JP5897691B1 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine capable of performing a new operation that attracts a player's interest. A gaming machine having operation means operated by a player determines one characteristic information from a plurality of characteristic information based on an operation of the operation means by the player, and the first characteristic information When (for example, character A) is determined, a game effect related to second characteristic information (for example, character B) different from the first characteristic information is executed in a normal manner, and related to the first characteristic information. The game effect is executed in a special mode different from the normal mode. [Selection] Figure 40

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine played by a player.

  Some modern gaming machines, such as pachinko gaming machines, have various effects to entertain a player. For example, there are many that suggest the reliability (expectation) of the big hit by the display color of the title when performing the reach effect, and the reliability of the big hit by performing a so-called chance-up effect during the reach production. (For example, refer nonpatent literature 1).

“Pachinko Winning Guide”, Guide Works Co., Ltd., February 16, 2014 issue, February 16, 2014 issue, pages 4-11, CR Pachinko Hokuto no Ken 5th edition

  As described above, at present, gaming machines are required not only to provide fun to acquire gaming media (gaming machines, medals, etc.) but also to provide various values (for example, highly interesting effects). Yes. For this reason, game machines are always required to have new actions that can attract the player's interest.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main purpose is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing a new operation that attracts the interest of the player.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention employs the following configuration. In addition, reference numerals in parentheses, explanations, and the like indicate correspondence relationships with embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of one aspect of the present invention. Absent.

  The gaming machine (1) according to the present invention has one piece of characteristic information among a plurality of pieces of characteristic information related to a game effect based on an operation means (37) operated by the player and an operation of the operation means by the player. An effect capable of causing the effect execution means (6) to execute the characteristic information determining means (500) to be determined and a game effect related to the characteristic information (for example, an effect at the time of temporary stop of a decorative pattern corresponding to the character type). Control means (400). When the first characteristic information (for example, character A) is determined by the characteristic information determination unit, the effect control means is a game effect related to second characteristic information (for example, character B) different from the first characteristic information. Normal effect control means (400) for executing the game effect related to the first characteristic information, and special effect control means (400) for executing the game effect related to the first characteristic information in a special mode different from the normal mode.

  The normal effect control means displays the game effect related to the second characteristic information in the first display size, and the special effect control means displays the game effect related to the first characteristic information in the first characteristic size. A second display size larger than the display size may be displayed.

  In addition, the normal effect control means outputs the effect sound of the game effect related to the second characteristic information at the first volume, and the special effect control means outputs the effect sound of the game effect related to the first characteristic information. May be output at a second volume greater than the first volume.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game machine which can perform the novel operation | movement which attracts a player's interest can be provided.

Schematic front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention The enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator 4 provided in the pachinko machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of FIG. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control apparatus provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 The figure for demonstrating an example of the game ball passage determination process peculiar to this embodiment The figure for demonstrating an example of the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery which concerns on this embodiment An example of a flowchart showing main processing executed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the power-off monitoring process in step S911 in FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400 An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing an opening effect process executed by the image sound control unit 500 An example of a flowchart showing a round effect process executed by the image sound control unit 500 An example of a flowchart showing a winning process executed by the image sound control unit 500 An example of a flowchart showing an ending effect process executed by the image sound control unit 500 An example of a flowchart showing a customer waiting process executed by the image sound control unit 500 An example of a detailed flowchart showing the menu determination process in step S712 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the initialization request display process in step S704 of FIG. Transition diagram showing an example of screen transition in customer waiting state Figure showing an example of a customer waiting screen Figure showing an example of the customization initialization confirmation screen Figure showing an example of the customization initialization completion screen The figure which shows an example of a TOP menu screen The figure which shows an example of a character selection screen Figure showing an example of the actual machine customization screen An example of a detailed flowchart showing the notification effect setting process in step S115 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the effect content determination processing in step S803 in FIG. The figure for demonstrating the decoration design in one Embodiment of this invention An example of an effect table for determining a temporary stop effect corresponding to a character The figure for demonstrating the production aspect of the effect at the time of temporary stop of the decoration design in one Embodiment of this invention. An example of a flowchart showing an effect execution process executed by the image sound control unit 500 The figure for demonstrating an example of the effect at the time of temporary stop performed in one Embodiment of this invention. The figure for demonstrating an example of the effect at the time of temporary stop performed in one Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Hereinafter, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be simply referred to as a gaming machine 1.

[Schematic configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of the display 4 provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the gaming machine 1.

  In FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine configured to pay out a winning ball when a gaming ball launched by a player's operation wins a prize, for example. This gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 5 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 5 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main part of the gaming machine 1 around a hinge provided on the shaft support side. And the lock part 43 is provided in the predetermined position (for example, edge part on the opposite side to a shaft support side) which becomes the front side of the frame member 5, and the frame member 5 is unlocked by unlocking the lock part 43. Can be opened.

  A game area 20 for playing a game with a game ball is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. In the gaming area 20, a rail member (from which a game ball launched from below (the launching device 211; see FIG. 4) rises along the main surface of the game board 2 and forms a path toward the upper position of the gaming area 20 ( (Not shown) and a guide member (not shown) for guiding the raised game ball to the right side of the game area 20.

  In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an image display unit 6 that displays images for various effects at positions that are easily visible to the player. The image display unit 6 notifies the player of the result of the special symbol lottery (big hit lottery), for example, by displaying a decorative symbol according to the progress of the game by the player, the appearance of a character, the appearance of an item, etc. Or a reserved image showing the number of times the special symbol lottery is held. The image display unit 6 is configured by a liquid crystal display device, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, or the like, but any other display device may be used. Furthermore, a movable accessory 7 and a board lamp 8 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 2. The movable accessory 7 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2, and produces an effect by performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the progress of the game or in accordance with the player's operation. The board lamp 8 emits light according to the progress of the game, thereby performing various effects by light.

  In the game area 20, a game nail and a windmill (both not shown) that change the falling direction of the game ball are arranged. Further, in the game area 20, various bonuses related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In FIG. 1, the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the gate 25, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24 are arranged on the game board 2 as an example of various prizes related to winning and lottery. It is installed. In addition, the game area 20 is provided with a discharge port 26 through which game balls that have not been won in any of the game areas of the game balls launched into the game area 20 are discharged out of the game area 20. .

  The first start port 21 and the second start port 22 are awarded when a game ball enters, respectively, and a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) is started. The first start port 21 operates a predetermined special electric accessory (large winning port 23) and / or a predetermined special symbol display (first special symbol display 4a described later). It is a winning opening related to winning a game ball. Further, the second start opening 22 operates the special electric accessory and / or a predetermined special symbol display device (second special symbol display device 4b described later), and wins related to winning a game ball. The mouth. When the game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol lottery (the open / close lottery of the electric tulip 27 described below) starts. The lottery is not started even if a game ball wins the normal winning opening 24.

  The 2nd starting port 22 is provided in the lower part of the 1st starting port 21, and is equipped with the electric tulip 27 in the vicinity of the entrance of a game ball as an example of a normal electric accessory. The electric tulip 27 has a pair of wings imitating tulip flowers, and the pair of wings opens and closes left and right by driving an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 (for example, an electric solenoid) described later. When the pair of blade portions are closed, the electric tulip 27 is in a closed state in which the game ball does not enter the second start port 22 because the opening width guided to the entrance of the second start port 22 is extremely narrow. On the other hand, the electric tulip 27 is in an open state in which the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 22 because the opening width guided to the inlet of the second starting port 22 increases when the pair of wings open to the left and right. . When the electric tulip 27 passes through the gate 25 and the normal symbol lottery is won, the pair of blades opens for a specified time (for example, 0.10 seconds) and opens and closes for a specified number of times (for example, once). To do.

  The big winning opening 23 is located at the lower center of the second starting opening 22 and is opened according to the result of the special symbol lottery. The big prize opening 23 is normally in a closed state so that no game balls can enter, but depending on the result of the special symbol lottery, it protrudes from the main surface of the game board 2 and is in an open state. The game ball is easy to enter. For example, the special winning opening 23 repeats a round that is in an open state until a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds elapses or a winning of 10 game balls) is satisfied a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times).

  Further, on the lower right side of the game board 2, a display 4 for displaying the results of the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery described above and the number of reserved items is arranged. Details of the display 4 will be described later.

  Here, the payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball enters (wins) the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24, a predetermined number per game ball is determined according to the place where the game ball has won. The prize ball is paid out. For example, when one game ball is won at the first start port 21 and the second start port 22, three prize balls are awarded, and when one game ball is won at the big prize port 23, thirteen prize balls are given to the normal prize slot 24. When one game ball is won, ten prize balls are paid out. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, there is no payout of the prize ball in conjunction with it.

  The frame member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 is provided with a handle 31, a lever 32, a stop button 33, a take-out button 34, a speaker 35, a frame lamp 36, an effect button 37, an effect key 38, a dish 39, and the like. Yes.

  When the player touches the handle 31 and performs an operation to rotate the lever 32 clockwise, the launching device 211 (100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle (for example, 100 per minute). 4) electrically fires the game ball. The tray 39 (see FIG. 3) is provided so as to protrude in front of the gaming machine 1 and temporarily stores game balls supplied to the launching device 211. In addition, the above-described prize balls are paid out to the plate 39. Then, the game balls stored in the tray 39 are supplied to the launching device 211 one by one by a supply device (not shown) at a timing linked with the operation by the player's lever 32.

  The stop button 33 is provided on the lower side surface of the handle 31, and even when the player touches the handle 31 and rotates the lever 32 in the clockwise direction, the game ball is released by being pressed by the player. Is temporarily stopped. The take-out button 34 is provided on the front surface in the vicinity of the position where the tray 39 is provided, and when the player presses it, the game balls accumulated in the tray 39 are dropped into a box (not shown).

  The speaker 35 and the frame lamp 36 respectively notify the gaming state and situation of the gaming machine 1 and perform various effects. The speaker 35 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. In addition, the frame lamp 36 performs various effects by light depending on a pattern by lighting / flashing or a difference in emission color.

  Next, the display 4 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the display 4 includes a first special symbol display 4a, a second special symbol display 4b, a first special symbol hold indicator 4c, a second special symbol hold indicator 4d, a normal symbol indicator 4e, and a normal symbol indicator 4e. A symbol hold display 4f and a game status display 4g are provided.

  The first special symbol display 4a is displayed with the display symbol varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the first starting port 21. For example, the first special symbol display 4a is composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball is won at the first starting port 21, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and then the lottery result is displayed. Further, the second special symbol display 4b is displayed with the display symbols varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the second starting port 22. For example, the second special symbol display 4b is similarly composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball wins at the second starting port 22, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and the lottery result is displayed. To do. In the normal symbol display 4e, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the game ball passing through the gate 25. For example, the normal symbol display 4e is constituted by an LED display device, and when a game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and displayed.

  The first special symbol hold indicator 4c displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when a game ball wins at the first start port 21. The second special symbol hold indicator 4d displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when the game ball wins at the second start port 22. The normal symbol hold display 4f displays the number of times the normal symbol lottery is held. For example, the first special symbol hold indicator 4c, the second special symbol hold indicator 4d, and the normal symbol hold indicator 4f are each composed of LED display devices arranged in a row, and the number of times of hold is displayed according to the lighting mode. The

  The game state display 4g displays a game state (such as a short time state) when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.

  Next, an input device provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an effect button 37 and an effect key 38 as an example of an input device.

  The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are provided for the player to input the effect. The effect button 37 is provided on the side of the upper surface of the tray 39 protruding forward of the gaming machine 1. The production key 38 has a center key and four direction keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, and is provided on the upper side of the plate 39 adjacent to the production button 37. The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are each pressed by the player to perform a predetermined effect. For example, the player can enjoy a predetermined effect by pressing the effect button 37 at a predetermined timing. Further, the player can select one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 6 by operating the four direction keys of the effect key 38. Further, the player can input the selected image as information by operating the center key of the effect key 38.

  In addition, on the back side of the gaming machine 1, a ball tank for storing game balls for payout and a payout device (payout drive unit 311) for paying out the game balls to the tray 39 are provided, and various substrates are attached. ing. For example, a main board, a sub board, and the like are disposed on the rear surface of the game board 2. Specifically, a main control board on which a main control unit 100 (see FIG. 4) that performs internal lottery and determination of winning is configured is disposed on the main board. The sub-board includes a firing control board 200 (see FIG. 4) configured to control a launching device 211 that launches a game ball to the upper part of the game area 20, and a payout control unit 300 that controls the payout of a prize ball. A payout control board configured with an effect control board configured with an effect control section 400 for overall control of effects, an image control board configured with an image acoustic control section 500 for controlling effects with images and sounds, and various types The lamp control board etc. in which the lamp control part 600 which controls the effect by the lamp (frame lamp 36, panel lamp 8) and the movable accessory 7 are arranged. In addition, on the rear surface of the gaming board 2, the power source of the gaming machine 1 is switched on / off, and 24V (volt) AC power supplied to the gaming machine 1 is converted into DC power of various voltages. A switching power supply is provided for outputting the direct current power to the various substrates described above.

[Configuration of control device of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a control device that performs operation control and signal processing in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device provided in the gaming machine 1.

  4, the control device of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 100, a launch control unit 200, a payout control unit 300, an effect control unit 400, an image sound control unit 500, a lamp control unit 600, and the like.

  The main control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of payout prize balls, such as internal lottery and determination of winning. The ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and various data. The RAM 103 is used as a working memory for the CPU 101. Hereinafter, main functions of the main control unit 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 100 performs a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) when a game ball wins at the first starting port 21 or the second starting port 22, and effects control is performed on determination result data indicating whether or not the special symbol lottery is won. Send to part 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade portion of the electric tulip 27 is opened, the number of times the blade portion is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval at which the blade portion is opened and closed. Further, the main control unit 100 executes the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the first start port 21, the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the second start port 22, In addition, the number of execution suspensions of the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 25 is managed, and data related to the number of suspensions is sent to the effect control unit 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 23 according to the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the main controller 100 repeats a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) in which the big winning opening 23 projects and inclines and opens. (16 times). Further, the main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing time interval at which the special winning opening 23 opens and closes.

  The main control unit 100 changes the game state in accordance with the progress of the game, and according to the progress of the game, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery, the execution interval of the special symbol lottery (the special symbol is variably displayed on the display 4) In other words, it may be said that it is a time to stop display), and the opening / closing operation of the electric tulip 27 is changed.

  When a game ball wins the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24, the main control unit 100 determines a predetermined amount per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 300 is instructed to pay out a number of prize balls. Even if the main control unit 100 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, the main control unit 100 does not instruct the payout control unit 300 to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith. When the payout control unit 300 pays out a prize ball according to an instruction from the main control unit 100, information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 300 is sent to the main control unit 100. Then, the main control unit 100 manages the number of paid-out prize balls based on the information acquired from the payout control unit 300.

  In order to realize the above-described functions, the main control unit 100 includes a first start port switch 111a, a second start port switch 111b, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112, a gate switch 113, a big prize opening switch 114, a big prize opening opening / closing. 115, normal winning opening switch 116, display 4 (first special symbol display 4a, second special symbol display 4b, first special symbol hold indicator 4c, second special symbol hold indicator 4d, normal symbol display 4e, a normal symbol hold display 4f, and a game status display 4g) are connected.

  The first start port switch 111 a sends a signal to the main control unit 100 in response to the winning of the game ball to the first start port 21. The second start port switch 111 b sends a signal corresponding to the winning of the game ball to the second start port 22 to the main control unit 100. The electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 opens and closes the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 27 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The gate switch 113 sends a signal corresponding to the game ball passing through the gate 25 to the main control unit 100. The big winning opening switch 114 sends a signal corresponding to the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening 23 to the main control unit 100. The special prize opening / closing unit 115 opens and closes the special prize opening 23 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The normal winning port switch 116 sends a signal to the main control unit 100 in response to the winning of the game ball to the normal winning port 24.

[Switch processing of this embodiment]
Below, the switch process (game ball passage determination process) of the present embodiment will be specifically described. Note that this game ball passage determination process is limited to the case where it is determined that a game ball has entered (or passed) the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the gate 25, the big winning port 23, or the like. For example, it is also executed when the payout control unit 300 determines (counts) the paid-out prize balls (number of prize balls).

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the output signal of the proximity switch installed as the first start port switch 111a for detecting the game ball winning (passing) to the first start port 21 and the like, and the output signal. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of the binarization signal binarized into the ON level and the OFF level using the passage determination threshold value (5V). As an example, the proximity switch has a circular through hole through which a game ball passes through a rectangular plate, and outputs an output signal of a voltage corresponding to a change in magnetic flux when the game ball passes through the through hole. This is a direct current 2-wire electronic switch for output. As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 5, the voltage level of the output signal of the proximity switch decreases as the game ball approaches the center of the through hole, and becomes the minimum (minimum) when the game ball reaches the center of the through hole. The game ball rises as it passes through the center of the through hole and leaves. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the output signal of the proximity switch is converted to an OFF level of the binarized signal when the voltage level is larger than the passage determination threshold (5V) by a comparator (not shown), and the voltage level is When it is below the passage determination threshold value (5 V), it is converted into an ON level of the binarized signal. In the example of FIG. 5, the passage determination threshold used for the determination is described as one passage determination threshold (5V). However, for example, when switching from the OFF level to the ON level, the first passage determination threshold (5V) is used. On the other hand, the second passage determination threshold (6V) may be used when switching from the ON level to the OFF level. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the binarized signal from improperly switching between ON / OFF due to the output signal of the proximity switch going up and down across the passage determination threshold due to the influence of noise or the like.

  Then, as part of each processing in the timer interrupt processing executed at intervals of 4 milliseconds (4 ms) by the main control unit 100 described later with reference to FIG. 10, the binarized signal shown in FIG. By determining ON / OFF, the game ball is determined to pass. This will be specifically described below.

