresponding to the target start port switch is loaded, and preparation for use in the subsequent processing is made (S1904).

  Subsequently, the game control device 100 provides information regarding the number of times of winning at the start winning port corresponding to the target start port switch, that is, the number of times output to the management device outside the gaming machine 1 (start port signal output). The number of times) is loaded and updated by adding 1 to the loaded value, and it is checked whether or not the number of times of starting port signal output overflows (S1905, S1906).

  When the start port signal output count does not overflow (the result of S1906 is “N”), the game control apparatus 100 sets the updated start port signal output count value in the start port signal output count area of the RWM. Save (S1907).

  The game control device 100, after the processing of S1907 is completed, or when the number of times of starting port signal output overflows (the result of S1906 is “Y”), the special figure of the update target corresponding to the target starting port switch. It is checked whether the number of pending (starting memory) is less than the upper limit value (S1908, S1909).

  When the special figure hold number is less than the upper limit value (the result of S1909 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 100 sets information corresponding to the winning detected by the start port switch. Specifically, first, the number of special figure reservations to be updated (for example, the number of special figure 1 reservations) is incremented by 1 (S1910).

  Subsequently, the game control device 100 prepares a decoration special figure holding number command. The decoration special figure reservation number command is composed of a MODE part and an ACTION part. More specifically, the game control device 100 first prepares a decoration special figure hold number command (MODE) for the target starter switch (S1911), and further displays a special figure hold number corresponding to the special figure hold number. A command (ACTION) is prepared (S1912). Then, a command setting process for setting the prepared special figure reservation number command is executed (S1913). Then, the address of the random number save area corresponding to the updated special figure hold number is calculated (S1914).

  Next, the game control apparatus 100 saves the jackpot random number in the RWM target random number save area (S1915), further extracts the jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the target start-up switch, and stores it in the RWM random number save area. Save (S1916). Subsequently, the corresponding variation pattern random number 1 is extracted, and the extracted value is saved in the random number saving area of the RWM (S1917). Similarly, the corresponding variation pattern random number 2 is extracted, and the extracted value is saved in the random number save area of the RWM (S1918). Further, the corresponding variation pattern random number 3 is extracted, and the extracted value is saved in the random number saving area of the RWM (S1919). The variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 are used, for example, for individually setting the variation patterns of the first half and the second half, or for executing a specific effect.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the big hit random number is extracted in the same procedure regardless of which of the start port 1 switch 23d and the start port 2 switch 24d detects the winning of the game ball. That is, whether the winning is from the first start winning opening 23 or the second starting winning opening 24 is the same random number for winning the winning game ball. A big hit random number may be set for each start winning opening.

  Here, a fluctuation pattern random number (fluctuation) for determining a fluctuation pattern (including the execution time of the fluctuation display game in various fluctuation and non-reach fluctuation display) in the special figure fluctuation display game (special figure 1 or special figure 2) The patterns 1 to 3) are updated by the game control program, unlike the patterns updated by the software of the random number generation circuit such as the jackpot symbol random number. Note that the update of the variation pattern random number is not limited to being performed by the game control program, but may be performed by hardware or software of the random number generation circuit.

  Further, the game control device 100 extracts the corresponding electric support lottery random number and saves the extracted value in the random number saving area of the RWM (S1920). In the first embodiment of the present invention, the electric support lottery is executed when the gaming state is a high probability state, but the process of S1920 is executed every time regardless of the gaming state.

  Then, the game control device 100 loads the jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the target start-up switch saved in the RWM in the process of S1916, and uses the loaded value in the special figure hold information determination process described later. Prepare (S1921). Finally, a special figure hold information determination process is executed (S1922), and the special figure start port switch common process is terminated. The details of the special figure hold information determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, if the special figure hold number is not less than the upper limit value (the result of S1909 is “N”), the game control device 100 checks whether or not the target start port switch is the start port 1 switch 37d ( S1930, S1931). If the target is not the start port 1 switch 23d (the result of S1931 is “N”), a decoration special figure reservation number command (overflow command) is prepared (S1932), and command setting processing is executed (S1933).

  On the other hand, when the target is the start port 1 switch 23d (the result of S1931 is “Y”), or when the command setting process of S1933 is completed, the game control device 100 performs the special-purpose start port switch common process. finish.

[Special figure hold information judgment processing]
Next, details of the special figure hold information determination process (S1922) in the special figure start port switch common process (FIG. 19) described above will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special figure hold information determination processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The special figure hold information determination process is a prefetching process for determining the result related information (game result information) corresponding to the start memory before the start timing of the special figure variation display game based on each start memory.

  First, the game control device 100 checks whether or not the start port switch to be monitored in the special figure start port switch common process is the start port 2 switch 24d (S2001). When the monitoring target is not the start port 2 switch 24d (the result of S2002 is “N”), the open extension function of the ordinary electric accessory (the movable member 24a provided in the second start winning port 24) is in operation, that is, Then, it is determined whether or not the power transmission support is in progress (S2003).

  When the game control device 100 is not in support of ordinary power (the result of S2003 is “N”), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in a big hit (special game state) (S2004). If the gaming machine 1 is not in a big hit (the result of S2004 is “N”), an electric support state determination process is executed (S2005). The electric support state determination process determines whether or not the electric support lottery random number value included in the pending start-up memory is within the electric support lottery winning range. Details of the electric support state determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the game control device 100 executes a jackpot determination process for determining whether or not the pending start-up memory is a jackpot (S2006). The big hit determination process determines whether or not the result of the variable display game related to the start memory is a big hit by determining whether or not the big hit random number value included in the pending start memory matches the big hit determination value. judge.

  On the other hand, the game control device 100 ends the special figure holding information determination process when the power transmission is being supported (the result of S2003 is “Y”), or when the big hit is being made (the result of S2004 is “Y”). To do. That is, when the start port switch to be monitored is the start port 1 switch 23d and the power transmission support or the big hit is underway, the prefetching for determining the result related information (game result information) corresponding to the start memory It is configured not to execute processing.

  In addition, when the monitoring target is the start port 2 switch 24d (the result of S2002 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 100 executes an electric support state determination process (S2005). That is, when the start port switch to be monitored is the start port 2 switch 24d, the look-ahead process corresponding to the start-up memory is executed regardless of whether the power transmission support or the big hit is being performed.

  After that, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the determination result of the jackpot determination process in S2006 is a jackpot (S2007). If the determination result of the big hit determination process is not a big hit (the result of S2007 is “N”), a slippage information table is set as a table for selecting the production contents (S2015). And the process after S2016 is performed.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of the big hit determination process is a big hit (the result of S2007 is “Y”), the game control device 100 checks whether or not the start port switch to be monitored is the start port 1 switch 23d. (S2008, S2009).

  Then, when the monitored start port switch is not the start port 1 switch 23d (the result of S2009 is “N”), the game control apparatus 100 specifies the jackpot symbol random number check table 2 for identifying the jackpot symbol. (S2010). When the start port switch to be monitored is the start port 1 switch 23d (the result of S2009 is “Y”), the big hit symbol random number check table 1 is prepared as a table for identifying the identification symbol at the big hit. (S2011).

  Next, the game control device 100 checks the jackpot symbol random number, acquires a winning information pointer corresponding to the jackpot symbol random number (S2012), and sets the address table of the jackpot information table (S2013). Further, the jackpot information table corresponding to the winning information pointer is acquired and set (S2014).

