JP5933649B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

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). . 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. Note that reference numerals, explanatory words, and the like in parentheses indicate correspondence with embodiments described later in order to help understanding of one aspect of the present invention, and limit the scope of one aspect of the present invention. Not what you want.

A gaming machine (1),
Acquisition means (100, S204, S210) for acquiring game information (random number set) upon establishment of the start condition;
Special game determination means (100, S407) for determining whether or not to perform a special game (big hit game) based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means;
If it is determined by the special game determination means that a special game is to be performed, special game control means (100, S6) for performing the special game;
Production control means (400, 500) for producing an effect according to the progress of the game
The special game determination means can determine whether to perform a first special game (big hit B) or a second special game (big hit C, see FIG. 6) that is more advantageous to the player than the first special game,
The production control means includes
Measuring means (404) for measuring time and outputting time information;
Special effect control means for executing a special effect informing the execution of the second special game (a jackpot promotion effect, see FIGS. 41 to 43);
A change control means for changing the effect mode of the special effect executed by the special effect control means according to the time information output from the measuring means (see S856 to S861, FIG. 37, FIG. 41 to FIG. 43). ).

  The change control means may change the execution timing of the special effect executed by the special effect control means according to the time information output from the measurement means (see FIG. 37).

  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 a customer waiting process executed by the image sound control unit 500 An example of a detailed flowchart of the customization screen display process in step S716 of FIG. Transition diagram showing an example of screen transition in customer waiting state Figure showing an example of a customer waiting screen The figure which shows an example of a TOP menu screen Figure showing an example of a favorite character selection screen The figure which shows an example of the favorite character cut-in selection screen Figure showing an example of the jackpot opening selection screen The figure which shows an example of a game selection screen An example of a detailed flowchart showing the notification effect setting process in step S115 of FIG. Time chart for explaining an example of the effect pattern of the notification effect The figure for demonstrating the example of the effect performed in alerting | reporting effect An example of a detailed flowchart showing the jackpot game effect setting process in step S119 of FIG. 34 is an example of a detailed flowchart showing the “Done” movie selection process in step S862 in FIG. Time chart for explaining an example of the effect pattern (no promotion) of the jackpot game effect Time chart for explaining examples of production patterns (with promotion) of jackpot game production The figure for demonstrating an example of the production pattern of a jackpot game production The figure for demonstrating an example of the production pattern of a jackpot game production The figure for demonstrating an example of the production pattern of a jackpot game production The figure for demonstrating an example of the production pattern of a jackpot game production The figure for demonstrating an example of the production pattern of a jackpot game production The figure for demonstrating an example of the production pattern of a jackpot game production

  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.

  The handle 31 is provided with a handle air generating unit 45 that produces an effect that is in tune with the player's skin sensation by emitting wind toward the palm at a position facing the palm of the player holding the handle 31. In addition, the handle 31 is provided with a handle lamp 46 that produces an effect of intensely emitting light in an area surrounding the handle air generating unit 45.

  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 (for example, an operation game) by pressing the effect button 37 at a predetermined timing. Further, the player can select (designate) 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 image selected with the effect key 38 as information by pressing the effect button 37.

  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 A lamp control board or the like on which a lamp control unit 600 for controlling effects by the lamps (frame lamp 36, panel lamp 8 and the like) and the movable accessory 7 and the like is 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 number of paid out game balls (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, a configuration may be adopted in which the game ball passage determination is performed 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 and the like. 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 lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 8, the frame lamp 36, and the handle lamp 46 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400 and the emission color. 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 (light emission pattern data) of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 according to the contents of the effect set by the effect control unit 400. Data) 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 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.

  In addition, the lamp control unit 600 controls the handle air generating unit 45 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400 to execute and control the effect by the wind.

