JP5837113B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a feature in effect processing.

  Conventionally, when a game ball enters a starting device provided on the game board, a big hit determination is made and a special symbol is variably displayed on the display. At this time, the liquid crystal display device provided at the center of the game board is decorated. There is a known gaming machine that displays symbols in a variable manner. Here, when the special symbol is a jackpot, the corresponding decorative symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific combination (for example, “777”), and a jackpot game advantageous to the player is started.

  Some of these gaming machines can display reliability information based on the reliability, which is the degree of expectation that a jackpot game will be executed, in an effect accompanying symbol variation. The reliability information may be a numerical value indicating the percentage at which the jackpot game is expected to be executed or a character appearing in the production. For example, there is a type of gaming machine that displays reliability information by selecting a character assigned for each reliability level during production (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-176596 A

  However, although an effect that a character assigned for each reliability is selected is performed, if a character with a high reliability is not selected, the player may feel disappointed. As a result, there is a concern that the interest of games will be reduced.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems described above, and its object is to improve the interest of the game.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. Note that the reference numerals in parentheses and supplementary explanations in this column show the correspondence with the embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention at all. .

(Aspect)
The gaming machine (1) executes a predetermined effect based on the determination means (301a) for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player when the start condition is satisfied, and the determination result by the determination means. Production control means (320a, 330) for controlling, and the production control means receives reliability information based on reliability, which is the degree of expectation that the special game will be played, via predetermined production means (121). It has reliability information notification effect control means (320a, 330) for controlling the execution of the reliability information notification effect to be notified, and the reliability information notification effect control means has a higher reliability value for the reliability information to be notified. A first control for performing an update effect for informing whether the information is used for the first time and notifying the reliability information, and a second control for performing the update effect for a second number of times greater than the first number and notifying the reliability information. Either of two controls If the determination means determines that the special game is to be performed, the reliability information notification effect is executed by the second control rather than the first control. When the reliability information notification effect is being executed by the second control, the value of the reliability information to be notified is higher than when the reliability information notification effect is being executed by the first control. Features.
(Application example)
The gaming machine (1) executes a predetermined effect based on the determination means (301a) for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player when the start condition is satisfied, and the determination result by the determination means. Production control means (320a, 330) for controlling, and the production control means receives reliability information based on reliability, which is the degree of expectation that the special game will be played, via predetermined production means (121). It has reliability information notification effect control means (320a, 330) for controlling the execution of the reliability information notification effect to be notified, and the reliability information notification effect control means has a higher reliability value for the reliability information to be notified. A first control for performing an update effect for informing whether the information is used for the first time and notifying the reliability information, and a second control for performing the update effect for a second number of times greater than the first number and notifying the reliability information. Either of two controls When the reliability information notification effect is executed by the second control and the reliability information notification effect is executed by the second control, the reliability information notification effect is executed by the first control. It is characterized in that the value of reliability information to be notified is higher.

According to the present invention, the interest of games can be improved.

1 is a schematic front view showing a gaming machine 1. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a display device 111. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gaming machine 1. (A) illustrates the jackpot determination table of the first special symbol, (B) illustrates the jackpot determination table of the second special symbol, and (C) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the hit determination table of the normal symbol. (A) illustrates the symbol determination table for jackpot, (B) illustrates the ratio of the first jackpot, and (C) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the symbol determination table for lose. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates a variation pattern, (A) is explanatory drawing which illustrates a normal time variation pattern, (B) is explanatory drawing which illustrates a probability variation time variation pattern. 3 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by a main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 5 is a flowchart showing a recovery process executed by the main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 5 is a flowchart showing a power interruption monitoring process executed by the main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 5 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process executed by the main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 4 is a flowchart showing a switch process executed by the main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 3 is a flowchart showing a first starter switch process executed by a main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 7 is a flowchart showing a second starter switch process executed by the main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 4 is a flowchart showing a gate switch process executed by a main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 5 is a flowchart showing special symbol processing executed by the main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 7 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process executed by the main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 5 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern selection process executed by the main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 7 is a flowchart showing a stop process executed by the main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 3 is a flowchart showing normal symbol processing executed by a main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 4 is a flowchart showing an opening / closing member process executed by a main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 7 is a flowchart showing a big prize device opening control process executed by a main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 5 is a flowchart showing an open pattern setting process executed by the main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the open | release pattern of the big prize apparatus 127. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a ball entering determination process executed by the main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 7 is a flowchart showing a game state setting process executed by the main CPU 301a of the main control board 300. 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process executed by a sub CPU 320a of the effect control board 320. 10 is a flowchart showing command processing executed by a sub CPU 320a of the effect control board 320. 12 is a flowchart showing variation processing executed by a sub CPU 320a of the effect control board 320. It is a flowchart showing a first effect determination process executed by the sub CPU320a of the effect control board 320. 10 is a flowchart showing a reliability effect designation command setting process executed by a sub CPU 320a of the effect control board 320. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the flow of the production | presentation performed by the front part production | presentation designation | designated command in a reliability production. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the flow of the production | presentation performed by the front part production | presentation designation | designated command in a reliability production. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the flow of the effect performed by the reliability effect designation | designated command in a reliability effect. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the flow of the effect performed by the reliability effect designation | designated command in a reliability effect. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the flow of the effect performed by the reliability effect designation | designated command in a reliability effect. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the flow of the production | presentation performed by the back partial production | generation designation | designated command in a reliability production. It is a flowchart showing a second effect determination process executed by the sub CPU320a of the effect control board 320. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the flow of the production | presentation performed by the front partial production | generation designation | designated command in a selection production. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the flow of the effect performed by the selection effect designation | designated command in a selection effect. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the relationship between the timing of the player's input operation in a selection effect, and an option. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the predetermined period in effect button press effective time. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the flow of the production | presentation performed by the back partial production | generation designation | designated command in a selection production. 22 is a flowchart showing an opening process executed by a sub CPU 320a of the effect control board 320. 12 is a flowchart showing a round process executed by a sub CPU 320a of the effect control board 320. 12 is a flowchart showing an ending process executed by a sub CPU 320a of the effect control board 320. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the screen display in an opening process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the screen display in a round process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the screen display in an ending process. 12 is a flowchart showing a hold-related process executed by a sub CPU 320a of the effect control board 320. 10 is a flowchart showing a hold process executed by a sub CPU 320a of the effect control board 320. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates another pattern of reliability production. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates another pattern of selection production. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of effect button process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the timing of suggestion production.

Hereinafter, a gaming machine 1 as an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
[Configuration of gaming machine 1]
A schematic configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the gaming machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 100 provided with a prize and a prize related to determination, and a frame member 101 surrounding the gaming board 100.
The frame member 101 is a so-called glass frame that supports a transparent glass plate arranged in parallel with the game board 100 at a predetermined interval, and a game area 102 in which a game ball can flow down by the glass board and the game board 100. Is formed.

  The frame member 101 has a frame lamp 103 that emits light for production or the like in the upper center. Speakers 104 are provided on both the left and right sides of the frame lamp 103. Further, the frame member 101 is configured such that the lower portion protrudes toward the player side, and has a circular effect button 105 on the upper surface of the protruding portion. An effect key 106 composed of four push buttons is provided on the left side of the effect button 105. Further, on the back side of the effect button 105, a tray 107 for guiding the game ball to a launching device (not shown) is provided. The frame member 101 has a handle 108 at the lower right side. A lever 109 is rotatably attached to the handle 108. In addition, a stop button 110 is provided for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball regardless of the rotation of the lever 109. A display 111 is provided at the end of the game board 100.

  On the other hand, the game board 100 that forms the game area 102 together with the glass plate has a liquid crystal display device 121 in the center thereof. In addition, a panel lamp 122 that emits light for production or the like is provided above the liquid crystal display device 121. In addition, the game board 100 includes a first starting device 123, a second starting device 124, an opening / closing member 125, a gate 126, a large winning device 127, four general winning devices 128, and a chance winning as an accessory related to winning and determination. A device 141 is included.

  The first starter 123 and the second starter 124 are provided below the liquid crystal display device 121 in the center of the game area 102. An opening / closing member 125 is provided in the vicinity of the second starting device 124. The opening / closing member 125 is an electric tulip for opening / closing the second starting device 124.

  A gate 126 is provided on the right side of the liquid crystal display device 121. Below the gate 126, a wide winning device 127 having a wide width is provided. In addition, a chance winning device 141 is provided below. Inside the chance winning device 141, a V region (not shown) is provided.

  Three general winning devices 128 are provided in the lower left portion, and the remaining one is provided in the lower right portion. At the bottom of the game area 102, a discharge device 129 is provided for discharging game balls that have not won.

  With such a configuration, when the player grasps the handle 108 and rotates the lever 109 in the clockwise direction, the game balls stored in the tray 107 are guided to the launching device (not shown), and the rotation angle of the lever 109 is set. The game is fired into the game area 102 with a corresponding hitting force.

  The game board 100 is provided with game nails, windmills, etc. (not shown), and the launched game balls are guided to an upper position in the game area 102 and moved by contacting the game nails, windmills, etc. Falling along the game board 100 while changing the direction. As described above, the launch of the game ball is temporarily stopped when the player operates the stop button 110.

  When the player performs a so-called “left strike” in which the lever 109 of the handle 108 is rotated at a small rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively weak hitting force. In this case, the game ball flows down the left area in the game area 102 as illustrated by the arrow 130. On the other hand, when the player performs a so-called “right strike” in which the lever 109 is rotated at a large rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively strong hitting force. In this case, the game ball flows down the right area in the game area 102 as exemplified by the arrow 131. Therefore, “right-handed” is required to win the gate 126 and the big winning device 127.

  The first starter 123 is a starter that is always open. On the other hand, the second starting device 124 is normally closed by the opening / closing member 125. The opening / closing member 125 changes its posture so as to open the second starting device 124 based on the determination result on condition that the game ball enters the gate 126. At this time, the second starting device 124 is opened, and a state in which a game ball can easily enter is created. When the game ball enters the first starter 123 or the second starter 124, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game advantageous to the player is executed, and the determination result is displayed on the display 111.

  In the following description, the determination executed on the condition that the winning of the game ball that has passed the first starting device 123 is referred to as “first special symbol determination”, and the winning of the gaming ball to the second starting device 124 is determined. The determination executed as a condition is referred to as “second special symbol determination”, and these determinations are collectively referred to as “special symbol determination”.

  The big winning device 127 and the chance winning device 141 are opened according to the result of the special symbol determination. Hereinafter, the special winning devices 127 and 141 will be described together with the big winning device 127 and the chance winning device 141. Plates for opening and closing the special prize-winning devices 127 and 141 are provided at the openings of the special prize-winning devices 127 and 141. The special prize-winning devices 127 and 141 are normally closed by this plate. On the other hand, when a predetermined jackpot symbol indicating that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big jackpot” is stopped and displayed on the display 111, that is, when a big jackpot occurs, the above-mentioned plate is operated to make a special prize. A jackpot game that opens the devices 127 and 141 is executed. For this reason, the player can obtain more prize balls by performing “right-handed” during the jackpot game compared to when the jackpot game is not performed.

  In this embodiment, the jackpot game is composed of 1R to 15R round games. The big winning device 127 is opened at 1R to 14R. On the other hand, the chance winning device 141 is opened at 15R. A V region is provided inside the chance winning device 141. When the game ball passes through the V region, after the jackpot game is over, the game shifts to the probability change game state.

In the following description, the determination executed on condition that a game ball enters the gate 126 is referred to as “ordinary symbol determination”.
The general winning device 128 is a winning device that is always open and has a predetermined number of winning balls when winning a game ball. Unlike the first starting device 123 and the like, even if a game ball wins the general winning device 128, no determination is made.

[Configuration of Display 111]
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the display 111 in FIG. The display 111 mainly displays information related to the special symbol determination and the normal symbol determination. As shown in FIG. 2, the first special symbol display 201, the second special symbol display 202, and the first special symbol are displayed. The symbol holding display 203, the second special symbol holding display 204, the normal symbol display 205, and the normal symbol holding display 206 are provided.

  When the first special symbol determination is performed, the first special symbol display 201 displays the stop symbol indicating the determination result of the first special symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol, thereby displaying the first special symbol determination. The determination result is notified. On this first special symbol display 201, a jackpot symbol indicating that the result of the first special symbol determination is “big hit”, or a lost symbol indicating that the result of the first special symbol determination is lost Is done.

  When the second special symbol determination is performed, the second special symbol display unit 202 displays the stop symbol indicating the determination result of the second special symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol, thereby displaying the second special symbol determination. The determination result is notified. In the second special symbol display 202, a jackpot symbol indicating that the determination result of the second special symbol determination is “big hit” or a lost symbol indicating that the result of the second special symbol determination is lost is stopped. Is displayed.

  By the way, when a game ball is newly won in the first starting device 123, such as during a symbol variation display or a jackpot game related to the special symbol determination, the first special symbol determination and the symbol variation display triggered by this winning are performed. It cannot be executed immediately. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the right of the first special symbol determination is suspended when the first special symbol determination cannot be immediately executed even if a game ball wins the first starting device 123. It is configured. The first special symbol hold display 203 displays the number of hold of the first special symbol determination held in this way.

  Similarly, when a game ball is newly won in the second starting device 124, such as during a symbol variation display or special jackpot game related to the special symbol determination, the second special symbol determination and symbol variation display triggered by this winning. Cannot be executed immediately. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the right of the second special symbol determination is suspended when the second special symbol determination cannot be immediately executed even if a game ball wins the second starting device 124. It is configured. The second special symbol hold indicator 204 displays the number of hold of the second special symbol determination held in this way.

  When the normal symbol determination is performed, the normal symbol display unit 205 notifies the determination result of the normal symbol determination by suspending and displaying the stop symbol indicating the determination result of the normal symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol. Note that the normal symbol determination and the symbol variation display related to the normal symbol determination cannot be immediately executed even if the game ball passes through the gate 126, for example, during the symbol variation display on the normal symbol display 205, the normal symbol is displayed. Judgment rights are withheld. The normal symbol hold display unit 206 displays the number of hold for normal symbol determination held in this way.

  In the following description, the symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 201 or the second special symbol display 202 is referred to as “special symbol”, and the symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 205 is “normal symbol”. Shall be called.

[Internal configuration of gaming machine 1]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 300, a payout control board 310, an effect control board 320, an image control board 330, a lamp control board 340, a launch control board 350, and a power supply board 360.

  The main control board 300 controls the basic operation of the gaming machine. The main control board 300 includes a one-chip microcomputer 301, and the one-chip microcomputer 301 includes a main CPU 301a, a main ROM 301b, and a main RAM 301c. The main control board 300 includes an input port and an output port (both not shown) for main control.

  The main control input port includes a general winning device detection switch 302 for detecting that a game ball has entered the general winning device 128, and a gate detection switch for detecting that a game ball has entered the normal symbol gate 126. 303, a first starter detection switch 304 for detecting that a game ball has entered the first starter 123, a second starter detection switch 305 for detecting that a game ball has entered the second starter 124, A big winning device detection switch 306 for detecting that a game ball has entered the big winning device 127, a chance winning device detection switch 371 for detecting that a game ball has entered the chance winning device 141, and a game ball in the V region. A V-pass detection switch 372 that detects passing and a payout control board 310 are connected. Various signals are input to the main control board 300 through the main control input port.

  The main control output port includes a starter opening / closing solenoid 307 for opening / closing the opening / closing member 125, a big winning device opening / closing solenoid 308 for operating a plate for opening / closing the big winning device 127, a chance winning device 141, and a V region. The solenoids 373 and 374 to be opened, the symbol displays 201, 202 and 205 for displaying the special symbol and the normal symbol, the symbol hold indicators 203, 204 and 206 for displaying the number of the special symbol determination and the number of the normal symbol determination, and A game information output terminal board 309 for outputting an external information signal, a payout control board 310, and an effect control board 320 are connected. Various signals are output from the main control output port.