  Subsequently, the game control device 100 acquires symbol information from the information table set in the processing of S2014 or S2015 (S2016), and saves the symbol information in the symbol information area for work of the RWM (S2017).

  Then, the game control apparatus 100 acquires a start opening prize effect symbol command from the set information table (S2018), and saves the start opening prize effect symbol command command in the winning effect symbol command area of the RWM (S2019).

  Next, the game control apparatus 100 prepares a start opening prize flag corresponding to the start opening switch to be monitored (S2020), and prepares a target table for setting a start opening winning effect command (S2021).

  Thereafter, the game control device 100 executes a special figure information setting process for setting special figure information set for the monitoring target start port (S2022). Subsequently, among the variation modes in the special figure variation display game, after executing the latter half variation pattern setting process for setting the latter half variation pattern (S2023), the variation pattern setting process for setting the first half variation pattern of the special figure variation display game is performed. Execute (S2024).

  The second half variation pattern setting process (S2023) and the variation pattern setting process (S2024) are processes for selecting one variation pattern from a plurality of variation patterns indicating the variation mode of the identification information. It is executed based on the variation pattern selected by.

  Then, the game control device 100 calculates and prepares a variation (start opening prize effect) command (MODE) corresponding to the first half variation number (S2025), and prepares the value of the second half variation number as a variation command (ACTION) ( S2026), command setting processing is executed (S2027). Subsequently, the start opening winning effect command command is loaded and prepared from the winning effect symbol command area (S2028), and the command setting process is executed (S2029). Thereafter, the special figure hold information determination process is terminated.

  That is, a start opening prize effect command is prepared in the processes of S2025 and S2026, and a start opening prize effect symbol command is prepared in the process of S2028, and the determination result (prefetch result) corresponding to the start memory is set to the corresponding start. It is possible to notify the effect control device 200 before the start timing of the special figure variation display game based on the memory. The effect control device 200 informs the player of the result of the special figure variable display game before the start timing of the special figure variable display game, for example, by changing the display mode of the hold display displayed on the display device 30. To do.

[Electric support status judgment processing]
Next, the details of the electric support state determination process (S2005) in the special figure hold information determination process (FIG. 20) described above will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the electric support state determination process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the game state at the time of winning a prize is the ordinary power support state (during power support) (S2101). If the power support is in progress (the result of S2101 is “Y”), the power support state determination process is terminated without performing the prefetch determination.

  On the other hand, if the game control device 100 is not in the electric support (the result of S2101 is “N”), the game control device 100 determines the electric support winning in the processing of S2102 to S2107.

  Here, the game control apparatus 100 determines whether or not the electric support lottery random number value saved in the random number saving area of the RWM in S 1920 matches the electric support winning determination value. A plurality of consecutive values are set as the electric support winning determination value, and an electric support winning range is provided. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the probability of winning electric support is 1/70.

  First, the game control device 100 sets the lower limit value of the electric support winning range to be compared with the electric support lottery random value, that is, the lower limit determination value of the electric support winning determination value in the RWM (S2102). Then, it is checked whether the electric support lottery random number value is less than the lower limit determination value (S2103). If the electric support lottery random number value is less than the lower limit determination value (the result of S2104 is “Y”), The support state determination process ends.

  When the electric support lottery random value is equal to or greater than the lower limit determination value (the result of S2104 is “N”), the game control device 100 sets the upper limit value of the electric support selection range, that is, the upper determination value of the electric support selection determination value. RWM is set (S2105), and it is checked whether or not the electric support lottery random number value is equal to or lower than the upper limit value (S2106). When the electric support lottery random number value is larger than the upper limit value (the result of S2107 is “N”), the electric support state determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the electric support lottery random number value is equal to or less than the upper limit value (the result of S2107 is “Y”), the game control device 100 determines that the electric support lottery is won, and uses the electric support information for the work of the RWM. Are saved in the setting information area (S2108).

  Then, the game control device 100 prepares a power support information command corresponding to the start-up memory that stores the selected power support lottery random number (S2109), executes a command setting process (S2110), and performs a power support status determination process. Exit.

[Special figure routine processing]
Next, details of the special figure routine process (S1709) in the special figure game process (FIG. 17) described above will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure routine processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the game control device 100 checks whether or not the special figure 2 hold number (second start memory number) is 0 (S2201, S2202).

  When the special figure 2 hold number is 0 (the result of S2202 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 100 checks whether or not the first start memory number (special figure 1 hold number) is 0 ( S2203, S2204). In this way, the special figure 2 holding number check (S2201) is performed before the special figure 1 holding number check (S2203), so that the special figure 2 advantageous to the player over the special figure 1 variable display game is obtained. The variable display game is preferentially executed.

  Furthermore, when the special figure 1 hold number is 0 (the result of S2204 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 100 checks whether or not a customer waiting demonstration has already been started (S2205, S2206). If the customer waiting demo has not been started, that is, if it has not been started (the result of S2206 is "N"), a customer waiting demo flag is set in the customer waiting demo flag area (S2207). Subsequently, a customer waiting demo command is prepared (S2208), and command setting processing is executed (S2209).

  On the other hand, if the customer waiting demo has already been started (the result of S2206 is “Y”), the customer waiting demo flag is already set in the customer waiting demo flag area, and the customer waiting demo command is sent to the effect control device 200. Since it has already been transmitted to, the game control device 100 executes the process of S2210.

  Next, the game control apparatus 100 executes the special figure normal process transition setting process 1 for preparing a table for shifting to the special figure normal process (S2210). Specifically, a process of setting a processing number “0” related to the special figure routine processing, a flag (big prize opening fraud monitoring information) for defining a big prize opening fraud monitoring period, and the like in the table is executed. Thereafter, the special figure routine processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, the game control apparatus 100 executes the special figure variation display game when the special figure 2 hold number is not 0 (the result of S2202 is “N”), that is, the game ball has won the second start winning opening 24. If so, the special figure 2 fluctuation start process 1 is executed (S2211). Details of the special figure 2 fluctuation start process 1 in S2211 will be described later with reference to FIG. 23B.

  Then, the game control device 100 executes a special figure changing process transition setting process (special figure 2) for preparing a table (for the second special figure) for shifting to the special figure changing process (S2212). Specifically, in the table, the special figure game process number “1” relating to the special figure changing process, the information relating to the end of the customer waiting demonstration, the test signal relating to the change of the second special figure, and the special figure 2 display Processing for setting information for controlling the special figure 2 fluctuation display game (eg, a flag relating to fluctuation of the special figure 2 display, the initial value of the timer of the blinking period of the special figure 2 display), etc. Run. Thereafter, the special figure routine processing is terminated.

  In addition, the game control device 100 executes the special figure variation display game when the special figure 1 holding number is not 0 (the result of S2204 is “N”), that is, when the game ball has won the first start winning opening 23. If so, the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1 is executed (S2213). Details of the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1 in S2213 will be described later with reference to FIG. 23A.

  Then, the game control device 100 executes a special figure changing process transition setting process (special figure 1) for preparing a table (for the first special figure) for shifting to the special figure changing process (S2214). Specifically, in the table, the special figure game process number “1” relating to the special figure changing process, the information relating to the end of the customer waiting demonstration, the test signal relating to the fluctuation of the first special figure, and the special figure 1 display Information for controlling the special figure 1 fluctuation display game in the device (for example, a flag relating to the fluctuation of the special figure 1 display, the initial value of the timer of the blinking period of the special figure 1 display, etc.) and the like are set. Thereafter, the special figure routine processing is terminated.