  The lamp control unit 600 is connected to an effect button 37 that is operated by the player. Here, the lamp control unit 600 controls the execution of the effect of projecting the effect button 37 by controlling a driving device (not shown) that performs the operation of projecting the effect button 37 itself. That is, the lamp control unit 600 may control the operation using the effect button 37 as a movable accessory. In addition, the lamp control unit 600 acquires operation data output from the effect button 37 in response to an operation of the effect button 37 by the player, and transmits the operation data 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 is started, a total of four round games are executed by opening and closing the big prize opening 23 with an interval period 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 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 this 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-time-saving state (normal game state). For this reason, hereinafter, the big hit B may be referred to as a big hit without time reduction.

  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 (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 different processing cycles, 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 199), 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 (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 variation pattern random numbers may be set arbitrarily, but by setting each to a different range, the counters can be set between these random numbers. It is preferable to set so that the values (count values) are not synchronized.

  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 determines that a game ball has won the first start port 21 or the second start port 22. Thus, the start port switch process is executed to perform processing related 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. 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 determines whether or not a game ball has won a prize at the first start port 21 based on an output signal from the first start port switch 111a. 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 a game ball has won the second start port 22 based on an output signal from the second start port switch 111b. 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 (any of jackpots A to C shown in FIG. 6) is determined. As can be seen from FIG. 6, in the present 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 fluctuation pattern is determined (selected) for each special symbol lottery using the fluctuation 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, if the CPU 101 determines in the jackpot determination process of step S407 that the first special symbol lottery has been won, 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". In addition, “per reach” is a type that hits big after reaching reach, “per first SP” to “per third SP” is a type that hits big after finally developing to SP reach, “per first SPSP” The “per 5th SPSP” is a type that hits big after finally developing to SPSP reach.

  Note that the reach (reach effect) is, for example, when a changing decorative symbol that is stopped last among a plurality of decorative symbols in a notification effect is stopped and displayed with a specific symbol. It is an effect that expects to be a big hit symbol pattern together with the symbol. Typically, the right and left decorative symbols are stopped at the same symbol (for example, 7), and the central ornament that stops at the end This is an effect that is variably displayed in the expectation that the 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 first special symbol lottery is lost in the big hit determination process in step S407, the CPU 101 determines based on the hold number (U1) of the first special symbol lottery, the reach random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number. The variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined.

  Specifically, the CPU 101 determines the reach random number (0) read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S407 when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “1” or “2”. 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 finally lose after being developed into SP Reach, and “First SPSP Loss” to “ “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

[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. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the second special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the second starting port 22 is more game than the first special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 21. The profit of the person is great. In other words, if the first special symbol lottery is executed in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), it can be said that it is disadvantageous for the player. 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, if 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 a big hit game (a big hit gaming 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 (more precisely, interrupt timing that arrives only after a fixed time has passed). 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 of step S9 in FIG. 10, and a predetermined stop effect (decorative symbol stop display effect) is started based on the customer waiting command. The In addition, when a predetermined time (90 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the stop effect, the demonstration effect is started in principle. Here, the demonstration effect is, for example, an effect in which a video related to 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, executed during a game) This is an effect of displaying a part of the reach effect) on the image display unit 6. 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: “4” or “16” in this embodiment) and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 during the jackpot game, and the setting information Is set in the RAM 103. 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 process, a round of big hit game (round game) is started and the opening operation (opening operation of one round) 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 (round game 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 next round in the jackpot game is started. Since the timing is not reached, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  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 S614.

  In step S <b> 613, the CPU 101 updates the number C of winning game balls to the big winning opening 23 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 game balls (winning number C) won in the big winning opening 23 during one round is accumulated and stored in the RAM 103. To go. 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. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 in FIG. 10, and the winning process instruction in step S124 in FIG. 21 is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S614.

  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) controlled in the probability variation gaming state after the jackpot, the effect control unit 400 displays the ending command. Based on the jackpot game effect, the effect mode effect indicating the probability variation game state is executed. 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 moves to step S622. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S622, the CPU 101 ends the jackpot game. 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 (hit symbol) of this time (that is, the winning probability setting of the special symbol lottery and the electric tulip 27). Switch open settings etc.). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

[Timer interrupt 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. Note that the processing performed by the effect control unit 400 is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 402.