  The game information output terminal board 309 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated in the main control board 300 to a hall computer or the like of the game shop. The game information output terminal board 309 is wired to the main control board 300, and the game information output terminal board 309 is provided with a connector for connecting to a hall computer of a game store.

  In the one-chip microcomputer 301 of the main control board 300, the main CPU 301a reads out the program stored in the main ROM 301b based on the input signals from the detection switches and timers, performs arithmetic processing, and directly controls each device. Alternatively, a command is transmitted to another board according to the result of the arithmetic processing.

  The main ROM 301b stores a game control program and tables necessary for various games. For example, a jackpot determination table referred to in the jackpot lottery, a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol, a variation pattern table for determining a special symbol variation pattern, and the like are stored. Note that the tables listed here are only a part, and a larger number of tables are provided.

  Furthermore, the main RAM 301c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 301a, and has a plurality of storage areas. For example, in the main RAM 301c, the number T of the normal symbol determination, the normal symbol random number, the numbers U1, U2 of the special symbol, the round number R, the number Y of balls entered into the big winning device, the probability variation game flag, the short-time game flag, etc. Is memorized. In addition to the information listed here, a lot of information is stored.

  The payout control board 310 performs game ball launch control and prize ball payout control. The payout control board 310 includes a one-chip microcomputer composed of a payout CPU, a payout ROM, and a payout RAM (not shown), and is connected to the main control board 300 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The payout CPU reads out a program stored in the payout ROM based on an input signal from the payout ball measuring switch 311, the door opening switch 312, and the timer that detects whether or not the game ball has been paid out, and performs arithmetic processing. And corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 300 based on the processing. Further, a payout motor 313 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from a game ball storage unit to a player is connected to the output side of the payout control board 310. The payout CPU reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 300, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 313 of the prize ball payout device to control the predetermined prize. Pay the ball to the player. At this time, the payout RAM functions as a data work area at the time of calculation processing of the payout CPU.

  The effect control board 320 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or standby. The effect control board 320 includes a sub CPU 320a, a sub ROM 320b, and a sub RAM 320c, and is connected to the main control board 300 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 300 to the effect control board 320. . The sub CPU 320a reads out a program stored in the sub ROM 320b based on a command transmitted from the main control board 300, an effect button detection switch 321, an effect key detection switch 322, and an input signal from the timer, and performs arithmetic processing. At the same time, based on this processing, corresponding data is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340. The sub RAM 320c functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 320a performs arithmetic processing.

  For example, when the sub CPU 320a in the effect control board 320 receives the fluctuation pattern designation command indicating the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol from the main control board 300, the sub CPU 320a analyzes the content of the received fluctuation pattern designation command, and displays the liquid crystal display device 121, the sound. Data for causing the output device 331, the effect driving device 341, and the effect illumination device 342 to execute a predetermined effect is generated, and the data is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340.

The sub ROM 320b of the effect control board 320 stores a program for effect control and data and tables necessary for determining various games.
For example, an effect pattern determination table for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 300, an ornamental symbol determination table for determining a combination of ornamental symbols to be stopped, and the like are stored in the sub ROM 320b. Has been. In addition, the table mentioned above only enumerates the characteristic table among the tables in this embodiment as an example, and many other tables and programs (not shown) are provided.

  The sub RAM 320c of the effect control board 320 has a plurality of storage areas. In these storage areas, a game state, an effect mode, an effect pattern, a decorative pattern, a counting counter, firing operation information, and the like are stored. In addition to this, a lot of information is stored.

  The image control board 330 includes an image CPU, control ROM, control RAM, CGROM, VRAM, and VDP (not shown) for performing image display control of the liquid crystal display device 121, a sound CPU, a sound ROM, and a sound RAM. . The image control board 330 is connected to the effect control board 320 so that bidirectional communication is possible, and a liquid crystal display device 121 and an audio output device 331 are connected to the output side thereof.

  The image CPU performs control to display a predetermined image on the VDP based on the command received from the effect control board 320. The control RAM functions as a data work area at the time of calculation processing of the image CPU, and temporarily stores data read from the control ROM. The control ROM stores a control processing program of the image CPU, an animation pattern for displaying an animation of the effect pattern, animation scene information, and the like.

  The CGROM stores a large number of image data such as decorative symbols and backgrounds displayed on the liquid crystal display device 121. The image CPU reads a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 320, and the CGROM. The predetermined image data stored in the VRAM is expanded in the VRAM, and the image data expanded in the VRAM is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 121.

  The audio ROM stores a large amount of audio data to be output from the audio output device 331, and the audio CPU reads out a predetermined program based on the command transmitted from the effect control board 320, and the audio ROM Audio output control is performed in the output device 331.

  The lamp control board 340 controls lighting of the board lamp 122 provided on the game board 100 and controls the frame lamp 103 provided on the frame member 101. In addition, energization control is performed on a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor that operates the effect driving device 341. The lamp control board 340 is connected to the effect control board 320, and performs each control described above based on data transmitted from the effect control board 320.

  The firing control board 350 inputs a touch signal from the touch sensor 351 and performs energization control on the firing solenoid 353 and the ball feed solenoid 354 based on the voltage supplied from the firing volume 352.

  The touch sensor 351 includes a capacitive proximity switch that uses a change in capacitance caused by the player touching the handle 108. When the touch sensor 351 detects that the player touches the handle 108, the launch control board is detected. A touch signal that permits energization of the firing solenoid 353 is output to 350.

  The firing volume 352 includes a variable resistor, and a constant voltage (for example, 5 V) applied to the firing volume 352 is divided by the variable resistor, and the divided voltage is supplied to the firing control board 350.

  Here, the rotational speed of the firing solenoid 353 is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 350. As a result, the number of game balls fired per minute is about 99.9 (pieces / minute) because one ball is fired every time the firing solenoid rotates. That is, one game ball is fired about every 0.6 seconds.

  Note that the touch signal from the touch sensor 351 and the voltage signal from the firing volume 352 are input to the effect control board 320. Thereby, it is possible to detect the launch of the game ball on the effect control board 320.

  The power supply board 360 includes a backup power supply including a capacitor, and supplies a power supply voltage to the gaming machine 1. Specifically, the power supply voltage is supplied to the main control board 300, the payout control board 310, the effect control board 320, and the launch control board 350. Further, the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine 1 is monitored, and when the power supply voltage becomes a predetermined value or less, the power interruption detection signal is output to the main control board 300. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 301a becomes operable, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 301a becomes inactive state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and may be a battery, for example, or a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.

[Various tables]
Details of various tables stored in the main ROM 301b will be described with reference to FIGS.

  4 (A) and 4 (B) show a jackpot determination table used for “big jackpot determination”. FIG. 4 (A) is a jackpot determination table for the first special symbol, and FIG. 4 (B) is a jackpot determination table for the second special symbol.

  The jackpot determination table is for determining “big hit” or “losing” based on the gaming state and the acquired jackpot random number. The jackpot random number is acquired as a numerical value of “0” to “799” when entering the first starting device 123 or the second starting device 124.

Here, the gaming state shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B will be described.
In the present embodiment, there are a “non-probability changing gaming state” and a “probability changing gaming state” as states relating to the jackpot determination.

  The “non-probability changing gaming state” means that in the jackpot determination that is made on the condition that a game ball has entered the first starting device 123 or the second starting device 124, the probability of winning the jackpot is 1 / 399.5. Refers to the set gaming state. On the other hand, the “probability game state” refers to a game state in which the probability of winning the jackpot is set to 1 / 39.95. Therefore, in the “probability change game state”, it is easier to win a big hit than in the “non-probability change game state”. In this probability variation game state, a probability variation game flag, which will be described later, is set to “ON”, and in a non-probability variation game state, the probability variation game flag is “OFF”. Further, the transition from the non-probability changing gaming state to the probability changing gaming state is after the jackpot game is finished.

  The “big hit” is a special game for opening the big prize device 127. Specifically, it refers to a game that is executed when a big win is won in the jackpot determination performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first starter 123 or the second starter 124.

  In the “hit”, the round game in which the special prize-winning devices 127 and 141 are opened is played 15 times in total. In 1R to 14R, the big winning device 127 is opened, and in 15R, the chance winning device 141 is opened.

  In 1R to 14R, when a specified number (8) of game balls enter the grand prize winning device 127, one round game is completed. The “big hit” allows a large amount of prize balls to be obtained because a game ball enters the grand prize winning device 127 and a player can obtain a prize ball corresponding to the winning ball. Further, in 15R, the chance winning device 141 is released, but when the game ball passes through the V region provided in the chance winning device 141, the game state shifts to the above-described probability change gaming state. In the case of “hit”, the game is played by so-called “right-handed” in which the lever 109 of the handle 108 is greatly rotated.

  According to the jackpot determination table of the first special symbol shown in FIG. 4 (A), it is determined that the jackpot random number is “7” or “8” when the acquired jackpot random number is “7” or “8”. On the other hand, when the probability variation gaming state, 20 big hit random numbers “7” to “26” are determined to be big hits. If the value is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.

  Since the random number range of the jackpot random number is from “0” to “799”, the probability of being determined to be a jackpot in the non-probability game state is 1 / 399.5, and is determined to be a jackpot in the probability game state. The probability is 1 / 39.95 up 10 times.

  The jackpot determination table for the second special symbol shown in FIG. 4B is the same as the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol. That is, in the non-probability game state, it is determined that the jackpot is a big hit when the acquired jackpot random number is “7” or “8”. On the other hand, when the probability variation gaming state, 20 big hit random numbers “7” to “26” are determined to be big hits. If the value is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.

  Since the random number range of the jackpot random number is from “0” to “799”, the probability of being determined to be a jackpot in the non-probability game state is 1 / 399.5, and is determined to be a jackpot in the probability game state. The probability is 1 / 39.95 up 10 times.

FIG. 4C is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hit determination table used for “normal symbol hit determination”.
The winning determination table is for determining “winning” or “losing” based on the gaming state and the acquired normal symbol random number. The normal symbol random number is acquired as a numerical value of “0” to “65535” when passing through the gate 126.

Here, a description will be given of the gaming state shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, the state relating to the opening / closing member 125 includes a “non-short-time gaming state” and a “time-short gaming state”. The states related to the jackpot determination (non-probability changing gaming state, probability changing gaming state) and the states relating to the opening / closing member 125 (non-time saving gaming state, time saving gaming state) can be associated with each other or can be made independent. it can.

  Note that the gaming state when the game is started, that is, the initial gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is the “non-probability changing gaming state” and is set to the “non-short-time gaming state”. The “non-probability changing gaming state” and the “non-time saving state” are also referred to as “normal gaming state”.

  In this embodiment, “non-short game state” means that in the normal symbol hit determination performed on the condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 126, the variation time of the normal symbol corresponding to the determination result is 12 seconds. This is a gaming state in which the opening control time of the opening to the second starting device 124 when set to be long and won is set to be as short as 0.2 seconds. In other words, when the game ball passes through the gate 126, the normal symbol is drawn, and the normal symbol display unit 205 displays the variation of the normal symbol, but the normal symbol stops 12 seconds after the variation display is started. indicate. If the lottery result is a win, the opening to the second starting device 124 is opened for about 0.2 seconds by the movement of the opening / closing member 125 after the normal symbol stop display.

  On the other hand, the “short-time gaming state” means that in the normal symbol hit determination performed on the condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 126, the variation time of the normal symbol corresponding to the determination result is 3 seconds. It is set shorter than the “non-short game state” and the opening control time of the opening to the second starter 124 when winning is set to 3.5 seconds, which is longer than the “non-short game state” Refers to the played gaming state. Further, in the “non-short game state”, the probability of winning in the normal symbol hit determination is set to 1/65536, and in the “short time game state”, the probability of winning in the normal symbol hit determination is 65535 / 65536 is set. At this time, the short-time game flag, which will be described later, is set to “ON” in the short game state, and the short-time game flag is “OFF” in the non-short-time game state.

  Therefore, in the “short-time gaming state”, the opening to the second starting device 124 is more easily controlled in the open state as long as the game ball passes through the gate 126 than in the “non-short-time gaming state”. Thereby, in the “short-time gaming state”, the consumption of the game ball is suppressed in the progress of the game.

  Further, since the gate 126 is provided on the right side of the game board 100, in the “short-time gaming state”, the game is played by so-called “right-handed” in which the lever 109 of the handle 108 is greatly rotated.

It should be noted that the probability of winning in the normal symbol hit determination may be set so that it does not change in any of the “non-short game state” and the “short-time game state”.
According to the hit determination table shown in FIG. 4 (C), in the non-time-saving gaming state, it is determined that the normal symbol random number is “0”. On the other hand, in the short-time gaming state, it is determined that the normal symbol random number is any one of “0” to “65534”. If the random number is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.

  Since the range of normal symbol random numbers is “0” to “65535”, the probability of being determined to be hit in the non-short game state is 1/65536, and the probability of being determined to be win in the time-short game state is 65535 / 65536 = 1 / 1.00002.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol.
FIG. 5 (A) is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of a big hit, FIG. 5 (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the probability of a first big hit, and FIG. 5 (C) It is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of losing.

  In FIG. 5A, the type of “special symbol” (whether the game ball has entered the first starter 123 or the second starter 124) and the first starter 123 or the second starter 124 The jackpot “type” and stop symbol data are determined based on the “hit symbol random number” acquired when the game ball enters. The range of the jackpot symbol random number is set to “0” to “99”.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (A), when the first special symbol is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol random number is referred to, and if the jackpot symbol random number is between “0” and “49”, it becomes “second jackpot”. The stop symbol data becomes “01” respectively.

Similarly, if the jackpot symbol random number is between “50” and “99”, “first jackpot” is set. At this time, the stop symbol data is “02”, respectively.
The big special symbol random number is referred to even when the big special symbol in the second special symbol, even if the random number for the big bonus symbol is “0” to “99”, it becomes the “first big bonus”, and the stopped symbol data is respectively “03”.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the ratio of the first jackpot is 50% when the first special symbol is a big jackpot, whereas the ratio when the second special symbol is a big jackpot is 100%. It has become.

As shown in FIG. 5C, when the determination result is lost in both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the stop symbol data is “00”.
[Variation pattern determination table]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation pattern of special symbols. FIG. 6A illustrates the normal variation pattern, and FIG. 6B illustrates the probability variation short variation pattern.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the normal time variation pattern has a variation time determined for each variation pattern. In the fluctuation pattern 1, the fluctuation time is 4 seconds. In the fluctuation pattern 2, the fluctuation time is 8 seconds. In the variation pattern 3, the variation time is 13.5 seconds. The fluctuation pattern 4 is a fluctuation pattern of 13.5 seconds or more, and is referred to as freeze fluctuation. There are four types of freeze fluctuations: Freeze 1, Freeze 2, Freeze 3, Freeze 4 in order of increasing fluctuation time. In this embodiment, when this variation pattern 4 is selected, a reliability effect can be performed.

  The probability variation short variation pattern also has a variation time determined for each variation pattern as illustrated in FIG. 6B. In the fluctuation pattern 5, the fluctuation time is 1.5 seconds. In the fluctuation pattern 6, the fluctuation time is 7 seconds. In the fluctuation pattern 7, the fluctuation time is 11 seconds. In the fluctuation pattern 8, the fluctuation time is 13.5 seconds. In the fluctuation pattern 9, the fluctuation time is 16 seconds. In the fluctuation pattern 10, the fluctuation time is 19 seconds. In the fluctuation pattern 11, the fluctuation time is 22 seconds or more. In the present embodiment, when this variation pattern 11 is selected, a selection effect can be performed.

  When the result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”, the variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number. On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol determination is “losing”, the variation pattern is determined based on the number of reserved balls, the reach random number, and the variation pattern random number.

[Main control board main processing]
A main process executed in the main control board 300 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the main process executed in the main control board 300. The main control board 300 executes this main process when the power is turned on. The main process of the main control board 300 is executed by the main CPU 301a based on a program stored in the main ROM 301b.