[Special figure change start process 1]
Next, the details of the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1 (S2213) and the special figure 2 fluctuation start process 1 (S2211) in the above-described special figure normal process (FIG. 22) will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special figure variation start processing 1 according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 23A is a flowchart of the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1, and FIG. 23B is a flowchart of the special figure 2 fluctuation start process 1.

  With reference to FIG. 23A, the special figure 1 fluctuation | variation start process 1 performed at the time of the start of a special figure 1 fluctuation | variation display game is demonstrated.

  The game control device 100 first executes an electric support state lottery process (S2301a). Since the electric support state determination process (FIG. 21) described above is one of the prefetch processes for the start memory, it is only determined whether or not the electric support is won by the start memory. In the electric support state lottery process, a process for actually generating the electric support state is executed. Details of the electric support state lottery process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the game control device 100 executes a big hit flag 1 setting process for setting the dismissal information or the big hit information to the big hit flag 1 for determining whether or not the special figure 1 variable display game is a big hit (S2302a). ).

  Further, the game control device 100 executes a small hit flag 1 setting process for setting off information or small hit information to the small hit flag 1 for determining whether or not the special figure 1 variable display game is a small hit. (S2303a). Details of the small hit flag 1 setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Here, the difference between the big hit and the small hit will be described.

  The big hit is a special result with the operation of the condition device, and the small hit is a special result without the operation of the condition device. The condition device is activated when a big hit occurs in the special figure fluctuation display game (stop display of the big hit symbol). When the conditional device is activated, for example, a big hit state is generated and a special electric accessory is generated. This means that a specific flag for continuously operating the first variable winning device 27 or the second variable winning device 28 is set. That the condition device does not operate means that the above-mentioned flag is not set, for example, when a small lottery is won. The “condition device” may be software means such as a flag that is turned on / off in software as described above, or may be hardware means such as a switch that is electrically turned on / off. In addition, the “condition device” is a term generally used in the field of pachinko gaming machines as a device whose operation is a necessary condition for continuous operation of the electric accessory, and the same applies to this specification. It is used as a term having the meaning of

  Specifically, in the case of big hit, the first variable winning device 27 or the second variable winning device 28 is opened by setting the big hit flag, whereas in the case of small hit, the small hit flag is set. By setting, the first variable winning device 27 or the second variable winning device 28 is opened.

  Subsequently, the game control device 100 executes a special figure 1 stop symbol setting process for setting a stop symbol (special figure 1 stop symbol) in the special figure 1 variable display game (S2304a).

  After that, the game control apparatus 100 saves the test signal corresponding to the first special figure stop symbol number (special figure 1 stop symbol) in the test signal output data area (S2305a). Subsequently, after the symbol information set from the symbol information area is loaded (S2306a), the symbol information is saved in the symbol information area for RWM work (S2307a).

  Next, the game control apparatus 100 loads and prepares the special figure 1 variation flag (during variation flag) (S2308a), and saves the special figure 1 variation flag in the variation symbol discrimination flag area of the RWM (S2309a).

  Subsequently, the game control device 100 prepares a target table for setting information regarding the variation pattern (S2310a), and executes special figure information setting processing for setting special figure information (S2311a). Subsequently, among the variation modes in the special figure 1 variation display game, the latter half variation pattern setting process for setting the latter half variation pattern is executed (S2312a), and the variation pattern setting process for setting the first half variation pattern is performed (S2313a).

  Thereafter, the game control device 100 executes a variation start information setting process for setting information for starting the special figure 1 fluctuation display game (S2314a), and ends the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1.

  It should be noted that the special figure 2 fluctuation start process 1 (S2211) executed at the start of the special figure 2 fluctuation display game in FIG. 23B is also executed in the same procedure. Specifically, the processing of S2301b to S2314b corresponds to the processing of S2301a to S2314a, respectively, the big hit flag 2 and the small hit flag 2 are processed in the processing of S2302b and S2303b, and the processing in S2304b and S2305b The stop symbol is the processing target, and the special figure 2 fluctuation flag is the processing target in the processing of S2308b and S2309b.

[Electric support status lottery processing]
Next, the details of the electric support state lottery process (S2301a, S2301b) in the special figure change start process 1 (FIGS. 23A and 23B) described above will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the electric support state lottery process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control apparatus 100 loads the electric support lottery random number saved in the random number save area of the RWM in S1920 and prepares for use in the subsequent processing (S2401).

  The processing of S2402 to S2408 is the same as the processing of S2101 to S2107 of the electric support state determination processing described above. In the electric support state determination process, since the target start-up memory is still on hold, it is only determined whether or not the electric support lottery has been won, and even if it is won, no electric support state is actually generated. In the electric support state lottery process, it is determined whether or not the electric support support lottery is won again when the special start variation display game of the target start memory is started, and if it is won, the process for actually generating the electric support state Execute.

  Specifically, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the current gaming state is in the electric support (S2402). If it is during the electric support (the result of S2402 is “Y”), the electric support lottery is not performed, the random number save area of the RWM is cleared to 0 (S2410), and the electric support state lottery process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the game control device 100 is not in the electric support (the result of S2402 is “N”), the game control device 100 determines the electric support winning in the processes of S2403 to S2408. That is, the lower limit determination value of the electric support winning determination value is set to RWM (S2403), and it is checked whether or not the electric support lottery random number value is less than the lower limit determination value (S2404). If the electric support lottery random value is less than the lower limit determination value (the result of S2405 is “Y”), the random number save area of the RWM is cleared to 0 (S2410), and the electric support state lottery process is terminated.

  In addition, when the electric support lottery random number value is equal to or greater than the lower limit determination value (the result of S2405 is “N”), the game control device 100 sets the upper limit determination value of the electric support winning determination value to RWM (S2406). Then, it is checked whether or not the electric support lottery random number value is equal to or less than the upper limit value (S2407). If the electric support lottery random number value is larger than the upper limit (the result of S2408 is “N”), the random number save area of the RWM is cleared to 0 (S2410), and the electric support lottery process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the electric support lottery random number value is equal to or less than the upper limit value (the result of S2408 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 100 determines that the electric support lottery is won and sets the electric support execution number of times. A support counter setting process is executed (S2409). Then, the RWM random number save area is cleared to 0 (S2410), and the electric support state lottery process is terminated.

[Small hit flag setting process]
Next, details of the small hit flag setting process (S2303a, S2303b) in the special figure change start process 1 (FIGS. 23A and 23B) described above will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a small hit flag setting process according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 25A is a flowchart of the small hit flag 1 setting process, and FIG. 25B is a flowchart of the small hit flag 2 setting process.

  With reference to FIG. 25A, the small hit flag 1 setting process executed in the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1 will be described.

  The game control device 100 first saves the deviation information in the RWM small hit flag 1 area (S2501a). Then, as a result of the big hit 1 flag setting process of S2302a executed before the small hit 1 flag setting process, it is checked whether or not the big hit flag 1 is a big hit (S2502a).

  If it is a big hit (the result of S2503a is “Y”), the game control device 100 clears the big hit random number save area for RWM special figure 1 with 0 in the state where the information on the loss of the small hit flag 1 is held. (S2509a), the small hit flag 1 setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is not a big hit (the result of S2503a is "N"), the game control device 100 loads and prepares a big hit random number from the RWM special figure 1 big hit random number save area (S2504a).