  First, in step S11, 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 in FIG. 10, sets the effect contents according to the received command, A command reception process for setting various commands in the RAM 403 for instructing the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute the effect of the set effect content is executed. 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. 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). More specifically, the CPU 401 determines that the prior determination information indicates “big hit”, “losing” and “reach effect” (reach loss), or “losing” and “ In each of the cases indicating “no reach production” (immediately lost), a pre-read random number (production random number) is acquired, and when the pre-read random number matches a predetermined pre-read winning value, it is decided to perform the pre-read announcement effect. To do. Here, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 30, in this embodiment, the player can perform customization to increase the execution frequency of the prefetch notice effect. Therefore, the CPU 401 increases the numerical range of the pre-read winning value when the customization for increasing the execution frequency of the pre-reading notice effect is performed, compared with the case where the customization is not performed. Decide whether to perform the notice effect. It should be noted that different numbers may be set for the pre-read winning value depending on whether the pre-judgment information is “big hit”, “reach lose”, or “immediate lose”. For example, the number of prefetch winning values in the case of “big hit” may be set to be larger than the number of prefetching winning values in the case of “reach lose”, so that the prefetching notice effect may be easily executed in the case of “big hit”. 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 in the notice effect that is executed at least before the notice effect to be noticed (see FIG. 33 (3)). 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 according to the notification effect start command and the game state notification command received in the process of step S114, and executes the notification effect of the set content. Is performed by instructing the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start. 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 S118 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 S118 in FIG.

  In step S118 of FIG. 21, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the opening command set in the stopping process of step S414 of FIG. 12 has been received. If the determination in step S118 is yes, the process proceeds to step S119. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S121.

  In step S119, the CPU 401 performs a jackpot game effect setting process for setting the contents of the jackpot game effect executed by the image display unit 6 or the like. The jackpot game effect is an effect executed during the execution of the jackpot game, and includes an opening effect, a round effect (round game effect), and an ending effect. The jackpot game effect setting process will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120.

  In step S120, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute (start) the opening effect based on the contents of the jackpot game effect set in step S119. In response to this, the image sound control unit 500 or the like starts the opening effect of the content set by the CPU 401. 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 S121.

  In step S121, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round start notification command set in the process of step S608 in FIG. 17 has been received. If the determination in step S121 is yes, the process proceeds to step S122. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S123.

  In step S122, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute (start) a round effect (round game effect) based on the contents of the jackpot game effect set in step S119. In response to this, the image sound control unit 500 or the like starts a round effect with the content set by the CPU 401. Here, the round effect is an effect executed during a round game of the big hit game, for example, an effect by an image or the like in which the main character is fighting an enemy character. 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 S123.

  In step S123, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a winning command set in the process of step S613 in FIG. 17 and output in the output process of step S9 in FIG. 9 has been received. If the determination in step S123 is yes, the process proceeds to step S124. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S125.

  In step S124, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to execute a winning process. Here, the winning process is, for example, a process of counting the number of winning balls paid out based on the game balls won in the big winning opening 23 that is opened during the big hit game (during round game). The CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 is instructed every time it receives a winning command based on a game ball winning in the big winning opening 23 among the winning commands received via the effect control unit 400 (that is, a big winning). Each time one game ball wins the mouth 23), the number of prize balls “13” corresponding to the big prize opening 23 is added to the total number of prize balls stored in the RAM 503 and updated, and the updated number of prize balls is updated. The image is displayed on the image display unit 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S125.

  In step S125, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round end notification command set in the process of step S617 in FIG. 17 has been received. If the determination in step S125 is YES, the process proceeds to step S126, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S127.

  In step S126, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 and 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 S127.

  In step S127, 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 S127 is YES, the process proceeds to step S128, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S129.

  In step S128, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute (start) an ending effect based on the contents of the jackpot game effect set in step S119. In response to this, the image sound control unit 500 or the like executes the ending effect of the content set by the CPU 401 and ends the jackpot game effect. Here, the ending effect is, for example, an effect suggesting a gaming state (for example, a probable game state) after the big hit game. 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 S129.