  In the first S701, access to the main RAM 301c is permitted. This process is performed, for example, after waiting for a time (for example, 1000 ms) required for starting the effect control board 320 after turning on the power.

  In S702, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch is “ON”. If it is determined that the RAM clear switch is “ON” (S702: YES), the process proceeds to S711. On the other hand, when it is determined that the RAM clear switch is not “ON” (S702: NO), that is, when the RAM clear switch is “OFF”, the process proceeds to S703.

  In S703, it is determined whether or not the backup flag is “ON”. The backup flag is stored in the main RAM 301c, and is set to “ON” when the power to the gaming machine 1 is cut off. If it is determined that the backup flag is “ON” (S703: YES), the process proceeds to S704. On the other hand, when it is determined that the backup flag is not “ON” (S703: NO), that is, when the backup flag is “OFF”, the process proceeds to S711.

  In S704, it is determined whether or not the checksum is normal. The checksum is created for the backup information, and is intended to determine the validity of the backup information when the data addition values match. If it is determined that the checksum is normal (S704: YES), the process proceeds to S705. On the other hand, when it is determined that the checksum is not normal (S704: NO), the process proceeds to S711.

In S705, a recovery process is executed. Details of the recovery process will be described later.
In S706, the CTC cycle is set. This process sets the cycle of the CTC that is a built-in timer counter. For example, it is set to 4 ms. As a result, the main CPU 301a executes a timer interrupt process to be described later at a CTC cycle.

In S707, a power interruption monitoring process is executed. Details of the power interruption monitoring process will be described later.
In S708, interrupt prohibition setting is performed. This process prohibits the timer interrupt process by the main CPU 301a.

  In S709, random number update processing is performed. This process is to update various random values of jackpot random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, variation pattern random numbers, and regular symbol random numbers. These random numbers are incremented by “1” every time this process is performed. Each random value is returned to “0” after reaching a preset maximum value.

  In S710, an interrupt permission setting is performed. This process permits timer interrupt processing by the main CPU 301a. Then, after the processing of S710 is completed, the processing from S707 is repeated.

  The process proceeds to S711 when an affirmative determination is made in S702, a negative determination is made in S703, and a negative determination is made in S704. In S711, the RAM is cleared. The RAM clear is to initialize various flags and count values set by the main control board 300. For example, various flags include a probability variation flag and a time reduction flag. Examples of the count value include the number of short-time fluctuations W.

  In S712, peripheral part initial setting is performed. In this process, an initial setting command is transmitted from the main control board 300 to the payout control board 310 and the effect control board 320. Thereby, initial setting is performed on the payout control board 310 and the effect control board 320. After the process of S712 is completed, the process proceeds to S706 described above.

[Recovery processing]
The restoration process executed in the main control board 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This restoration process is executed in S705 of FIG.

In the first step S801, a work area is set. In this process, the work area is an area used for the recovery process, and is set in the main RAM 301c.
In S802, a recovery command is created. This recovery command includes a command related to the gaming state. That is, a probability variation game flag, a time-short game flag, and the like. In addition, the count value of the counter related to these flags is included. Furthermore, hold information related to the hold display is included.

In S803, a recovery command is transmitted. In this process, the restoration command created in S802 is transmitted to the effect control board 320.
In S804, the backup flag is set to “OFF”, and then the recovery process is terminated.

[Power failure monitoring processing]
The power interruption monitoring process executed in the main control board 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This power interruption monitoring process is executed in S707 of FIG.

In the first S901, interrupt prohibition setting is performed. This process prohibits the timer interrupt process by the main CPU 301a.
In S902, it is determined whether or not the power supply is shut off. This process determines whether or not the power supply to the gaming machine 1 is cut off. If it is determined that the power supply has been cut off (S902: YES), the process proceeds to S903. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power is not shut off (S902: NO), the process proceeds to S906.

  In S903, backup information is created and stored. The backup information is stored in the main RAM 301c. At this time, a checksum is created and stored together with the backup information. As described above, the backup information is used to create a recovery command.

In S904, the backup flag is set to “ON”. The backup flag is stored in the main RAM 301c.
In S905, RAM access is prohibited, and then the main process (see FIG. 7) is terminated.

  The process proceeds to S906 when it is determined in S902 that the power is not shut off. In S906, interrupt permission setting is performed. This process permits the timer interrupt process of the main CPU 301a. After the processing of S906 ends, the process proceeds to S708 of FIG.

[Timer interrupt processing]
The timer interrupt process executed in the main control board 300 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the main control board 300. The main control board 300 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 10 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. . Note that the processing of the main control board 300 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 10 and after is executed by the main CPU 301a based on a program stored in the main ROM 301b.

  First, in S1001, random number update processing is executed. This process is to update various random values of jackpot random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, variation pattern random numbers, and regular symbol random numbers. These random numbers are incremented by “1” every time this process is performed. Each random value is returned to “0” after reaching a preset maximum value.

In S1002, a switch process is performed. This process is executed when a detection signal from each switch is input. Details of the switch process will be described later.
In S1003, special symbol processing is performed. This process includes a process of stopping and displaying a stop symbol indicating the result of the special symbol determination after the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 201 or the second special symbol display 202. Details of the special symbol process will be described later.

  In S1004, normal symbol processing is performed. This process includes a process of executing normal symbol determination, causing the normal symbol display 205 to display the normal symbol variably, and then stopping and displaying the normal symbol indicating the result of the normal symbol determination. Details of this normal symbol processing will be described later.

  In S1005, an opening / closing member process is performed. This process is to operate the opening / closing member 125 when it is determined that the opening to the second starting device 124 is opened as a result of the normal symbol determination. Details of the opening / closing member processing will be described later.

  In S1006, a special winning device opening control process is performed. In this process, when it is determined in S1003 that the game is a big hit, the big winning device opening / closing solenoid 308 is controlled to open the big winning device 127. Further, the solenoid 372 is controlled to open the chance winning device 141 and the V region. Details of the big prize device opening control process will be described later.

In S1007, prize ball processing is executed. This process controls the payout of prize balls according to the winning of game balls.
In S1008, transmission processing is executed. In this processing, information necessary for determining various commands and production contents set (stored) in the main RAM 301c in the processing steps before S1007 is transmitted to the production control board 320.

[Switch processing]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of the switch processing in S1002 of FIG.

  In the first S1101, first starter switch processing is executed. This process monitors the presence / absence of a detection signal input from the first starter detection switch 304, and various random numbers (big hit random number, big hit symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number that are appropriately updated by the processing of S1001. ) Is obtained at the time when the detection signal from the first starter detection switch 304 is input. The first starter switch process will be further described later.

  In subsequent S1102, the second starter switch process is executed. In this process, the presence or absence of a detection signal from the second starter detection switch 305 is monitored, and various random numbers (big hit random number, big hit symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number that are appropriately updated by the processing of S1001. ) Is obtained at the time when the detection signal from the second starter detection switch 305 is input. The second starter switch process will be further described later.

  In the next S1103, gate switch processing is executed. This process monitors the presence / absence of a detection signal input from the gate detection switch 303, and determines the value at the time when the detection signal from the gate detection switch 303 is input for the normal symbol random number that is appropriately updated by the process of S1001. To get. The gate switch process will be further described later.

[First starter switch processing]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the first starter switch process in S1101 of FIG.

  In the first step S1201, it is determined whether or not the first starter detection switch 304 is “ON”. This processing is based on whether or not a detection signal from the first starter detection switch 304 (ON signal indicating that the first starter detection switch 304 is “ON”) is input. It is determined whether or not the detection switch 304 is turned “ON”. Here, when it is determined that the first starter detection switch 304 is “ON” (S1201: YES), the process proceeds to S1202. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first starter detection switch 304 is not “ON” (S1201: NO), the subsequent process is not executed and the first starter switch process is terminated.

  In S1202, it is determined whether or not the hold number U1 is less than the maximum hold number Umax1. In this process, it is determined whether or not the hold number U1 for the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 301c is less than the maximum hold number Umax1 ("4" in the present embodiment) stored in the main ROM 301b in advance. Judgment. If it is determined that U1 <Umax1 is satisfied (S1202: YES), the process proceeds to S1203. On the other hand, if it is determined that U1 ≧ Umax1 (S1202: NO), the subsequent processing is not executed and the first starter switch processing is terminated.

In S1203, the value of the holding number U1 is updated to a value obtained by adding “1”.
In S1204 to S1207, various random numbers are acquired. In this process, a jackpot random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number are acquired as acquisition information used for the first special symbol determination, and these random numbers are associated with each other and stored in the main RAM 301c. .

  In S1208, a prior determination is performed. Here, jackpot determination, determination of jackpot symbol, and selection of variation pattern are performed in advance. These processes are the same as those performed in the special symbol process described later. Therefore, detailed processing will be described later.

Here, it is first determined whether or not the jackpot is based on the jackpot random number acquired in S1204.
If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot symbol (stop symbol data) is determined based on the jackpot symbol random number acquired in S1205. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the jackpot symbol random number is “0 to 49”, it becomes the second jackpot, and when the jackpot symbol random number is “50 to 99”, it becomes the first jackpot. At this time, the stop symbol data is “01” and “02”, respectively.

On the other hand, when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss, a lost symbol (stop symbol data) is selected. The stop symbol data at the time of losing is “00”.
When the result of jackpot determination is a jackpot, a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number acquired in S1207.

  On the other hand, when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss, a variation pattern is selected based on the reach random number acquired in S1206, the variation pattern random number acquired in S1207, the gaming state, and the number of holds.

  As described above, the jackpot determination, the determination of the jackpot symbol, and the selection of the variation pattern are performed by special symbol processing described later. Therefore, the variation pattern may be changed according to the number of holds at the time of executing the special symbol process.

  In S1209, a hold command is set. The hold command includes “starter data” for distinguishing whether the hold is related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and “hold number data” indicating the number of the hold (ie, the hold number data). The number of reservations U1), “stop symbol data” indicating the jackpot type and loss, and “variation pattern data” indicating the variation pattern are included.

Note that the hold command set in step S1209 is transmitted to the effect control board 320 in step S1008 of FIG.
[Second starter switch processing]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the second starter switch process in S1102 of FIG. The second starter switch process is the same as the first starter switch process described above.

  In the first S1301, it is determined whether or not the second starter detection switch 305 is turned “ON”. This process is based on whether or not a detection signal from the second starter detection switch 305 (ON signal indicating that the second starter detection switch 305 is “ON”) is input. It is determined whether or not the detection switch 305 is turned “ON”. Here, when it is determined that the second starter detection switch 305 is “ON” (S1301: YES), the process proceeds to S1302. On the other hand, when it determines with the 2nd starter detection switch 305 not being "ON" (S1301: NO), the subsequent process is not performed but a 2nd starter switch process is complete | finished.

  In S1302, it is determined whether or not the hold number U2 is less than the maximum hold number Umax2. In this process, it is determined whether or not the second special symbol hold number U2 stored in the main RAM 301c is less than the maximum hold number Umax2 ("4" in the present embodiment) stored in the main ROM 301b in advance. Is. If it is determined that U2 <Umax2 is satisfied (S1302: YES), the process proceeds to S1303. On the other hand, if it is determined that U2 ≧ Umax2 (S1302: NO), the subsequent processing is not executed and the second starter switch processing is terminated.

In S1303, the value of the holding number U2 is updated to a value obtained by adding “1”.
In S1304 to S1307, various random numbers are acquired. This process acquires jackpot random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers as acquisition information used for the second special symbol determination, associates these random numbers, and stores them in the main RAM 301c. .

  In S1308, a prior determination is performed. Here, jackpot determination, determination of jackpot symbol, and selection of variation pattern are performed in advance. These processes are the same as those performed in the special symbol process described later. Therefore, detailed processing will be described later.

Here, first, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is based on the jackpot random number acquired in S1304.
When the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot symbol (stop symbol data) is determined based on the jackpot symbol random number acquired in S1305. As shown in FIG. 5A, even if the jackpot symbol random number is any of “0 to 99”, the first jackpot is made. The stop symbol data is “03”.

On the other hand, when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss, a lost symbol (stop symbol data) is selected. The stop symbol data at the time of losing is “00”.
When the result of jackpot determination is a jackpot, a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number acquired in S1307.

  On the other hand, when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss, a variation pattern is selected based on the reach random number acquired in S1306, the variation pattern random number acquired in S1307, the gaming state, and the number of holds.

  As described above, the jackpot determination, the determination of the jackpot symbol, and the selection of the variation pattern are performed by special symbol processing described later. Therefore, the variation pattern may be changed according to the number of holds at the time of executing the special symbol process.

  In S1309, a hold command is set. The hold command includes “starter data” for distinguishing whether the hold is related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and “hold number data” indicating the number of the hold (ie, the hold number data). The number of reservations U2), “stop symbol data” indicating the jackpot type and loss, and “variation pattern data” indicating the variation pattern are included.

Note that the hold command set in S1309 is transmitted to the effect control board 320 in S1008 of FIG.
[Gate switch processing]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the gate switch processing in S1103 of FIG.

  In the first step S1401, it is determined whether or not the gate detection switch 303 is “ON”. In this process, the gate detection switch 303 is turned “ON” based on whether or not a detection signal from the gate detection switch 303 (ON signal indicating that the gate detection switch 303 is “ON”) is input. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that the gate detection switch 303 is “ON” (S1401: YES), the process proceeds to S1402. On the other hand, if it is determined that the gate detection switch 303 is not “ON” (S1401: NO), the subsequent processing is not executed and the gate switch processing is terminated.

  In S1402, it is determined whether the hold number T is less than the maximum hold number Tmax. In this process, whether or not the normal symbol determination hold number T stored in the main RAM 301c is less than the maximum normal symbol determination hold number Tmax ("4" in this embodiment) stored in advance in the main ROM 301b. It is a judgment. If it is determined that T <Tmax (S1402: YES), the process proceeds to S1403. On the other hand, when it is determined that T ≧ Tmax (S1402: NO), the gate switch process is terminated without executing the subsequent processes.

In S1403, the hold count T is updated to a value obtained by adding “1”. In subsequent S1404, the normal symbol random number used for the normal symbol determination is acquired and stored in the main RAM 301c.
[Special symbol processing]
Details of the special symbol processing executed by the main control board 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol process in S1003 of FIG.

  In first S1501, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being played. When the jackpot game is being played, the jackpot game flag stored in the main RAM 301c is set to “ON”. This process is to determine whether or not the jackpot game flag stored in the main RAM 301c is set to “ON”. If it is determined that the game is a jackpot game (S1501: YES), the subsequent process is not executed and the special symbol process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is not a jackpot game (S1501: NO), the process proceeds to S1502.

  In S1502, it is determined whether or not a special symbol variation display is in progress. If it is determined that the special symbol variation display is not in progress (S1502: NO), the process proceeds to S1503. On the other hand, if it is determined that special symbols are being displayed (S1502: YES), the process proceeds to S1511.

  In S1503, it is determined whether one of the number of holdings U1 for the first special symbol determination or the number of holdings U2 for the second special symbol determination is greater than “0”. If it is determined that U1> 0 or U2> 0 (S1503: YES), the process proceeds to S1504. On the other hand, if it is determined that U1 = U2 = 0 (S1503: NO), the subsequent process is not executed and the special symbol process is terminated.

  In S1504, when the hold number U2 is larger than 0, “1” is subtracted from the hold number U2 to update the hold number U2. On the other hand, when the hold number U2 is “0”, the hold number U1 is updated by subtracting “1” from the hold number U1. In other words, the suspension related to the second special symbol determination is preferentially digested.

  In S1505, the storage area is shifted. This process executes a shift process for the storage area of the main RAM 301c. Specifically, the first or second special symbol determination jackpot random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number that were subtracted in S1504 are the first stored in the reserved storage area (the oldest one) Are shifted to the determination storage area, and the rest are shifted to the determination storage area.