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the small hit random number used for the big hit determination is used in combination with the big hit random number used for the big hit determination. A small hit random number may be set separately from the big hit random number. In the first specification, the probability of hitting a jackpot is set to be smaller than the probability of hitting a jackpot, and the hit probability is 1/99, whereas the hit probability is 1/200 (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, in the second specification, the probability of a big hit is set to be larger than the probability of a big hit, and the big hit probability is 1/399, whereas the small hit probability is 1/200 (see FIG. 5).

  Further, the game control device 100 prepares special figure 1 determination data (S2505a), and performs a small hit determination process for determining whether or not the small hit random number value, that is, the big hit random number value matches the small hit determination value. Execute (S2506a). If the determination result does not result in a small hit (the result of S2507a is "N"), the RWM special figure 1 big hit random number save area is cleared to 0 (S2509a), and the small hit flag 1 setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the determination result is a small hit (the result of S2507a is “Y”), the game control device 100 replaces the outlier information of the small hit flag 1 area with the small hit information and saves (S2508a). Thereafter, the RWM special figure 1 big hit random number save area is cleared to 0 (S2509a), and the small hit flag 1 setting process is terminated.

  The small hit flag 2 setting process of FIG. 25B is also executed in the same procedure. Specifically, the processes of S2501b to S2509b correspond to the processes of S2501a to S2509a, respectively, and the small hit flag 2 becomes the processing target in the processes of S2501b and S2508b, and the big hit flag 2 becomes the processing target in the process of S2502b. Further, the big hit random number save area for special figure 2 is used in the processes of S2504b and S2509b, and the special figure 2 determination data is used in the process of S2505b.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, in the small hit determination process of S2506a corresponding to the small hit flag 1 and the small hit determination process of S2506b corresponding to the small hit flag 2, the probability of being a small hit is Same but may vary. For example, the probability of winning a small hit in the special figure 1 variable display game may be set to 1/100, and the probability of winning a small hit in the special figure 2 variable display game may be set to 1/200.

[Design variation control processing]
Next, the details of the symbol variation control process (S1717, S1719) in the special figure game process (FIG. 17) described above will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the symbol variation control process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the game control device 100 checks whether the variation control flag of the target symbol (Special Figure 1 or Special Figure 2) is changing (S2601). Here, it is checked whether or not the special symbol variation flag (during variation flag) is saved in the variation symbol discrimination flag area. The special figure change flag is set in the processes of S2308 and S2309 of the special figure change start process 1 (FIG. 23) described above.

  When the variation control flag is varying (the result of S2602 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 100 acquires a variation symbol display table corresponding to the subject symbol (S2603), It is checked whether the time is up after the change timer is updated by 1 (S2604). When the time is up (result of S2605 is “Y”), the initial value (eg, 200 ms) of the symbol variation control timer is saved in the target variation timer area (S2606), and is defined in the symbol display table for variation. The variation symbol number of the target being updated is updated (S2607). Then, the value of the target variation symbol number area is loaded as a display symbol pointer (S2608). If the time is not up (the result of S2605 is “N”), the processing of S2608 is executed without performing the processing of S2606 and S2607.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation control flag is not changing (the result of S2602 is “N”), the game control apparatus 100 acquires a stop symbol display table corresponding to the target symbol (S2609), and displays the display pointer. Then, the value of the target stop symbol number area is loaded (S2610).

  Thereafter, the game control device 100 acquires display data corresponding to the display symbol pointer set in the processing of S2608 or S2610 (S2611), saves the acquired display data in the target segment area (S2612), and The variation control process is terminated.

  Hereinafter, specific processing for the control by the effect control device 200 will be described.

[1st CPU main processing (production control device)]
Next, details of the main process executed by the effect control device 200 will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of main processing executed by the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 210 of the effect control device 200 according to the first embodiment of this invention. The main process is executed when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  When the execution of the main process is started, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 first prohibits interruption (S2701). Next, the RAM 211 as a work area is cleared to 0 (S2702). Then, CPU initialization processing is executed (S2703). Thereafter, initial values required for executing various processes are set in the RAM 211 (S2704), and random number initialization processing is executed (S2705). Subsequently, various interrupt timers for generating an interrupt at a predetermined timing (for example, 1 millisecond) are started (S2706). An interrupt is permitted (S2707). A command reception interrupt process (FIG. 28) described later is executed at the interrupt generation timing.

  Here, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 clears the WDT (watchdog timer) (S2708). The WDT is activated in the CPU initialization process (S2703) described above and monitors whether the CPU is operating normally. If the WDT is not cleared after a certain period, the WDT times out and the CPU is reset.

  Then, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 detects an operation signal of the effect button 16 by the player, or executes a process according to the detected signal (S2709). Further, a game control command analysis process for analyzing the game control command received from the game control device 100 is executed (S2710).

  Next, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 executes a test mode process (S2711). In the test mode process, an inspection command is received at the time of inspection at the time of shipment from the factory, and LED lighting or the like is inspected. Therefore, the test mode process is executed when the CPU is inspected at the time of factory shipment.

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 210 executes a scene control process for controlling a scene (display content) to be displayed on the display device 30 based on the control command analyzed in the game control command analysis process (S2710). (S2712).

  Further, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 executes a gaming machine error monitoring process for monitoring occurrence of an abnormality in the gaming machine 1 (S2713). In addition to the abnormality related to the effect control device 200, when a command for instructing error notification is received from the game control device 100, a predetermined process such as alarm sound notification is executed.

  Then, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 executes effect command editing processing for editing a command transmitted to the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 220 (S2714).

  Further, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 executes a sound control process for controlling the sound output from the speaker 10 (S2715). In addition, a decoration control process for controlling decoration devices such as LEDs (board decoration device 260, frame decoration device 261) is executed (S2716), and further an effect device such as an electric accessory driven by a motor and a solenoid or movable illumination. A motor / SOL control process for controlling (board effect device 270, frame effect device 271) is executed (S2717).

  Finally, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 executes a random number update process for updating the random number (S2718), and returns to the process of S2708. Thereafter, the processing from S2708 to S2718 is repeated.

[Command reception interrupt processing (1st CPU)]
Next, details of the command reception interrupt process executed by the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of command reception interrupt processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. The command reception interrupt process is a process executed every time a command is received from the game control device 100. The command reception interrupt process can be executed after the interrupt is permitted in the above-described main process (S2707).

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 takes in the value of the command port received from the game control device 100 (S2801). Then, it is checked whether or not the state of the CPU is waiting for reception of a MODE command (command MODE portion) (S2802).

  When waiting for the MODE command (the result of S2802 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 210 determines whether the data strobe signal SSTB output from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 200 is on. Check (S2803). If SSTB is on (result of S2803 is “Y”), it is checked whether the received command is a MODE command (S2804). If the received command is a MODE command (the result of S2804 is “Y”), the process proceeds to S2805 to S2808. If SSTB is not on (result of S2803 is “N”), or if the received command is not a MODE command (result of S2804 is “N”), the process proceeds to S2817 and S2818.

  If the command is received when the MODE command is waiting and the SSTB is on and the command is a MODE command (the results of S2802, S2803, and S2804 are all “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 calculates the address of the command buffer corresponding to the reception pointer (S2805). Then, the command received at the calculated address is saved as a MODE command (S2806).