  As shown in FIG. 5, it is determined at intervals of 4 milliseconds (ON / OFF determination) whether the binary signal is at the ON level or the OFF level. In FIG. 5, the natural number n is used to represent the order of ON / OFF determination. In FIG. 5, the OFF level is determined by the (n−2) -th to n-th ON / OFF determinations, and then the ON level is determined by the (n + 1) th ON / OFF determination. Here, in the present embodiment, when the ON level is determined, in the ON / OFF determination processing determined to be the ON level, a predetermined minute time (for example, 4 microseconds) shorter than the 4 millisecond interval is used. The second ON / OFF determination is executed at the elapsed timing. In FIG. 5, the ON / OFF determination in the (n + 1) th timer interrupt process is determined to be the ON level both times. Thereafter, it is determined to be the OFF level by the ON / OFF determination from the (n + 2) th time to the (n + 4) th time. Note that the ON level period of the binarized signal (referred to as the ON period) is longer than in the case of FIG. 5 (that is, the game ball passes at a slower speed than in the case of FIG. 5). When the determination is also executed during the ON period, the determination is executed twice in the (n + 2) th ON / OFF determination.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the ON level is determined to be the OFF level by the nth ON / OFF determination and the ON level is determined to be the second ON level by the (n + 1) th ON / OFF determination, It is determined that one game ball has passed. The ON / OFF determination is performed by the main control unit 100 (more precisely, the CPU 101) for the proximity switch installed as the first start port switch 111a, for example, and connected to the payout control unit 300, for example. The payout control unit 300 (more precisely, the CPU 301) executes the proximity switch for detecting the payout number of the game balls that have been played (see FIG. 4).

  Here, the predetermined minute time (for example, 4 microseconds) in the (n + 1) th ON / OFF determination shown in FIG. 5 is set in advance according to the software programming content for executing the calculation process of the game ball passage determination. The That is, the predetermined minute time described above is a variable time that can be set to an arbitrary time depending on the programming content. The gaming machine 1 may generate fine period noise (for example, noise of 3 to 15 microsecond period), and this noise period depends to some extent on the type of gaming machine. For example, a certain type of gaming machine is likely to generate noise with a period of 5 microseconds, and a certain type of gaming machine is likely to generate noise with a period of 9 microseconds. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by adopting a configuration in which the predetermined minute time described above can be set to an arbitrary time depending on the programming content, it is possible to effectively avoid erroneous determination due to noise of a fine cycle. Note that the arithmetic processing for providing the predetermined minute time described above is processing that is not related to the progress of the game and is only for earning time. For example, by repeating a process requiring a time of 1 microsecond four times, 4 microseconds can be provided as the above-mentioned predetermined minute time in software.

  By the way, in recent gaming machines, the processing load has increased due to an increase in the contents of arithmetic processing, so the execution interval of timer interrupt processing, which was 2 milliseconds in the previous gaming machine, has been extended to 4 milliseconds. As described with reference to FIG. 5, the ON / OFF determination using the proximity switch is also extended from the 2 millisecond interval and executed at an interval of 4 millisecond.

  Here, the previous gaming machine is determined to be the OFF level by the nth ON / OFF determination, is determined to be the ON level by the (n + 1) th ON / OFF determination, and is determined to be the ON level by the (n + 2) th ON / OFF determination. As a result, it was determined that one game ball passed (hereinafter referred to as “previous determination method”). That is, the game ball passage is determined by three ON / OFF determinations by three timer interruption processes. The reason for determining the ON level at the (n + 1) th time and the (n + 2) th time as described above is to avoid erroneous determination that the game ball has passed due to the accidental determination of the ON level once due to noise. However, in a recent gaming machine in which the ON / OFF determination interval is extended to an interval of 4 milliseconds, the previous determination method described above cannot determine the passage of a game ball passing at a high speed. For example, as the binarized signal ON level period (ON period) shown in FIG. 5 becomes very short (for example, around 7 milliseconds), it is difficult to determine the passing of the game ball passing at a higher speed. End up. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is determined that one game ball has passed by the determination method described with reference to FIG. From this, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reliably determine the passing of the game ball while preventing erroneous determination due to noise by the ON / OFF determination by two timer interruption processes.

  By the way, the gaming machine 1 includes a power monitoring circuit for detecting that the power supply to the gaming machine 1 is cut off, a disconnection detection circuit for detecting that the wiring of the proximity switch is disconnected, and a proximity switch. An abnormality detection circuit (not shown) such as a short circuit detection circuit for detecting that the wiring is short-circuited (short circuit) is provided. These abnormality detection circuits provide a threshold (abnormality determination level) for determining the occurrence of an abnormality at a voltage level higher than the passage determination threshold (5 V) shown in FIG. Therefore, when the voltage of the output signal of the proximity switch decreases, an abnormality is determined before the voltage of the output signal drops to the passage determination threshold, thereby preventing erroneous determination that the game ball has passed. Thus, since the abnormality determination level is provided at a voltage level higher than the passage determination threshold, it is difficult to take a long ON period by setting the passage determination threshold to a high value (for example, 10 V) (see FIG. 5). ). As a result, in the gaming machine 1, it is not realistic to determine the passage of the game ball using the previous determination method by taking a long ON period of the output signal.

In the switch processing described above, the second ON / OFF determination may not be performed in the timer interrupt processing determined to be ON that is executed after the timer interrupt processing determined to be ON.
Further, in the switch processing described above, it may be configured to detect the passage of the game ball by detecting the place where the binarized signal is switched from ON to OFF. That is, in FIG. 5, it may be determined that one game ball has passed with the determination that the n + 1 time timer interrupt process is turned on twice and the n + 2 time timer interrupt process is turned off.
Further, in the switch processing described above, in one timer interrupt process (ON detection), ON / OFF determination may be performed three times or more. In one timer interrupt process (OFF detection), You may perform ON / OFF determination twice or more.
In addition, in the switch processing described above, it may be configured to perform game ball passage determination without converting the output signal (analog signal) of the proximity switch into a binary signal (digital signal). In other words, the game ball passage determination may be performed by determining whether or not the output signal (analog signal) of the proximity switch is equal to or less than the passage determination threshold (5 V).
In the switch processing described above, the output signal of the proximity switch is an output signal that is at a low voltage level when the game ball is not detected and becomes a high voltage level when the game ball is detected, and a signal inversion means for inverting the output signal Thus, the output signal may be inverted and converted into a signal as indicated by a dotted line in FIG.
Further, the switch processing described above may be configured such that the proximity switch itself converts the analog signal into a binarized signal and outputs it, and the binarized signal is output from the proximity switch.

  This is the end of the description of the switch processing (game ball passage determination processing) of the present embodiment, and the description returns to FIG.

  In addition, the main control unit 100 displays the result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball at the first starting port 21 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a first special symbol lottery) on the first special symbol display 4a. indicate. The main control unit 100 displays on the second special symbol display 4b the result of the special symbol lottery started by the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 22 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second special symbol lottery). . The main control unit 100 displays the number of times the first special symbol lottery is on hold on the first special symbol hold display 4c. The main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings for which the second special symbol lottery is held on the second special symbol holding display 4d. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 25 on the normal symbol display 4e. The main control unit 100 displays the number of times of holding the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol hold display 4f. Further, the main control unit 100 displays the gaming state at that time on the gaming state display 4g when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  The launch control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The CPU 201 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the launching device 211. The ROM 202 stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and various data. The RAM 203 is used as a working memory for the CPU 201.

  When the lever 32 is in the neutral position, the lever 32 is in a firing stop state without outputting a signal. When the player is rotated clockwise by the player, the lever 32 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle to the firing control unit 200 as a hitting ball firing command signal. The launch control unit 200 controls the launch operation of the launch device 211 based on the hit ball launch command signal. For example, the launch control unit 200 controls the operation of the launch device 211 so that the speed at which the game ball is launched increases as the rotation angle of the lever 32 increases. When the signal indicating that the stop button 33 is pressed is output, the launch control unit 200 stops the operation of the launch device 211 firing the game ball.

  The payout control unit 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301 performs a calculation process when controlling the payout of the payout ball. The ROM 302 stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data. A RAM 303 is used as a working memory for the CPU 301.

  The payout control unit 300 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the main control unit 100. Specifically, the payout control unit 300 acquires from the main control unit 100 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won. Then, the payout driving unit 311 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 311 is configured by a drive motor or the like that sends out a game ball from a game ball storage unit (ball tank).

  The effect control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, and an RTC (real time clock) 404. The effect control unit 400 is connected to the effect key 38 operated by the player, and the effect control unit 400 acquires operation data output from the effect key 38 in accordance with the operation of the effect key 38 by the player. To do. Further, the effect control unit 400 acquires operation data output from the effect button 37 via the lamp control unit 600. The CPU 401 performs a calculation process when controlling the effect. The ROM 402 stores programs executed by the CPU 401 and various data. The RAM 403 is used as a working memory for the CPU 401. The RTC 404 measures the current date and time.

  The production control unit 400 sets production contents based on data indicating the special symbol lottery result and the like sent from the main control unit 100. In addition, when the effect button 37 or the effect key 38 is pressed by the player, the effect control unit 400 may set the effect content according to the operation input or the detection result.

  The image sound control unit 500 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 503. The CPU 501 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the image and sound expressing the content of the effect. The ROM 502 stores programs executed by the CPU 501 and various data. The RAM 503 is used as a working memory for the CPU 501.

  The image sound control unit 500 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 6 and the sound output from the speaker 35 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, in the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500, a decorative symbol image for notifying a special symbol lottery result, an image of a character or item for displaying a notice effect or a pre-read notice effect, a special symbol lottery The image data for displaying on the image display unit 6 a reserved image indicating that the image is held, various background images, and the like are stored. The ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500 stores various types of sound data such as music and sound output from the speaker 35 in synchronization with the image displayed on the image display unit 6 or independently of the displayed image. It is remembered. The CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400 from the image data and sound data stored in the ROM 502. The CPU 501 performs image processing for background image display, decorative symbol image display, character / item display, and the like using the read image data, and performs various processes corresponding to commands sent from the effect control unit 400. Perform production display. Then, the CPU 501 displays the image indicated by the image processed image data on the image display unit 6. In addition, the CPU 501 performs sound processing using the read sound data, and outputs the sound indicated by the sound processing sound data from the speaker 35.

  The lamp control unit 600 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603. The CPU 601 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the operation of the movable accessory 7. The ROM 602 stores programs executed by the CPU 601 and various data. The RAM 603 is used as a working memory for the CPU 601.

  The lamp control unit 600 controls the lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the emission color based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. The lamp controller 600 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 based on the command sent from the effect controller 400. Specifically, the ROM 602 of the lamp control unit 600 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. ) Is stored. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 based on the read light emission pattern data. In addition, the ROM 602 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 7 corresponding to the effect contents set by the effect control unit 400. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the operation pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 based on the read operation pattern data.

  The lamp control unit 600 is connected to an effect button 37 operated by the player, and the lamp control unit 600 acquires operation data output from the effect button 37 in response to the operation of the effect button 37 by the player. Then, the operation data is transmitted to the effect control unit 400.

  The effect control unit 400 controls the image sound control unit 500 based on the operation data of the effect button 37 transmitted from the lamp control unit 600 and the operation data output from the effect key 38. The operation state of the production key 38 is notified. Here, the operation state of the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 is whether or not the operation is being performed and what kind of operation is being performed (for example, long press of the effect button 37 or the left of the effect key 38). Information including pressing of a direction key). Therefore, for example, when the effect button 37 is operated by the player, the operation state of the effect button 37 detected by the lamp control unit 600 is transmitted to the image sound control unit 500 via the effect control unit 400. For this reason, the image sound control unit 500 can change the content of the effect based on the operation state of the effect button 37 transmitted from the effect control unit 400.

[Outline of gaming state in this embodiment]
Next, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 includes at least a high probability state, a low probability state, an electric support state, a non-electric support state, a short-time state, a non-short-time state, and a big hit gaming state. The low probability state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a normal low probability (for example, 1/200), and the high probability state is that the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is lower than the low probability state. The gaming state is set to a high probability (for example, 1/50). In the non-electric support state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is a normal low probability (for example, 1/10), and even if the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is short (for example, 0.10 seconds). Is a game state in which the release control is performed only once), and therefore, it is a game state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second start port 22. In the electric support state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is higher than the non-electric support state (for example, 10/10), and when the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is long (for example, 2.00 seconds). 3), the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long period of time, and it is easy for the game balls to enter the second start port 22 frequently (winning). A gaming state. The non-short-time state is a gaming state in which the execution time of the special symbol lottery is a normal predetermined time, and the short-time state is a gaming state in which the execution time of the special symbol lottery is shortened compared to the non-short-time state. The jackpot game state is a game state in which a jackpot game is executed in which a special symbol lottery is won (winning) and the jackpot 23 is opened. In the present embodiment, the electric support state and the short-time state are controlled at the same time. However, in this gaming state, the gaming ball is likely to win a prize at the second starting port 22, so that the gaming ball is mostly Many special symbol lotteries can be executed in a short time without decreasing. In the following, a gaming state that is controlled to a low-probability state, a non-electric support state, and a non-short-time state is referred to as a normal gaming state, and a gaming state that is controlled to a high-probability state, an electric support state, and a short-time state is a probabilistic gaming state. That's it. In this embodiment, there is no latent game state that is a gaming state controlled to a high-accuracy state, a non-electric support state, and a non-time-saving state, and if the special symbol lottery is won, the big hit game ends. The gaming state is controlled in the probability changing gaming state or the normal gaming state.

[Outline of the jackpot game in this embodiment]
Next, an outline of the jackpot game of the special symbol lottery in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery according to the present embodiment. (1) in FIG. 6 shows the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 21, and (2) in FIG. 6 shows the special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the second starting port 22. The breakdown of jackpot is shown. As shown in (1) of FIG. 6, the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 21 is that the winning probability of the jackpot A is 70% and the winning probability of the jackpot B is 30%. is there. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the special symbol lottery breakdown of the special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the second starting port 22 is that the winning probability of the big hit C is 50% and the winning probability of the big hit A is 20%. The winning probability of jackpot B is 30%. Below, with reference to (3) of FIG. 6, the jackpot game at the time of winning each jackpot AC is demonstrated.

  When the jackpot game that is executed when winning the jackpot A is started, after a predetermined opening time has elapsed, the big winning opening 23 is changed from the closed state to the open state (hereinafter simply referred to as “R”) There is a round game). In 1R, when 10 game balls are won in the big prize opening 23 or when the opening time is 29.5 seconds, the big prize opening 23 is changed from the open state to the closed state, and the 1R round game is ended. Then, after an interval period (for example, 2 seconds) between rounds is provided, the 2R round game is started after the grand prize opening 23 is opened as in the case of 1R, and the big prize opening 23 is closed. The 2R round game ends. Thereafter, similarly, a total of four round games are executed by opening and closing the special winning opening 23 across the interval period. Then, when the predetermined ending time has elapsed, the big hit game ends. Therefore, the player can obtain a total of about 500 prize balls during this jackpot game. Thereafter, the gaming state is controlled to the probability changing gaming state from the end of the big hit game until the next special symbol lottery is won (more precisely, until the special symbol lottery is executed 9999 times).

  When the big hit game executed when the big win B is won, after a predetermined opening time has elapsed, a total of four round games are executed by opening and closing the big prize opening 23 with an interval period in between. Then, when the predetermined ending time has elapsed, the big hit game ends. Therefore, the player can obtain a total of about 500 prize balls during this jackpot game. Thereafter, the gaming state is controlled to the normal gaming state after the big hit game is finished.

  When the big hit game executed when the big hit C is won is started, a total of 16 round games are executed by opening and closing the big prize opening 23 with an interval period between them after a predetermined opening time. Then, when the predetermined ending time has elapsed, the big hit game ends. Therefore, the player can obtain a total of about 2000 prize balls during this jackpot game. Thereafter, the gaming state is controlled to the probability changing gaming state from the end of the big hit game until the next special symbol lottery is won (more precisely, until the special symbol lottery is executed 9999 times).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of types of jackpots are prepared, but if the jackpot B is won, after the jackpot game, the game is controlled in a non-short-time state (normal game state), that is, the player Therefore, the game is controlled in a game state that is not preferable (disadvantageous). For this reason, after the big hit game of the big hit B is finished, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being reduced by executing a special production (for example, a production in a special mode different from normal).

  Next, a processing flow executed by the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

[Main processing by main control unit 100]
First, the main process executed by the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This main process is started when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, and is continuously executed while the main control unit 100 is activated.

  In step S901 in FIG. 7, first, the CPU 101 waits, for example, 2000 ms, and the process proceeds to step S902. Although not shown, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 can receive a signal from the main control unit 100 without performing standby processing. . That is, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 is in a state where processing can be started before the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100.

  In step S902, the CPU 101 permits access to the RAM 103, and the process proceeds to step S903.

  In step S903, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a RAM clear switch (not shown) is “ON”. If the determination in step S903 is YES, the process proceeds to step S904. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S907.

  In step S904, the CPU 101 clears the RAM. Here, the RAM clear is a well-known technique and will not be described in detail, but various information (for example, information indicating the gaming state) stored in the RAM 103 is set to a predetermined initial state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S905.

  In step S905, the CPU 101 sets a work area when the RAM is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S906.

  In step S906, the CPU 101 performs initial setting of the peripheral portion. Here, the peripheral portion is the effect control unit 400, the payout control unit 300, or the like. Initial setting of the peripheral unit is performed by transmitting an initial setting command for instructing execution of the initial setting to each control unit. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S910.

  In step S907, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the backup flag is “ON”. Note that the backup flag is a flag that is turned on when the generation of backup data is normally completed when the power is turned off, and is a flag indicating that the backup data is valid in association with the generated backup data. If the determination in step S907 is YES, the process moves to step S908. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S904.

  In step S908, the CPU 101 determines whether the checksum is normal. If the determination in step S908 is YES, the process proceeds to step S909. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S904.

  In step S909, the CPU 101 executes a recovery process (see FIG. 9) described later, and the process proceeds to step S910.

  In step S910, the CPU 101 sets a cycle (for example, 4 ms) of a built-in CTC (timer counter). Note that the CPU 101 executes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 10) described later using the period set here. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S911.

  In step S911, the CPU 101 executes a power shutdown monitoring process (see FIG. 8) described later, and the process proceeds to step S912.

  In step S912, the CPU 101 performs setting to prohibit interruption of the timer interrupt process, and the process proceeds to step S913.