  In S1506, a jackpot determination process is executed. In this process, the jackpot determination process is executed based on the random numbers stored in the determination storage area. By executing this jackpot determination process, it is determined whether it is a jackpot or loss, and the determination result is set in the main RAM 301c. When it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot symbol (stop symbol data) indicating the type of jackpot. Details of the jackpot determination process will be described later.

  In S1507, a variation pattern selection process is executed. Specifically, referring to the variation pattern table stored in advance in the main ROM 301b, the determination result of the jackpot determination in S1506, the stop symbol data set in the main RAM 301c, the current gaming state, the number of pending special symbol determination The variation pattern of the special symbol is selected based on the reach random number and the variation pattern random number stored in the storage area for determination U1 or U2. By performing the processing of S1507, it is also determined whether to perform a reachable effect or a reachless effect. Details of the variation pattern selection process will be described later.

  In S1508, a change start command is set. In this process, a change start command including stop symbol data set in the process of S1506, change pattern data indicating the change pattern set in the process of S1507, game state data indicating the gaming state of the gaming machine 1, etc. is set in the main RAM 301c. To do. This variation start command is a command for instructing the start of the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol, and is transmitted to the effect control board 320 by the transmission process of S1008.

  On the other hand, the effect control board 320 needs to specify the result of the special symbol determination by analyzing the variation start command received from the main control board 300, and perform either the effect with reach or the effect without reach. To determine the game state of the gaming machine 1 by acquiring the variation time during which the special symbol is variably displayed. From the voice output device 331, the display pattern of the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 121 in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol on the first special symbol indicator 201 or the second special symbol indicator 202. It determines what sound is output, what light emission pattern the frame lamp 103 emits, and the like, and causes the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 to execute the effect of the determined content.

  In S1509, the variable display is started. This process starts the change display of the special symbol based on the data included in the change start command set in the process of S1508. The special symbol variation display is performed using the first special symbol display 201 or the second special symbol display 202.

In S1510, measurement of the variation time is started. In this process, measurement of a variation time that is an elapsed time since the start of variation display is started.
In next S1511, it is determined whether or not the variation time has elapsed. In this process, it is determined whether or not the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern selected by the processing in S1507 has elapsed since the measurement of the variation time in S1510. If it is determined that the fluctuation time has not elapsed (S1511: NO), the subsequent process is not executed and the special symbol process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S1511: YES), the process proceeds to S1512.

  In S1512, a symbol confirmation command is set. In this process, a symbol confirmation command for notifying that the stop symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 201 or the second special symbol display 202 is set in the main RAM 301c. is there. The symbol confirmation command is transmitted to the effect control board 320 by the transmission process in S1008. Thereby, the process etc. which stop-display the decoration symbol which was variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 121 in the aspect which shows the determination result of a special symbol determination, etc. are performed.

  In S1513, the variable display ends. This process ends the special symbol variation display started in S1509. At that time, the stop symbol data (big hit symbol or lost symbol) set in the processing of S1506 is stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicators 201 and 202 that have variably displayed the special symbols. Specifically, when the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 201, the first special symbol display 201 is caused to stop display the jackpot symbol or the lost symbol, and the second special symbol display 202 When the special symbol is variably displayed, the big special symbol or the lost symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 202.

In S1514, the measured variation time is reset. This process is to reset the variation time when the measurement is started in the process of S1510.
In continuing S1515, the process during stop is performed. This process includes a process of starting a jackpot game when the jackpot is won. Details of the stop process will be described later.

[Big hit judgment processing]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the jackpot determination process in S1506 of FIG.

  In the first S1601, a jackpot determination is performed. Here, when the jackpot determination relating to winning in the first starting device 123 is executed, a jackpot determination table (see FIG. 4A) of the first special symbol stored in advance in the main ROM 301b is used. On the other hand, when executing the jackpot determination relating to winning in the second starting device 124, the jackpot determination table (see FIG. 4B) of the second special symbol stored in advance in the main ROM 301b is used. In the present embodiment, the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol and the jackpot determination table for the second special symbol are the same.

  A jackpot random number is described in the jackpot determination table of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Therefore, the jackpot is determined based on whether or not the jackpot random number stored in the determination storage area matches the value described in the jackpot determination table of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. If they do not match, it is determined to be lost. At this time, if the gaming state is a non-probability changing gaming state, the jackpot random number is either “7” or “8”, and if the gaming state is a probability changing gaming state, the jackpot random number is “7” to “26”. One of them.

  In subsequent S1602, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit. This process is to determine whether or not the jackpot is based on the determination result of S1601. If it is determined that the game is a big hit (S1602: YES), the process proceeds to S1603. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a big hit (S1602: NO), that is, when it is a loss, a lost symbol (stop symbol data “00”) is set in S1605, and the big hit determination process is terminated.

  In S1603, the type of jackpot is determined. In this process, a jackpot type is determined using a jackpot symbol determination table (see FIG. 5A) stored in the main RAM 301c. Here, based on the jackpot symbol random number stored in the determination storage area, the first jackpot or the second jackpot is determined. In the case of the first special symbol, the value shown in the upper part of FIG. 5A is used, and in the case of the second special symbol, the value shown in the lower part of FIG. 5A is used. This makes it possible to realize the jackpot breakdown shown in FIG.

  In S1604, a jackpot symbol is set. In this process, the jackpot symbol (stop symbol data) corresponding to the jackpot type determined in S1603 is set in the main RAM 301c. Thereby, at the time of the process of S1513 mentioned above, the jackpot symbol set here is stopped and displayed as a stop symbol on the first special symbol display 201 or the second special symbol display 202, and the jackpot game is executed. become. After the process of S1604, the jackpot determination process ends.

[Variation pattern selection processing]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of the variation pattern selection processing in S1507 of FIG.

  In first S1701, it is determined whether or not a big hit. This process is based on the jackpot determination in S1601 of FIG. If it is determined that the game is a big hit (S1701: YES), the process proceeds to S1702. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a big hit (S1701: NO), that is, if it is a loss, the process proceeds to S1703.

In S1702, a jackpot table is set. After the processing of S1702, the process proceeds to S1706.
In S1703, it is determined whether or not the short-time gaming state. This process is based on the short-time game flag stored in the main RAM 301c. The short-time game flag is “ON” when in the short-time game state, and is “OFF” when in the non-short-time game state. If it is determined that the game is in the short-time gaming state (S1703: YES), the process proceeds to S1704. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not in the short-time gaming state (S1703: NO), that is, if it is in the non-short-time gaming state, the process proceeds to S1705.

In S1704, the probability variation time table is set, and the process proceeds to S1706. In S1705, the normal time table is set, and the process proceeds to S1706.
The process proceeds to S1706 from S1702, S1704, and S1705. In S1706, a variation pattern is selected. Specifically, when the jackpot table is set, the variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number. In addition, when the probability variation time short table or the normal time table is set, the variation pattern is selected based on the number of reserved balls, the reach random number, and the variation pattern random number.

  Note that the variation pattern data related to the selected variation pattern is set in the main RAM 301c. The variation pattern data is included in the variation start command set in the processing of S1508 in FIG. 15 together with the symbol (stop symbol data) set by the jackpot determination processing, and is transmitted to the effect control board 320 by the transmission processing of S1008. The

[Processing while stopped]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of the stopping process in S1515 in FIG.

  In first S1801, it is determined whether or not a big hit. This process is to determine whether or not the jackpot is based on the determination result of S1601 in FIG. If it is determined that the game is a jackpot (S1801: YES), the jackpot game flag is set to “ON” in S1802, and then the process proceeds to S1803. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a big hit (S1801: NO), the process proceeds to S1806.

  In S1803, it is determined whether or not the time-saving game flag is “ON”. This process is to determine whether or not the short-time game flag stored in the main RAM 301c is set to “ON”. The short-time game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a short-time game state, and is set to “ON” when shifting from the non-short-time game state to the short-time game state. It is set to “OFF” when returning to the non-time saving gaming state. If it is determined that the short-time game flag is set to “ON” (S1803: YES), the short-time game flag is set to “OFF” in S1804, and then the process proceeds to S1805. On the other hand, when it is determined that the short-time game flag is not set to “ON” (S1803: NO), that is, when the short-time game flag is set to “OFF”, the processing of S1804 is not executed. The process moves to S1805.

  In S1805, an opening command is set in the main RAM 301c. The opening refers to a period from when the jackpot game is started until the first prize-winning device 127 is first opened. The opening command is a command for notifying that the opening is started, and is transmitted to the effect control board 320 by the transmission process of S1008.

  In S1806, which shifts from S1805 or shifts to a case where it is determined in S1801 that the game is not a big hit, it is determined whether or not the short-time game flag is “ON”. If it is determined that the time-saving game flag is “ON” (S1806: YES), the process proceeds to S1807. On the other hand, if it is determined that the short-time game flag is not “ON” (S1806: NO), that is, if the short-time game flag is “OFF”, the subsequent processing is not executed and the in-stop processing is terminated.

In S 1807, “1” is subtracted from the short-time fluctuation count W, and the short-time fluctuation count W is updated. The time fluctuation number W is stored in the main RAM 301c.
In S1808, it is determined whether or not the number of short-time fluctuations W is “0”. If it is determined that W = 0 (S1809: YES), the time-short game flag is set to “OFF” in S1810, and then the in-stop process is terminated. On the other hand, if W ≠ 0 (S1809: NO), the subsequent processing is terminated without executing the subsequent processing.

  In S1810, it is determined whether or not the probability variation game flag is “ON”. The probability variation game flag is stored in the main RAM 301c and indicates whether or not the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a probability variation gaming state. It is “ON” when shifting from the non-probability changing gaming state to the probability changing gaming state, and is “OFF” when shifting from the probability changing gaming state to the non-probability changing gaming state. If it is determined that the probability variation game flag is “ON” (S1810: YES), the probability variation game flag is set to “OFF” in S1811, and then the in-stop process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the probability variation game flag is not “ON” (S1810: NO), that is, when the probability variation game flag is “OFF”, the processing in S1811 is not executed and the in-stop processing is terminated.

  That is, in the case of the so-called “short time” that is the “non-probability changing gaming state” and the “short-time gaming state”, and the so-called “probability changing” that is the “probability changing gaming state” and the “short-time gaming state”, The process ends when “0” is reached.

[Normal pattern processing]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of the normal symbol processing in S1004 of FIG.

  In the first S1901, it is determined whether or not the auxiliary game flag is “ON”. This process determines whether or not the auxiliary game flag stored in the main RAM 301c is set to “ON”. The auxiliary game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the auxiliary game is in the auxiliary game in which the opening / closing member 125 maintains the open posture for a specified time and then returns to the closed posture for a specified number of times, and is set to “ON” during the auxiliary game. When it is not in the auxiliary game, “OFF” is set. If it is determined that the auxiliary game flag is set to “ON” (S1901: YES), the subsequent symbol processing is terminated without executing the subsequent processing. In this case, the process proceeds to the opening / closing member process of S1005. On the other hand, when it is determined that the auxiliary game flag is not “ON” (S1901: NO), that is, when the auxiliary game flag is set to “OFF”, the process proceeds to S1902.

  In S1902, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is changing. This process is to determine whether or not the variable display on the normal symbol display 205 is being performed. Here, when it is determined that the normal symbol is not changing (S1902: NO), the process proceeds to S1903. On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol is changing (S1902: YES), the process proceeds to S1914.

  In S1903, where the normal symbol is not fluctuating, it is determined whether or not the number T of the normal symbol determination is “1” or more. If it is determined that the hold count T is “1” or more (S1903: YES), the process proceeds to S1904. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of holdings T is not “1” or more (S1903: NO), that is, when the number of holdings T is “0”, the subsequent symbol processing is terminated without executing the subsequent processing. .

  In step S1904, the number of holds T is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1”. In step S1905, a hit random number determination process is performed. In this process, whether the oldest normal symbol random number among the normal symbol random numbers stored in the main RAM 301c in S1404 in FIG. 14 matches any of the winning values related to the normal symbol determination stored in the main ROM 301b in advance. It is to determine whether or not.

  In S1906, it is determined whether or not a win. This process is to determine whether or not the determination result of the normal symbol determination is a win based on the determination result of S1905. If it is determined that it is a win (S1906: YES), a win symbol is set in the main RAM 301c in S1907, and then the process proceeds to S1909. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a hit (S1906: NO), that is, if it is a loss, the lost symbol is set in the main RAM 301c in S1908, and then the process proceeds to S1909.

  In S1909, it is determined whether or not it is a non-time saving gaming state. This process determines whether or not the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a non-short-time gaming state based on whether or not the hourly gaming flag is set to “ON”. If it is determined that the game is in the non-short game state (S1909: YES), the normal symbol variation time is set to 12 seconds in S1910, and then the process proceeds to S1912. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is not in the non-short game state (S1909: NO), that is, if the game is in the short-time game state, the normal symbol variation time is set to 3 seconds, and then the process proceeds to S1912. The normal symbol variation time is the time for the normal symbol display 205 to display the normal symbol in a variable manner. The normal symbol variation time set here is temporarily stored in the main RAM 301c.

In S1912, the normal symbol display 205 starts to change the normal symbol. In step S1913, measurement of elapsed time from the start of the variable display is started.
On the other hand, in S1914 which is shifted to when the normal symbol is changing, it is determined whether or not to end the normal symbol change. Specifically, it is determined whether or not to end the normal symbol variation display based on whether or not the elapsed time when the measurement was started in S1913 has reached the normal symbol variation time set in S1910 or S1911. To do. Here, when it is determined that the variation of the normal symbol is to be ended (S1914: YES), the normal symbol variation display on the normal symbol display unit 205 is terminated in S1915, and the winning symbol or the lost symbol is stopped and displayed. The process proceeds to S1916. On the other hand, if it is determined not to end the variation of the normal symbol (S1914: NO), the normal symbol processing is terminated without executing the subsequent processing.

In S1916, the elapsed time is reset. This process resets the elapsed time when the measurement was started in the process of S1913.
In S1917, as in S1906, it is determined whether or not the determination result of the normal symbol determination is correct. If it is determined that it is a win (S1917: YES), the auxiliary game flag is set to “ON” in S1918, and then the normal symbol process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a hit (S1917: NO), the process of S1918 is not executed, and the normal symbol process is terminated.

[Opening and closing member processing]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing details of the opening / closing member process in S1005 of FIG.

  In the first S2001, it is determined whether or not the auxiliary game flag is “ON”. If it is determined that the auxiliary game flag is “ON” (S2001: YES), the process proceeds to S2002. On the other hand, when it is determined that the auxiliary game flag is not “ON” (S2001: NO), that is, when the auxiliary game flag is “OFF”, the subsequent processing is not executed, and the opening / closing member The process ends.

  In S2002, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing member 125 is operating. If it is determined that the opening / closing member 125 is operating (S2002: YES), the process proceeds to S2007. On the other hand, when it is determined that the opening / closing member 125 is not operating (S2002: NO), the process proceeds to S2003.

  In S2003, it is determined whether or not the non-time-saving gaming state. This process is the same as S1909 in FIG. If it is determined that the game is in the non-short game state (S2003: YES), an operation pattern is set in S2004, and then the process proceeds to S2006. In S2004, as an operation pattern of the opening / closing member 125, an operation pattern for performing the operation of opening the second starting device 124 for 0.1 second twice is set in the main RAM 301c. Thereby, the opening for a total of 0.2 seconds is realized. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is not in the non-short-time gaming state (S2003: NO), that is, if it is in the time-short gaming state, the operation pattern is set in S2005, and then the process proceeds to S2006. In S2005, as the operation pattern of the opening / closing member 125, an operation pattern for performing the operation of opening the second starting device 124 for 0.5 seconds seven times is set in the main RAM 301c. Thereby, the opening for a total of 3.5 seconds is realized.

In S2006, the operation of the opening / closing member 125 is started. This process is to start the operation of the opening / closing member 125 with the operation pattern set in S2004 or S2005.
In S2007, it is determined whether or not the operation is completed. If it is determined that the operation of the opening / closing member 125 is completed (S2007: YES), the auxiliary game flag is set to “OFF” in S2008, and then the opening / closing member process is terminated. Thereby, an auxiliary game is complete | finished. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the opening / closing member 125 has not been completed (S2007: NO), the process of S2008 is not executed, and the opening / closing member process is terminated.