  Here, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 sets an initial value in the timeout monitoring timer and starts it (S2807). The timeout monitoring timer measures an elapsed time after receiving the MODE command, and generates a timeout when the ACTION command is not received within the set time. The command transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 200 is composed of a MODE unit (MODE command) and an ACTION unit (ACTION command), and is normally transmitted continuously. Therefore, if the ACTION command cannot be received even after the set time has elapsed since the MODE command was received, it can be determined that the possibility that the ACTION command was missed is high. Then, the CPU state is set to an ACTION command (command action portion) waiting state (S2808). Then, the command reception interrupt process is terminated.

  Next, the command is received when the MODE command is waiting. At this time, when the SSTB is not ON or the command is not a MODE command (the result of S2802 is “Y” and the result of S2803 is “N”. Or the result of S2804 is “N”), the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 210 stops the timeout monitoring timer (S2817). Then, the CPU state is set to a MODE command waiting state (S2818). Then, the command reception interrupt process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when not waiting for the MODE command (the result of S2802 is “N”), it is waiting for the ACTION command, and the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 checks whether or not the timeout monitoring timer has timed out ( S2809). That is, it is checked whether the time from receiving the MODE command until receiving the ACTION command exceeds the time set by the timeout monitoring timer.

  If the time-out has not occurred (the result of S2809 is “N”), the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 210 checks whether the data strobe signal SSTB output from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 200 is on. (S2810). If SSTB is ON (result of S2810 is “Y”), it is checked whether the received command is a MODE command (S2811). If the received command is a MODE command (the result of S2811 is “Y”), the process proceeds to S2805 to S2808. If a MODE command is received even if the CPU is in an ACTION command waiting state, the newly received MODE command is processed with priority without waiting for the reception of the ACTION command. If the received command is not a MODE command (the result of S2811 is “N”), the process proceeds to S2812 to S2814, S2817, and S2818.

  If the time-out has occurred (the result of S2809 is “Y”) or the SSTB is not on (the result of S2810 is “N”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 proceeds to the processing of S2815 to S2818. To do.

  If the command is not a MODE command (the result of S2811 is “N”), it means that the ACTION command has been received, and the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 calculates the address of the command buffer corresponding to the reception pointer ( Then, the command received at the calculated address is saved as an ACTION command (S2813).

  As a result, one set of MODE command and ACTION command is prepared, and the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 adds 1 to the number of received commands and updates it (S2814). Thereafter, the timeout monitoring timer is stopped (S2817). Then, the CPU state is set to a MODE command waiting state (S2818). Then, the command reception interrupt process is terminated.

  Next, when a timeout occurs due to the timeout monitoring timer after receiving the MODE command and before receiving the ACTION command (result of S2809 is “Y”), or when SSTB is not on (result of S2810 is “N”). ]), The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 calculates the address of the command buffer corresponding to the reception pointer (S2815). Then, the MODE command saved in the command buffer is discarded based on the calculated address (S2816).

  Thereafter, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 stops the timeout monitoring timer (S2817). Then, the CPU state is set to a MODE command waiting state (S2818). Then, this process is terminated and the process returns to the main process.

[2nd CPU main processing (production control device)]
Next, details of another main process executed by the effect control apparatus 200 will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of main processing executed by the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 220 of the effect control device 200 according to the first embodiment of this invention. The main process is executed when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  When the execution of the main process is started, the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 220 first executes a CPU initialization process (S2901). Then, the RAM 221 as a work area is cleared to 0 (S2902), and initial values necessary for executing various processes are set in the RAM 221 (S2903). Then, a VDP initialization process for initializing a graphic processor that performs image processing is executed (S2904). Next, various interrupts such as a V blank interrupt are permitted (S2905).

  Further, the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 220 executes initialization processing of various control processes (S2906). In the initialization process of various control processes, initialization of variables used in each control process executed in a normal game process (S2911) described later is performed. For example, the background of the video displayed on the display device 30 is initialized, or the arrangement of symbols is initialized. Then, screen drawing of the display device 30 is permitted (S2907).

  Thereafter, the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 220 clears (initializes) the system cycle wait flag (S2908), and waits until the system cycle wait flag becomes 1 (S2909). The system cycle wait flag is set to 1 when a predetermined process is completed in the V blank interrupt process described later with reference to FIG.

  When the system cycle wait flag becomes 1 (the result of S2909 is “Y”), the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 220 determines whether the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 220 is operating normally. (Watchdog timer) is cleared (S2910). When a predetermined time elapses without clearing the WDT, the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 220 is reset. Then, a normal game process of executing a decoration special figure variation display game or displaying various images is executed on the display device 30 (S2911), and the process returns to the process of S2908. Thereafter, the processing from S2908 to S2911 is repeated.

[Normal game processing (2nd CPU)]
Next, details of the base game process (S2911) in the main process (FIG. 29) described above will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the base game process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 220 executes a received command check process for checking a command received by the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 210 (S3001).

  Then, the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 220 executes a background process for preparing a background of a still image that does not move among the images displayed on the display device 30 (S3002). Next, reel control / display processing for preparing drawing of decorative special symbols to be variably displayed among images displayed on the display device 30 is executed (S3003). Further, a hold display process for preparing drawing of a hold display for displaying the start memory of each variable display game among the images displayed on the display device 30 is executed (S3004).

  In addition, when there is no start memory number or when the variable display game is not played for a predetermined time, the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 220 executes a customer waiting demo process so that the display device 30 displays a customer waiting demo screen. (S3005).

  Subsequently, the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 220 executes a scene control / display process for preparing scene drawing in the main process scene control process (S3012) executed by the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 ( S3006). Here, the scene control / display process is executed for drawing an image having a motion in the production while the background process is executed for drawing a still image. Then, display system processing for actually displaying an image on the display device 30 is executed (S3007). Then, the process ends, and the process returns to S2908 of the main process.

[V blank interrupt processing (2nd CPU)]
Next, details of the V blank interrupt process executed by the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 220 will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of V blank interrupt processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. The V blank interrupt process is executed in a predetermined cycle (vertical synchronization signal V_SYNC, horizontal synchronization signal H_SYNC) after an interrupt is permitted (S2905) in the above-described main process (FIG. 29).

  The video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 220 first updates the frame counter by adding 1 (S3101). Then, it is checked whether or not the frame counter is a specified value (for example, 2) or more (S3102). In other words, the VDP 230 draws on the display device 30 at a cycle of a specified value, and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 220 prepares drawing data by the normal game process (FIG. 30).

  If the frame counter is equal to or greater than the specified value (the result of S3102 is “Y”), the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 220 checks whether the system cycle wait flag is 0 (S3103). If the system cycle wait flag is 0 (the result of S3103 is “Y”), that is, if the system cycle wait flag is cleared in the main process (FIG. 29) described above (S2908), the process proceeds to the next process. Then, the VDP 230 checks whether or not drawing of the previous screen display has been completed (S3104). This may be determined by the state of a VDP drawing flag to be described later. If the VDP 230 has completed drawing (the result of S3104 is “Y”), the process proceeds to processing for instructing drawing to be described later (S3105 to S3109).

  On the other hand, when the frame counter is less than the specified value (result of S3102 is “N”), when the system cycle wait flag is zero (result of S3103 is “N”), or when the VDP 230 has not completed drawing When the result of S3104 is “N”, the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 220 ends this process. That is, when drawing is not completed in a cycle corresponding to a predetermined value or preparation of drawing data is not completed, control is performed so that drawing is instructed in the next cycle.

  Subsequently, when the VDP 230 has finished drawing (the result of S3104 is “Y”), the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 220 switches the display frame buffer to prepare for the current screen display (S3105). ). Here, the display frame buffer is provided in the work area 221 and temporarily stores image data displayed on the display device 30.