  In step S913, the CPU 101 updates (counts up) various initial value random numbers, and the process proceeds to step S914. Here, the initial value random number is used to determine the start value of various random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, variation pattern random number) counted up and updated in a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 10) described later. A plurality of initial value random numbers corresponding to various random numbers are prepared. The initial value random number includes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 10) that occurs every predetermined CTC period (4 ms) and a remaining time (that is, a process time required for the timer interrupt process from the predetermined CTC period). The count-up is updated both in the main process (see FIG. 7) processed during the subtracted time, and after reaching the set maximum value (for example, 299), it returns to the minimum value (for example, 0) again. Further, since this remaining time varies depending on the processing status of the CPU 101, it is a random time, and the number of updates of the initial random number that is updated with the remaining time is also random. On the other hand, as will be described in detail later, since various other random numbers (big hit random numbers, design random numbers, reach random numbers, fluctuation pattern random numbers) are updated only by timer interrupt processing (see FIG. 10), initial value random numbers are random number update processing. The processing cycle is different. In this way, due to the difference in processing cycle, for example, even if the random number range of the initial value random number and the big hit random number is the same (for example, 0 to 299), the initial value random number acquired as the start value of the big hit random number The value is random every time. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to predict the timing at which the big hit random number value that generates the big hit is acquired.

  In step S914, the CPU 101 performs setting to permit interruption of the timer interrupt process, and the process returns to step S911. That is, the CPU 101 repeatedly executes the processes in steps S911 to S914.

[Power-off monitoring process by the main control unit 100]
FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of the power shutdown monitoring process in step S911 of FIG. In step S9111, the CPU 101 prohibits the interrupt process, and the process proceeds to step S9112.

  In step S9112, the CPU 101 determines whether the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is cut off based on whether a power cut-off signal is input from a power supply unit (not shown). If the determination in step S9112 is YES, the process moves to step S9114. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S9113.

  In step S9113, the CPU 101 permits the interrupt process and ends the power shutdown monitoring process (the process moves to step S912 in FIG. 7).

  On the other hand, in step S9114, the CPU 101 clears the output port through which various information is input / output to / from the CPU 101, and the process proceeds to step S9115.

  In step S 9115, the CPU 101 creates backup data in the RAM 103 based on the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1, creates a checksum from the contents of the RAM 103, and stores the checksum in the RAM 103. In this process, the power supply voltage is set to “0” after detecting that the power supply voltage has started to decrease due to the power supply cutoff of the power supplied to the main control unit 100 (after “YES” is determined in step S9112). It is done during the period until it becomes. Through this process, game state information and the like immediately before the power is turned off are stored in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9116.

  In step S9116, the CPU 101 sets the backup flag to “ON”, and the process proceeds to step S9117.

  In step S9117, the CPU 101 prohibits access to the RAM 103 and ends the power-off monitoring process (the process moves to step S912 in FIG. 7).

[Restoration process by main control unit 100]
FIG. 9 is a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. First, in step S9091 of FIG. 9, the CPU 101 sets a work area of the RAM 103 at the time of restoration, and the process proceeds to step S9092.

  In step S9092, the CPU 101 refers to the information in the RAM 103, confirms information regarding the gaming state at the time of power-off and the number of special symbol lotteries held, and sends a recovery notification command including the information to the effect control unit 400. Send. As described above, the CPU 101 transmits a recovery notification command indicating the power-off state to the effect control unit 400 in order to notify that the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been recovered. By the processing in step S9092, the effect control unit 400 can check the gaming state before power-off and the like.

  In step S9093, the CPU 101 sets a peripheral part, and the process proceeds to step S9094.

  In step S9094, the CPU 101 sets the backup flag to “OFF” and ends the recovery process (the process moves to step S910 in FIG. 7).

[Timer interrupt processing of main control unit]
Next, a timer interrupt process executed in the main control unit 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100. Hereinafter, timer interrupt processing performed in the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control unit 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 10 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Note that the processing performed by the main control unit 100 described based on the flowcharts in FIG.

  First, in step S1, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 serves as a starting value for updating various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers, and counting up each random number. Random number update processing for updating each initial value random number is executed. Here, the big hit random number is a random number for determining whether or not a special symbol lottery is won or lost (that is, performing a special symbol lottery). The symbol random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot when the special symbol lottery is won. The big hit random number and the design random number are random numbers used in the process of step S407 in FIG. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed when a special symbol lottery is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation time (variation pattern) of the special symbol. Here, the variation time of the special symbol is equal to the execution time of the notification effect (variation effect) executed in synchronization with the variation of the special symbol. The reach random number and the variation pattern random number are used in the process of step S408 in FIG. In the random number update process of step S1, the big hit random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, etc. are each added and updated by one. That is, it is counted up. Each random number is acquired in the start port switch (SW) process in step S2 and the gate switch (SW) process in step S3, and is used in the special symbol process in step S4 and the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. Note that the counter that performs the process of step S1 is typically a loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the set maximum random number (for example, 299 for a variation pattern random number) (that is, the circulation counter). To do). In addition, in the random number update process of step S1, each counter such as a big hit random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number is initialized to an initial value corresponding to each random number at that time when the loop counter counts once. A random number is acquired, and the loop counter is newly started using the initial random number as a start value. The random number ranges such as jackpot random numbers, design random numbers, reach random numbers, and fluctuation pattern random numbers may be set arbitrarily, but by setting each to a different range, the counter value (count) (Value) is preferably set so as not to synchronize.

  Next, in step S2, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the first start port switch 111a and the second start port switch 111b, and when one of the switches is turned on (the first start port switch 111a or the second start port switch 111b). When a game ball detection signal is output from the mouth switch 111b), a start opening switch that performs processing relating to the number of holdings U1 for the first special symbol lottery, the number of holdings U2 for the second special symbol lottery, and processing for obtaining various random numbers. Execute the process. Details of the start port switch process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S3, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the gate switch 113 and, based on the output signal from the gate switch 113, determines that the game ball has passed through the gate 25. Is determined to be less than the upper limit value (for example, 4), and if it is determined that the number of holds is less than the upper limit value, a gate switch process for acquiring a random number used in the normal symbol process in step S5 described later is executed. .

  Next, in step S4, the CPU 101 executes the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, and after the special symbols are variably displayed on the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b, these are displayed. The stop symbol display process showing the lottery result of the above and the special symbol process for transmitting various commands to the effect control unit 400 are executed. This special symbol process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S5, the CPU 101 executes a normal symbol process for determining whether or not the random number acquired in the gate switch process in step S3 matches a predetermined hit random number. Then, the CPU 101 stops and displays the normal symbol indicating the determination result after the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the normal symbol change time to be stopped and displayed after the normal symbol is variably displayed to 10 seconds in the non-time-short state and to 0.5 seconds in the time-short state. Further, the CPU 101 sets the probability that the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e becomes a predetermined winning symbol (that is, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery) is set to a low probability (1/10) in the non-short-time state. In the short-time state, the probability is increased to a high probability (10/10).

  Next, in step S6, when it is determined that the special symbol lottery is won in the special symbol processing in step S4 (when the big win is made), the CPU 101 controls the big prize opening / closing unit 115 to control the big prize opening 23. The player performs a predetermined opening / closing operation, and executes a big prize opening process for transmitting various commands related to the so-called big hit game effect to the effect control unit 400. By this processing, the big hit game (special game) is progressed, and the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. This special winning opening process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

  Next, in step S7, the CPU 101 performs electric driving when the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e by the normal symbol processing in step S5 is a predetermined winning symbol (that is, when the normal symbol lottery is won). An electric tulip process for operating the tulip 27 is executed. At that time, the CPU 101 controls the opening of the electric tulip 27 for a very short period (once for 0.10 seconds) in the non-electric support state, and the electric tulip 27 for a long period (three times for 2.00 seconds) in the electric support state. Open control. In addition, when the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be in the open state, a game ball can be won at the second start port 22, and when the game ball wins at the second start port 22, a second special symbol lottery is performed. Will be.

  Next, in step S <b> 8, the CPU 101 executes prize ball processing for managing the number of winning game balls and controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prize.

  Next, in step S9, the CPU 101 executes various commands and effects set in the RAM 103 by the start opening switch process in step S2, the special symbol process in step S4, the big winning opening process in step S6, the prize ball process in step S8, and the like. Output processing for outputting information necessary for the production control unit 400 or the payout control unit 300 is executed. The CPU 101 notifies each winning opening that a gaming ball has won each time the gaming ball wins the first starting opening 21, the second starting opening 22, the big winning opening 23, and the normal winning opening 24. Are set in the RAM 103, and the winning command is output to the effect control unit 400 or the payout control unit 300.

[Start-up switch processing]
FIG. 11 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. Hereinafter, the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S201, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 wins a game ball in the first start port 21 based on the presence or absence of an output signal from the first start port switch 111a, and the first start port switch 111a is turned on. It is determined whether or not. If the determination in step S201 is YES, the process proceeds to step S202. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S 202, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax 1 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the first special symbol lottery number from the ROM 102, and the first special symbol lottery number U 1 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit value. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax1. If the determination in step S202 is YES, the process proceeds to step S203, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S <b> 203, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Further, the CPU 101 sets a winning command in the RAM 103 for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the first starting port 21. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the first special symbol lottery and the like, and each set of random numbers acquired (game information) Are stored in the RAM 103 in chronological order. Each time the value of the holding number U1 of the first special symbol lottery is subtracted by 1 in the process of step S406 of FIG. 12 described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is one set in order from the earliest storage time. Deleted one by one. From this, for example, when the value of the number of holdings U1 of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the process of the last three steps S204 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. It will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, the CPU 101 performs a preliminary determination process. Specifically, the CPU 101 acquires a random number set such as a big hit random number obtained in the latest processing of step S204 and stored in the RAM 103 (that is, a random number set such as a big hit random number for the first special symbol lottery stored most recently. ) And whether or not the result of the first special symbol lottery using the jackpot random number is a jackpot based on whether or not the jackpot random number or the like matches a predetermined value or the like stored in the ROM 102, reach It is determined in advance whether or not to execute the production. That is, the determination necessary for executing the pre-reading notice effect and the hold change notice effect is determined in advance prior to the processing of steps S407 and S408 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S <b> 206, the CPU 101 sets a first hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the first special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the first pending number increase command includes information (hereinafter referred to as “preliminary determination information”) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S205. In addition, the 1st reservation number increase command containing this prior determination information is output by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 10, and the lottery result with respect to the holding | maintenance of the 1st special symbol lottery becomes the symbol in the 1st special symbol lottery. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the change starts. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S207, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 22 and the second start port switch 111b is turned on based on the presence / absence of an output signal from the second start port switch 111b. To do. If the determination in step S207 is yes, the process proceeds to step S208. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 208, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax <b> 2 of the second special symbol lottery holding number from the ROM 102 (“4” in the present embodiment), and the second special symbol lottery holding number U <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax2. If the determination in step S208 is YES, the process proceeds to step S209, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

  In step S209, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding 1. Further, the CPU 101 sets a winning command in the RAM 103 for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the second starting port 22. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, the CPU 101 obtains a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the second special symbol lottery, etc. They are stored in the RAM 103 in order. Note that each time the value of the second special symbol lottery holding number U2 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S404 in FIG. Deleted one by one. For this reason, for example, when the value of the holding number U2 of the second special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the processing of the last three steps S210 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. It will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S211.

  In step S211, the CPU 101 performs a preliminary determination process. Specifically, the CPU 101 acquires a random number set such as a big hit random number acquired in the process of the latest step S210 and stored in the RAM 103 (that is, a random number set such as a big hit random number for the second special symbol lottery stored most recently. ) And whether or not the result of the second special symbol lottery using the jackpot random number is a jackpot based on whether or not the jackpot random number or the like matches a predetermined value or the like stored in the ROM 102, reach It is determined in advance whether or not to execute the production. That is, the determination necessary for executing the pre-reading notice effect and the hold change notice effect is determined in advance prior to the processing of steps S407 and S408 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S212.

  In step S <b> 212, the CPU 101 sets a second hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the second special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the second pending number increase command includes information (preliminary determination information) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S211. In addition, the 2nd reservation number increase command containing this prior determination information is output by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 10, and the lottery result with respect to the 2nd special symbol lottery hold is the symbol in the 2nd special symbol lottery. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the change starts. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 12 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 12, the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. 10 is demonstrated.

  First, in step S401, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines that the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game (a big hit game state) based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information by a flag). It is determined whether or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit game (special game) that is executed when the special symbol lottery is won. If the determination in step S401 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 10, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol change display is being performed by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b. If the determination in step S402 is yes, the process proceeds to step S411. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the second special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S403 is YES, the process proceeds to step S404. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S <b> 404, the CPU 101 updates the hold number U <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At that time, the CPU 101 reads the random number set stored in the RAM 103 and acquired in step S210 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S407.

  On the other hand, in step S405, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U1 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the first special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S405 is YES, the process proceeds to step S406. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S415 assuming that there is no special symbol lottery to be executed.

  In step S <b> 406, the CPU 101 updates the hold number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At that time, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set stored in the RAM 103 and stored in the step S204 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S407.

  The second special symbol lottery is executed in preference to the first special symbol lottery by the processing of steps S403 to S406 described above.

  In step S407, the CPU 101 executes a big hit determination process for determining whether the special symbol lottery is a big win or a loss. Specifically, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S404, the CPU 101 matches the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S404 with the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Whether the result of the second special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss is determined based on whether or not to do so. On the other hand, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S406, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S406 matches the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Based on this, it is determined whether the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. When the result of the special symbol lottery is determined to be lost, the CPU 101 sets a lost symbol indicating that the special symbol lottery has been lost in the RAM 103 as a special symbol stop symbol in the setting information. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, which of the predetermined values stored in the ROM 102 matches the symbol random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used for this determination? Based on this, the type of jackpot of this time is determined. As can be seen from FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the expected value of the number of round games (number of rounds) executed when the second special symbol lottery is won is determined when the first special symbol lottery is won. Greater than expected number of rounds to be executed. That is, the profit degree when winning the second special symbol lottery is larger than the profit degree when winning the first special symbol lottery. The degree of profit is not limited to the number of winning prize balls depending on the number of rounds as described above. For example, in the gaming state controlled after the big hit (probability of being controlled in the high probability state after the big hit, the number of short times) There may be. Then, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, information on the jackpot symbol representing the jackpot and the type of jackpot as information on the stop symbol of the special symbol in the setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S408.

[Variation pattern selection processing]
In step S408, the CPU 101 executes variation pattern selection processing. Specifically, in step S408, in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state), the CPU 101 uses the variation pattern determination tables HT1-1 and HT1-2 shown in FIGS. State), the variation pattern is determined (selected) for each special symbol lottery using the variation pattern determination tables HT2-1 and HT2-2 shown in FIGS. Here, this variation pattern is a special symbol variation time which is a time from when the special symbol is variably displayed on the display 4 until it is stopped and displayed, and this special symbol variation time is synchronized with the execution time of the notification effect. It is the same time as the execution time of the notification effect. Hereinafter, the variation pattern determination tables HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1, and HT2-2 may be simply referred to as HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1, and HT2-2.

  First, a case where a variation pattern is selected using HT1-1 and HT1-2 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state) will be described. FIG. 13 is a table used for determining the variation pattern when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state). FIG. 14 is a table used for determining a variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time reduction state).

[Non-time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the first special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, the determination of the variation pattern in the case where the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state) will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S408, when the CPU 101 determines in the jackpot determination process of step S407 that the result of the first special symbol lottery is a jackpot, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern (special symbol variation time) based on the variation pattern random number. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines that the variation pattern random number (any one of 0 to 299) read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407 is the “big hit” of HT1-1. The variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined based on which of the random number values assigned to each variation pattern of the portion of (). For example, when the variation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407 is “78”, the CPU 101 sets the fluctuation pattern “90.03” of the “big hit” portion of HT1-1. Since it matches the random value “75 to 124” assigned to “second”, “90.03 seconds” is determined as the variation pattern. Here, as indicated by HT1-1, the fluctuation pattern “15.01 seconds”, “40.01 seconds”, “40.02 seconds”, “40.03 seconds”, “90. “01 seconds”, “90.02 seconds”, “90.03 seconds”, “90.04 seconds”, and “90.05 seconds” indicate the types of effect patterns of the notification effect “per reach” and “third SP”, respectively. "Per hit", "per second SP", "per first SP", "per fifth SPSP", "per fourth SPSP", "per third SPSP", "per second SPSP", and "per first SPSP". Further, “per reach” is a type that hits big after reach is established, and “per first SP” to “per third SP” are types that hit big after finally developing to SP reach, and “per first SPSP”. ~ "Per fifth SPSP" is a type that hits big after finally developing to SPSP reach.

  Reach (reach effect) is specified in combination with other symbols that have already been stopped when a decorative symbol that is stopped last among a plurality of decorative symbols is stopped and displayed in a specific symbol. It is an effect that expects to win a big hit by matching the pattern pattern of, and typically, the decorative pattern on the right side and the left side are stopped at the same pattern (for example, 7), This is an effect that is variably displayed with the expectation that the decorative symbol stops at the same symbol (for example, 7) (that is, it becomes a doublet 777). The SP reach is generally referred to as super reach or special reach, and is an effect that further expects to win more than reach, for example, an effect of a moving image in which a hero character plays a mini game. In addition, SPSP reach is generally called super super reach or special special reach, and is an effect that further expects a big hit than SP reach production. For example, it is a production of a moving image in which a hero character fights against an enemy character. is there.

  In step S408, if the CPU 101 determines that the result of the first special symbol lottery is lost in the jackpot determination process in step S407, the number of first special symbol lottery (U1), the reach random number, and the fluctuation A variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined based on the pattern random number.

  Specifically, when the number of first special symbol lottery holds is “1” or “2”, the CPU 101 determines the reach random number (0 Or any one of 99 to 99) is included in the reach random number value range “0 to 69” of the retained number “1, 2” of the “losing” of HT1-1. 99 ”is determined.

  When the read reach random number is included in the reach random number value range “0 to 69”, the CPU 101 reads the fluctuation pattern random number (0 ˜299) is included in the fluctuation pattern random value range “0-59” or in the fluctuation pattern random value range “60-299”. Then, when the fluctuation pattern random number is included in the fluctuation pattern random value range “0 to 59”, the CPU 101 determines “8.00 seconds” as the fluctuation pattern, and the fluctuation pattern random number is changed to the fluctuation pattern random value range “ In the case of “60 to 299”, “13.50 seconds” is determined as the variation pattern. Here, as indicated by HT1-1, the variation patterns “8.00 seconds” and “13.50 seconds” both correspond to the effect pattern type “immediately lost”. “Immediately lost” is a type of production pattern that immediately loses without reaching reach.