[Large winning device opening control processing]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing details of the big winning device opening control process in step S1006 of FIG.

  In first S2101, it is determined whether or not the jackpot game flag is set to “ON”. If it is determined that the jackpot game flag is set to “ON” (S2101: YES), the process proceeds to S2102. On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot game flag is not set to “ON” (S2101: NO), that is, if the jackpot game flag is set to “OFF”, the subsequent processing is not executed. The big prize device opening control process is terminated.

  In S2102, it is determined whether or not opening is in progress. For example, it is determined whether or not the jackpot game is being opened based on whether or not the elapsed time after setting the opening command related to the jackpot game by the processing of S1805 has reached a predetermined opening time. is there. If it is determined that the opening is being performed (S2102: YES), the process proceeds to S2103. On the other hand, if it is determined that the opening is not in progress (S2102: NO), the process proceeds to S2111.

  In S2103, it is determined whether or not the opening time has elapsed. If it is determined that the opening time has elapsed (S2103: YES), the process proceeds to S2104. On the other hand, when it is determined that the opening time has not elapsed (S2103: NO), the subsequent process is not executed and the large winning device opening control process is terminated.

  In S2104, an opening pattern setting process is executed. This process is to set a release pattern for the jackpot game. Here, various times related to the jackpot game such as an opening time in the round game, an interval time between the round game and the next round game, and an ending time after the end of the final round are set. Details of the opening pattern setting process will be described later.

  In S2105, the winning number Y of game balls to the big winning device 127 is reset to “0”. In the subsequent S2106, the number R of big hits stored in the main RAM 301c is updated to a value obtained by adding “1”. The round number R is set to “0” before the start of the jackpot, and is incremented by “1” every time the process of S2106 is executed.

  In S2107, the opening control of the big winning device 127 or the chance winning device 141 is started. In subsequent S2108, measurement of an opening time that is an elapsed time since the opening control in S2107 is started is started. In the next S2109, a round start command is set. In this process, a round start command for notifying that a round game has started is set in the main RAM 301c. After the process of S2109 is completed, the process proceeds to S2116.

  In S2111 which is shifted when it is determined that the opening is not being performed, it is determined whether or not the ending is being performed. This process determines, for example, whether the ending immediately after the end of the final round is in progress based on information indicating when the current state stored in the main RAM 301c is in the jackpot game. If it is determined that the ending is being performed (S2111: YES), the process proceeds to S2124. On the other hand, if it is determined that ending is not in progress (S2111: NO), the process proceeds to S2112.

  In S2112, it is determined whether the interval is in progress. Whether this process is during an interval (between a round game and the next round game) based on information indicating, for example, when the current state stored in the main RAM 301c is in the jackpot game Is to judge. If it is determined that the interval is in effect (S2112: YES), the process proceeds to S2113. On the other hand, when it is determined that the interval is not in progress (S2112: NO), the process proceeds to S2114.

  In S2113, it is determined whether or not the interval time has elapsed. This process is to determine whether or not the interval time set by the process of S2104 has elapsed since the big winning device 127 was closed at the end of the previous round. If it is determined that the interval time has elapsed (S2113: YES), the process proceeds to S2106 because it is time to start the next round. On the other hand, when it is determined that the interval time has not elapsed (S2113: NO), the subsequent process is not executed and the large winning device opening control process is terminated.

  In S2114, it is determined whether or not the winning device detection switch is turned “ON”. This process is to determine whether or not the big winning device detection switch 306 or the chance winning device detection switch 371 is turned “ON”. The big winning device detection switch 306 is a switch that detects the entry of a game ball into the big winning device 127. The chance winning device detection switch 371 is a switch that detects a ball entering the chance winning device 141. Here, when it is determined that the winning device detection switches 306 and 373 are turned “ON” (S2114: YES), a ball entering determination process is executed in S2115, and thereafter, the process proceeds to S2116. Details of the ball entry determination process will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning device detection switches 306 and 373 are not “ON” (S2114: NO), the process of S2115 is not executed, and the process proceeds to S2116.

  In S2116, it is determined whether or not the opening operation is finished. In this process, it is determined whether or not the operation in the round game of the big winning device 127 or the chance winning device 141 is finished. If it is determined that the opening operation has ended (S2116: YES), the process proceeds to S2118 without executing the process in S2117. On the other hand, if it is determined that the opening operation has not ended (S2116: NO), the process proceeds to S2117.

  In S2117, it is determined whether or not the winning number Y has reached the winning upper limit number Ymax. In this process, the winning number Ymax of game balls in the current round stored in the main RAM 301c is the upper limit number Ymax (for example, “9”) that prescribes the closing timing of the big winning device 127 stored in the main ROM 301b in advance. ) Is determined. If it is determined that Y = Ymax (S2117: YES), the process proceeds to S2118. On the other hand, if it is determined that Y ≠ Ymax (S2117: NO), the subsequent process is not executed and the large winning device opening control process is terminated.

In S2118, the release control ends. Thereby, the big winning device 127 or the chance winning device 141 is closed.
In S2119, it is determined whether the round number R has reached the round upper limit number Rmax. If it is determined that R = Rmax (S2119: YES), the process proceeds to S2121. On the other hand, if it is determined that R ≠ Rmax (S2119: NO), the measurement of the interval time is started in S2120, and then the big prize winning device opening control process is ended. The process of S2120 starts measurement of an interval time that is an elapsed time after the big winning device 127 is closed in order to control the start timing of the next round. This interval time is used for the processing of S2113.

  In step S2121, ending time measurement is started. In step S2122, the round number R is reset to “0”. In step S2123, an ending command is set in the main RAM 301c. This ending command is a command for notifying that the final release of the special winning device 127 has been completed, and is transmitted to the effect control board 320 by the transmission processing in step S1008.

  In S2124, it is determined whether or not the ending time has elapsed. In this process, it is determined whether or not the ending time at which measurement is started by the process of S2121 has reached the set ending time set by the process of S2104. If it is determined that the ending time has elapsed (S2124: YES), the process proceeds to S2125. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ending time has not elapsed (S2124: NO), the subsequent process is not executed and the large winning device opening control process is terminated.

  In S2125, a game state setting process is executed. The game state setting process is to set the game state of the gaming machine 1 after the jackpot game ends. Details of the game state setting process will be described later.

  In S2126, the big hit game flag is turned “OFF”, and then the big winning device release control process is terminated. By setting the jackpot game flag to “OFF”, the jackpot game ends.

[Open pattern setting process]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing details of the opening pattern setting process in S2104 of FIG.

  In the first step S2201, the type of jackpot is determined. In this process, the type of jackpot is determined based on the jackpot symbol (stop symbol data) determined when the jackpot is reached.

  In S2202, it is determined whether or not it is the first jackpot. This process determines whether or not the first jackpot is based on the determination result of S2201. If it is determined that the first big hit is made (S2202: YES), the process proceeds to S2203. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not the first big hit (S2202: NO), the process proceeds to S2204.

  In S2203, the process proceeds to the case where it is determined that the first big hit is made, the release pattern 1 is selected. On the other hand, the release pattern 2 is selected in S2204 which is shifted when it is determined that the first big hit is not made. Here, the opening pattern in this embodiment will be described.

[Open pattern]
First, the transition condition to the probability variation gaming state in the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the V region provided inside the chance winning device 141, the game state shifts to the probability change gaming state.

  Specifically, in the case of the first big hit, the opening pattern 1 as shown in FIG. 23A is selected. In the opening pattern 1, the winning device 127 is opened from 1R to 14R following the opening effect. One opening time is 29.5 seconds. If a specified number of game balls (eight in the present embodiment) enter even if the opening time has not elapsed, the round game ends. In the opening pattern 1, the chance winning device 141 is opened at 15R. The chance winning device first opens for 0.2 seconds or the like, and then releases the number of seconds (for example, 4 seconds) that makes it easy for the game ball to enter. Along with this opening, the V region is also opened. Therefore, in this case, the game ball that has entered the chance winning device 141 passes through the V region by continuing “right-handed”. After 15R is finished, an ending effect is executed.

  On the other hand, in the case of the second big hit, the opening pattern 2 as shown in FIG. 23B is selected. In the opening pattern 2, the winning device 127 is opened from 1R to 14R following the opening effect. One opening time is 29.5 seconds. If a specified number of game balls (eight in the present embodiment) enter even if the opening time has not elapsed, the round game ends. In the opening pattern 2, the chance winning device 141 is opened for 0.2 seconds. The V region is opened in the same manner as the first big hit. Therefore, in this case, even if a game ball enters the chance winning device 141, the game ball does not pass through the V region. After 15R is finished, an ending effect is executed.

[Entry judgment processing]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing details of the ball entry process in S2115 of FIG.
In the first S2401, “1” is added to the number Y of entered balls and the number Y of entered balls is updated. In this process, “1” is added to the number Y of game balls that enter the big prize device 127 based on the signal from the big prize device detection switch 306.

  In S2402, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the V region. This process is based on the signal from the V passage detection switch 372 and determines whether or not the game ball has passed the V region. If it is determined that the game ball has passed through the V region (S2402: YES), the process proceeds to S2403. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the V area (S2402: NO), the subsequent process is not executed and the ball entering determination process is terminated.

In S2403, the V passage flag is set to “ON”. The V passing flag is stored in the main RAM 301c.
In S2404, the V region is closed, and then the ball entry determination process is terminated.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing details of the gaming state setting process in S2125 of FIG.

  In first S2501, it is determined whether or not the V-pass flag is “ON”. The V passing flag is stored in the main RAM 301c, and is set to “ON” when the game ball passes the V region. If it is determined that the V passing flag is “ON” (S2501: YES), the process proceeds to S2502. On the other hand, if it is determined that the V-pass flag is not “ON” (S2501: NO), that is, if the V-pass flag is “OFF”, the flow proceeds to S2504.

  In S2502, the probability variation game flag is set to “ON”. The probability variation game flag is stored in the main RAM 301c, and is set to “ON” when the probability variation gaming state is set, and is set to “OFF” when the probability variation gaming status is set.

  In S2503, the time-saving game flag is set to “ON”. The time saving game flag is stored in the main RAM 301c, and is set to “ON” when the time saving gaming state is set, and is set to “OFF” when the non-time saving gaming status is set.

By the processing of S2502 and S2503, the gaming state becomes a probabilistic gaming state and a short-time gaming state. This is the so-called “probability”.
In S2504, the probability variation game flag is set to “OFF”. In S2505, the time-saving game flag is set to “ON”.

By the processing of S2504 and S2505, the gaming state becomes a non-probable change gaming state and a short-time gaming state. This is the so-called “short time”.
In any case, in S2506, the short-time fluctuation count W is set as “100”. As a result, the probability variation gaming state is also executed with a limit of 100 times.

[Timer interrupt processing of production control board 320]
The contents of the timer interruption process of the effect control board 320 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the sub CPU 320a of the effect control board 320. Note that this processing is performed by a reset clock pulse generation circuit (not shown) provided on the effect control board 320 during a normal operation except for special cases such as when the effect control board 320 is turned on or off. It is repeatedly executed every cycle (for example, 2 ms). In addition, the process performed on the effect control board 320 described based on the flowchart of FIG. 26 is executed based on a program stored in the sub ROM 320b. Furthermore, processes that are not related to the present invention are omitted as appropriate.

  When the power is turned on, the sub CPU 320a executes a startup program, thereby initializing each unit such as a memory (for example, the sub RAM 320c). After initialization, the program stored in the sub ROM 320b is read into the sub RAM 320c, and the program is executed by the sub CPU 320a.

  In the first S2601, the production random number is updated. This process is to update various random numbers used for production. Specifically, “1” is added to various random numbers for updating, and when reaching a predetermined value, the random number is reset to “0”. In the present embodiment, “reliability effect random numbers” and “selected effect random numbers” are included.

  The “reliability effect random number” is a random number for determining whether or not a reliability effect to be described later is performed, and is exemplified to take an integer value of “0” to “99”. Further, the “selected effect random number” is a random number for determining whether or not to perform a selected effect, which will be described later, and is exemplified to take an integer value of “0” to “99”.

  In S2602, command processing is executed. This process is for performing effects based on various commands. The commands processed here are a change start command, a symbol determination command, an opening command, a round start command, and an ending command transmitted from the main control board 300. Details of the command processing will be described later.

  In S2603, a hold related process is executed. This process is for effect display based on a hold command or the like. The commands processed here are a hold command and a recovery command transmitted from the main control board 300. Details of the hold-related processing will be described later.

In S2604, transmission processing is performed. In this process, the command set in the processes up to S2603 is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340.
[Command processing]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing details of the command processing executed in S2602 of FIG.

  In first S2701, it is determined whether or not a command is received. The command transmitted from the main control board 300 is stored in the buffer area of the effect control board 320. This process determines whether a command is stored in the buffer area. If it is determined that a command has been received (S2701: YES), the process proceeds to S2702. On the other hand, if it is determined that a command has not been received (S2701: NO), the subsequent processing is not executed and the command processing is terminated.

  In S2702, it is determined whether it is a change start command. This process determines whether or not the command determined to have been received in S2701 is a change start command. The change start command is set in S1508 of FIG. If it is determined that the command is a change start command (S2702: YES), the change process is executed in S2703, and then the command process is terminated. The fluctuation process of S2703 will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is not a change start command (S2702: NO), the process proceeds to S2704.

  In S2704, it is determined whether or not it is a symbol confirmation command. This process determines whether or not the command determined to be received in S2701 is a symbol confirmation command. The symbol confirmation command is set in S1512 of FIG. If it is determined that the command is a symbol confirmation command (S2704: YES), the process proceeds to S2705. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is not a symbol confirmation command (S2704: NO), the process proceeds to S2706.

  In S2705, a symbol determination process is executed. The symbol confirmation command is a command for notifying that the stop symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 201 or the second special symbol display 202. Therefore, in the symbol determination process, a process of stopping and displaying the decorative symbol that has been variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 121 in a manner indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination is performed. After the process of S2705 ends, the command process ends.

  In step S2706, it is determined whether the command is an opening command. This process determines whether or not the command determined to be received in S2701 is an opening command. If it is determined that the command is an opening command (S2706: YES), the process proceeds to S2707. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is not an opening command (S2706: NO), the process proceeds to S2708.

  In S2707, an opening process is executed. The opening refers to a period from when the jackpot game is started until the first prize-winning device 127 is first opened. The opening command is a command for notifying that the opening is started, and is set in S1805 of FIG. Details of the opening process will be described later. After the process of S2707 is completed, the command process is terminated.

  In S2708, it is determined whether the command is a round start command. This process determines whether or not the command determined to have been received in S2701 is a round start command. If it is determined that the command is a round start command (S2708: YES), the process proceeds to S2709. On the other hand, when it is determined that the command is not a round start command (S2708: NO), the process proceeds to S2710.

  In S2709, round processing is executed. The round start command is a command for notifying that a round game has started, and is set in S2109 of FIG. Therefore, details of the round process will be described later.

  In step S2710, it is determined whether the command is an ending command. This process determines whether or not the command determined to be received in S2701 is an ending command. If it is determined that the command is an ending command (S2710: YES), the process proceeds to S2711. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is not an ending command (S2710: NO), the process of S2711 is not executed and the command process is terminated.

  In S2711, an ending process is performed. The ending command is a command for notifying that the final release of the special winning device 127 has been completed, and is set in S2123 of FIG. Details of the ending process will be described later.

[Variation processing]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing details of the variation process executed in S2703 of FIG.

  In the first S2801, the reserved area is shifted. The holding area is an area for storing information for holding display, and is provided in a part of the storage area of the sub RAM 320c. The reserved area has a maximum reserved number Umax1 (“4” in this embodiment) as a reserved area related to the first special symbol, and a maximum reserved number Umax2 (“4” in this embodiment) as a reserved area related to the second special symbol. It consists of a total of 8 areas.