  Then, the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 220 instructs the VDP 230 to start drawing (S3106), and sets the VDP drawing flag (S3107). While the VDP 230 is drawing, the result of S3104 described above is “N”, so that no drawing instruction is issued to the VDP 230 twice. Next, the frame counter is cleared to 0 (S3108). Thereafter, the system cycle wait flag is set to 1 (S3109). Then, this process ends. Thereafter, in the main process, the result of S2909 is “Y”, so that it is possible to proceed to the next processes S2910 and S2911. The VDP drawing flag is cleared by another interrupt process (not shown) when drawing is completed.

  In this way, the V blank interruption process instructs the VDP 230 to draw an image that is set for display in the base game process (S2911) of the main process and stored in the frame buffer. Thereby, an image is displayed on the display device 30 by the VDP 230.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the player operates the effect button 16, an effect using the stored balls stored in the stored ball effect unit 70 is executed on the display screen 31 of the display device 30. As a result, players can directly participate in the production. Thereby, while being able to raise a player's participation consciousness to a game, the interest of a game can be raised.

  In addition, when the gaming state is not in the electric support state, the electric support lottery that can acquire the electric support state is executed. Therefore, even if the gaming state is not advantageous to the player, the player is expected to have the electric support state. Play games while holding. Thereby, the interest of the game can be enhanced.

(Second Embodiment)
The storage structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention is configured to store the game balls won in the first variable winning device 27. However, in the second embodiment, the storage structure in the second start winning opening 24 is as follows. The winning game balls will be stored. In the first embodiment, in the electric support state lottery process (FIG. 24), the electric support lottery is not executed when the gaming state is in electric support, but in the second embodiment, the electric support lottery is not executed. The electric support lottery is executed even during support.

  Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33. FIG.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a storage structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the first variable winning device 27 that has supplied the game ball to the stored ball effect unit 70 in the storage structure of the first embodiment is replaced with the second start winning port 24. That is, the second start winning opening 24 of the second embodiment supplies the winning game ball to the stored ball effect unit 70. Here, the storage structure of the second embodiment can store up to four game balls as in the first embodiment, and the other digestion method of the stored balls is the same as that of the first embodiment. It is.

[Electric support status lottery processing]
FIG. 33A is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the electric support state lottery process according to the second embodiment of this invention. In addition, about the process common to 1st Embodiment, the code | symbol same as FIG. 24 is allocated and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the process of S2402 in the first embodiment is excluded. In other words, the game control device 100 does not perform a determination process as to whether or not the current gaming state is in electric support. Whether or not the electric support lottery has been won is determined at the start of the special figure variation display game for all start memories regardless of the game state. For this reason, the electrification lottery was won during electrification in the setting method of the electrification support counter setting process that is executed when the electrification lottery is won in the first embodiment (the result of S2408 is “Y”). A setting method for the case is added (S3201).

  Here, when the electric support lottery is won during the electric support, the game control device 100 resets the already set electric support counter (electric support execution count) as the electric support counter set in the process of S3201. Then, the electric support counter obtained by winning this time is set, or the counter obtained by adding the electric support counter obtained this time to the current electric support counter is set. Details of these settings will be described with reference to FIG.

[Electric support counter setting]
FIG. 33B is a diagram illustrating electric support counter settings according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  Here, when the electric support lottery is won, 100 electric support execution times are given, and the gaming state becomes electric support from the special figure variation display game after winning. Then, the setting pattern of the electric support counter when the electric support lottery is won again in the special figure fluctuation display game in which the electric support execution count is 20th will be described.

  FIG. 33B (A) shows a pattern for resetting the electric support counter. In this case, the electric support counter is reset when the current electric support is won even if the number of electric support executions by the previous electric support is 80. Then, 100 electric support execution times given by the current electric support winning are set as a new electric support counter.

  FIG. 33B (B) shows a pattern in which electric support counters are added. In this case, the remaining 80 electric power support executions by the previous electric support winnings are added to the 100 electric support executions given by the current electric support winnings, resulting in 180 new electric support executions. Set as a support counter.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
According to the second embodiment of the present invention, since the storage structure is provided in the second start winning opening 24, the opportunity to store the game ball is in the special game state in which the first variable winning device 27 is opened. More than the limited first embodiment. As a result, the player has more opportunities to participate in the production using the stored ball, and can further enhance the interest of the game.

  Moreover, since the electric support lottery is executed even during the electric support, the interest of the game can be enhanced. In addition, when the electric support lottery is won, the number of times the electric support is executed is given more than the preset number of times, so that the player's interest in the game can be increased. Since there are two patterns (addition to reset) for giving the electric support number of times, if one of the patterns is selected according to the conditions, the interest of the game can be further enhanced.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the occurrence of the ordinary power support state (electric support state) other than the case where the result of the special figure variation display game is awarded as a big hit is the electric support state lottery process. As a result of (FIG. 24, FIG. 33A), it is possible only when the electric support lottery is won. In contrast, in the third embodiment, when the power support state does not occur a predetermined number of times (a times), the power support state occurs a predetermined number of times (b times). That is, even if the electric support state does not occur in the electric support state lottery process, the electric support state is periodically generated.

  Hereinafter, the counter counting process added in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[Counter counting process]
FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of counter counting processing according to the third embodiment of this invention. The counter counting process is one of the processes executed in the special figure changing process (S1710) of the special figure game process (FIG. 17) described above, and counts the number of times with / without electric support.

  The game control apparatus 100 first determines whether or not the identification information (symbol) has stopped (S3401). If the symbol is not stopped (the result of S3401 is “N”), the counter counting process is terminated. If the symbol is stopped (the result of S3401 is “Y”), it is determined whether or not the power support flag is on (S3402). Here, the power support flag is turned on / off in the processes of S3406 and S3410 described later.

  If the power support flag is not on (the result of S3402 is “N”), the game control apparatus 100 updates the normal counter by 1 (S3403). Here, the normal counter is a counter that counts the number of special figure variation display games in the gaming state when not in the electric support state.

  Next, the game control apparatus 100 determines whether or not the normal counter is greater than or equal to a predetermined number a (for example, 1000 times) (S3404). If the normal counter is less than the predetermined number a (the result of S3404 is “N”), the counter count process is terminated because the power support state has not yet occurred. If the normal counter is equal to or greater than the predetermined number a (the result of S3404 is “Y”), the normal counter is cleared (S3405). Thereafter, since an electric support state is generated, the electric support flag is set to ON (S3406), and the counter counting process is ended.

  On the other hand, when the electric support flag is on (the result of S3402 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 100 updates the electric support counter by 1 (S3407), and the electric support counter is set a predetermined number of times b (for example, 50 times). It is determined whether or not the above is true (S3408). If the power support counter is less than the predetermined number of times b (the result of S3408 is “N”), the power support state continues and the counter counting process is terminated. If the electric support counter is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times b (the result of S3408 is “Y”), the electric support counter is cleared (S3409). Further, since the power support state is ended, the power support flag is set to OFF (S3410), and the counter counting process is ended.

(Effect of the third embodiment)
According to the third embodiment of the present invention, even if the electric support state does not occur due to the big hit or the electric support lottery, the electric support state is generated if the state exceeds a predetermined number of times. Thereby, the interest of the game can be enhanced, and a player who plays with a gaming machine (a so-called stand) in which a gaming state advantageous to the player has not been generated for a long time is not felt empty. Furthermore, since a player who plays a game aiming at the stand appears, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the stand that is usually avoided.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the winning probability (electric support occurrence probability) in the electric support lottery is constant. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the winning probability varies depending on the number of executions of the special figure variation display game (the number of special figure fluctuations). And the determination value (electric support pre-reading determination value) of the electric support state determination in the special figure change several times before the switching of the winning probability is changed.

  Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Switching timing between electricity support occurrence rate and electricity support look-ahead]
FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating the electric support occurrence probability and the electric support prefetch switching timing according to the fourth embodiment of this invention.

  FIG. 35A is a table showing the electric support occurrence probability according to the number of special figure fluctuations, and determination values used in the electric support state lottery process and the electric support state determination process.

  When the number of special figure fluctuations is 1 to 200, the electric support occurrence probability (activation probability) is 2/200. At this time, the determination values (activation determination values) used in the electric support state lottery process are 0 and 1. The electric support pre-reading determination value A in the normal state is 0 and 1 similarly to the activation determination value, but the electric support pre-reading determination value B is switched to only 0 from the 201st time before the activation probability is changed.

  The activation probability when the special figure fluctuation frequency is 201 to 400 times is 1/200. At this time, the activation determination value is 0. Similarly, 0 is set to the electric support prefetch determination value A. Then, the electric support prefetching determination value B from the 400th time before the activation probability is changed is not set, and at this time, electric support prefetching is not performed.

  The activation probability when the number of special figure fluctuations is 401 to 600 is 0. For this reason, the activation determination value is not set. Also, the electric support prefetch determination values A and B are not set, and no electric support prefetch is performed during this time.

  The activation probability when the number of special figure fluctuations is 601 or later is 4/200. At this time, the activation determination value is 0-3. The electric support prefetch determination values A and B are 0 to 3.

  Here, the electric support lottery random number range is 0-199. In addition, the count of the special figure change count is reset when the player is replaced. The replacement of the player is determined when a customer waiting demonstration screen is displayed or a card is removed from the card insertion slot 41 of the card sand 40. Thus, if the player continues the game with the same gaming machine (when the number of special figure fluctuations is 601 times or more), the player can obtain a high activation probability. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling stuck.

  FIG. 35B is a time chart illustrating the switching timing of the electric support prefetch determination value. Here, an example will be described in which the activation probability is switched to the number 201 of the special figure change, and the power support prefetch determination value is switched from A to B with respect to the start memory one rotation before the switching (that is, the 200th).

  First, a start memory having a start memory count number of 199 times counted in the order of winning in the first start winning port 23 and the second start winning port 24 is stored as the first start memory, and the corresponding special figure 1 variable display game is stored. Is started as the 199th special figure fluctuation.

  Here, since the special figure hold information determination process (FIG. 20) which is a prefetch process is sequentially executed for the winning start memory, the start memory count number is the count number C1 at the time of prefetch of the special figure variable display game. is there. In the present invention, the special figure 2 variable display game that is advantageous to the player is preferentially executed over the special figure 1 variable display game as shown in the special figure normal processing (FIG. 22). Therefore, the winning order and the digestion order of the start memory are not necessarily the same. Therefore, the special-figure display game in which the start memory is consumed and actually starts to change is counted in order to obtain the count number C2.

  The starting memory for C1 = 199 is C2 = 199th special figure variation display game. Since the count number C1 at the time of prefetching is equal to the count number C2 at the start of fluctuation, the prefetch determination value corresponding to the special figure fluctuation count and the activation determination value are the same (here, 0, 1), and normal prefetch determination is performed. Done.

  Thereafter, during the execution of the C2 = 199th special figure variation display game, the first start memory for C1 = 200 times and the second start memory for C1 = 201 times are stored in order.

  Then, after the C2 = 199th special figure fluctuation display game is completed, the special figure 2 fluctuation display game corresponding to the second start memory with C1 = 201 times is executed as the C2 = 200th special figure fluctuation display game. . This is because the digestion of the second start memory has priority over the first start memory as described above. At this time, the activation determination value differs at the time of prefetching (C1 = 201) and at the start of fluctuation (C2 = 200). For this reason, for example, when the electric support lottery random number is 1, even if it is lost in the electric support state determination process (at the time of prefetching), it is won in the electric support state lottery process (at the start of fluctuation) and a prefetch effect can be performed. However, it was not done.

  Subsequently, after the C2 = 200th special figure fluctuation display game is completed, the special figure 1 fluctuation display game corresponding to the first start memory with C1 = 200 is executed as the C2 = 201th special figure fluctuation display game. The Similarly, at this time, the activation determination value is different between prefetching (C1 = 200) and fluctuation start (C2 = 201). For this reason, for example, when the electric support lottery random number is 1, even if it is won in the electric support state determination process, it will be lost in the electric support state lottery process, and even if a pre-reading effect that suggests winning of the electric support lottery is performed, a lie effect Become.

  Thus, in the special figure variation display game where C1 = C2, normal prefetch determination is performed, but C1 and C2 have different values according to the switching timing of the activation probability (here, 201 times). In a variable display game, normal prefetch determination may not be possible. In particular, I would like to avoid letting the player expect from the lie look-ahead effect, but actually disappointing without being in the electric support state.

  Therefore, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 35 (A), two types (A, B) of electric support pre-reading determination values are provided at the same activation probability, and are used according to the number of fluctuations in the special figure. Change the support prefetch judgment value.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 35B, 0 and 1 are used for the activation determination value until the C2 = 200th special figure fluctuation display game, and the C2 = 201th special figure fluctuation display game. Only 0 is used from. On the other hand, as the electric support pre-read determination value, the determination value A (0, 1) is used for the electric support pre-read determination with respect to the start memory up to C1 = 199 times, and C1 = 201 before one rotation of C1 = Determination value B (0) is used for electric support pre-reading determination with respect to the start-up memory stored for the 200th time. Further, the electric support prefetch determination value A (0) is used for the electric support prefetch determination with respect to the start-up memory stored at C1 = 201th time (see FIG. 35A).

  In this way, the electric support pre-read determination value immediately before the activation probability is switched (before several rotations) is switched from A to B, and the determination value B at this time is set to be the same as the electric support pre-read determination value A after the activation probability is switched. To do. As a result, the electric support pre-reading determination result of the start memory and the electric support lottery result for C2 = 201 are the same, so that accurate pre-reading determination can be performed and it is possible to prevent a lie pre-reading effect from being performed. .

  As shown in FIG. 35A, when the number of special figure fluctuations is 401 to 600, the prefetch determination is not performed in the normal state (no determination value A), so the prefetch determination is not performed even before the number of rotations of switching ( No judgment value B). Further, when the number of special figure fluctuations is 601 or more, the activation probability does not change until the counter is reset thereafter. Therefore, it is not necessary to set the electric support prefetch determination value B. Same as value A.

  Next, details of processing added in the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, processing is added to prevent the situation as shown in FIG. These processes may be executed by either the game control device 100 or the effect control device 200. In the following, it is assumed that the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 of the effect control device 200 executes.

[Electric support pre-reading process]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the electric support prefetch process according to the fourth embodiment of this invention.

  Whether the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 is executing a normal fluctuation display game (normal figure), or is an ordinary electric accessory (normal electric, movable member 24a of the second start winning opening 24) operating? It is determined whether or not (S3601).