  On the other hand, when the read reach random number is included in the reach random number value range “70 to 99”, the CPU 101 reads the variation pattern random number (0) read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407. ˜299) is included in the variation pattern random value range assigned to each variation pattern in the above reach random value range “70 to 99” of HT1-1. Then, the variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined. For example, when the fluctuation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407 is “260”, the CPU 101 sets the fluctuation pattern random value assigned to the fluctuation pattern “40.05 seconds”. Since it is included in the range “256 to 271”, “40.05 seconds” is determined as the variation pattern. Here, as indicated by HT1-1, the fluctuation patterns “15.02 seconds”, “40.04 seconds”, “40.05 seconds” of the above-described reach random number value range “70 to 99” of HT1-1. ”,“ 40.06 seconds ”,“ 90.06 seconds ”,“ 90.07 seconds ”,“ 90.08 seconds ”,“ 90.09 seconds ”, and“ 90.10 seconds ” Production pattern types “Leach Loss”, “3rd SP Loss”, “2nd SP Loss”, “1st SP Loss”, “5th SPSP Loss”, “4th SPSP Loss”, “3rd SPSP Loss”, “2nd SPSP Loss” and This corresponds to “first SPSP loss”. Further, “Leach Loss” is a type that loses after the reach is established, and “First SP Loss” to “3rd SP Loss” are types that eventually lose to SP reach, and “First SPSP Loss” “Fifth SPSP Loss” is a type that loses after finally developing into SPSP reach.

  In addition, when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, the CPU 101 basically performs the variation pattern in the same manner as when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “1” or “2”. To decide. However, when the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, as shown in HT1-1, the CPU 101 has the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery being “1” or “2”. On the other hand, the reach random value range “0-69” is replaced with “0-79”, the reach random value range “70-99” is replaced with “80-99”, and the fluctuation pattern “8.00 seconds”. The variable pattern random value range “0 to 59” assigned to “0” to “209” is replaced with “0 to 209”, and the fluctuation pattern random value range “60 to 299” assigned to the fluctuation pattern “13.50 seconds” is changed to “210 to 299”. The variation pattern is determined by the random value range replaced with “”.

  In addition, when the number of holds for the first special symbol lottery is “4”, the CPU 101 basically performs the variation pattern similarly to the case where the number of holds for the first special symbol lottery is “1” or “2”. To decide. However, when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “4”, the CPU 101, as shown in HT1-1, when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “1” or “2”. On the other hand, the reach random value range “0-69” is replaced with “0-84”, the reach random value range “70-99” is replaced with “85-99”, and the fluctuation pattern “8.00 seconds” The variable pattern random value range “0 to 59” allocated to the variable pattern is replaced with “210 to 269”, and the random pattern value range “60 to 299” allocated to the variable pattern “13.50 seconds” is converted to “270 to 299”. In addition, according to the random value range of the content to which the variation pattern “3.00 seconds” to which the variation pattern random value range “0 to 209” is assigned in correspondence with the production pattern type “immediately lost” is added, Deciding the fluctuation pattern To.

  As described above with reference to the variation pattern determination table HT1-1 shown in FIG. 13, when the first special symbol lottery is lost in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state), the number of first special symbol lottery holds The smaller the variation is, the easier it is to select the variation pattern with reach, and when the variation pattern without reach is selected, the smaller the number of the first special symbol lottery is, the easier the variation pattern is selected.

[Big hit reliability]
Here, the jackpot reliability (expectation for jackpot) will be described. An effect with a high jackpot reliability is an effect that is highly likely to be notified of a big hit when the effect is executed, and an effect with a low jackpot reliability is a notification of a big hit when the effect is executed. It is a production that is unlikely to be performed. Hereinafter, it demonstrates concretely using HT1-1 shown in FIG. As can be seen from the “big hit” portion of HT1-1, in the case of big hit, “per reach”, “per third SP”, “per second SP”, “per first SP”, “per fifth SPSP”, “ The variation pattern random value range increases in the order of “per fourth SPSP”, “per third SPSP”, “per second SPSP”, and “per first SPSP” (partially the same). On the other hand, as can be seen from the “losing” portion of HT1-1, in the case of losing, “reach losing”, “third SP losing”, “second SP losing”, “first SP losing”, “fifth SPSP losing”. , The variation pattern random value range becomes smaller in the order of “fourth SPSP loss”, “third SPSP loss”, “second SPSP loss”, “first SPSP loss” (partially the same). As can be seen from the above, the performance that is easy to execute in the case of a big hit and difficult to execute in the case of a loss is high in the reliability of the big hit, while the effect that is difficult to execute in the case of big hit and is easy to be executed in the case of a loss has a big hit reliability. Low. That is, “reach effect”, “third SP reach effect”, “second SP reach effect”, “first SP reach effect”, “fifth SPSP reach effect”, “fourth SPSP reach effect”, “third SPSP reach effect”, “ The jackpot reliability increases in the order of “second SPSP reach production” and “first SPSP reach production”.

[Non-time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the second special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, the determination of the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state) will be described with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performed processing for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 13, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It is different in that processing is performed on the second special symbol lottery using HT1-2 shown in FIG. Here, HT1-2 shown in FIG. 14 differs from HT1-1 shown in FIG. 13 in that “the number of first special symbol lottery hold” is replaced with “the number of second special symbol lottery hold”. Only different. That is, while the variation pattern determination process described with reference to FIG. 13 considers the number of first special symbol lottery reservations, the variation pattern determination process considers the second special symbol lottery retention number. The It should be noted that in the non-time-saving state, since it is difficult for a game ball to win the second starting port 22, it is rare (rare) to execute the second special symbol lottery. For this reason, when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the non-time-short state, in order to suggest this rare feeling, the fluctuation pattern is longer than when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the non-time-short state. May be easily selected. Specifically, for example, in HT1-2, the reach random number value range that is determined to be reachable in each portion of the “losing” hold number “1, 2,” “3”, “4” is HT1. By setting it to be larger than the corresponding portion of −1, it is possible that the reach is more easily executed than HT1-1, and as a result, a long-time variation pattern may be easily selected.

[Time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the first special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, the determination of the variation pattern in the case where the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the probability variation gaming state (short time state) will be described with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performs processing for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 13, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It differs by the point which processes with respect to a 1st special symbol lottery using HT2-1 shown. Here, HT2-1 shown in FIG. 15 is related to the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery when “no reach” is selected by “reach random number” in “losing” with respect to HT1-1 shown in FIG. The difference is that the variation pattern “13.50 seconds” (corresponding to immediate loss) is selected.

[Time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the second special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, the determination of the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the probability variation gaming state (short time state) will be described with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performed processing for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 13, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It is different in that processing is performed for the second special symbol lottery using HT2-2 shown in FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 16, HT2-2 replaces HT1-1 shown in FIG. 13 with “the number of holdings for the first special symbol lottery” replaced with “the number of holdings for the second special symbol lottery”. ing. That is, while the variation pattern determination process described with reference to FIG. 13 considers the number of first special symbol lottery reservations, the variation pattern determination process considers the second special symbol lottery retention number. The Further, as shown in FIG. 16, in HT2-2, when the number of holdings in the second special symbol lottery “1” in “losing” is “1” and no reach is selected by the reach random number, the variation pattern “13” is uniformly set. .50 seconds "is determined. Also, as shown in FIG. 16, in HT2-2, when no reach is selected by the reach random number in the case of the holding number “2-4” of the second special symbol lottery in “losing”, the fluctuation pattern random value The variation pattern “2.00 seconds” is determined in the range “0 to 239”, the variation pattern “4.00 seconds” is determined in the variation pattern random value range “240 to 269”, and the variation pattern random value range “270 to 270”. In “299”, the fluctuation pattern “10.00 seconds” is determined.

  Here, as described in the processing in steps S403 to S406, in this embodiment, the second special symbol lottery hold is digested in preference to the first special symbol lottery hold. Further, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), as described in the processing in steps S5 and S7 in FIG. Therefore, the second special symbol lottery is executed frequently and continuously. Further, as described in the processing in step S407, the second special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the second starting port 22 is more than the first special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 21. However, the profit level when winning the lottery (big hit) is large. Therefore, conversely, if the first special symbol lottery is executed in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), there is a high possibility that the player will win a big hit with a small profit level of the player. I can say that. In the present embodiment, as described above using HT2-2 of FIG. 16, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), when the number of second special symbol lottery hold is 2 to 4 and there is no reach While it is easy to select a short-time fluctuation pattern (2.00 seconds, 4.00 seconds) and the second special symbol lottery is suspended at high speed, 2 When the number of special symbol lotteries held is 1 and there is no reach, be sure to select a long-term fluctuation pattern (13.50 seconds) to control the first special symbol lottery that is relatively unfavorable to the player. ing. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above with reference to HT2-1 in FIG. 15, in the probability variation gaming state (time-short state), it is assumed that the first special symbol lottery that is relatively disadvantageous to the player is executed. However, in all of the first special symbol lottery holding numbers 1 to 4, when there is no reach, a long-term fluctuation pattern (13.50 seconds) must be selected, and a game ball is placed in the second starting port 22. Control is performed so as to earn time for the second special symbol lottery that is relatively advantageous to the player by winning a prize.

  Information on the variation pattern determined in step S408 as described above (that is, it can be said that the execution time of the notification effect: the information about the type of the effect pattern of the notification effect) is set in the RAM 103 as setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S409.

  In step S409, the CPU 101 generates a notification effect start command including the setting information set by the jackpot determination process in step S407 and the setting information set by the variation pattern selection process in step S408, and sets the notification effect start command in the RAM 103. Here, the notification effect start command is a command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to start the notification effect by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, and the like. The setting information included in the notification effect start command includes information indicating which of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery has been executed. Further, the CPU 101 sets a gaming state notification command indicating the current gaming state (for example, a probable gaming state) in the RAM 103. The notification effect start command and the gaming state notification command described above are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S410.

  In step S410, the CPU 101 changes the special symbol by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b based on the setting information included in the notification effect start command set in the process of step S409. Start display. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S411.

  In step S411, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol variation time indicated by the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection process in step S408 has elapsed since the start of the special symbol variation display in step S410. If the determination in step S411 is YES, the process proceeds to step S412. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S5 (ordinary symbol process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 412, the CPU 101 sets a notification effect stop command instructing the end of the notification effect by the image display unit 6 or the like in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S413. Note that the notification effect stop command set in step S412 is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG.

  In step S413, the CPU 101 ends the special symbol variation display by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b started in the process of step S410 and displays the stopped symbol. At this time, the CPU 101 sets a symbol determination command in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S414.

  In step S414, the CPU 101 executes a stop process. Specifically, when the CPU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in step S407, the information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information based on a flag) is in the big hit game (the big hit game state). And an opening command for instructing the start of the big hit game effect is set in the RAM 103. Note that the process in step S414 is terminated when a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.5 seconds) elapses, and then the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. For this reason, the timing at which the special symbol processing shown in FIG. 12 is executed again by the next timer interrupt processing has passed a fixed time (0.5 seconds) after the special symbol variation display is completed in the processing of step S413. Timing (strictly speaking, an interrupt timing that arrives only after a fixed time has elapsed). Note that the opening command described above is output in step S9 of FIG. 10 when a predetermined fixed time (0.5 seconds) elapses after the process of step S414 is started (after the process of step S413 is completed). The process is transmitted to the effect control unit 400, and the big hit game effect is started.

  In step S415, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a customer waiting command and a gaming state notification command indicating the current gaming state have already been transmitted in the process of step 416 (described later). Here, the customer waiting command is the time when the specified fixed time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the processing in step S414 was started (in other words, the special symbol variation display was terminated in the processing in step S413). This is a command that is sent when there is no special symbol lottery hold at the time 0.5 seconds have passed since the notification effect that informs the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not being executed (so-called customer waiting state) ) Is a command to notify that If the determination in step S415 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 10, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S416.

  In step S <b> 416, the CPU 101 sets a customer waiting command and a gaming state notification command in the RAM 103. The customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 in FIG. 10, and a predetermined stop effect (for example, an effect of displaying a decorative symbol stop) is started based on the customer waiting command. Is done. When a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) elapses after the stop effect described above is started, the customer waiting effect is started. Here, the customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect in which a video related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 is displayed on the image display unit 6, for example, a predetermined effect ( For example, the image display unit 6 displays a part of the reach effect). Thereafter, the processing moves to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG.

[Large winning prize processing]
17 and 18 are an example of a detailed flowchart of the special winning a prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. Hereinafter, the special winning opening process in step S6 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, in step S601, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically, information based on a flag). judge. If the determination in step S601 is YES, the process proceeds to step S602. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 602, the CPU 101 determines based on the information stored in the RAM 103 whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is a jackpot game opening effect. If the determination in step S602 is YES, the process proceeds to step S603, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S609.

  In step S <b> 603, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a set opening time that defines the execution time of the opening effect has elapsed. If the determination in step S603 is YES, the process proceeds to step S604. If the determination is NO, the opening effect has not ended, and the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 604, the CPU 101 sets the total number of rounds Rmax for the jackpot game and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 for the jackpot game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the number of rounds included in the jackpot game (Rmax: “16” in this embodiment) and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 during the jackpot game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. To do. By the processing of step S604, the total number of rounds Rmax of the big hit game, the interval time between rounds in the big hit game, the set ending time that is the time for performing the ending effect at the end of the big hit game, and the like are set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S605.

  In step S <b> 605, the CPU 101 resets the winning number C of game balls to the big winning opening 23 stored in the RAM 103 to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S606.

  In step S <b> 606, the CPU 101 updates the round number R of the big hit game stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S <b> 607, the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening / closing unit 115 to start the opening control of the special winning opening 23. By this processing, a big hit game round (round game) is started and the opening operation (one opening operation) of the big winning opening 23 is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S608.

  In step S <b> 608, the CPU 101 sets a round start notification command for notifying a round start (round game start) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 10, and the round effect is started. The round start notification command includes information indicating the total number of rounds Rmax set in step S604 and information indicating the current number of rounds R updated by the process in step S606. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S612.

  In step S609, the CPU 101 determines based on the information stored in the RAM 103 whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in the big hit game interval. If the determination in step S609 is yes, the process proceeds to step S610. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S611.

  In step S610, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set interval time during the jackpot game set in the process of step S604 has elapsed from the time when the big prize opening 23 is closed at the end of the previous round during the jackpot game. To do. If the determination in step S610 is YES, it is time to start the next round in the jackpot game, so the process moves to step S605. If this determination is NO, the process moves to step S612.

  In step S <b> 611, the CPU 101 determines whether the state of the gaming machine 1 is executing the jackpot game ending effect based on the information stored in the RAM 103. If the determination in step S611 is YES, the process proceeds to step S621 in FIG. 18, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S612.

  In step S612, the CPU 101 determines that the state of the gaming machine 1 is in the big win game round, and based on the output signal from the big prize opening switch 114, whether or not the game ball has won the big prize opening 23. Determine whether. If the determination in step S612 is YES, the process moves to step S613. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S6131.

  In step S <b> 613, the CPU 101 determines that a winning of game balls to the big winning opening 23 has been detected, and updates the winning number C of game balls stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. The processing in step S613 is executed each time a game ball wins the big winning opening 23, so that the total number of winning game balls (winning number C) won in the big winning opening 23 during one round is accumulated in the RAM 103. It will be done. In addition, the CPU 101 sets a winning command for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the big winning opening 23 in the RAM 103. The winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. 10, so that the effect control unit 400 receives the winning every time the game ball wins the big winning opening 23 during one round. The number C (that is, the number of winnings in one round) is notified, and the winning process instruction in step S125 of FIG. 21 is executed based on the notification information. In addition, a winning validity period (for example, a predetermined period during the round and after the end of the round) in which the winning of the game ball to the grand prize opening 23 is considered to be valid (that is, normal winning) is set in advance. The winning command is transmitted when a winning of a game ball is detected during the winning validity period. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S6131.

  In step S 6131, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is executing a big win game round effect based on the information stored in the RAM 103. If the determination in step S6131 is YES, the process proceeds to step S614. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S614, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a specified opening control time (29.5 seconds in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the opening control of the special winning opening 23 was started in the process of step S607. If the determination in step S614 is yes, the process moves to step S616. If the determination is no, the process moves to step S615.

  In step S615, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the number C of winning game balls in the current round has reached an upper limit number of gaming balls Cmax (“10” in the present embodiment) that defines the timing at which the big winning opening 23 is closed. Determine. If the determination in step S615 is YES, the process proceeds to step S616, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S616, the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening / closing unit 115 to end the opening control of the special winning opening 23 started in step S607. In this way, the CPU 101 counts the total number of game balls (winning number C) detected by the big prize opening switch 114 until 29.5 seconds elapse after the big prize opening 23 is opened in each round during the big hit game. ) Has reached 10 (Cmax), or 29.5 seconds have passed without winning 10 game balls since opening the grand prize opening 23, and the big prize opening 23 is closed. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S617.

  In step S617, the CPU 101 sets a round end notification command for notifying the end of round (round game end) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. 10, and the round effect is ended. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S618.

  In step S618, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the current round number R stored in the RAM 103 has reached the maximum round number Rmax of the big hit game set in the process of step S604. If the determination in step S618 is YES, the process proceeds to step S619 in FIG. 18, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S619 in FIG. 18, the CPU 101 resets the round number R stored in the RAM 103 to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S620.

  In step S620, the CPU 101 sets an ending command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to execute the ending effect of the big hit game in the RAM 103. The ending command set in this process is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 in step S9 (output process) in FIG. As the ending command, a command corresponding to the jackpot symbol and the gaming state controlled after the end of the jackpot game is transmitted, and the effect control unit 400, based on this ending command, after the end of the ending effect (the end of the jackpot game effect) Control the production of (after). Specifically, in the case of an ending command corresponding to a jackpot symbol indicating a jackpot (for example, jackpot A shown in FIG. 6) that is controlled in the probability change gaming state after the jackpot, the game is controlled to the probability change gaming state after the jackpot game ends. When the ending command indicating that the effect is transmitted, the effect control unit 400 executes the effect in the effect mode indicating the probability variation game state after the jackpot game effect is ended based on the ending command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S621.