  In S2802, a first effect determination process is executed. The variation start command received in S2701 of FIG. 27 includes “stop symbol data”, “variation pattern data”, and “game state data” as described above. As a result, the result of the special symbol determination is specified, it is determined whether the production with reach or the production without reach is necessary, the variation time during which the special symbol is variably displayed is acquired, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 Is identified. From the voice output device 331, the display pattern of the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 121 in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol on the first special symbol indicator 201 or the second special symbol indicator 202. It is determined what sound is output, what light emission pattern the frame lamp 103 emits light, and the like. In particular, in the first effect determination process, it is determined whether or not “reliability effect” is performed, and a reliability effect designation command is set. Details of the first effect determination process will be described later.

  In S2803, a second effect determination process is executed. As in S2802, with the special symbol variation display, the liquid crystal display device 121 displays the decorative symbol in a variable pattern, the sound output from the audio output device 331, and the frame lamp 103. Whether to emit light with such a light emission pattern is determined. In particular, in the second effect determination process, it is determined whether or not to perform “selection effect”, and a selection effect designation command is set. Details of the second effect determination process will be described later.

  In S2804, effect button processing is executed. This process sets an effect button press designation command when the effect button 125 is pressed. The effect button pressing designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in S2604 in FIG. Thereby, it is detected that the effect button 125 is pressed on the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340.

After the processing of S2804 is finished, the variation processing is finished.
[First effect determination process]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing details of the first effect determination process executed in S2802 of FIG.

  In first S2901, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern 4 is present. The fluctuation pattern 4 is a freeze fluctuation having a fluctuation time of 13.5 seconds or more (see FIG. 6A). If it is determined that the variation pattern is 4 (S2901: YES), the process proceeds to S2902. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pattern is not the variation pattern 4 (S2901: NO), the first effect determination process is terminated without executing the subsequent processes.

  In S2902, a front partial effect designation command is set. The front partial effect designation command here is an effect performed prior to the execution of the reliability effect. The front partial effect designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in S2604 in FIG. The effect image and the like are stored in advance in the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340, and the front part effect is executed by transmitting the front part effect designation command.

  In S2903, it is determined whether or not the reliability effect is performed. This determination is made based on the “reliability effect random number”. If it is determined that the reliability effect is to be performed (S2903: YES), the process proceeds to S2904. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reliability effect is not performed (S2903: NO), the subsequent processing is not executed and the first effect determination process is ended.

  In S2904, the variation type is acquired. As shown in FIG. 6A, the fluctuation pattern 4 includes patterns from freeze 1 to 4. Each of the freezes 1 to 4 has a preset variation time. Here, the fluctuation time becomes longer in the order of freeze 1 → freeze 2 → freeze 3 → freeze 4. For example, freeze 1 is “60 seconds”, freeze 2 is “80 seconds”, freeze 3 is “140 seconds”, and freeze 4 is “190 seconds”.

  In S2905, a reliability effect designation command setting process is executed. In this process, a reliability effect designation command is set according to the variation type acquired in S2904. Details of the reliability effect designation command setting process will be described later.

  In S2906, a rear partial effect designation command is set. The rear partial effect designation command here is an effect performed following the execution of the reliability effect. The rear partial effect designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in S2604 in FIG. The effect image and the like are stored in advance in the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340, and the rear part effect is executed by transmitting the rear part effect designation command. After the process of S2906 ends, the first effect determination process ends.

[Reliability effect designation command setting processing]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing details of the reliability effect designation command setting process executed in S2905 of FIG.

  In first S3001, it is determined whether or not the variation type is freeze 1. If it is determined that it is freeze 1 (S3001: YES), the first reliability effect designation command is set in S3002, and then the reliability effect designation command setting process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not freeze 1 (S3001: NO), the process proceeds to S3003.

  In S3003, it is determined whether or not the variation type is freeze 2. If it is determined that the image is freeze 2 (S3003: YES), the second reliability effect designation command is set in S3004, and then the reliability effect designation command setting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not freeze 2 (S3003: NO), the process proceeds to S3005.

  In S3005, it is determined whether or not the variation type is freeze 3. If it is determined that it is freeze 3 (S3005: YES), a third reliability effect designation command is set in S3006, and then the reliability effect designation command setting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not freeze 3 (S3005: NO), that is, if it is freeze 4, a fourth reliability effect designation command is set in S3007, and then the reliability effect designation command setting process is terminated. To do.

  The first to fourth reliability effect designation commands set here are transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in S2604 in FIG. As a result, reliability effects having different times are executed.

[Specific example of front part production of reliability production]
FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the previous partial effect of the reliability effect. The front partial effect of the reliability effect is started by reaching (see FIG. 31A). Here, there is an effect where chance energy is stored. For example, a graph indicating energy charge written as chance is displayed on the right side of the liquid crystal display device 121 (see FIG. 31B). Multiple containers that store chance energy are displayed, and chance energy is stored in order from the bottom. FIG. 31 (B) shows a state in which chance energy is accumulated for three from the bottom.

  Then, the remaining six chance energies are accumulated for the remaining three during the reach change, so that the word “chance” is displayed on the screen, and the chance effect is started. One of the chance productions is “reliability production”, but in addition to “reliability production”, a plurality of chance productions are prepared. If it is determined that the reliability effect is to be performed (S2903: YES), the variation type is acquired (S2904), and any one of the first to fourth reliability effect designation commands is set (S3002, S3004). S3006, S3007). Thereby, the reliability effect is started following the previous partial effect.

[Reliability production]
As shown in FIG. 32A, a message “accumulate reliability” is displayed on the entire screen of the liquid crystal display device 121. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 32B, a message “grab 7” is displayed. It is possible to make the player have a sense of expectation even by such a display of increasing reliability.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 33A, a teammate character appears. The ally character wears a screen-like costume and has a sword. When the teammate character swings down the sword, as shown in FIG. 33B, an effect is produced in which the reel image appearing on the screen swings between two numbers. At this time, the hexagonal effect button image is displayed together with the message “Press!”. When the player presses the effect button 105 here, an effect button press designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 by the effect button process described above. As a result, the reel image rotates upward or downward on the liquid crystal display device 121, and a numerical value indicating the reliability is displayed. For example, FIG. 33C shows an example in which the reel image is rotated downward, and a numerical value of “10%” is displayed. The effect button 105 can be pressed during a predetermined period. When this predetermined period has elapsed, the same effect as when the effect button 105 is pressed is automatically performed.

  Here, it is possible that the reel image does not stop at “10%” and can be “15%” by further rotation. In any case, when two types of numerical values are displayed as shown in FIG. 33B, assuming that “5%” is the first reliability information and “10%” is the second reliability information, the first reliability When reliability information other than the degree information is selected, the reliability effect is repeated.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 34 (A), when the ally character appears again and swings down the sword, as shown in FIG. 34 (B), the reliability information “ “10%” and larger reliability information “15%” are displayed on the reel image. At this time, “10%” is the first reliability information, and “15%” is the second reliability information.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 34C by rotating the reel upward, when “10%” that is the first reliability information is displayed, the reliability information is determined reliability. Information.
In the reliability effect, the reliability information update process using such a reel image is repeatedly performed a predetermined number of times. Specifically, when the first reliability effect designation command corresponding to freeze 1 is used, “4 times”, when the second reliability effect designation command corresponding to freeze 2 is used, “8 times”, and freeze 3 is set. In the case of the corresponding third reliability effect designation command, “12 times” is performed, and in the case of the fourth reliability effect designation command corresponding to freeze 4, “17 times” is performed.

  In this embodiment, since the reliability is increased so that “5%” or “10%” is an initial value and is increased in increments of 5 or 10, the reliability finally determined is When using the first reliability effect designation command, it is “20%” to “35%”, when using the second reliability effect designation command, it is “40%” to “65%”, and when using the third reliability effect designation command. Becomes “60%” to “85%”, and becomes “100%” in the case of the fourth reliability effect designation command.

[Specific example of rear production for reliability production]
When the reliability effect is finished, the determined reliability information “85%” is displayed as shown in FIG. Next, as shown in FIG. 35 (B), the characters “game” are displayed. The winning character is such that a “win” character and a “negative” character appear from both sides as indicated by arrows.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 35C, 7 symbols are displayed in a light color and overlapped with the display of reliability information of “85%”. Here, a pulsation in which the color of the 7 symbols becomes darker or lighter may be expressed. When the color of the pattern 7 becomes lighter, the display of the reliability information “85%” can be seen more clearly.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 36 (A), a message of “please care” is displayed on the entire screen of the liquid crystal display device 121. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. A message “Press!” Is displayed together with the effect button image. You may make it change the magnitude | size of an effect button image so that a player may have an expectation. Here, when the player presses the effect button 105 and the jackpot is confirmed, as shown in FIG. 36C, seven symbols are displayed on the entire screen. On the other hand, in the case of loss, the symbol 7 disappears and the screen is darkened.

[Second effect determination process]
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing details of the second effect determination process executed in S2803 in FIG.

  In first S3701, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern 11 is present. The fluctuation pattern 11 is a long fluctuation with a fluctuation time of 22 seconds or longer (see FIG. 6B). If it is determined that the variation pattern is 11 (S3701: YES), the process proceeds to S3702. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pattern is not the variation pattern 11 (S3701: NO), the process proceeds to S3706.

  In S3702, it is determined whether or not a selection effect is performed. This determination is based on the selected effect random number. If it is determined that a selection effect is to be performed (S3702: YES), the process proceeds to S3703. On the other hand, if it is determined not to perform the selection effect (S3702: NO), the process proceeds to S3706.

  In S3703, a pre-select effect designating command is set. In this process, a command for designating a pre-selection effect that is an effect of the previous part of the selection effect is set in the sub-RAM 320c. The pre-selection effect designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in the transmission process of S2604 in FIG. Thereby, the pre-selection effect is executed.

  In S3704, a selection effect designation command is set. In this process, a command for executing a selection effect is set in the sub-RAM 320c. The selected effect designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in the transmission process of S2604 in FIG. Thereby, the selection effect is executed.

  In S3705, all the first to fourth effect designation commands are set. In this process, all the commands for designating the production corresponding to the options selected in the selection production are set. That is, a command for an effect that may not be selected is also set. The first to fourth effect designation commands are transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in the transmission process of S2604 in FIG.

  In S3706, which is shifted when a negative determination is made in S3701 or S3702, other effect designation commands are set. Also in this case, the effect designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in S2604 in FIG. Thereby, when the reliability effect determined in the process of FIG. 29 or the selection effect here is not executed, another effect is executed.

[Description of selected effects]
The selection effect described above is to cause the player to select an option in the middle of the effect and execute the effect corresponding to the selected option. Options here are items such as “weapons” as described later, friendly characters, and stories. That is, it is not particularly limited as long as it is an option for branching the effect. These options are based on the jackpot reliability and are predetermined in advance. However, the present embodiment is characterized in that options are determined based on the timing of the player pressing the effect button 105.

[Specific examples of pre-selection effects]
FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the pre-selection effect. When the pre-selection effect designation command is set and transmitted (S3703 in FIG. 37, S2604 in FIG. 26), the pre-selection effect is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 38 (A), for example, after reaching the “9” symbol, an enemy character appears and a “Battle Start” message is displayed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 38 (B), the line of the enemy character (in the figure, “it was unexpectedly fast”) is displayed. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 38C, a teammate character appears, and the teammate character's dialogue (in the figure, “I don't get in the way!” Is displayed. Of course, voice is output in accordance with the display. You may do it.

[Specific examples of selection effects]
FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of selection effects. When the selection effect designation command is set and transmitted (S3704 in FIG. 37, S2604 in FIG. 26), this selection effect is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 39A, a horizontally long strip-shaped reel image scrolling from left to right is displayed at the bottom of the liquid crystal display device 121. In the belt-shaped reel image, four types of weapons, weapon A, weapon B, weapon C, and weapon D, are displayed side by side at regular intervals. In FIG. 39A, the weapon A has come to the center, the weapon B is hidden on the left side, and the weapon D is hidden on the right side. By scrolling the reel image horizontally, weapons as options in the order of weapon A → weapon B → weapon C → weapon D → weapon A →... Are displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 121. Note that the four types of weapons A to D are not always arranged on the reel image. As will be described later, when the weapons B to D are configured, the weapons C and D are configured, and only the weapon D is configured. Sometimes it is done. The weapons A to D indicate the reliability, and the reliability increases in the order of weapon A → weapon B → weapon C → weapon D.

  In the present embodiment, the scrolling of the reel image is stopped based on the pressing timing of the effect button 105. At this time, the frames constituting the reel image are stopped in the selection frame displayed at the bottom of the liquid crystal display device 121, and the subsequent effects change depending on the weapon displayed there.

  Therefore, the effect button image is displayed as shown in FIG. This prompts the player to press the effect button 105. When the effect button 105 is pressed by the player, an effect button pressing designation command is set in S2804 in FIG. The effect button pressing designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in S2604 in FIG. Therefore, the image control board 330 detects the effect button press designation command, stops scrolling of the reel image, and displays a state in which the weapon is selected. For example, FIG. 39C shows a state where the weapon C is stopped in the selection frame and the weapon C is selected.

[Reel image stop effect]
In the image control board 330, it is determined at which timing the effect button 105 is pressed when stopping the belt-like reel. Specifically, the determination is made based on an effect button pressing designation command transmitted from the effect control board 320.

  Next, the image control board 330 determines where the reel image on the liquid crystal display screen 121 is located. In the present embodiment, the reel image scrolls to the right and does not return. For this reason, when the effect button pressing designation command is received, for example, as shown in FIG. 39A, the weapon A on the right side from the selection frame is treated as having passed.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 40, the reel image, the internally determined weapon, the timing of pressing the effect button 105, the reel stop position, and the number of sliding frames are shown in a table.

  The reel image indicates the configuration of the above-described belt-shaped reel image. For example, scenarios 1 to 16 are composed of four types of weapons, weapon A to weapon D. Further, for example, scenarios 17 to 28 are composed of three types of weapons B, C, and D. For example, the scenarios 29 to 36 include two types of weapons C and D. Further, for example, the scenarios 37 to 40 are configured with only the weapon D.

The internally determined weapon is a weapon determined in advance based on the reliability. This is called “target weapon”.
The timing of pressing the effect button 105 is indicated by the “frame” of the reel at the time when the effect button pressing designation command is received. The “frame” in front of the selection frame (left side) that is closest to the selection frame is the “frame” selected by the effect button 105. This is referred to as “the core frame”. The timing of pressing the effect button 105 is simply referred to as “pressing timing”.

  The reel stop position indicates the “frame” of the reel to be stopped based on the target weapon and the pressing timing. In the present embodiment, an effect of sliding from “top frame” to 2 frames is performed, so that the target weapon is selected as much as possible.

  Looking at scenario 1, the target weapon is “weapon A”, and the top frame at the press timing is “1”. Therefore, in this case, “1” is stopped without slipping.

  Looking at scenario 2, the target weapon is “weapon A”, and the top frame at the pressing timing is “2”. In this case, in order to stop at the frame “1”, a slip of 3 frames is required. If one frame is slid, “weapon C” is obtained, and if two frames are slid, “weapon D” is obtained. In this embodiment, when the target weapon cannot be selected, the one having a reliability close to the target weapon is selected. Therefore, the top “2” is stopped without slipping. Therefore, the target weapon is “weapon A”, but it is “weapon B” that is stopped.

  Looking at scenario 3, the target weapon is “weapon A”, and the top frame at the press timing is “3”. In this case, in order to stop at the frame “1”, it is necessary to slide two frames. Therefore, the sliding control of two frames is performed to stop the frame “1”.

  Looking at scenario 4, the target weapon is “weapon A”, and the top frame at the pressing timing is “4”. In this case, in order to stop at the frame “1”, it is necessary to slide one frame. Therefore, slip control of one frame is performed to stop the frame “1”.