  In step S129, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command set in the process of step S416 in FIG. 12 have been received. If the determination in step S129 is YES, the process proceeds to step S130. If the determination is NO, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

  In step S130, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 based on the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command received in step S129 to start the customer waiting process. Thereafter, the command reception process ends, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG. 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 instructed to start the customer waiting process starts a notification effect start instruction (S115 in FIG. 20). This customer waiting process is executed until receiving the reference), and when the notification effect start instruction is received, the customer waiting process is terminated and the notification effect is started. 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 terminating the customer waiting process. . 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]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a customer waiting process performed by the image sound control unit 500. The image sound control unit 500 performs a series of processes shown in FIG. 22 (and FIG. 23) at regular intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. Run repeatedly. Note that the processing performed by the image sound control unit 500 is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 502.

  First, in step S701, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 that has received a command (see S130 in FIG. 21) instructing the start of the customer waiting process from the effect control unit 400 immediately after receiving this command (that is, customer waiting). It is determined whether it is immediately after entering the 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. 25 described later). The customer waiting screen is typically a screen on which an image in which the decorative symbols are completely stopped and displayed at the end of the notification effect is displayed, but indicates that the notification effect is not executed. It may be sufficient and it is not limited to this typical example. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S703.

  In step S <b> 703, the CPU 501 starts the customer waiting process by using a counter function capable of measuring time used for control or the like for displaying an image on the image display unit 6 (that is, counting the number of frames in the image display control). The count of the elapsed time X from the reception of the command for instructing is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S <b> 704, 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 S705. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S709.

  In step S705, the CPU 501 determines whether a TOP menu switching operation has been performed. Here, the TOP menu switching operation is a pressing operation on the effect button 37 instructing switching to a TOP menu screen (see FIG. 26) described later. In the present embodiment, the image display unit 6 displays the waiting screen for the customer. If a press operation is performed on the effect button 37 during display or display of the demonstration effect screen, switching to the TOP menu screen is performed. If the determination in step S705 is YES, the process proceeds to step S707, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S706.

  In step S706, the CPU 501 determines whether or not X started to be counted in step S703 has reached a predetermined time (60 seconds). That is, it is determined whether or not a period during which no operation is performed for 60 seconds has been continued after entering the customer waiting state. 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 S709.

  In step S707, the CPU 501 resets the X count started in step S703 to 0 seconds, and stops the X count operation. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S708.

  In step S708, 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. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S709. Here, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 26, a plurality of menu items are displayed on the TOP menu screen, and the player operates the effect key 38 to select one of the menu items, and the effect button 37 is pressed. It is a screen that suggests that it is possible to shift to a submenu screen (customization screen) corresponding to the menu item by operating and determining the menu item.

  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 S709, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the TOP menu screen is being displayed on the image display unit 6. If the determination in step S709 is YES, the process proceeds to step S710, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S716.

  In step S710, the CPU 501 determines whether there has been a menu determination operation for determining a menu item on the TOP menu screen. If the determination in step S710 is yes, the process proceeds to step S711. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S713.

  In step S711, the CPU 501 starts displaying the customization screen corresponding to the menu item determined in step S710 on the image display unit 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S712. Here, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 27 to 30, the customization screen is a kind of menu screen, and is a screen for the player to customize the production contents.

  In step S712, the CPU 501 resets the Y count to 0 seconds and restarts the counting operation. If the count of X is not reset, the count operation is stopped by resetting to 0 seconds. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S713.

  In step S713, the CPU 501 determines whether X has reached a predetermined time (90 seconds) or Y has reached a predetermined time (90 seconds). That is, a period in which no operation is performed after receiving the customer waiting command is continued for 90 seconds, or a period in which the TOP menu screen (or customization screen) is displayed without any operation is continued for 90 seconds. It is determined whether or not it has been done. 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.

  In step S715, the CPU 501 starts counting the execution time Z for displaying the demonstration effect screen using a counter function capable of measuring time, resets the Y count to 0 seconds, and stops the counting operation. Alternatively, when the count of X is not reset, the count operation is stopped by resetting to 0 seconds. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S716.