  In step S621, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set ending time set in the process of step S604 in FIG. 17 has elapsed since the ending command was set in the RAM 103 in step S620. If the determination in step S621 is YES, the process proceeds to step S622. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S612 in FIG.

  In step S622, the CPU 101 ends the jackpot game being executed. Specifically, the CPU 101 cancels the setting information (typically, information based on a flag) indicating that a big hit game stored in the RAM 103 is in progress, and ends the big hit game. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S623.

  In step S623, the CPU 101 executes a game state setting process. Specifically, when the jackpot game is ended in step S622, the CPU 101 switches the gaming state according to the type of jackpot (the jackpot symbol) this time (that is, the winning probability setting of the special symbol lottery and the electric tulip 27) Switch open settings). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

[Production control processing by production control unit]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400. Below, with reference to FIG. 19, the timer interruption process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 is demonstrated. The effect control unit 400 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 19 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. In addition, the process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 demonstrated based on the flowchart after FIG. 19 is performed based on the program memorize | stored in ROM402.

  In step S11 of FIG. 19, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 receives various commands output from the main control unit 100 by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 10, and sets the effect contents according to the received command. Then, a command reception process is executed for setting various commands in the RAM 403 to instruct the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute the effect of the set effect content. This command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, in step S12, the CPU 401 executes an output process for outputting various commands set in the RAM 403 in the process of step S11 to the image sound control unit 500 or the like. By this process, various effects determined to be executed in the process of step S11 are executed by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, the panel lamp 8, and the like by the execution control of the image sound control unit 500 and the like.

  Note that each time the timer interrupt process described above is executed, the CPU 401 performs a random number update process for updating various effect random numbers used for the effect. Also in this random number update process, a loop counter is typically used as in the random number update process in step S1 of FIG. 10, and the count value (updated random number value) is set to the maximum value (for example, 99). After reaching, it returns to 0 again (that is, it circulates). Also, in this random number update process, each effect random number counter updates the initial value (the value that is the starting point of circulation) at random once it circulates. As a result, the counter value (count value) can be prevented from synchronizing between these effect random numbers.

[Command reception processing]
20 and 21 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the command reception process in step S11 of FIG. Hereinafter, the command reception process in step S11 of FIG. 19 will be described with reference to FIG. 20 and FIG.

  First, in step S111, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether a hold increase command (first hold number increase command or second hold number increase command) is received from the main control unit 100 (FIG. 11). (See steps S206 and S212). If the determination in step S111 is YES, the process proceeds to step S112. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S112, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 in response to the hold increase command received in the process of step S111, and displays a hold image additional display process indicating the hold of the special symbol lottery on the image display unit 6. Then, the hold image display process for changing the hold image to the prefetch display mode is performed. The displayed on-hold images are sequentially deleted when the notification effect is started based on the processing in step S115 described later. Also, the instruction to the image sound control unit 500 is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. In addition, when the CPU 401 receives the first hold number increase command, the RAM 403 causes the RAM 403 to store one piece of data (hold data) indicating the hold of the first special symbol lottery in time series, while the second hold number When the increase command is received, the RAM 403 stores one piece of data (holding data) indicating the holding of the second special symbol lottery in time series order. At that time, the CPU 401 extracts pre-determination information included in the hold increase command, includes it in the above-described hold data, and stores it in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, the CPU 401 performs a prefetch notice effect setting process. Specifically, the CPU 401 stores the special symbol lottery holding number (the number of holding data) stored in the RAM 403 more than 2 including the holding added in step S112, and stores it in the RAM 403 most recently. Whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice effect is determined by lottery or the like based on the prior determination information (that is, included in the latest pending data). For example, the CPU 401 determines that the prior determination information indicates “big hit”, “losing” and “reach effect” (reach effect), or “losing” and “reach effect”. In each of the cases indicating “None” (no reach reach), a prefetch random number is acquired, and when the prefetch random number matches a predetermined prefetch winning value, it is determined to perform the prefetch notice effect. It should be noted that different numbers may be set for the pre-reading winning values depending on whether the pre-determination information is “big hit”, “losing with reach”, or “losing without reach”. Specifically, by setting the number of prefetch winning values in the case of “big hit” larger than the number of prefetching winning values in the case of “losing with reach”, a prefetching notice effect is easily performed in the case of “big hit”. It may be a thing. If it is determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect, the CPU 401 performs a pre-reading notice to be executed by lottery or the like from a number of pre-reading notice effect patterns that satisfy the conditions of the prior determination information (such as the condition of whether or not a big hit) Set the contents of the production. That is, as the pre-reading notice effect, what kind of notice effect is performed in each notification effect is set. Note that the pre-reading notice effect is a notice effect that suggests the possibility of a big hit over a plurality of notification effects, for example. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S114, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect start command and the gaming state notification command set in step S409 of FIG. 12 have been received. If the determination in step S114 is YES, the process proceeds to step S115, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S115, the CPU 401 sets the effect content of the notification effect by the image display unit 6 or the like in accordance with the notification effect start command received in the process of step S114, and executes the notification effect of the set content. A notification effect setting process for instructing and starting 500 or the like is performed. Here, the notification effect (variation effect) is an effect that is executed in the image display unit 6 or the like according to the variation display of the special symbol and suggests the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the decorative symbol is variably displayed. This is an effect in which the result of the special symbol lottery is notified when the decorative symbol that is variably displayed is stopped and displayed. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. This notification effect setting process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect stop command set in the process of step S412 in FIG. 12 has been received. If the determination in step S116 is YES, the process proceeds to step S117. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

  In step S117, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to end the notification effect started to be executed in the process of step S115, and finally stops all the decorative symbols that have been variably displayed (confirmed). Stop the display) and inform the effect of the special symbol lottery. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

  In step S120 in FIG. 21, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the opening command set in the stopping process in step S414 in FIG. 12 has been received. If the determination in step S120 is yes, the process proceeds to step S121. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S121, the CPU 401 issues an opening effect instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start the opening effect of the big hit game effect. Here, the opening effect process executed by the image sound control unit 500 that has received an instruction from the effect control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Opening effect processing]
In step S1210 of FIG. 22, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 that has received an instruction from the effect control unit 400 is based on the opening command received via the effect control unit 400. It is determined whether or not it is a so-called first hit. If the determination in step S1210 is YES, the process moves to step S1211. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S1212.

  In step S <b> 1211, the CPU 501 deletes the history information stored in the RAM 503. By the way, the CPU 501 has, for example, the number of winning balls paid out based on the game ball winnings to the first starting port 21, the second starting port 22, the normal winning port 24, etc. in the normal gaming state, and the big winning port in the big hit gaming state. It stores history information such as the number of prize balls paid out based on the game ball winning to 23 etc., the number of jackpots. Since the history information is erased by the process of step S1211, the payout is made based on the game ball winning to the big winning opening 23 or the like after the opening effect is started (that is, after the big hit game is started). The number of the awarded balls is newly counted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1212.

  In step S <b> 1212, the CPU 501 stores the big hit history in the RAM 503. Specifically, the CPU 501 adds 1 to the value of the jackpot number Wc stored in the RAM 503 and updates the RAM 503 as history information. As a result of this processing, the number of consecutive big hits Wc is stored in the RAM 503 as history information. Note that the jackpot number Wc is set to 0 as an initial value, and is reset to 0 by the processing of step S1211 described above. However, as a reset condition, the gaming state is controlled to the normal gaming state after the jackpot game is over. It is good also as what is reset to 0 on the condition. Further, as the jackpot history, in addition to the jackpot number Wc described above, information indicating the type of jackpot (any one of jackpots A to C shown in FIG. 6) may be stored in the RAM 503. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1213.

  In step S1213, the CPU 501 starts an opening effect. Here, the opening effect is an effect of notifying the start of the big hit game, and is typically an image effect that prompts the player to launch a game ball toward the big prize opening 23. Then, the CPU 501 ends the opening effect process.

  Returning to FIG. 21, in step S122, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round start notification command set in the process of step S608 of FIG. 19 has been received. If the determination in step S122 is YES, the process proceeds to step S123, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S123, the CPU 401 issues a round effect start instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start a round effect process of a big hit game effect. Here, the round effect process executed by the image sound control unit 500 that has received an instruction from the effect control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Round effect processing]
In step S1230 of FIG. 23, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 that has received an instruction from the effect control unit 400 displays information indicating the number of hits Wc stored in the RAM 503 as the big hit history on the image display unit 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1231.

  In step S1231, the CPU 501 displays the current round number on the image display unit 6 based on the information indicating the current round number R included in the round start notification command received via the effect control unit 400. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1232.

  In step S1232, the CPU 501 executes a round effect. Here, the round effect is an effect executed during the round game of the big hit game, for example, an effect by an introduction image of a character related to the theme of the gaming machine. Then, the CPU 501 ends the round effect process.

  Returning to FIG. 21, in step S124, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the winning command set in the process of step S613 in FIG. 19 and output in the output process of step S9 in FIG. 10 has been received. If the determination in step S124 is YES, the process proceeds to step S125, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S125, the CPU 401 issues a winning process instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start a winning process. Here, the winning process executed by the image sound control unit 500 in response to the instruction from the effect control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Winning process]
In step S1250 of FIG. 24, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 that has received an instruction from the effect control unit 400, based on the winning command received via the effect control unit 400, each winning port (first start port 21). The number of game balls won in the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24) is counted up and stored in the RAM 503. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1251.

  In step S1251, when the CPU 501 receives a winning command based on a game ball winning at the big winning opening 23 (that is, when one gaming ball wins at the big winning opening 23), the number of winning balls corresponding to the big winning opening 23 is reached. “13” is added to the total number T of prize balls stored in the RAM 503 to be updated. The award ball total number T is set to 0 as an initial value, and is reset to 0 by the process of step S1211 described above. However, as a reset condition, the gaming state is controlled to the normal gaming state after the big hit game is finished. It may be reset to 0 on condition that As a result of the processing of step S1251, the total number T of winning balls acquired during the big hit is stored in the RAM 503 as the big hit history. In this embodiment, the total number T of winning balls is calculated by adding the number of winning balls paid out based on the game ball winning to the big winning opening 23. Not only the game ball winnings but also the number of winning balls paid out based on the game ball winnings to other winning ports may be added together. For example, when a winning command corresponding to a game ball winning to the first starting port 21 or the second starting port 22 is received, the first starting port is added by adding the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning to the total number T of winning balls. It is also possible to add together the number of prize balls that have been paid out based on the game ball winning to 21 or the second starting port 22. In addition, when a winning command corresponding to a game ball winning at the normal winning opening 24 is received, the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning is added to the total number T of winning balls, so that the gaming ball winning at the normal winning opening 24 is based. It is also possible to add together the number of prize balls that have been paid out. That is, the total number T of the winning balls is added in combination with any of the number of winning balls paid out based on the game ball winnings to the first starting port 21, the second starting port 22, and the normal winning port 24. All may be added. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1252.

  In step S1252, the CPU 501 displays information indicating the total number T of prize balls updated in the RAM 503 by the process in step S1251 on the image display unit 6. Thus, the image display unit 6 displays the total number T of prize balls updated every time a game ball wins the big prize opening 23 during the round game. Then, the CPU 501 ends the winning process.

  Returning to FIG. 21, in step S126, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round end notification command set in the process of step S617 of FIG. 17 has been received. If the determination in step S126 is YES, the process proceeds to step S127, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S127, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to end the round effect of the big hit game effect. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S128, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the ending command set in the process of step S620 in FIG. 18 has been received. If the determination in step S128 is YES, the process proceeds to step S129, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S129, the CPU 401 issues an ending effect instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start the ending effect of the big hit game effect. Here, the ending effect process executed by the image sound control unit 500 that has received an instruction from the effect control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Ending production process]
In step S1290 of FIG. 25, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 that has received an instruction from the effect control unit 400 executes an ending effect. Here, the ending effect is an effect of notifying the end of the big hit game, and is typically an effect of displaying the mark of the manufacturer of the gaming machine 1. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1291.

  In step S1291, based on the ending command, the CPU 501 displays an image of a mode effect (for example, a mode effect indicating that the game state is a probable game state) executed after the ending effect (that is, after the end of the big hit game effect). This is executed in advance in the lower layer of the ending effect displayed in the part 6. Specifically, the ending command is transmitted based on the jackpot symbol (for example, jackpot A shown in FIG. 6) and includes information on the mode performance after the jackpot game ends (in other words, after the jackpot game ends). Since the ending command corresponding to the effect state is transmitted), the CPU 501 knows the mode effect after the end of the big hit game before receiving the game state notification command transmitted with the customer waiting command or the notification effect start command. be able to. For this reason, the CPU 501 executes the mode effect corresponding to each gaming state in advance before the customer waiting command or the notification effect start command is transmitted, so that the mode is immediately set at the timing when the ending effect ends. Production can be started. Then, the CPU 501 ends the ending effect.

  Returning to FIG. 21, in step S <b> 130, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command set in the process of step S <b> 416 in FIG. 12 have been received. If the determination in step S130 is YES, the process proceeds to step S131. If this determination is NO, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

  In step S131, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start the customer waiting process based on the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command received in step S130. Then, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG. Note that the customer waiting process is a process that is started when a so-called customer waiting state is entered, and the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 that is instructed to start the customer waiting process issues, for example, a notification effect start instruction. This customer waiting process is executed until it is received, and the customer waiting process is terminated by receiving a notification production start instruction. However, if the CPU 501 is notified of information indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 25 or information indicating that the game ball has been won at the normal winning opening, the CPU 501 continues without waiting for the customer. . Hereinafter, the customer waiting process executed by the image sound control unit 500 that has received an instruction from the effect control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Waiting for customers]
In step S701 of FIG. 26, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 that has received an instruction from the effect control unit 400 immediately after receiving the customer waiting command via the effect control unit 400 (that is, immediately after entering the customer waiting state). ). If the determination in step S701 is YES, the process proceeds to step S702. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S <b> 702, the CPU 501 starts displaying a customer waiting screen on the image display unit 6. Here, the customer waiting screen is the specified fixed time (0.5 seconds) after the fact that all the decorative symbols that have been variably displayed are completely stopped and the result of the special symbol lottery is reported to be lost It is a stop screen displayed when there is no next notification effect to be executed at the time of display (that is, when there is no hold), and is a screen indicating that the notification effect is not executed ( (See FIG. 30 described later). The customer waiting screen is typically a screen in which an image in which a decorative symbol is completely stopped and displayed at the end of the notification effect is taken over and displayed, but indicates that the notification effect is not executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this typical example. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S703.

  In step S <b> 703, the CPU 501 starts counting the elapsed time X after receiving the customer waiting command, using a counter function capable of measuring time used for control for displaying an image on the image display unit 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S704, the CPU 501 executes initialization request display processing. The initialization request display process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S705.

  In step S <b> 705, the CPU 501 determines whether the customer waiting screen is being displayed on the image display unit 6. If the determination in step S705 is yes, the process proceeds to step S706. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S710.

  In step S706, the CPU 501 determines whether a TOP menu switching operation has been performed. Here, the TOP menu switching operation refers to a predetermined operation on the effect button 37 instructing switching to a TOP menu screen, which will be described later, and in the present embodiment, the image display unit 6 is displaying a customer waiting screen, When a predetermined operation is performed on the effect button 37 during display of a demonstration effect screen, which will be described later, switching to the TOP menu screen is performed. The operation state for the effect button 37 is detected by the lamp control unit 600 and transmitted to the image sound control unit 500 via the effect control unit 400. In the present embodiment, only the TOP menu switching operation can be performed as the button operation of the effect button 37 and the like while the customer waiting screen and the demonstration effect screen are displayed. If the determination in step S706 is YES, the process proceeds to step S708, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S707.

  In step S707, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the elapsed time X after receiving the counted customer waiting command has reached a predetermined time (60 seconds in the present embodiment). That is, it is determined whether or not a period during which no operation is performed after receiving the customer waiting command has continued for 60 seconds. If the determination in step S707 is yes, the process proceeds to step S709. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S710.

  In step S708, the CPU 501 resets the count of the elapsed time X from the reception of the customer waiting command to 0 seconds, and stops the X counting operation. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S709.

  In step S709, the CPU 501 starts displaying the TOP menu screen on the image display unit 6 and starts counting the execution time Y of the menu screen display using a counter function capable of measuring time. The process moves to step S710. Here, the TOP menu screen is a screen on which a menu selection screen including a plurality of menu items (for example, “character selection” menu and “actual machine customization” menu) is displayed as shown in FIG. 33 described later. Here, the menu selection screen corresponds to the menu item by the player operating the effect key 38 to select any menu item and operating the effect button 37 to determine the menu item. This screen suggests that you can move to the submenu screen. In this embodiment, by determining one of the menu items from the TOP menu screen, the sub menu screen corresponding to the menu item is displayed. In the following, the TOP menu screen and the sub menu screen are collectively displayed. It will be simply referred to as a menu screen. As described above, in this embodiment, there is a TOP menu switching operation while the customer waiting screen is displayed, or a period in which no operation is performed after receiving the customer waiting command continues for a predetermined time (60 seconds). Then, the display is switched to the TOP menu screen.

  In step S <b> 710, the CPU 501 determines whether a menu screen is being displayed on the image display unit 6. If the determination in step S710 is yes, the process proceeds to step S711. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S716. In the present embodiment, as the customer waiting process, the image display unit 6 displays any one of a customer waiting screen, a menu screen, and a demonstration effect screen described later. Therefore, if the determination in step S705 is NO and the determination in step S710 is NO, the demonstration display screen is displayed on the image display unit 6.

  In step S711, the CPU 501 determines whether or not there has been a menu determination operation such as determining a menu item on the menu screen. If the determination in step S711 is YES, the process proceeds to step S712. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S713.

  In step S712, the CPU 501 executes menu determination processing. Here, the menu determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

[Menu decision processing]
In step S7121 of FIG. 27, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 determines whether the menu determination operation is an operation for determining a predetermined character (for example, character B) on the character selection screen. Here, the character selection screen is a screen that is shifted by selecting the “character selection” menu on the TOP menu screen, and can be selected as shown in FIG. 34 (specifically, characters A to H). Is a screen on which a character image CI indicating the character and an explanation (description image) of the characteristics of the character are displayed. If the determination in step S7121 is YES, the process moves to step S7122, and if this determination is NO, the process moves to step S7123.