  The target weapon and the weapon selected by the reel stop position are different in scenario 2, scenario 7, scenario 12, scenario 13, scenario 18, and scenario 23. Among them, the weapons with lower reliability than the target weapon are selected in scenario 7, scenario 12, scenario 13, and scenario 23. On the other hand, it is scenario 2 and scenario 18 that a weapon with higher reliability than the target weapon is selected.

[Period during which the target weapon is selected]
Since the reel image is scrolled in the order of “1” → “2” → “3” → “4” → “1” →..., For example, in scenarios 1 to 4, “3”, “4” ”,“ 1 ”becomes the basic frame, in other words, when the production button 105 is pressed during the period (predetermined period) of“ 3 ”,“ 4 ”,“ 1 ”when the basic frame is Stopped with the target weapon. On the contrary, when the effect button 105 is pressed during the period “2” (the period outside the predetermined period) as the base frame, the weapon is stopped with the reliability based on the reliability of the target weapon.

  Assuming that the reel image is scrolled for many laps during the time when the effect button 105 is validly pressed, as shown in FIG. 41A, stop control is performed with the target weapon during the effect button press effective time. The predetermined period A will appear repeatedly. In a period B that is out of the predetermined period A, another weapon is selected based on the reliability of the target weapon.

As shown in FIG. 41 (B), it is of course possible to perform an effect in which the predetermined period A that is controlled to stop with the target weapon during the effect button pressing effective time appears only once.
When such a selection process is completed, an effect based on the weapon selected from the weapons A to D is performed. As described above, the effect control board 320 has the first to the first corresponding to each weapon. 4 effect designation commands are transmitted in advance (S3705 in FIG. 37, S2604 in FIG. 26). Therefore, the image control board 330 performs an effect by selectively using one of the first to fourth effect designation commands corresponding to the weapon selected by the stop effect.

  Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 42 (A), when weapons C and D are selected, the character of “one blow” is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 121 together with a large effect button image. . At this time, in accordance with the player's button press timing, the symbol “7” is displayed over the screen of the liquid crystal display device 121 if it is a big hit. On the other hand, if it is lost, it will turn dark. For example, in the case of a gaming machine including a touch sensor, an effect using the touch sensor may be performed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 42B, when weapon B is selected, the characters “long press” are displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 121 together with the effect button image. At this time, the effect is performed by the accessory while the press of the effect button is continued. For example, it is conceivable to shake the role of a sword. After the effective time of the effect button 105 ends, if it is a big hit, the “7” symbol is displayed on the entire screen of the liquid crystal display device 121. On the other hand, if it is lost, it will turn dark.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 42C, when weapon A is selected, the characters “continuous hit” are displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 121 together with the effect button image. At this time, the frame lamp 103 and the panel lamp 122 provide an effect in accordance with repeated hitting of the effect buttons. For example, it is conceivable to change the colors of the lamps 103 and 122 according to the degree of expectation, such as white → blue → yellow → green → red → purple → rainbow. Rainbow may be an effect of finalizing the winner. After the effective time of the effect button 105 ends, if it is a big hit, the “7” symbol is displayed on the entire screen of the liquid crystal display device 121. On the other hand, if it is lost, it will turn dark.

[Opening process]
FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing details of the opening process executed in S2707 in FIG.

  In the first S4301, the reserved area is read out. When the hold command is transmitted from the main control board 300, a part of data included in the hold command is stored. The hold command includes “starter data” for distinguishing whether the hold is related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and “hold number data” indicating the number of the hold (ie, the hold number data). The number of holds U1, U2), “stop symbol data” indicating the jackpot type and loss, and “variation pattern data” indicating the variation pattern are included. In the reserved area, “stop symbol data” and “variation pattern data” are stored as will be described later. Here, it is assumed that the reserved area related to the second special symbol is read out.

  In S4302, it is determined whether there is a big hit in the hold. This process is for determining whether or not the hold includes a jackpot based on the above-described stop symbol data. If it is determined that there is a big hit in the hold (S4302: YES), the second opening designation command is set in S4303, and then the opening process is terminated. The second opening designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in S2604 in FIG. Thereby, the second opening effect is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no big hit in the hold (S4302: NO), the first opening command is set in S4304, and then the opening process is terminated. The first opening designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in S2604 in FIG. Thereby, the first opening effect is executed. The first and second opening effects will be described later. That is, in the present embodiment, the opening effect varies depending on whether or not the jackpot is included in the hold. Here, the configuration is such that the second opening effect is always performed when a jackpot is included in the hold, but it may be configured to determine whether or not to perform the second opening effect by a random number or the like.

[Round processing]
FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing details of the round process executed in S2709 in FIG.

  In the first S4401, a round effect designation command is set. The round effect designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in S2604 in FIG. Thereby, the effect in each round game is performed. For example, if the gaming machine 1 is based on a certain story, the outline of the story is displayed as an effect. Also, the character introduction including the main character of the story is displayed as an effect.

In S4402, the reserved area is read out. This process is the same process as S4301 described above.
In S4403, it is determined whether it is a predetermined round. If it is determined that the current round is a predetermined round (S4403: YES), the process proceeds to S4404. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not the predetermined round (S4403: NO), the round process is terminated without executing the subsequent processes.

  In S4404, it is determined whether there is a big hit in the hold. This process is to determine whether or not the hold includes a jackpot based on the stop symbol data read in S4402. If it is determined that there is a big hit in the hold (S4404: YES), the process proceeds to S4405. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no big hit in the hold (S4404: NO), the subsequent processing is not executed and the round processing is terminated.

  In S4405, it is determined whether or not a suggestion effect is performed during the round. This suggestion effect is an effect suggesting that the jackpot is included in the hold. If it is determined that a suggestion effect is to be performed (S4405: YES), a suggestion effect designation command during round is set in S4406, and then the round process is terminated. The suggestion effect designation command during round is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in S2604 in FIG. Thus, the in-round suggestion effect based on the in-round suggestion effect designation command is executed so as to overlap the round effect described above. On the other hand, if it is determined not to perform the suggestion effect (S4405: NO), the process of S4406 is not executed and the round process is terminated.

[Ending process]
FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing details of the ending process executed in S2711 in FIG.

  In the first S4501, it is determined whether or not the V passing flag is “ON”. If it is determined that the V passing flag is “ON” (S4501: YES), the process proceeds to S4502. On the other hand, if the V passing flag is not “ON” (S4501: NO), that is, if the V passing flag is “OFF”, the third ending designation command is set in S4507, and then the ending process is ended. The third ending designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in S2604 in FIG. Thereby, the third ending effect is executed.

In S4502, the reserved area is read out. This process is the same as S4301 and S4402.
In S4503, it is determined whether there is a big hit in the hold. This process is to determine whether or not the hold includes a jackpot based on the stop symbol data read in S4502. If it is determined that the jackpot is included in the hold (S4503: YES), the process proceeds to S4504. On the other hand, when it is determined that the jackpot is not included in the hold (S4503: NO), the process proceeds to S4506.

  In S4504, it is determined whether or not the suggestion effect is performed. This suggestion effect is an effect suggesting that the jackpot is included in the hold. If it is determined that the suggestive effect is to be performed (S4504: YES), the process proceeds to S4505. On the other hand, if it is determined not to perform the suggestion effect (S4504: NO), the process proceeds to S4506.

  In S4505, the second ending designation command is set, and then the ending process is terminated. The second ending designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in S2604 in FIG. Thereby, the second ending effect is executed.

  In S4506, the first ending designation command is set, and then the ending process is terminated. The first ending designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in S2604 in FIG. Thereby, the first ending effect is executed.

[Specific examples of opening production]
In the present embodiment, the title “extreme BONUS” as shown in FIG. 46A is displayed as the first opening effect. In addition, as the second opening effect, a title “super extreme jackpot” as shown in FIG. 46B is displayed. In other words, both indicate that a jackpot game is executed, but when there is a jackpot in the hold, the characters “super extreme jackpot” are displayed.

[Specific examples of suggestions during the round]
In the present embodiment, an effect as shown in FIG. 47 is performed as an indication effect during the round. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 47A, a small fish character appears from the right end of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 121 with a treasure chest. Then, the player hits around the center of the screen (FIG. 47A) and drops the treasure box (FIG. 47B). Then, coins come out of the dropped treasure chest (FIG. 47C).

[Specific examples of ending production]
In the present embodiment, as the third ending effect, characters “trial time” as shown in FIG. 48A are displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 121. In this case, the non-probability variable gaming state and the short time gaming state are set, and so-called “short time” 100 times is given.

  Further, as a first ending effect, the characters “Australia sword RUSH” as shown in FIG. 48B are displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 121. In this case, the game is in the probability variation game state and the short time game state, and so-called “probability variation” 100 times is given.

  Furthermore, as the second ending effect, the characters “true chance” as shown in FIG. 48C are displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 121. In this case, the probability variation gaming state and the short-time gaming state are set, and so-called “probability variation” is given 100 times, but a big hit is included in the hold.

[Pending-related processing]
FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing details of the hold-related process executed in S2603 of FIG.

  In first S4901, it is determined whether or not a command is received. This process is the same as S2701 in FIG. The command transmitted from the main control board 300 is stored in the buffer area of the effect control board 320. This process determines whether a command is stored in the buffer area. If it is determined that a command has been received (S4901: YES), the process proceeds to S4902. On the other hand, if it is determined that a command has not been received (S4901: NO), the subsequent processing is not executed and the hold-related processing is terminated.

  In S4902, it is determined whether the command is a hold command. This process determines whether or not the command determined to have been received in S4901 is a pending command. The hold command is set in S1209 in FIG. 12 or S1309 in FIG. If it is determined that the command is a hold command (S4902: YES), a hold process is executed in S4903, and then the hold related process is terminated. Details of the hold process will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is not a pending command (S4902: NO), the process proceeds to S4904.

  In S4904, it is determined whether it is a recovery command. This process determines whether or not the command determined to have been received in S4901 is a recovery command. The recovery command is transmitted in S803 in FIG. If it is determined that the command is a recovery command (S4904: YES), the process proceeds to S4905. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is not a recovery command (S4904: NO), the processing of S4905 is not executed and the hold-related processing is terminated.

  In S4905, a hold recovery process is executed. As described above, the recovery command is transmitted when the power is cut off. Since this recovery command includes hold information, here, the hold display is returned to the state before power-off based on the hold information. After executing the process of S4905, the hold related process is terminated.

[Hold processing]
FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing details of the hold process executed in S4903 of FIG.

  In the first S5001, the pending command is analyzed. The hold command includes “starter data” for distinguishing whether the hold is related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and “hold number data” indicating the number of the hold (ie, the hold number data). The number of holds U1, U2), “stop symbol data” indicating the jackpot type and loss, and “variation pattern data” indicating the variation pattern are included.

  In S5002, a reserved image is selected. In this embodiment, the hold for the first special symbol and the hold for the second special symbol share the same hold image, but they may be different. In this case, the reserved image may be selected based on “starter data”.

  In S5003, data is stored in the reserved area. This process specifies whether the hold is related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the “starter data”, and the number of the hold based on the “hold number data” And the data is stored in one of the reserved areas. The stored data is “stop symbol data” indicating a jackpot type and loss, and “variation pattern data” indicating a variation pattern.

  In S5004, a hold display is executed. Specifically, the hold display designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 by the transmission process of S2305 in FIG. Thereby, the hold display regarding the new hold is realized. After executing the process of S5004, the hold process is terminated.

[Effects of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment]
◆ Effect 1
(1) Some conventional gaming machines can display reliability information based on reliability, which is a degree of expectation that a jackpot game will be executed, in an effect accompanying symbol variation. The reliability information may be a numerical value indicating the percentage at which the jackpot game is expected to be executed or a character appearing in the production.

  However, although an effect that a character assigned for each reliability is selected is performed, if a character with a high reliability is not selected, the player may feel disappointed. As a result, there is a concern that the interest of games will be reduced.

  In this regard, in the present embodiment, when the variation pattern 4 is transmitted (S2901: YES in FIG. 29), when performing a reliability effect (S2903: YES), the variation type is acquired (S2904), and the reliability is obtained. By executing the effect designation command setting process (S2905), the reliability effect designation command is set (S3002, S3004, S3006, S3007). Thereby, the reliability effect is executed.

  Specifically, when the teammate character swings down the sword, two reliability levels are displayed on the reel image that appears on the screen (see FIGS. 33A and 33B). At this time, the hexagonal effect button image is displayed together with the message “Press!”. Here, when the player presses the effect button 105, the reel image rotates upward or downward, and a numerical value indicating the reliability is displayed. At this time, when the first reliability information is “5%” and the second reliability information is “10%”, when relatively large reliability information is selected, the reliability information and the reliability Similar effects are repeated with reliability information larger than the information as new first reliability information and second reliability information. On the other hand, when the first reliability information is selected, the selected reliability information becomes the determined reliability information.

  That is, determination means for determining whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed when the start condition is satisfied, and reliability information indicating a degree of expectation that the special game is performed based on a determination result by the determination means And an effect control means capable of notifying through a predetermined effect device, wherein the effect control means notifies the first reliability information and the second reliability information larger than the first reliability information, It is configured to perform a notification selection effect for selecting reliability information, and when the second reliability information or reliability information larger than that is selected in the notification selection effect, the reliability information and further When the first reliability information is selected as the first selection information and the second selection information, and the first selection information is selected as the first selection information and the second reliability information. First confidence information Informing the reliability information is determined.

In this way, since the notification selection effect of the reliability information is performed and the final reliability is displayed, the interest of the game can be improved.
(2) In the present embodiment, a hexagonal effect button image is displayed together with the message “Press!”. Here, when the player presses the effect button 105, the reel image is rotated upward or downward, and the reliability information is displayed.

  In other words, the display control means further includes an accepting means for accepting a player's input operation, and in the display selection effect, the effect control means prompts an input operation via the accepting means, and receives one of the two pieces of reliability information. select.

As described above, since the reliability information is selected by pressing the effect button 105, it is possible to make the player have a sense of expectation and contribute to the improvement of the fun of the game.
(3) Further, in the rear partial effect following the reliability effect, a winning effect is performed by pressing the effect button 105.

That is, the effect control means displays the determined reliability information, and then performs a winning or a loss effect based on the determination result by the determination means.
Thereby, the effect after the reliability information is displayed is simple, and the effect of the reliability effect that displays the reliability information is conspicuous.

◇ Effect 2
(1) In the present embodiment, when the variation pattern 4 is transmitted (S2901: YES in FIG. 29), when performing the reliability effect (S2903: YES), the variation type is acquired (S2904). There are four types of variation, Freeze 1, Freeze 2, Freeze 3, and Freeze 4, and the variation time is determined in advance. Corresponding to this variation type, the first reliability effect designation command is set when the freeze is 1 (S3001: YES, S3002 in FIG. 30), and the second reliability effect designation command is set when the freeze is 2. (S3003: YES, S3004) When the freeze is 3, the third reliability effect designation command is set (S3005: YES, S3006). When the freeze is 4, the fourth reliability effect designation command is set (S3005: NO, S3007).

  As a result, the “reliability series production”, which is a series of production patterns informing the reliability information using the reels, starting with the appearance of the teammate character is repeated. Specifically, the first reliability production command by the first reliability production designation command is 4 times, the second reliability production production command by the second reliability production production command is 8 times, and the third reliability production command by the third reliability production production designation command. The reliability series effect is repeated 12 times for the degree effect and 17 times for the fourth reliability effect by the fourth reliability effect designation command. For example, the reliability information notified at the eighth time in the second reliability effect is larger than the reliability information notified at the fourth time in the second reliability effect. Similarly, the reliability information notified at the 12th time in the third reliability effect is larger than the reliability information notified at the 8th time in the second reliability effect, and the 17th time in the fourth reliability effect. The reliability information notified to the second is larger than the reliability information notified for the 12th time in the third reliability effect. Of course, the reliability information notified at the 17th time in the fourth reliability effect is larger than the reliability information notified at the fourth time in the first reliability effect.