  In step S716, the CPU 501 executes a customization screen display process described below with reference to FIG.

[Customization screen display processing]
In step S750 of FIG. 23, the CPU 501 determines whether or not a customization screen (see FIGS. 27 to 30) is being displayed on the image display unit 6. If the determination in step S750 is YES, the process proceeds to step S751, and if this determination is NO, the customization screen display-in process ends, and the process proceeds to step S717 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 751, the CPU 501 determines whether or not there has been an operation for moving an item selection display on the displayed customization screen.

  In step S752, the CPU 501 moves the selection display of items on the customization screen in accordance with the movement operation determined in step S751. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S753.

  In step S753, the CPU 501 resets the Y count to 0 seconds and restarts the counting operation. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S754.

  In step S754, the CPU 501 determines whether or not there is an operation for determining an item on the displayed customization screen. Specifically, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 27 to 30, the CPU 501 determines the item being selected (the item being selected and displayed; the item displayed in a thick frame in FIGS. 27 to 30). It is determined whether or not there is an operation of pressing the production button 37. If the determination in step S754 is YES, the process moves to step S755. If this determination is NO, the customization screen display process ends, and the process moves to step S717 in FIG.

  In step S755, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the items determined and operated in step S754 are items that cannot be set simultaneously (in parallel). Specifically, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 30, there are items in the customization screen that can be set at the same time and items that cannot be set at the same time. The CPU 501 determines which item is determined and operated in step S754. It is determined whether it is. If the determination in step S755 is yes, the process proceeds to step S756. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S757.

  In step S756, the CPU 501 determines whether or not customization items that are incompatible (cannot be set at the same time) are already being set. If the determination in step S756 is YES, the process proceeds to step S758, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S757.

  In step S757, the CPU 501 sets (enables setting) the item determined and operated in step S754 as customization. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S759.

  In step S758, the CPU 501 sets the item determined and operated in step S754 as customization, and unsets the incompatible customization item determined to be set in step S756. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S759.

  Here, the operation for determining the customization item is detected in step S754, and the first start is performed in the state before the customization setting is performed in step S757 or S758 (that is, the customization item is in the selection display state and before the customization setting). When a game ball wins in the mouth 21 or the second start opening 22 and the waiting state for the customer ends, and the notification effect is started, the customization item selected and displayed is automatically customized. In other embodiments, when the customer waiting state is ended and the notification effect is started in this way, if there is a customization item that was previously customized, the item is continuously customized, The configuration may be such that the initial setting is continued when there is no customization item that was previously set for customization (that is, in the case of the initial setting state).

  In step S759, the CPU 501 determines whether or not there is a cancel operation by the player. Specifically, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 27 to 30, an item labeled “cancel” is displayed on each customization screen, and the CPU 501 selects and determines this item. It is determined whether there has been an operation. If the determination in step S759 is YES, the process proceeds to step S760. If this determination is NO, the customization screen display process ends, and the process proceeds to step S717 in FIG.

  In step S760, the CPU 501 starts displaying the TOP menu screen on the image display unit 6. The TOP menu screen is displayed regardless of the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (the normal gaming state or the probability variation gaming state). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S761.

  In step S761, the CPU 501 resets the Y count to 0 seconds and restarts the counting operation. Thereafter, the customization screen displaying process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S717 in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 22, in step S717, the CPU 501 determines whether or not a TOP menu switching operation has been performed during display of the demonstration effect screen. 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 S717 is YES, the process proceeds to step S719, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S718.

  In step S718, the CPU 501 determines whether Z has reached a predetermined time (60 seconds). That is, it is determined whether or not the demonstration effect screen is continuously displayed for 60 seconds. If the determination in step S718 is yes, the process proceeds to step S719. If this determination is no, the series of customer waiting processes is terminated, and the process illustrated in FIG. 22 is repeatedly performed again at the timing of the next timer interrupt process. To do.