  In step S7122, the CPU 501 transmits information on the selected character to the effect control unit 400, thereby updating and storing the information on the selected character in the RAM 403 of the effect control unit 400. Further, the CPU 501 turns on the customization flag and stores it in the RAM 503. Here, the customization flag is a flag indicating that the setting is customized by the player when it is ON. In the process of step S7122, information on the character selected by the player is stored in the RAM 403, so that an effect related to the selected character (a temporary stop effect described later) is executed in a special manner. The details will be described later. Thereafter, processing proceeds to step S7125.

  In step S <b> 7123, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 determines whether the menu determination operation is an operation for determining the effect customization setting on the effect customization screen. Here, the effect customization screen is a screen that is shifted by selecting the “effect customization” menu on the actual device customization screen (see FIG. 35) that has been shifted by selecting the “actual device customization” menu on the TOP menu screen. Although details are not shown, on the production customization screen, customization related to production (for example, production customization that improves the occurrence frequency of rare productions that are less frequently generated, and the frequency at which confirmation notification sounds are generated in the case of big hits) Can be determined. If the determination in step S7123 is YES, the process moves to step S7124. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S7125.

  In step S <b> 7124, the CPU 501 transmits the determined production customization setting information to the production control unit 400 to update and store the production customization setting information in the RAM 403 of the production control unit 400. Further, the CPU 501 turns on the customization flag and stores it in the RAM 503. In the process of step S7122, the setting information of the effect customization determined by the player is stored in the RAM 403, so that, for example, the frequency of rare effects is improved in the notification effect controlled by the effect control unit 400. Or, the occurrence frequency of the definite notification sound is improved. Thereafter, processing proceeds to step S7125.

  In step S7125, the CPU 501 displays a predetermined corresponding screen corresponding to the operation. For example, when a “return” operation is performed on the TOP menu screen, the TOP menu screen is displayed. When a “decision” operation is performed on the character, a notification screen indicating that the character has been determined is displayed. indicate. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7126.

  In step S7126, the CPU 501 resets the count of the menu screen display execution time Y to 0 seconds and restarts the Y count operation. Further, when the count of the elapsed time X since the reception of the customer waiting command has not been reset, the count is reset to 0 seconds and the X counting operation is stopped. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S713 in FIG.

  In step S713 of FIG. 26, the CPU 501 determines whether the elapsed time X from the reception of the counted customer waiting command has reached a predetermined time (90 seconds in the present embodiment) or the menu display being counted. It is determined whether or not the execution time Y has reached a predetermined time (90 seconds in the present embodiment). That is, it is determined whether a period during which no operation is performed after receiving the customer waiting command is continued for 90 seconds, or a period during which the menu screen is displayed without any operation is continued for 90 seconds. To do. If the determination in step S713 is yes, the process proceeds to step S714. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S716.

  In step S714, the CPU 501 starts displaying the demonstration effect screen on the image display unit 6, and then the process proceeds to step S715. Here, the demonstration effect is, for example, an effect of displaying a video related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 for a predetermined time (for example, a playback time of 60 seconds). The effect suggests that the game has been interrupted or ended, and the occurrence of image sticking (ghost image) on the image display unit 6 is prevented. As described above, in this embodiment, when an operation such as a menu determination operation is performed, the count of the menu screen display execution time Y is reset to 0 seconds, and the count is restarted from 0 seconds (described above). (See step S7126 in FIG. 27). Therefore, in this embodiment, the time during which the menu determination operation or the like is not performed during the display of the menu screen continues for a predetermined time (90 seconds) (that is, the no-operation period reaches the predetermined time), or the customer When a period in which no operation is performed after receiving the wait command is continued for a predetermined time (90 seconds), the display is switched to the demonstration effect screen.

  In step S715, the CPU 501 starts counting the execution time Z for displaying the demonstration effect screen using the counter function capable of measuring time, and resets the count for the execution time Y for displaying the menu screen to 0 seconds. , Y count operation is stopped, or if the count of elapsed time X after reception of the customer waiting command is not reset, it is reset to 0 seconds and X count operation is stopped. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S716.

  In step S716, the CPU 501 determines whether or not there has been a TOP menu switching operation during display of the demonstration effect screen. As described above, in the present embodiment, only the TOP menu switching operation can be performed as a button operation while the demonstration effect screen is displayed. If the determination in step S716 is YES, the process proceeds to step S718, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S717.

  In step S717, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the counted execution time Z of the demonstration effect screen has reached a predetermined time (60 seconds in the present embodiment). That is, it is determined whether the demonstration effect screen is continuously displayed for 60 seconds. If the determination in step S717 is YES, the process proceeds to step S718. If this determination is NO, the series of customer waiting processes is terminated, and the process illustrated in FIG. 26 is repeatedly performed again at the timing of the next timer interrupt process. To do.

  In step S718, the CPU 501 starts displaying the TOP menu screen on the image display unit 6, and then the process proceeds to step S719. That is, in this embodiment, when there is a TOP menu switching operation during the display of the demonstration effect screen, or when the display time of the demonstration effect screen reaches a predetermined time (60 seconds), the display is switched to the TOP menu screen. In this embodiment, when the display time of the demonstration effect screen reaches a predetermined time (60 seconds), the display is switched to the TOP menu screen, but may be switched to the customer waiting screen.

  In step S719, the CPU 501 starts counting the execution time Y of the menu screen display using the counter function capable of measuring time, and resets the count of the execution time Z of the display of the demonstration effect screen to 0 seconds. , Z count operation is stopped. Then, a series of customer waiting processes are terminated, and the process shown in FIG. 26 is repeatedly executed again at the timing of the next timer interrupt process.

[Initialization request display processing]
Next, an initialization request display process by the image sound control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a detailed flowchart showing an example of the initialization request display process in step S704 of FIG.

  In step S7041 of FIG. 28, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 determines whether or not the customization flag stored in the RAM 503 is ON. If the determination in step S7041 is YES, the process moves to step S7042, and if this determination is NO, the process moves to step S7051.

  In step S7042, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the elapsed time X after receiving the counted customer waiting command has reached a predetermined time (30 seconds in the present embodiment). That is, it is determined whether or not a period during which no operation is performed after receiving the customer waiting command has continued for 30 seconds. If the determination in step S7042 is YES, the process moves to step S7043. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S7044.

  In step S7043, the CPU 501 displays a customization initialization confirmation screen on the image display unit 6, and then the process proceeds to step S7044. Here, the customization initialization confirmation screen is a screen for allowing the player to confirm whether or not the customization may be initialized, as shown in FIG. 31 described later, and “YES” displayed on the screen is displayed. When selected and determined, the customization setting is initialized, and when “NO” is selected and determined, the customization setting is maintained. Further, the customization setting indicates various setting information that can be set by the player. In the present embodiment, the setting information of the character selected on the character selection screen (see FIG. 34) or the setting on the effect customization screen is set. Setting information for the effect customization to be performed is included. By displaying the customization initialization confirmation screen, for example, when a player changes, it is possible to prevent the customization setting of the player who has played before from being used continuously. Note that the customization initialization confirmation screen displayed by the processing in step S7043 is in the upper layer of any one of the customer waiting screen, menu screen, and demonstration effect screen already displayed on the image display unit 6 (that is, By being displayed (simultaneously with these displays), it is always visible to the player.

  In step S7044, the CPU 501 determines whether the customization initialization confirmation screen is being displayed on the image display unit 6. If the determination in step S7044 is YES, the process moves to step S7045. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S7051.

  In step S7045, the CPU 501 determines whether “YES” has been determined on the customization initialization confirmation screen. If the determination in step S7045 is YES, the process moves to step S7046. If this determination is NO, the process moves to step S7049.

  In step S <b> 7046, the CPU 501 instructs the effect control unit 400 to clear customization settings, thereby clearing the customization settings (for example, character and effect customization setting information) stored in the RAM 403 of the effect control unit 400. In addition, the CPU 501 turns off the customization flag stored in the RAM 503. At this time, in the present embodiment, the customization setting is cleared at the same time in consideration of the case where the player does not newly select the character or set the customization of the effect (that is, the customization is not set). The initial information of the character selected by the random lottery and the preset initial setting information of the effect customization are stored in the RAM 403 as temporary customization settings. As a result, when the player does not make customization settings, the game is played based on the temporary customization settings stored in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7047.

  In step S7047, the CPU 501 displays a customization initialization completion screen on the image display unit 6, and then the process proceeds to step S7048. Here, the customization initialization completion screen is a screen for notifying that the customization initialization is completed, as shown in FIG. 32 to be described later. When “return” displayed on the screen is selected and determined, The screen is hidden. Note that the customization initialization completion screen displayed by the processing in step S7047 is displayed on the upper layer of any one of the customer waiting screen, menu screen, and demonstration effect screen already displayed on the image display unit 6. .

  In step S <b> 7048, the CPU 501 starts counting the elapsed time P after displaying the customization initialization completion screen by using a counter function capable of measuring time used for control for displaying an image on the image display unit 6. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7051.

  In step S <b> 7049, the CPU 501 determines whether “NO” has been determined on the customization initialization confirmation screen. If the determination in step S7049 is YES, the process proceeds to step S7050. If the determination is NO, the initialization request display process ends, and the process proceeds to step S705 in FIG. 26 (ie, customization initialization confirmation). The screen continues to display).

  In step S7050, the CPU 501 hides the customization initialization confirmation screen displayed on the image display unit 6. Then, the initialization request display process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S705 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 7051, the CPU 501 determines whether or not a customization initialization completion screen is being displayed on the image display unit 6. If the determination in step S7051 is YES, the process proceeds to step S7052, and if this determination is NO, the initialization request display process ends, and the process proceeds to step S705 in FIG.

  In step S7052, the CPU 501 determines whether or not “return” is determined on the customization initialization completion screen, or whether or not the elapsed time P counted has reached a predetermined time (5 seconds in the present embodiment). To do. If the determination in step S7052 is YES, the process moves to step S7053. If the determination is NO, the initialization request display process ends, and the process moves to step S705 in FIG.

  In step S7053, the CPU 501 hides the customization initialization completion screen displayed on the image display unit 6, resets the count of elapsed time P to 0 seconds, and stops the count operation of P. Then, the initialization request display process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S705 in FIG.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the customization initialization confirmation screen is displayed when the elapsed time X after receiving the customer waiting command reaches 30 seconds, but the elapsed time X reaches 30 seconds. If the operation for switching to the TOP menu has been performed before, the elapsed time X is reset (see step S708 in FIG. 26), so that the customization initialization confirmation screen is not displayed. This is due to the following reason. In other words, when a player changes, it is usual that 30 seconds or more have elapsed since entering the customer waiting state, and conversely, TOP 30 minutes after entering the customer waiting state until 30 seconds have elapsed. When there is a switching operation to the menu, there is a high possibility that the player has not changed. For this reason, in this case, it is assumed that confirmation of customization settings is unnecessary for the same player, and the initialization confirmation screen is not displayed. On the other hand, when the player is changing, the customization initialization confirmation screen is displayed because there is a high possibility that the elapsed time X after receiving the customer waiting command has passed 30 seconds or more. When neither “YES” nor “NO” is determined on the confirmation screen (see NO in step S7049 in FIG. 28), this confirmation screen is continuously displayed. When the elapsed time X after receiving the customer waiting command is less than 60 seconds, a confirmation screen is displayed on the upper layer of the customer waiting screen, and when the elapsed time X is 60 seconds or more and less than 90 seconds, TOP A confirmation screen is displayed on the upper layer of the menu screen, and when the elapsed time X has passed 90 seconds, a confirmation screen is displayed on the upper layer of the demonstration effect screen. As described above, when no determination operation is performed on the customization initialization confirmation screen, customization initialization confirmation is always performed in an upper layer of the rendering layer, regardless of what effect is performed on the image display unit 6. Since the screen is displayed, it is possible to effectively prevent the customization setting of the player who has played before from being used continuously. When “NO” is determined on the customization initial initialization confirmation screen, a time of no operation is measured after the determination is made, and when the time reaches a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds), By displaying the customization initialization confirmation screen again, the player may be prompted to initialize customization settings again (that is, to determine “YES”).

[Direction in customer waiting state]
Next, effects in the customer waiting state realized by the customer waiting process by the image sound control unit 500 described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28 will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 43.

  First, with reference to FIG. 29, the transition of the screen displayed in the image display part 6 in a customer waiting state is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 29, in this embodiment, the screen displayed on the image display unit 6 in the customer waiting state is the “customer waiting screen”, “TOP menu screen”, “various selection screen”, and “demonstration effect screen”. The screen transitions between any of the above. Also, the customization initialization confirmation screen is displayed or hidden in the upper layer of any of these screens.

  First, when entering a customer waiting state, a “customer waiting screen” is displayed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 30, as the customer waiting screen, a screen in which the decorative symbols DI are stopped and displayed is displayed, and it is suggested that a transition to the TOP menu screen is performed by operating the effect button 37. An image (character image) is displayed.

  Next, when 30 seconds have elapsed since the customer waiting state was entered when the customization setting has not been cleared, the initialization of the customization is confirmed in the upper layer of the customer waiting screen as shown in FIG. A customization initialization confirmation screen is displayed (prompt selection of “YES” or “NO”) (see arrow A in FIG. 29). Then, when customization is initialized on this customization initialization confirmation screen (that is, when “YES” is selected), a customization initialization completion screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 32. In this customization initialization completion screen, When “return” is decided or 5 seconds elapses without any operation, the customization initialization completion screen is hidden. On the other hand, if the customization initialization is not performed on the customization initialization confirmation screen shown in FIG. 31 (that is, if “NO” is selected), the customization initialization confirmation screen is not displayed. Further, when neither “YES” nor “NO” is selected on the customization initialization confirmation screen (that is, no operation is performed), the screen is continuously displayed, so that the player can The operation is prompted.

  When 60 seconds have elapsed since entering the customer waiting state or when a TOP menu switching operation is executed on the customer waiting screen, a TOP menu screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 33 (see arrow B in FIG. 29). A menu selection screen composed of a plurality of menu items is displayed on the TOP menu screen shown in FIG. On the menu selection screen, for example, a “character selection” menu and an “actual machine customization” menu are displayed as a plurality of menu items. By selecting one of the menu items, the corresponding selection screen is displayed (see FIG. 29). (See arrow C). Hereinafter, various selection screens will be described in detail.

  When the “character selection” menu is selected on the menu selection screen of the TOP menu screen, a character selection screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 34 (see arrow C in FIG. 29). On the character selection screen shown in FIG. 34, a character image CI and an explanatory image (character image) for explaining the characteristics of the character image CI are displayed. The character image CI is an image showing characters (characters A to H) related to the gaming machine theme that can be selected by the player, and the player can select one character from a plurality of characters (characters A to H). For example, when the character is switched and displayed by using the left and right keys of the production key 38, a character image CI indicating the switched character is displayed, and an explanation image associated with the switched character is displayed. Is displayed. Therefore, the player can select a favorite character (character image CI) with reference to the explanation image.

  When the “actual machine customization” menu is selected on the menu selection screen of the TOP menu screen, an actual machine customization screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 35 (see arrow C in FIG. 29). Further, when the “production customization” menu is selected on the actual machine customization screen, the production customization (changing the occurrence frequency of the specific production, etc.) can be executed. In addition, the customization setting can be cleared by selecting “Initialize customization” on the actual machine customization screen. Therefore, the customization setting can be cleared even when the customization initialization confirmation screen is not displayed.

  In the above-described various selection screens, a “return” operation to the TOP menu screen is performed to display the TOP menu screen (see arrow D in FIG. 29).

  When 90 seconds have elapsed since entering the customer waiting state, or when 90 seconds have elapsed from no operation on the TOP menu screen, a demonstration effect screen is displayed (see arrow E in FIG. 29). In addition, even if 90 seconds have passed since no operation on the various selection screens, the demonstration effect screen is similarly displayed (see arrow F in FIG. 29). When the demonstration production starts, the game machine logo is displayed as the opening screen, the character introduction screen related to the game machine theme is displayed, and the game machine title is displayed. By displaying the same screen as the TOP menu screen, the screen smoothly transitions to the TOP menu screen to be switched and displayed next.

  In the demonstration effect screen, when the predetermined demonstration effect time (60 seconds) elapses or the TOP menu switching operation is executed, the TOP menu screen is displayed (see arrow G in FIG. 29).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the player changes the screen displayed on the image display unit 6 to the character selection screen using the effect button 37 or the like when waiting for a customer, It is possible to select a desired character (characters A to H). Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, for each selectable character, a decorative symbol in which a character symbol representing the character is drawn is prepared (see FIG. 38 to be described later), and the decorative symbol is used. The effect at the time of temporary stop using the decorative pattern corresponding to the character selected by the player is executed when another effect (player) is executed. This is executed in an effect mode different from the temporary stop effect using the decorative symbol corresponding to the character that is not selected (see FIG. 40 described later). Hereinafter, the processing executed by the effect control unit 400 and the image sound control unit 500 in order to execute the temporary stop effect will be specifically described.

[Notification effect setting processing]
First, the notification effect setting process by the effect control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 36 is a detailed flowchart showing an example of the notification effect setting process in step S115 of FIG.

  First, in step S801, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines an effect mode for the notification effect to be executed this time. Here, the effect mode is an effect mode in the notification effect, and in this embodiment, as the effect mode in the probability variation game state, the red background effect mode with the notification effect as a red background is executed, and the effect in the normal game state As a mode, a blue background effect mode in which the notification effect is a blue background or a green background effect mode in which the notification effect is a green background is executed. Specifically, when the gaming state notification command received in step S114 of FIG. 20 indicates the probability variation gaming state, the CPU 401 determines the effect mode in the notification effect to be executed this time as the red background effect mode. On the other hand, when the gaming state notification command indicates the normal gaming state, the CPU 401 determines the effect mode in the notification effect to be executed this time to the blue background effect mode or the green background effect mode by lottery, for example. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S802.