  That is, a determination means for determining whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed when the start condition is satisfied, and a reliability that is a degree of expectation that the special game is performed based on a determination result by the determination means Effect control means capable of notifying the reliability information based on the predetermined effect means, and the effect control means is configured to notify the reliability information by repeatedly performing the reliability series effect which is a series of effect patterns. And a second number of reliability that repeats the reliability series effect for a first number of times that is a predetermined number of times, and a second number of times that repeats the reliability series effect for a second number of times that is greater than the first number. An effect can be executed, and in the second-time reliability effect, the reliability information notified at the second time is equal to or higher than the reliability information notified at the first time. ing.

  In this way, if the reliability series production is executed beyond the first number, the reliability series production will continue until the second number. In addition, if the reliability series effect is executed exceeding the first number, the reliability information notified at the second number becomes more than the reliability information notified at the first number. As a result, it is possible to notify the reliability information that the player can easily expect, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

◆ Effect 3
(1) In the present embodiment, when the variation pattern 11 is transmitted (S3701: YES in FIG. 37), a selection effect designation command is set when performing a selection effect (S3702: YES). Thereby, the selection effect is executed.

  In the selection effect, the reels are displayed in consideration of the timing of pressing the effect button 105 in a state where weapons A to D are displayed on the reel image and one weapon is internally selected (a target weapon is determined). Stop the image. If the timing at which the effect button 105 is pressed is a predetermined period A, the reel image is stopped so that the target weapon is selected. If the period B is out of the predetermined period A, another weapon having a reliability based on the reliability of the target weapon is selected (see FIGS. 39 to 41).

  That is, based on a determination result by the determination means, a determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player when the start condition is satisfied, a reception means for receiving an input operation of the player, One option for presentation based on reliability indicating the degree of expectation that is performed is determined in advance from a plurality of options, and one option is selected from the plurality of options including the determined option. Selection effect means for selecting based on the timing of the input operation via the display, and effect execution means for executing an effect based on the option selected by the selection effect means, wherein the selection effect means has a predetermined period When the input operation via the accepting means is performed, the predetermined option is selected, and the input operation via the accepting means is performed during a period outside the predetermined period. When you Tsu selecting another option on the basis of choices it said predetermined.

  Thereby, since the choices to be selected differ depending on the operation timing of the effect button 105, it is possible to notify the reliability information that the player is likely to have a sense of expectation, and to improve the interest of the game.

(2) In the selection effect, prior to the input operation by the effect button 105, the weapons A to D are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 121 in association with the reel image (see FIG. 39).
That is, the selection effect means displays a plurality of options including the predetermined option on a predetermined effect device prior to the input operation via the reception means.

Thereby, it becomes easy to understand what the plurality of options are, and it is possible to notify the reliability information that the player can easily expect, so that the interest of the game can be improved.
(3) Further, in the selection effect, options are displayed in order by scrolling the reel image (see FIG. 39).

That is, the selection effect means displays the options in a roulette manner in which the selection target options are sequentially switched.
Thereby, the interest of a game can be improved.

(4) Further, in the selection effect, a slip of up to two frames is allowed in the reel image stop effect, and an option is selected.
That is, the selection effect means selects the options by sliding the selection target options to be switched in the roulette manner within a predetermined range.

This makes it possible to predict options determined internally by sliding the reel image, and to improve the interest of the game.
◆ Effect 4
(1) Some conventional gaming machines perform so-called “look ahead” that determines whether or not to execute a jackpot game prior to the change. In addition, there is a gaming machine for notifying that a pre-judgment to execute a jackpot game is performed when the next jackpot is also included in the hold (holding villa) when the change results in a jackpot .

The suggestion that the hold includes a jackpot is advantageous information for the player and gives a sense of superiority that the jackpot continues.
However, at the timing of the conventional suggestion such as the suggestion by the effect after the end of the jackpot as described above, there is a risk that the sense of superiority will be halved. As a result, there is a concern that the interest of the game will be reduced.

  In this regard, in this embodiment, in the opening process, the reserved area is read (S4301 in FIG. 43), and if there is a big hit in the hold, the second opening designation command is set (S4302: YES, S4303), and the big hit in the hold If not, the first opening designation command is set (S4302: NO, S4304). In other words, the opening effect suggests that a pre-determination is made that a jackpot game will be performed. Specifically, “extreme BONUS” characters are displayed in the first opening effect (see FIG. 46A), whereas “super extreme jackpot” characters are displayed in the second opening effect (see FIG. 46). 46 (B)).

  That is, a determination unit that determines whether or not to play a special game advantageous to the player based on the determination information acquired when the start condition is satisfied, and a special that executes the special game based on the determination result by the determination unit Based on the game execution means, the storage control means for storing the determination information acquired by the establishment of the start condition in the storage means, and the determination information stored in the storage means, whether or not to perform the special game is determined in advance. When performing the special game by the pre-determining means to be performed and the special game executing means, a first suggestion effect is executed to suggest that the pre-determination that the pre-determining means performs the special game has been performed. Possible execution execution means.

  Since the suggestion effect is executed when the jackpot game is executed in this way, the effectiveness of the suggestion effect that the jackpot is included in the hold can be increased, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  (2) In the present embodiment, the hold area is also read in the round process (S4402 in FIG. 44), and if the hold includes a jackpot in the predetermined round, it is determined whether or not the suggestion effect is performed. (S4403: YES, S4404: YES, S4405) If it is determined that a suggestion effect is to be performed (S4405: YES), a suggestion effect designation command during the round is set (S4406). Thereby, the suggestion effect during the round is executed so as to overlap the round effect (see FIG. 47). Also, in the ending process, when the jackpot is included in the hold (S4503: YES in FIG. 45), it is determined whether or not the suggestion effect is performed (S4504), and when it is determined that the suggestion effect is performed. (S4504: YES), the second ending designation command is set (S4505). Thereby, the second ending effect is executed (see FIG. 48C).

In other words, the effect execution means can execute the second suggestion effect that suggests that the prior determination is performed at a timing different from the first suggestion effect.
Thereby, the effectiveness of the suggestion effect that the jackpot is included in the hold can be further increased, and the interest of the game can be improved.

As described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical scope thereof.
[Other Embodiments]
(A) In the above embodiment, two pieces of reliability information are displayed in the reliability effect.

  In contrast, as shown in FIG. 51A, three pieces of reliability information such as “5%”, “10%”, and “15%” may be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 121. In this case, if the first reliability information is “5%”, the second reliability information is “10%” or “15%”. If the first reliability information is “10%”, the second reliability information is “15%”.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 51B, four pieces of reliability information “5%”, “10%”, “15%”, and “20%” may be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 121. . In this case, if the first reliability information is “5%”, the second reliability information is any one of “10%”, “15%”, and “20%”. If the first reliability information is “10%”, the second reliability information is “15%” or “20%”. If the first reliability information is “15%”, the second reliability information is “20%”.

Of course, five or more pieces of reliability information may be displayed.
In the above embodiment, the reel image is used to notify the reliability information (see FIG. 33 and the like), but as with the selection effect, as shown in FIG. It is good also as an effect that a battle effect is performed and reliability information is updated when a teammate character wins. Of course, it may not be a battle effect, and any effect may be used as long as it is a series of effects for notifying reliability information.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the reliability information increases in increments of 5 or 10 in the reliability effect, and the reliability information is necessarily increased by repeating the reliability effect shown in FIG. It was. On the other hand, it is good also as an effect that reliability information becomes small while the reliability effect is repeated.

  For example, in the second reliability effect, the reliability effect is repeated eight times, but the eighth reliability information is determined as the true reliability information and may be larger than the fourth reliability information. Therefore, if the eighth time is “50%” and the fourth time is “30%”, the first time “5%” → the second time “40%” → the third time “25%” → the fourth time “30%” → 5th “70%” → 6th “20%” → 7th “10%” → 8th “50%”, and so on It may be.

  In the above embodiment, the reliability information finally determined is “20%” to “35%” in the case of the first reliability effect designation command, and in the case of the second reliability effect designation command. “40%” to “65%”, “60%” to “85%” in the case of the third reliability effect designation command, and “100%” in the case of the fourth reliability effect designation command. . On the other hand, regarding the reliability finally determined, for example, in the second reliability production, if the reliability information notified at the eighth time is higher than the reliability information notified at the fourth time. Well, it is not limited to the numerical values of the above embodiment.

  (B) In the above embodiment, in the selection effect, the reel image is horizontally scrolled and the effect of stopping the reel image by pressing the effect button 105 is performed. However, the scroll direction of the reel image is always the right from left to right. It was a direction. Then, control is performed to slide the target weapon up to two frames in the right direction so that it enters the selection frame.

  On the other hand, when the reel image scroll-displayed from the left to the right as shown in FIG. 52 (A) is stopped, it may be returned to the left as shown in FIG. 52 (B). For example, if a maximum of one frame is slid in the right direction and a maximum of one frame is returned in the left direction from the base frame, a stop effect similar to that in the above embodiment can be realized. Note that the number of frames to be slid in the stop effect is not limited.

(C) In the above-described embodiment, in the selection effect, the effect of the aspect in which the reel image is horizontally scrolled is performed.
On the other hand, it is sufficient that the weapons A to D are effects to be selected. For example, the options to be targeted may be displayed by dividing an ellipse as shown in FIG. In this case, switching of the selection target is exemplified so that each region where the letters of the weapons A to D are written is sequentially brightened. At this time, the selection target may be switched in the order of weapon A → weapon B → weapon C → weapon D → weapon A →. The selection target may be switched in a random order such as...

  (D) In the above embodiment, on performing the selection effect, all the first to fourth effect designation commands are set on the assumption that any of the weapons A to D is selected (S3705 in FIG. 37). Then, the image data is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 (S2604 in FIG. 26).

  In contrast, a command corresponding to the selected weapon, that is, any one of the first to fourth effect designation commands may be transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340. In this case, the process of S3705 in FIG. 37 is omitted, and instead, any one of the first to fourth effect designation commands is set in the effect button process.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing another example of the effect button process executed in S2804 in FIG.
In first S5301, it is determined whether or not the effect button 105 has been pressed. If it is determined that the effect button 105 has been pressed (S5301: YES), an effect button pressing designation command is set in S5302, and the flow proceeds to S5303. The effect button pressing designation command is transmitted to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 in S2604 in FIG. Thereby, the timing of pressing the effect button 105 can be grasped by the image control board 330. Then, the image control board 330 performs a reel image stop effect and transmits selection information, which is information about the selected weapon, to the effect control board 320. On the other hand, if it is determined that the effect button 105 has not been pressed (S5301: NO), the process of S5302 is not executed, and the process proceeds to S5303.

  In step S5303, it is determined whether selection information from the image control board 330 has been received. If it is determined that the selection information has been received (S5303: YES), the process proceeds to S5304. On the other hand, if it is determined that the selection information has not been received (S5303: NO), the process of S5304 is not executed and the effect button process is terminated.

In S5304, one of the first to fourth effect designation commands is set according to the received selection information. As a result, an effect corresponding to the selected weapon is executed.
(E) In the above embodiment, when the jackpot is included in the opening process of the jackpot game, the second opening effect is performed and this is suggested (S4302 in FIG. 43). : YES, S4303). At this time, the suggestion in the round suggestion effect and the ending effect is performed when a predetermined condition is satisfied (S4405 in FIG. 44, S4504 in FIG. 45).

For example, the predetermined condition is determined in relation to the opening effect.
Furthermore, when the suggestion effect in the opening effect is the first suggestion effect, the second suggestion effect at a timing different from the first suggestion effect is not only during the round game and the ending period exemplified in the above embodiment, but also a big hit in the hold If it is included, it may be performed during the first half of the jackpot game. It is also conceivable to play in the later period of the jackpot game (the period until the jackpot holding is consumed).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 54A, it is assumed that the jackpot game is composed of an opening period OP, a round game R, and an ending period ED, and the period BO before the jackpot game and the period after the jackpot game This is exemplified by AO.

  Therefore, on the premise that the suggestion effect is performed in the opening period OP, the variability of whether or not the suggestion effect is performed in the previous period BO, the round game R, the ending period ED, and the subsequent period AO is shown in FIG. 16 combinations are illustrated as shown in FIG. Including the case where the suggestion effect is not performed in the opening period OP includes 32 combinations.

  (F) In the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not it is a predetermined round, and a suggestion effect is performed during the round (S4403: YES, S4406 in FIG. 44). A suggestion effect may be performed by performing a round effect. Furthermore, the suggestion effect may be performed by performing a special effect through the jackpot game (opening period, round game, ending period).

  (G) In the above-described embodiment, the winning effect that prompts the user to press the effect button 105 is displayed by displaying the winning character as the rear effect of the reliability effect. On the other hand, other effects such as reach fluctuation effects may be performed.

  (H) In the above embodiment, in the reliability performance, the teammate character appears and the teammate character swings down the sword (see FIG. 33A, etc.). At this time, you may make it add a variation to an ally character according to reliability. For example, the color of the aura worn by the teammate character may be red, green, or blue. Thereby, it is exemplified that the possibility of selecting a large piece of reliability information is selected when selecting the reliability information. If it does in this way, it can have a further expectation in reliability production and can improve the interest of a game.

  (I) In the above embodiment, in the reliability effect, the reliability information is selected by pressing the effect button 105. However, the effect by the effect button 105 may not be performed.

  (Nu) In the above embodiment, the lines of enemy characters and teammate characters are displayed in the pre-selection effect. At this time, a variation may be added by changing the character color of the dialogue or the dialogue itself according to the reliability. For example, the character color is red, the enemy character's dialogue is “I can't stop it anymore !!!”, and the friendly character's dialogue is “Don't be smart! As a result, it is exemplified that the possibility of selecting a highly reliable item when selecting an option based on the reliability is illustrated. If it does in this way, it can have a further expectation in selection production and can improve the interest of a game.

  (L) In the above embodiment, in the reliability effect, it is assumed that the variation pattern 4 includes patterns from freeze 1 to 4 as shown in FIG. At this time, the fluctuation time was longer in the order of freeze 1 → freeze 2 → freeze 3 → freeze 4.

  On the other hand, the freeze times may be the same for freezes 1 to 4, and the reliability effects of 4, 8, 12, and 17 may be realized within the same change time. At this time, it is exemplified that the time of one reliability effect is changed or another effect is performed for the remaining time.

  (W) In the above embodiment, a so-called witch type gaming machine has been described as an example. However, a loop machine in which the probability variation gaming state loops depending on the type of jackpot, or an ST machine in which the probability variation gaming state continues for a predetermined number of times, etc. It can be applied to various types of gaming machines.

1 ... gaming machine (game machine)
121 ... Liquid crystal display device (production means)
300 ... Main control board 301 ... One-chip microcomputer 301a ... Main CPU (determination means)
301b ... Main ROM
301c ... Main RAM
320 ... production control board 320a ... sub CPU (production control means, reliability information notification production control means )
320b ... Sub ROM
320c ... Sub-RAM
330... Image control board (effect control means, reliability information notification effect control means )

Claims (1)

A determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player by establishing the start condition;
An effect control means for controlling execution of a predetermined effect based on the determination result by the determination means,
The production control means includes
Having reliability information notification effect control means for controlling the execution of reliability information notification effect for notifying the reliability information based on the reliability that is the degree of expectation that the special game is to be performed via a predetermined effect means;
The reliability information notification effect control means is
The first control that performs the first number of times of the update effect for determining whether or not the reliability information to be notified is the reliability information having a higher value, and the second number of times greater than the first number The execution of the reliability information notification effect is controlled by either one of the second control that executes the update effect and notifies the reliability information,
When it is determined by the determination means that the special game is to be performed, the reliability information notification effect is executed by the second control rather than the first control,
When the reliability information notification effect is being executed by the second control, the value of the reliability information to be notified is higher than when the reliability information notification effect is being executed by the first control. A featured gaming machine.