  In step S719, the CPU 501 starts displaying the TOP menu screen on the image display unit 6, and then the process proceeds to step S720. 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 S720, the CPU 501 starts counting Y using a counter function capable of measuring time, resets the Z count to 0 seconds, and stops the counting operation. Then, a series of customer waiting processes are terminated, and the process shown in FIG. 22 is repeatedly executed again at the timing of the next timer interrupt process.

[Screen transition and specific screen in customer waiting state]
Next, screen transition and a specific screen in the customer waiting state executed by the customer waiting process by the image sound control unit 500 described above with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. .

  As shown in FIG. 24, the screen displayed on the image display unit 6 in the customer waiting state transitions between the “customer waiting screen”, “TOP menu screen”, “various customization screens”, and “demonstration effect screen”. .

  First, when entering a customer waiting state, a “customer waiting screen” is displayed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, the customer waiting screen is displayed with the decoration symbol DI stopped and is displayed, and it is suggested that the transition to the TOP menu screen is performed by operating the effect button 37. An image (character image) is displayed.

  Next, when 60 seconds elapses after entering the customer waiting state or when a TOP menu switching operation (depressing operation of the effect button 37) is executed on the customer waiting screen, the screen changes to the TOP menu screen shown in FIG. (See arrow A in FIG. 24). Here, on the TOP menu screen, as shown in FIG. 26, a menu selection screen composed of a plurality of menu items indicating that it is possible to shift to various customization screens is displayed.

  Then, in the TOP menu screen, when the TOP menu switching operation causes a transition from the customer waiting screen to the TOP menu screen, 90 seconds after the transition to the TOP menu screen, the demonstration effect screen transitions (see arrow B in FIG. 24). On the other hand, if there is no TOP menu switching operation and 60 seconds have passed since the customer wait state has been entered, the screen changes to the TOP menu screen 90 seconds after the customer wait state is entered (FIG. 24). (See arrow B). Although the demonstration effect screen is not shown in detail, for example, it is a video screen related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1, and similar to the customer waiting screen in FIG. An image (character image) suggesting a transition to the TOP menu screen by operating the button 37 is displayed.

  Then, when 60 seconds elapse after the demonstration effect screen is displayed, or when a TOP menu switching operation (depression operation of the effect button 37) is executed on the demonstration effect screen, the screen changes to the TOP menu screen shown in FIG. 24 arrow C).

  When the production key 38 is operated on the TOP menu screen, the menu item selection display is moved in accordance with this operation. In the example of FIG. 26, the “favorite character selection” menu is selected and displayed in a thick frame. Further, when a menu determining operation (depressing operation of the effect button 37) is performed on the TOP menu screen, a transition is made to the customization screen indicated by the menu item being selected and displayed (see arrow D in FIG. 24). Specifically, when the menu selection operation is performed while the “favorite character selection” menu is being selected and displayed, the screen switches to the favorite character selection screen shown in FIG. 27 and the “favorite character cut-in selection” menu is selected. When the menu determination operation is performed while the screen is being displayed, the screen shifts to the favorite character cut-in selection screen shown in FIG. 28, and when the “big hit opening selection” menu is selected and displayed, the menu determination operation is performed. 29, the screen is shifted to the jackpot opening selection screen shown in FIG. 29, and when the menu determination operation is performed while the “game selection” menu is being selected and displayed, the screen shifts to the jackpot game selection screen shown in FIG.

  Then, when a cancel operation is performed by pressing the effect button 37 after operating the effect key 38 on the customization screen to select and display the item “cancel” (thick frame display), the TOP menu shown in FIG. The screen changes (see arrow E in FIG. 24). In addition, after the transition to the customization screen, 90 seconds have passed without the operation for moving the item selection display, or 90 seconds have passed since the last operation for moving the item selection display has been performed. The screen shifts (see arrow F in FIG. 24).