  In step S802, the CPU 401 determines an effect pattern to be executed in the current notification effect based on the setting information included in the notification effect start command received in step S114 of FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 16, when the variation pattern (special symbol variation time) indicated by the setting information is “90.05 seconds”, the CPU 401 executes the first SPSP reach and hits the jackpot. An effect pattern (per 1st SPSP) to be notified is determined, and when the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is “90.04 seconds”, an effect pattern (per 2nd SPSP) to be executed by executing up to the second SPSP reach is determined. When the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is “90.03 seconds”, the effect pattern (per third SPSP) that is executed up to the third SPSP reach is determined and the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is “90.02”. In the case of “second”, an effect pattern (per 4th SPSP) is determined by executing up to the fourth SPSP reach, and the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is In the case of “90.01 seconds”, the effect pattern (per 5th SPSP) is determined by executing up to the fifth SPSP reach, and if the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is “40.03 seconds”, the first SP reach is determined. Until the second SP reach is executed and the effect pattern (second SP) is executed when the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is “40.02 seconds”. If the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is “40.01 seconds”, the effect pattern (per third SP) to be executed by performing up to the third SP reach to determine the big hit is determined, and the variation pattern indicated by the setting information Is “15.01 seconds”, an effect pattern (per reach) is determined by performing up to reach and informing the big hit. In addition, when the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is “90.10 seconds”, the CPU 401 determines an effect pattern (first SPSP loss) that is executed up to the first SPSP reach and notifies the loss, and the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is “ In the case of “90.09 seconds”, the effect pattern (second SPSP loss) is determined by executing up to the second SPSP reach, and when the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is “90.08 seconds”, the third SPSP reach is determined. Until the fourth SPSP reach is executed when the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is “90.07 seconds” (fourth SPSP). If the fluctuation pattern indicated by the setting information is “90.06 seconds”, the actual value up to the fifth SPSP reach is Then, the effect pattern to be notified of the loss (fifth SPSP loss) is determined, and when the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is “40.06 seconds”, the effect pattern to be notified by executing the first SP reach (first SP loss) When the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is “40.05 seconds”, the effect pattern (second SP loss) that is executed by performing up to the second SP reach is notified, and the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is “ In the case of “40.04 seconds”, the effect pattern (third SP loss) to be notified by executing until the third SP reach is determined, and when the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is “15.02 seconds”, the reach is executed. Then, the effect pattern (reach loss) to be notified of the loss is determined, and if the fluctuation pattern indicated by the setting information is “13.50 seconds” or less, the reach is not executed and To determine the effect pattern (the immediate loss) to record the broadcast. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S803.

  In step S803, the CPU 401 determines the detailed content (scenario) of the effect based on the effect pattern determined in step S802. Specifically, the CPU 401 determines an effect (reach effect or immediate lose effect) to be finally executed based on the effect pattern determined in step S802. At that time, when the decorative design is stopped and displayed. The type of symbol (so-called outcome) is determined based on production random numbers, etc., and what kind of notice production is configured as a scenario until the final production is executed based on production random numbers, etc. To decide. Note that the notice effect is a variety of effects that are executed before or during the effect determined based on the effect pattern. For example, the decorative design is displayed in a variable manner. Tentative stop effect that suggests the possibility of executing the reach formation effect, the reach formation effect where the decorative symbol is in the reach state, or the reach eye formation effect or the pseudo continuous effect (Fig. 42, which will be described later). 43) and a cut-in effect for notifying the reliability during the reach effect. Further, the table for inquiring the extracted effect random numbers differs depending on the effect pattern determined in step S802 (for example, the notice effect that increases the player's expectation as the reliability of the determined effect pattern is higher). By referring to a table that is easily executed, the notice effect that is configured differs according to the effect pattern (that is, according to the variation pattern). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S804. Details of this effect content determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S804, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute the notification effect of the effect content determined in step S803. Thereafter, the notification effect setting process ends, and the process proceeds to step S116 in FIG. The CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 that has received the notification effect instruction from the effect control unit 400 sets a schedule such as the execution timing and execution time of the configured notice effect based on the instructed contents of the effect. Then, an effect execution process for executing each notice effect or the like according to the schedule is performed. The effect execution process by the image sound control unit 500 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[Production content decision processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 37, an effect content determination process by the effect control unit 400 will be described. FIG. 37 is a detailed flowchart showing an example of the effect content determination process in step S803 of FIG.

  First, in step S8031, the CPU 401 displays the decoration pattern DI (see FIG. 38) based on the effect pattern determined in step S802 in FIG. Eye). Here, with reference to FIG. 38, the decorative design in this embodiment is demonstrated first.

[Decorative design]
In this embodiment, when the special symbol variation display is started, three decorative symbols DI (DI1 to DI3) are variably displayed on the image display unit 6 as shown in FIG. Specifically, after the first decorative design DI1 arranged on the left and the second decorative design DI2 arranged on the right are displayed in a variable manner, the temporary decorative display is sequentially displayed, and finally the third decorative design arranged in the center. After the decorative symbol DI3 is temporarily stopped and displayed, the three decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are completely stopped and displayed, so that the determination result of the special symbol lottery is effectively notified. The temporary stop means that the player can recognize that the variation of the decorative symbol DI has stopped, and is not completely stopped. For example, in a state in which the decoration symbol DI slightly fluctuates up and down. By displaying, it is shown that the special symbol is still changing.

  As shown in (2) of FIG. 38, the decorative design DI has a so-called “outing” number design that can be notified of a big hit by aligning three (or matching a specific pattern). The reach state is reached when the two first decorative symbols DI1 and the second decorative symbol DI2 are aligned except for the third decorative symbol DI3 that is stopped and displayed at the end, and the three decorative symbols DI are stopped and displayed. The winning result (whether it is a big hit or not) is confirmed and notified. In the present embodiment, in addition to the above-described number symbol that can notify the jackpot, the character symbol corresponding to the number symbol is drawn as the background symbol of the number symbol. Specifically, as shown in (2) of FIG. 38, a character design representing “character A” is drawn as a background design of a decorative design DI in which “1” is drawn as a numeric design. As described above, in the present embodiment, the numerical design and the character design of the decorative design DI are associated with each other. Specifically, as shown in (3) of FIG. 38, the numbers “1” to “9” are associated. Among the symbols, the numeric symbol “1” corresponds to “Character A”, the numeric symbol “2” corresponds to “Character B”, the numeric symbol “3” corresponds to “Character C”, and the numeric symbol “4”. "Corresponds to" Character D ", the numerical symbol" 5 "corresponds to" Character E ", the numerical symbol" 6 "corresponds to" Character F ", and the numerical symbol" 8 "corresponds to" Character G ". The numerical symbol “9” corresponds to “character H”. The characters A to H are characters that can be selected by the player on the character selection screen (see FIG. 34) when waiting for a customer. Therefore, in this embodiment, every time the special symbol is variably displayed, the decorative symbol DI on which the character symbol representing the character that can be selected by the player is drawn is variably displayed. Note that the numeric symbol “7” is a special symbol different from other numeric symbols, and is not associated with the character symbol. Specifically, the number symbol “7” is a symbol that suggests that if the number symbol is a jackpot, the jackpot with the highest degree of profit (for example, jackpot C shown in FIG. 6) is suggested. It is a symbol used as an opportunity to generate a pseudo-continuous effect by being temporarily stopped and displayed as the decorative symbol DI3.

  Returning to FIG. 37, in step S8031, the CPU 401 determines, for example, that the decorative pattern DI1 if the effect pattern determined in step S802 of FIG. 36 is an effect pattern indicating a big hit (that is, a reach effect is executed). As a result (numerical symbol) when DI3 is stopped and displayed, a winning symbol that is a big hit after reach is determined by lottery by lottery (for example, “1”, “1”, “1” in order of arrangement from the left). As a result, after the appearances of the decorative symbols DI1 and DI2 are aligned at “1” and temporarily stopped (become reachable), the decorative symbol DI3 is finally aligned at the same output “1”. A stop is displayed and a big hit is announced. Further, for example, if the effect pattern determined in step S802 is a reach effect and an effect pattern indicating a loss, the CPU 401 stops the display of the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 (numerical symbols). ) As a numerical symbol (for example, “1”, “2”, “1” in order of arrangement from the left) by lottery. As a result, after the appearances of the decorative symbols DI1 and DI2 are aligned at “1” and temporarily stopped (the reach is established), the decorative symbol DI3 is finally different from the reach “1”. A stop display is displayed at “2”, and a loss is notified. Further, for example, when the effect pattern determined in step S802 is an effect pattern indicating a loss that does not execute the reach effect, the CPU 401 immediately uses the decoration pattern DI1 to DI3 as the outcome (numerical symbol) when stopping display. It is determined by lottery that one of the number symbols (for example, “1”, “4”, “5” in the order of arrangement from the left) is lost. As a result, the decorative symbols DI1 and DI2 are temporarily stopped and displayed at different outcomes “1” and “5”, and finally, the decorative symbol DI3 is stopped and displayed to notify the user of the loss. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8032.

  In step S8032, the CPU 401 determines the type of notice effect. Specifically, the CPU 401 performs, as a preliminary announcement effect to be executed based on the effect random number according to the effect pattern determined in step S802 of FIG. 36, a pseudo-continuous effect, a reach eye establishment effect, a temporary stop effect, Then, it is determined whether or not to execute a cut-in effect or the like. It is to be noted that the higher the reliability of the production pattern determined in step S802, the higher the reliability of the player's expectation, and it is decided to execute a notice production (multiple pseudo-continuous production and highly reliable cut-in production) It is easy to be done. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8033.

  In step S8033, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the temporary stop effect is included in the notice effect determined to be executed in step S8032. Here, in the present embodiment, the temporary stop effect is the first decorative symbol DI1 displayed temporarily after the first decorative symbol DI1 is temporarily stopped, and then the second decorative symbol DI2 and the third decorative symbol DI1. This is an effect suggesting how the decorative symbol DI3 is temporarily displayed, and a predetermined line is uttered from the character represented as the character symbol of the first decorative symbol DI1 displayed temporarily ( That is, the sound is output), and an image showing the speech (character) is displayed in a balloon. More specifically, if the second decorative design DI2 suggests the possibility of temporary stop display (that is, reach reach is established) with the same appearance (numerical design) as the first decorative design DI1, As the stop effect, for example, a speech such as “Leach is!” Or “Reach is?” Is produced and an effect is displayed in which the characters of the speech are displayed. In addition, the second decorative design DI2 is slid to the next transition (for example, “2”) instead of the same output (for example, “1”) as the first decorative design DI1, and is temporarily stopped and displayed. In the case of suggesting the possibility of temporary stop display (in other words, the pseudo-continuous effect is executed) with the outcome (numerical symbol “7”) that triggers the pseudo-continuous effect as DI3, For example, a line such as “It's slipping!” Or “Is it slipping?” Is uttered, and an effect is displayed in which the words of the line are displayed. If the determination in step S8033 is YES, the process moves to step S8034. If the determination is NO, the effect content determination process ends, and the process moves to step S804 in FIG.

  In step S8034, the CPU 401 determines that the character of the character design corresponding to the appearance of the first decorative design DI1 (numerical design) out of the appearance of the decorative design DI determined in step S8031 is the character selected by the player. (That is, it matches the character information stored in the RAM 403). If the determination in step S8034 is YES, the process proceeds to step S8035, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S8036.

  In step S8035, the CPU 401 refers to the special effect table, determines the effect contents of the temporary stop effect corresponding to the character of the character symbol corresponding to the appearance (numerical symbol) of the first decorative symbol DI1, and thereafter the effect. The content determination process ends, and the process moves to step S804 in FIG. In other words, the CPU 401 temporarily stops by referring to the special effect table when the character of the character design corresponding to the appearance (numerical design) of the first decorative design DI1 is the character selected by the player. The contents of the production of the time production are determined. The special effect table will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S8036, the CPU 401 refers to the normal performance table, determines the content of the temporary stop performance corresponding to the character of the character design corresponding to the appearance (numerical design) of the first decorative design DI1, and then the performance. The content determination process ends, and the process moves to step S804 in FIG. That is, the CPU 401 temporarily stops by referring to the normal performance table when the character of the character design corresponding to the appearance (numerical design) of the first decorative design DI1 is not the character selected by the player. The contents of the production of the time production are determined. The normal performance table will be described later with reference to FIG.

[Normal production table and special production table]
Next, the normal effect table and the special effect table will be described with reference to FIG. First, the normal performance table will be described with reference to (1) of FIG. As shown in (1) of FIG. 39, the normal performance table is a content (line) of effects executed as a temporary stop effect for each character represented as a character symbol of the decorative symbol DI1 displayed temporarily. And the production mode is defined. For example, four lines, “Leach!”, “Reach?”, “Slide!”, And “Slide?” Are defined as temporary stop lines corresponding to character A, and correspond to character B. There are four provisions for the temporary stop effect: “It ’s not reach!”, “Is not reach?”, “It ’s not slippery!”, “I ’m not slippery?” The contents are the same, but different lines are defined. In the present embodiment, lines having different expressions are defined for each character as described above, but lines having the same expression may be used for all characters.

  Further, which of the four lines of the temporary stop effect corresponding to each character is to be executed is determined according to the content of the notice effect determined in step S8032 of FIG. Specifically, for example, when “1” is determined as the outcome of the first decorative symbol DI1, and the temporary stop effect corresponding to “character A” is determined, the reach eye establishment effect is provided as the notice effect. When it is executed, “Reach!” Is more easily selected than “Leach is?” As the line for the temporary stop effect, and when the reach eye formation effect is not executed as the notice effect, “Reach?” Is easier to select than “Reach!” As a line. This ease of selection is set, for example, by appropriately changing the random number range of the effect random numbers assigned in correspondence with the lines of each temporary stop effect depending on which notice effect is determined. For this reason, there is a possibility that the reach will actually be established when the temporary stop effect “Reach!” Is executed, compared to when the “reach?” Temporary stop effect is executed. Get higher. Similarly, when “1” is determined as the outcome of the first decorative design DI1 and a temporary stop effect corresponding to “character A” is determined, a pseudo-continuous effect is executed as a notice effect. In this case, “Sliding!” Is easier to select than “Slip?” As the temporary stop effect, and if the pseudo-continuous effect is not executed as the notice effect, “slip” “Sliding?” Is set more easily than “Is it slippery?”, So that the “sliding!” Temporary stop effect is executed when the “sliding!” Temporary stop effect is executed. There is a higher possibility that the pseudo-continuous production will actually be executed than when is executed.

  In the normal effect table, it is defined in what effect mode the contents (lines) of a plurality of effects associated with each character are executed. Specifically, in the normal effect table, as the effect mode, the color of the displayed words, the size of the displayed characters, and the volume of the spoken speech are defined. In the normal performance table in the present embodiment, the same performance mode is defined in common for all characters and all lines. Specifically, the color of the line characters is “white”. The character size is defined as “small” (for example, 10 pt), and the volume of the speech is defined as “small” (for example, volume level 2). In the following, the production mode defined in the normal production table is referred to as a normal mode.

  Next, the special effect table will be described with reference to (2) of FIG. As shown in (2) of FIG. 39, in the special effect table as well as the normal effect table, for each character represented as the character symbol of the decorative symbol DI1 displayed in a temporary stop, the special effect table is executed as a temporary stop effect. The contents of the production (line) and the production mode (line) are defined. In the present embodiment, the temporary stop line corresponding to each character is the same in the normal stage table and the special stage table. However, the line effect mode differs between the special effect table and the normal effect table. Specifically, in the special effect table in the present embodiment, the same effect mode is defined in common for all characters and all lines, and specifically, the color of the words of the lines is “red”. Yes, the character size of the line is defined as “large” (for example, 30 pt), and the volume of the line is defined as “large” (for example, volume level 6). In the following, the production mode defined in the special production table is referred to as a special mode.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the effect mode (normal mode) of the temporary stop effect specified in the normal effect table is different from the effect mode (special aspect) of the temporary stop effect specified in the special effect table. Thus, depending on whether or not the character represented as the character symbol corresponding to the appearance (numerical symbol) of the first decorative symbol DI1 is the character selected by the player, the effect mode of the temporary stop effect Will be different. Specifically, when the character A is selected by the player, the character represented as the character design corresponding to the appearance (numerical design) of the first decorative design DI1 is the character selected by the player. When there is no character (for example, character B), the normal performance table is referred to, so as shown in (1) of FIG. 40, the character of the speech uttered by the character (character B) is white, and its size is The sound is small and the sound generated is small. On the other hand, when the character represented as the character design corresponding to the appearance (numerical design) of the first decorative design DI1 is the character (character A) selected by the player, the special effect table is referred to. Therefore, as shown in (2) of FIG. 40, the character of the speech uttered by the character (character A) is red, its size is large, and the generated sound of the speech is also large. In other words, the temporary stop effect by the decorative design in which the character design of the character selected by the player is drawn is more conspicuous than the temporary stop effect by the decorative design in which the character design of the character not selected by the player is drawn. It is executed in a production manner.

  In the special effect table described above, the same effect mode (special mode) is defined in common for all characters and all lines, but is different from the normal mode (for example, more conspicuous than the normal mode). ) If it is a mode, it may be a different mode for each character. Specifically, for example, it is assumed that the color of the serif character corresponding to the character A is “red” and the color of the serif character corresponding to the character B is “blue”. May be different. In the special effect table described above, the temporary stop effect line corresponding to each character is the same as the normal effect table, but in the special effect table, the temporary stop effect line corresponding to each character is used. By making it different from the normal performance table, it may be clearly indicated that the temporary stop performance different from the normal mode is being executed depending on the contents of the lines.

[Production execution processing by the image sound control unit]
Next, with reference to FIG. 39, an effect execution process executed by the image sound control unit 500 that has received an instruction to notify the effect contents set by the effect control unit 400 will be described. FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect execution process performed by the image sound control unit 500. The image sound control unit 500 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 39 at regular time intervals (for example, 33 milliseconds) during a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Note that the processing performed by the image sound control unit 500 described based on the flowchart of FIG. 39 is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 502.

  First, in step S <b> 901, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 determines whether a command instructing a notification effect is received from the effect control unit 400. If the determination in step S901 is YES, the process moves to step S902. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S903.

  In step S <b> 902, the CPU 501 sets a schedule such as the execution timing and execution time of the configured notice effect (temporary stop effect etc.) based on the effect content set according to the command received in step S <b> 901. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S903.