  Then, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 wins the second start winning opening 24 and stores the second start memory when the ordinary figure or ordinary power is operating (the result of S3601 is “Y”). Since it is highly likely to occur, a pre-reading effect non-execution process that does not execute the pre-reading effect is executed (S3602), and the electric support pre-reading process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 executes pre-reading effect execution processing for executing the pre-reading effect when the normal map or the ordinary power is not operating (the result of S3601 is “N”) (S3603). Then, the electronic support prefetching process is terminated.

[Electronic support prefetch suppression processing]
FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the electric support prefetching suppression process according to the fourth embodiment of this invention.

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 determines whether or not there is a trigger for the electric support to be activated in the start memory corresponding to the changing special map change display game and the start memory in the start memory area (S3701). If there is an opportunity to trigger the electric support (the result of S3701 is “Y”), the prefetch effect prohibition process is executed after the prefetch effect is prohibited (S3702), and the electric support prefetch suppression process is terminated. To do. In addition, prohibition of pre-reading effects is intended only for pre-reading with respect to the electric support lottery, and may not be targeted for pre-reading due to big hits or the like.

  On the other hand, the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 210 ends the electric support pre-reading suppression process because there is no need to suppress the pre-reading effect when there is no trigger for the electric support (the result of S3701 is “N”). To do.

[Special figure 1 prefetch suppression processing]
FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure 1 prefetch suppression processing according to the fourth embodiment of this invention.

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 determines whether or not there is a general map hold (S3801). If there is a general map hold (the result of S3801 is "Y"), the pre-reading effect prohibition process is executed after prohibiting the pre-reading effect relating to the special figure 1 thereafter (S3802). 1 Prefetch suppression processing is terminated. This is because there is a possibility that the ordinary electric accessory (the movable member 24a of the second start winning opening 24) will be in an open state when there is a hold that is a common hold. When the ordinary train is in an open state, it is easy for a game ball to win the second start winning opening 24, and the second start memory is likely to be generated. When the second start memory is generated, the digestion order is changed even if the first start memory is stored before that, so that the special figure 1 pre-reading effect based on the first start memory is not executed. Note that the special figure 1 pre-reading effect already displayed on the display device 30 or the like may continue to be displayed, or may be hidden in the process of S3802.

  On the other hand, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 is less likely to cause a change in digestion sequence due to the occurrence of the second start memory when there is no general hold (result of S3801 is “N”). The special figure 1 prefetch suppression process is terminated without suppressing the special figure 1 prefetch effect.

[Special Figure 2 Winning Suppression Processing]
FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure 2 winning suppression process of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210 determines whether or not the special figure fluctuation number X is equal to or greater than a predetermined rotation number (for example, 198 times) (S3901). Here, the predetermined number of rotations before the number of rotations at which the activation probability is switched is set. If the rotation speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined number of revolutions (the result of S3901 is “Y”), the second start memory is not generated in order to match the prefetching habits (so that the start memories where C1 = C2 are the same). In this way, the special figure 2 winning suppression display process for informing the player to refrain from winning the game ball at the second start winning opening 24 is executed (S3902), and the special figure 2 winning suppression process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 210, when the special figure fluctuation number X is less than the predetermined rotation number (the result of S3901 is “N”), the electric support lottery result at the time of pre-reading and the electric power at the start of the fluctuation. Since it is unlikely that the support lottery result is different, the special figure 2 winning suppression process is terminated as it is.

[Screen display example]
FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display for encouraging special figure 2 winning suppression according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  When the special figure 2 winning suppression display process (S3902) in the above special figure 2 winning suppression process (FIG. 39) is executed, the display screen 31 of the display device 30 displays “Do not make a prize for the ordinary power!” A prompt message screen is displayed.

  Here, only the screen display on the display screen 31 is shown. However, when thorough suppression of the special figure 2 winning is performed, it may be set so that the ordinary train (the movable member 24a of the second starting winning opening 24) does not operate. .

(Effect of the fourth embodiment)
According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, since the electric support occurrence probability is set according to the number of special figure fluctuations, it is possible to improve the interest of the game. In addition, when the player continues playing with the same gaming machine and reaches the number of special figure fluctuations of a predetermined number (601 times or more), the occurrence probability of the electric support state increases, so that the player feels addicted. Can be prevented.

  Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention in which the special figure 2 fluctuation display game is preferentially digested over the special figure 1 fluctuation display game by switching the electric support occurrence probability, the pre-reading and the fluctuation starting time are There are cases where the result of the special figure variation display game is different and the prefetching effect is a lie effect. Here, since the electric support pre-read determination value is set to be the same as the electric support pre-read determination value after switching several times before the electric support occurrence probability is switched, accurate pre-read determination can be performed, and the player can accurately read ahead. Production can be provided.

  In addition, when there is a high possibility of occurrence of the second start memory or when there is a start memory that is in the electric support state, no pre-reading effect is performed, or when the electric support occurrence probability is close to switching, the player is given a second start prize. Since the mouth 24 is urged not to win a prize, it is possible to prevent the lie prefetching effect from being executed due to the difference in results between the prefetching and the fluctuation starting time.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative in all points and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the invention but by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 16 Direction button 23 1st start winning opening 24 2nd starting winning opening 24a Movable member (normal electric accessory)
27 First variable prize winning device (first big prize opening)
28 Second variable prize winning device (second big prize opening)
30 Display device (variable display device)
31 Display screen 70 Storage ball production unit 70a Ball inlet 70b Ball outlet 71 Storage passage 72 Storage release solenoid (SOL)
73 Downflow passage 74 Exit display section 75 Production ball detection switch 76 Storage prevention solenoid (SOL)
100 Game control device 200 Production control device

Claims (5)

A variable display device capable of variable display of symbols;
Lottery means for performing a lottery for determining whether or not the game ball has won, on condition that the game ball has won a start winning opening provided in a game area where the game ball flows down;
A symbol control means for controlling a symbol variation process to stop display after the symbol is variably displayed on the variable display device based on a lottery result by the lottery means;
When the lottery result of the lottery means is the winning, the symbol control means displays the symbol in a variable manner, and then stops and displays a predetermined winning symbol, to the variable winning device provided in the game area. In a gaming machine comprising special game execution means for executing a special game that makes it easy to win a game ball,
Reserving means for storing game balls won in the variable prize device during the special game;
A gaming state notifying means capable of executing a notifying game for notifying a gaming state using the game balls stored in the storing means;
With
The gaming state notification means includes
After the special game is over, the game ball stored in the storage means is released by receiving an operation input to the effect operation unit that can be operated by the player, and the game ball released from the storage is detected. A gaming machine capable of executing a notification game for notifying a gaming state after the gaming state is finished. The gaming state notification means includes
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification game can be executed a number of times corresponding to the number of game balls won in the variable winning device during the special game state. The gaming state notification means includes
3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein when the lottery result by the lottery means is the win, the win is notified even during the notification game. The gaming state notification means includes
When the fluctuating display and the stop or temporary stop display are repeated a plurality of times in a single symbol changing process by the symbol control means, the notification game can be executed a plurality of times, and the number of times the notification game is executed The game machine according to claim 3, wherein the game ball stored in the storage means can be released in correspondence with the game machine. The variable winning device is provided at the top of the display screen of the variable display device,
The storage means is
The ball that won the variable winning device is stored at the upper part of the display screen of the variable display device,
The gaming state notification means includes
The game ball released from storage is caused to flow down to the side of the display screen, the game ball that has flowed down is detected, and a predetermined character is displayed on the display screen of the variable display device at the detection timing. The gaming machine according to any one of -4.

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