[Customization settings on the customize screen]
Next, the customization setting set by the customization screen display in-process by the image sound control unit 500 described above with reference to FIG. 23 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the customization setting by the “favorite character selection screen” which is the customization screen to be transferred from the “favorite character selection” menu of FIG. 26 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, in this embodiment, a specific character is used for various effects. For example, the specific character is displayed as a mini character that is expected to be a big hit displayed in a notification effect, a character image displayed as a part of a background image, or the like. used. The player can set one of the characters A to E as the specific character by customization setting on the “favorite character selection screen”. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, on the favorite character selection screen, the effect key 37 is operated after the desired key image (item) is selected and displayed (thick frame display) by operating the effect key 38. By pressing, the desired character can be set as the specific character described above. In FIG. 27, the character B is selected and displayed (thick frame display), and when the effect button 37 is pressed in this state, the character B is set as the specific character described above.

  Next, customization setting by the “favorite character cut-in selection screen”, which is a customization screen shifted from the “favorite character cut-in selection” menu of FIG. 26, will be described with reference to FIG. Here, in the present embodiment, a favorite character cut-in notice effect that indicates that there is a high probability of a big hit in the notification effect is executed, and this favorite character cut-in notice effect is displayed on the favorite character selection screen (see FIG. 27). ) Is a notice effect that displays an image of a favorite character customized in (). Then, the player can select (set) an image displayed as the above-mentioned favorite character cut-in notice effect for each of the characters A to E by customization setting on the “favorite character cut-in selection screen”. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 28, on the favorite character cut-in selection screen, a plurality of different images (images of various facial expressions of the character) are displayed for each of the characters A to E. And by operating the effect button 37, a desired image can be set for each character as an image displayed as a favorite character cut-in notice effect. In FIG. 28, the right image is set for character A, the left image is set for character B, and the left image is set for character C. In FIG. 28, characters D and E are not displayed, but characters D and E are scroll-displayed according to the operation of the production key 38. This favorite character cut-in notice effect will be specifically described later with reference to FIGS. 32 (2) and 33 (1).

  Next, customization settings on the “big hit opening selection screen”, which is a customization screen shifted from the “big hit opening selection” menu in FIG. 26, will be described with reference to FIG. The player can select (set) the type of the “done” movie effect to be executed during the opening effect of the big hit game effect by the customization setting on the “big hit opening selection screen” shown in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 29, on the jackpot opening selection screen, as the selectable “yet” movie effects, images ST1 to ST5 showing the animation effects of the live stage, and the animation effects of characters A to E The images of the characters A to E showing are displayed, and by operating the effect key 38 and the effect button 37, it is possible to set a moving image effect to be executed as a “done” movie effect. In FIG. 29, the image ST2 showing the moving stage production effect of the live stage is set as the “done” movie effect executed during the opening effect of the big hit game effect. This “done” movie effect will be specifically described later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, the customization setting by the “game characteristic selection screen” which is the customization screen shifted from the “game characteristic selection” menu of FIG. The player can make various customization settings for the production by the customization settings on the “game selection screen” shown in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 30, in the game selection screen, as the customization menu, an “increase pre-reading notice” menu, a “big hit opening promotion complete notification” menu, an “increase handle flash jackpot announcement” menu, The “Increase handle air jackpot notification” menu, the “Oki pachi (handle flash / handle air jackpot increase)” menu, and the “Premier effect jackpot increase” menu are displayed.

  The “Increase pre-reading notice” menu is a menu in which the initial setting is OFF, and by being set to ON, customization is set to increase the execution probability of the pre-reading notice effect described in step S113 of FIG. Specifically, when the “Increase prefetching notice” menu is OFF (that is, not customized), the prefetching notice effect is executed with a probability of 5%, for example, and the “Increase prefetching notice” menu is ON. (In other words, the pre-reading notice effect is executed with a probability of, for example, 20%).

  The “big hit opening promotion complete announcement” menu is initially set to OFF, and when it is set to ON, a big hit promotion effect is executed in which the big hit type has been promoted during the big hit game. Is a menu in which customization to be executed during the opening performance is always set. Specifically, as will be described later with reference to steps S858 to S861 in FIG. 34, FIG. 37, and the like, when the “big hit opening promotion complete notification” menu is OFF (that is, not customized), the big hit promotion When the production is executed, it is executed during the opening production with a probability of 30%, and is executed during the round game with a probability of 70%, and the “big hit opening promotion complete announcement” menu is ON (that is, customized) ) When the jackpot promotion effect is executed, it is executed during the opening effect with a probability of 100%.