  In step S903, the CPU 501 determines whether or not an effect is scheduled by the process in step S902. If the determination in step S903 is YES, the process proceeds to step S904. If this determination is NO, the series of effect execution processes is terminated, and the series of processes illustrated in FIG. 41 is performed in a predetermined cycle (every 33 milliseconds). Repeat the production execution process.

  In step S904, the CPU 501 determines whether or not it is the start timing of the variable display of the decorative symbol DI set by the process in step S902. If the determination in step S904 is YES, the process moves to step S905. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S906.

  In step S905, the CPU 501 starts the variable display of the decorative symbol DI. Specifically, the CPU 501 causes the decoration (DI) and the character design corresponding thereto to be displayed in a transitional manner by performing a scrolling change display of each decorative design DI in the vertical direction on the image display unit 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S906.

  In step S906, the CPU 501 determines whether or not it is the temporary stop timing of the decorative design DI (that is, the timing to place any of the decorative symbols DI that are being displayed in a temporary stop state) that is scheduled by the processing of step S902. Determine. If the determination in step S906 is YES, the process proceeds to step S907, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S908.

  In step S907, the CPU 501 displays the decorative symbols DI temporarily stopped. Specifically, the CPU 501 temporarily displays the decoration symbol DI at the timing of temporary stop display among the decorative symbols DI being variably displayed on the image display unit 6, and responds to this. The displayed character design is temporarily stopped. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S908.

  In step S908, the CPU 501 is the start timing of the temporary stop effect scheduled in the process of step S902 (that is, the timing at which the first decorative symbol DI1 is temporarily displayed and the temporary stop effect is executed). Determine whether or not. If the determination in step S908 is YES, the process moves to step S909. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S910.

  In step S909, the CPU 501 executes a temporary stop effect. Specifically, the CPU 501 displays the words (characters) on the image display unit 6 in order to suggest that the character represented as the character symbol of the decoration symbol DI1 temporarily displayed is uttered a predetermined word. The image is displayed in a balloon, and the speech of the speech is output from the speaker 35. At this time, if the character represented as the character design of the decorative design DI1 displayed temporarily stopped is a character selected by the player, the speech is displayed according to the content of the effect set by the effect control unit 400. The image shown is displayed in large red, and the speech sound is output at a high volume. However, if the character is not the character selected by the player, according to the content of the effect set by the effect control unit 400, The image indicating the speech is displayed in white and small, and the speech of the speech is output at a low volume. At this time, the second decorative symbol DI2 and the third decorative symbol DI3 are in a variable display. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S909.

  In step S910, the CPU 501 starts at the start timing of the other notice effects (pseudo-continuous effects, reach eye establishment effects, SP reach effects, SPSP reach effects, cut-in effects, etc.) scheduled by the process of step S902. It is determined whether or not there is. If the determination in step S910 is YES, the process moves to step S911. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S912.

  In step S911, the CPU 501 starts another notice effect. Specifically, the CPU 501 executes a notice effect (for example, pseudo-continuous effect) at the scheduled execution timing in the image display unit 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S912.

  In step S912, the CPU 501 determines whether or not it is the symbol determination timing of the decorative symbol scheduled by the processing in step S902 (that is, the result notification timing for notifying the big hit result). If the determination in step S912 is YES, the process moves to step S913. If this determination is NO, the series of effect execution processes is terminated, and the series of processes shown in FIG. 41 is performed in a predetermined cycle (every 33 milliseconds). Repeat the production execution process.

  In step S <b> 913, the CPU 501 notifies the jackpot or loss by temporarily stopping the decorative symbol DI, which is at least partially changing, with a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol, and then receives a symbol confirmation command via the effect control unit 400. Is received, the display is confirmed and stopped with the jackpot symbol or the lost symbol. Specifically, in the image display unit 6, the CPU 501 uses all three decorative symbols DI as big hit symbols in the case of big hits, so-called double eyes (for example, “1”, “1”, “1” ) Temporarily stop display, and in the case of a loss, a temporary stop display is made at a so-called break pattern (for example, “1”, “2”, “1”), and then a fixed stop display is made. Then, the series of effect execution processes is terminated, and the series of effect execution processes shown in FIG. 41 is repeated in a predetermined cycle (every 33 milliseconds).

[Example of temporary stop effect in this embodiment]
Next, an example of the characteristic operation (temporary stop effect) according to the present embodiment described above using the flowchart will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 42 and 43. 42 and 43 show an example of the temporary stop effect executed in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 42 shows the temporary stop effect using the decorative design corresponding to the character selected by the player. FIG. 43 shows an example of a temporary stop effect using decorative symbols corresponding to characters not selected by the player. In the following example, it is assumed that the character A is selected by the player on the character selection screen (see FIG. 34).

  First, with reference to FIG. 42, an example of the temporary stop effect using the decorative design corresponding to the character selected by the player will be described. When the variation of the special symbol is started, the variation display of the decorative symbol DI is started on the image display unit 6 as shown in (1) of FIG. Specifically, in the image display unit 6, each decoration symbol DI is variably displayed, so that the appearance (numerical symbol) and the character symbol corresponding thereto are transitionally displayed.

  Next, as shown in (2) of FIG. 42, in the image display unit 6, the first decorative symbol DI1 arranged on the left among the decorative symbols DI being displayed in a variably display is temporarily stopped and displayed. At this time, if the number symbol “1” is determined by a predetermined lottery as the outcome of the first decorative symbol DI1, the numerical symbol “1” is temporarily stopped and displayed as the first decorative symbol DI1. The character symbol “character A” corresponding to the numeric symbol “1” is temporarily stopped and displayed.

  Next, as shown in (3) of FIG. 42, the temporary stop effect is executed. Specifically, in order to suggest that the character A represented as the character design of the decorative design DI1 displayed temporarily stopped utters a predetermined line (for example, “slide!”), The image display unit 6 An image showing the speech (character) is displayed in a balloon, and the speech of the speech is output from the speaker 35. At this time, since the character A is a character selected by the player, the temporary stop effect is executed in a special manner. Specifically, the image showing the speech is displayed in large red and the speech of the speech is output from the speaker 35 at a high volume.

  Next, as shown in (4) of FIG. 42, in the image display unit 6, the subsequent effect after the temporary stop effect is executed. Specifically, for example, when the pseudo-continuous effect is executed as the notice effect, the second decorative symbol DI2 is not the numerical symbol “1” of the first decorative symbol DI1, but the numerical symbol “ "3" is displayed as a temporary stop, and as the third decorative pattern DI3, the numerical symbol "7" that triggers the pseudo-continuous effect is displayed temporarily, and the pseudo-continuous effect is executed. In other words, in this case, the pseudo-continuous effect is executed by executing the temporary stop effect in which the character A utters the line “It's slipping!” And the image indicating the line is displayed in a special manner. (A possibility higher than “slip?”) Is suggested, and a pseudo-continuous production is actually executed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 43, an example of the temporary stop effect using the decorative symbol corresponding to the character not selected by the player will be described. When the variation of the special symbol is started, the variation display of the decorative symbol DI is started on the image display unit 6 as shown in (1) of FIG. Specifically, in the image display unit 6, each decoration symbol DI is variably displayed, so that the appearance (numerical symbol) and the character symbol corresponding thereto are transitionally displayed.

  Next, as shown in (2) of FIG. 43, in the image display unit 6, the first decorative symbol DI1 arranged on the left of the decorative symbols DI that are being displayed in a variable manner is temporarily displayed temporarily. At this time, if the number symbol “2” is determined by a predetermined lottery as the outcome of the first decorative symbol DI1, the numerical symbol “2” is temporarily stopped and displayed as the first decorative symbol DI1, and therefore The character symbol “character B” corresponding to the numeral symbol “2” is temporarily stopped and displayed.

  Next, as shown in (3) of FIG. 43, a temporary stop effect is executed. Specifically, in order to suggest that the character B represented as the character design of the decorative design DI1 displayed temporarily stopped utters a predetermined line (for example, “slip!”), The image display unit 6 An image showing the speech (character) is displayed in a balloon, and the speech of the speech is output from the speaker 35. At this time, since the character B is a character that is not selected by the player, the temporary stop effect is executed in a normal manner. Specifically, the image indicating the speech is displayed in white and small, and the speech of the speech is output from the speaker 35 at a low volume.

  Next, as shown in (4) of FIG. 43, the image display unit 6 executes a subsequent effect after the temporary stop effect. Specifically, for example, when the pseudo-continuous effect is executed as the notice effect, the second decorative symbol DI2 is not the numerical symbol “2” of the first decorative symbol DI1, but the numerical symbol “ 3 ”is displayed as a temporary stop, and as the third decorative symbol DI3, the numerical symbol“ 7 ”that triggers the pseudo-continuous effect is displayed temporarily, and the pseudo-continuous effect is executed. That is, in this case, the pseudo-continuous effect is executed by executing the temporary stop effect in which the character B utters the line “slip!” And the image indicating the line is displayed in the normal mode. (The possibility of being higher than “isn't it?”) Is suggested, and a pseudo-continuous production is actually executed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by performing the temporary stop effect using the decorative design in which the character design associated with each of the plurality of numeric symbols is drawn, It is possible to execute a game effect (provisional stop effect) corresponding to each. One of the plurality of characters can be selected by the player, and the game effect (temporary stop effect) corresponding to the character selected by the player corresponds to a character not selected by the player. It is executed in an effect mode (special mode) different from the effect mode (normal mode) of the game effect to be performed (temporary stop effect). In other words, the effect related to the character selected by the player will be executed in a different manner from the effect related to the character not selected by the player, thereby the effect that the player has selected the character. Can be fully recognized sensuously. More specifically, for example, if a player selects a favorite character, a game effect related to the favorite character is executed in a manner different from (for example, conspicuous) a game effect related to another character. Therefore, it is possible to give a feeling that a special production only for oneself is executed according to the preference of the player. Further, from a different perspective, it can be said that the temporary stop effect in a special mode corresponding to each character is an effect that can be viewed for the first time by the player selecting the character. For this reason, the player can be more interested in selecting a character. From the above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a new gaming machine that can evoke a new interest of the player.

[Modification]
In the embodiment described above, when determining the type of symbol (so-called appearance) when the decorative symbol DI is stopped and displayed in step S8031 in FIG. 37, the effect pattern determined in step S802 in FIG. However, it may be determined according to the character selected by the player. Specifically, for example, when the player selects the character A, the decoration design of the numeric design “1” on which the character design representing the character A is drawn may be easily determined. That is, for example, when a reach effect is executed but an effect pattern that causes a loss is determined, any of the numerical symbols “1” to “9” can be determined as reach eyes, but the character A is selected. As a reach, the numerical symbol “1” corresponding to the character A may be easily determined. As described above, when the ratio of the appearance of the decorative symbol corresponding to the character selected by the player is improved, the character symbol corresponding to the character selected by the player is temporarily stopped and displayed as the first decorative symbol DI1. As a result, when the temporary stop effect is executed, the ratio of the temporary stop effect corresponding to the character selected by the player is increased. Therefore, it is possible to give a sense that a special performance only for oneself according to the player's preference is being executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the temporary stop effect is executed when the first decorative symbol DI1 is temporarily stopped, and the character represented by the character symbol of the first decorative symbol DI1 is selected by the player. To be implemented in a special manner. However, the temporary stop effect is not limited to this. For example, the temporary decoration is executed when the second decorative symbol DI2 is temporarily stopped, and the character represented by the character symbol of the second decorative symbol DI2 is selected by the player. It may be executed in a special manner when it is done. At this time, the speech uttered by the character of the second decorative symbol DI2 suggests that the pseudo-continuous effect may be executed when the reach is not established, and the development destination when the reach is established. The type of reach production may be suggested.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, as the effect mode of the temporary stop effect, three modes of the color of the displayed speech character, the size of the displayed speech character, and the volume of the spoken speech are exemplified. Each of these three modes is different between the special mode and the normal mode. However, the production mode is not limited to these three modes, and all of the three modes may not be different between the special mode and the normal mode. For example, only the speech volume may be different between the special mode and the normal mode. Even in this way, the player can be made aware that a special mode temporary stop effect is executed according to the selected character.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, as a game effect related to a character that can be selected by the player, an example of a temporary stop effect using a decorative pattern on which a character design is drawn has been described. However, the player can select a game effect. The game effect related to the character is not limited to the temporary stop effect. Specifically, for example, it is assumed that a cut-in notice effect corresponding to each of the characters that can be selected by the player (a notice effect that suggests the reliability of the jackpot during the reach effect) is prepared and selected by the player When a cut-in notice effect corresponding to the selected character is executed, an effect mode different from the cut-in notice effect corresponding to the unselected character (for example, changing the background color or changing the output sound) It is good also as what is performed by the production | generation aspect more conspicuous by this. Similarly, when a reach effect corresponding to a character that can be selected by the player is prepared and a reach effect corresponding to the character selected by the player is executed, a reach corresponding to a character that is not selected is executed. It is good also as what is performed with the production | presentation aspect different from production.

  In the above-described embodiment, the effect control unit 400 executes the effect mode of the temporary stop effect in the normal mode based on the information of the character selected by the player stored in the RAM 403 (that is, Decide whether to refer to the normal performance table) or to execute in a special mode (that is, whether to refer to the special performance table), and instruct the image sound control unit 500 to execute the temporary stop effect of the determined performance mode To do. However, instead of this, the image sound control unit 500 updates and stores the information of the character selected by the player in the RAM 503, and the effect control unit 400 images the execution of the temporary stop effect without determining the effect mode. The sound control unit 500 is instructed, and when the image sound control unit 500 executes the temporary stop effect, the temporary stop effect is generated in the normal mode or the special mode based on the character information stored in the RAM 503. It may be executed. Moreover, when using single CPU as CPU for performing production control, it is good also as what performs all the above-mentioned processes by the same CPU.

  In the above-described embodiment, the production control unit 400 determines the production pattern according to the notification production start command, sets the production content by determining the contents of various notice productions based on the production pattern, A command for instructing the content of the effect is transmitted to the image sound control unit 500, and the image sound control unit 500 executes the effect by setting an execution schedule such as execution timing and execution time of various effects according to the command. It was. However, the processing sharing between the effect control unit 400 and the image sound control unit 500 is not limited to this. For example, the effect control unit 400 determines only the effect pattern according to the notification effect start command, and performs image sound control. The unit 500 may determine various notice effects based on the effect pattern transmitted from the effect control unit 400, and may further determine the execution schedule and execute the effects. Further, when a single CPU is used as a CPU for performing display control, all the above-described processes may be performed by the same CPU.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when a special symbol lottery is won (big hit), until a next big hit is made at a predetermined rate (for example, 70%) (exactly until the special symbol fluctuation display reaches 9999 times). ) The game configuration (so-called loop machine) set in the probability variation gaming state has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a special symbol lottery is won (big hit), the rate of change is 100%, and then the variation of the special symbol is changed to a predetermined number of rotations (for example, 80 times). A game configuration (so-called ST machine) set in a gaming state may be used.

  In the embodiment described above, the present invention has been described by taking a pachinko gaming machine as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and may be applied to, for example, a slot machine (cylinder type gaming machine, pachislot machine) within an applicable range. In this case, game information (random number; determination information) for determining a win is acquired by turning on the lever with a medal inserted in the slot machine (that is, the game information is acquired). The condition to be fulfilled). In this case, the “notification effect” in each of the embodiments described above corresponds to the effect from when the reel is changed to when it is stopped by turning on the lever in the slot machine.

  Moreover, although the features of the present embodiment and the features of the modified examples have been described above, it goes without saying that these features may be appropriately combined.

  Further, the shape, number, installation position, and the like of each component provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to other shapes, numbers, and installation positions. It goes without saying that the present invention can be realized without departing from the above. Further, it goes without saying that the numerical values and the like used in the above-described processing are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized even with other numerical values.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail using embodiment, the above-mentioned description is only the illustration of this invention in all the points, and does not intend to limit the range. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the terms used in the present specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Game board 4 ... Display 5 ... Frame member 6 ... Image display part 7 ... Movable accessory 8 ... Board lamp 20 ... Game area 21 ... 1st start opening 22 ... 2nd start opening 23 ... Grand prize Mouth 24 ... Normal winning port 25 ... Gate 26 ... Discharge port 27 ... Electric tulip 31 ... Handle 32 ... Lever 33 ... Stop button 34 ... Eject button 35 ... Speaker 36 ... Frame lamp 37 ... Production button 38 ... Production key 39 ... Dish 43 ... Lock part 100 ... Main control part 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 ... CPU
102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 ... ROM
103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 ... RAM
111a ... 1st start port switch 111b ... 2nd start port switch 112 ... Electric tulip opening / closing part 113 ... Gate switch 114 ... Grand prize opening switch 115 ... Grand prize opening / closing part 116 ... Normal prize opening switch 200 ... Launch control part 211 ... Launching device 300 ... payout control unit 311 ... payout drive unit 400 ... production control unit 404 ... RTC
500 ... Image sound control unit 600 ... Lamp control unit DI ... Decorative pattern

Claims (2)

Operation means operated by a player;
Character information determining means for determining one character information from among a plurality of pieces of character information related to a game effect based on an operation of the operating means by a player;
Effect control capable of causing the effect execution means to execute a game effect using the determined character associated with the character information determined by the character information determining means and the undetermined character not associated with the character information. Means and
The production control means includes
Normal effect control means for executing a game effect using the undecided character in a normal manner;
Special effect control means for executing a game effect using the determined character in a special mode different from the normal mode;
The normal performance control means includes
As the normal mode, the game effect using the undetermined character is displayed in the first display size,
The special effect control means is
Wherein a special embodiment, the game effect using the determined character is displayed in a large second display size than the first display size, Yu technique machine. Operation means operated by a player;
Character information determining means for determining one character information from among a plurality of pieces of character information related to a game effect based on an operation of the operating means by a player;
Effect control capable of causing the effect execution means to execute a game effect using the determined character associated with the character information determined by the character information determining means and the undetermined character not associated with the character information. Means and
The production control means includes
Normal effect control means for executing a game effect using the undecided character in a normal manner;
Special effect control means for executing a game effect using the determined character in a special mode different from the normal mode;
The normal performance control means includes
As the normal mode, a game effect using the undetermined character is output at a first volume,
The special effect control means is
Wherein a special embodiment, to output a large second volume than game effects using the determined character of the first volume, Yu technique machine.

Images