  The “Initial increase in handle flash jackpot” menu is OFF in the initial setting, and when set to ON, it is notified that a big hit has been made by causing the handle lamp 46 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 4) to emit light violently in the notification effect. This is a menu in which customization is set to increase the execution probability of a handle flash effect (a kind of jackpot notification effect; not shown) to be (confirmed notification). Specifically, when the “Increase handle flash jackpot announcement” menu is OFF (that is, not customized), the handle flash effect is executed with a probability of 5%, for example, when the menu is hit. When the “announcement increase” menu is ON (that is, customized), a handle flash effect is executed with a probability of 70%, for example, when a big hit is made.

  The “Increase handle air big hit notification” menu is OFF by default, and when set to ON, a big hit was made by generating wind by the handle air generating unit 45 (see FIGS. 1 and 4) in the notification effect. This is a menu in which customization for increasing the execution probability of a handle air effect (a kind of jackpot notification effect; not shown) for notifying (determining notification) is set. Specifically, when the “Increase handle air big hit notification” menu is OFF (that is, not customized), the handle air effect is executed with a probability of 5%, for example. When the “announcement increase” menu is ON (that is, customized), the handle air effect is executed with a probability of 70%, for example, when a big hit is made.

  The “Oki Pachi (Handle Flash / Handle Air Bonus Notification Increase)” menu is initially set to OFF and can be customized to increase the execution probability of the handle flash effect and handle air effect as described above. It is a menu. Specifically, when the “offshore pachi (handle flash / handle air big hit announcement increase)” menu is OFF (that is, not customized) when the initial setting is OFF, the handle flash production and the handle air production are, for example, It is executed with a probability of 5%, and when the “Oki Pachi (Increase Handle Flash / Handle Air Notification)” menu is ON (that is, if it is customized), the handle flash effect and the handle air effect are each It is executed with a probability of 70% (that is, a jackpot announcement effect is executed in most cases of jackpots).

  The “Premier effect jackpot notification increase” menu is initially set to OFF, and when set to ON, a premier effect that displays a special premier image that informs (determined notification) that a big hit has been made (a kind of jackpot notification effect) ) Is a menu in which customization to increase the execution probability is set. Specifically, when the “Premier effect big hit announcement increase” menu is OFF (that is, not customized) when the initial setting is OFF, the premium effect is executed with a probability of 0.5%, for example. When the “big hit announcement increase” menu is ON (that is, customized), when the big hit is made, the premier effect is executed with a probability of 30%, for example. This premier effect will be specifically described later with reference to FIG.

  Here, in the present embodiment, “Increase handle flash jackpot notification” menu, “Increase handle air jackpot notification” menu, “Oki pachi (handle flash / handle air jackpot increase notification)” menu, and “Premier effect jackpot notification increase” menu. The “menu” is controlled so that a plurality of customizations cannot be set in parallel. That is, as described in steps SS754 to S758 of FIG. 23, only one of these four menus can be set ON, and only one of the four menus is set ON (see FIG. 30). In this way, the jackpot announcement effect that can raise the execution probability by these menus is a rare effect that is usually executed rarely (that is, when customization is OFF) and the player is excited, In principle, the execution probability cannot be increased at the same time. On the other hand, with regard to the handle flash effect and the handle air effect, which are the jackpot notification effects related to the handle 31 (see FIG. 1), as an exception, the execution probability is simultaneously increased by the “Oki Pachi (handle flash / handle air jackpot notification increase)” menu. To be able to. Also, for the “Increase handle flash jackpot notification” menu, “Increase handle air jackpot notification” menu, and “Oki pachi (handle flash / handle air jackpot notification increase)” menu, set one of these menus to ON. By doing so, it is possible to set all the combinations of customization of the handle flash effect and the handle air effect, so that only one of these menus can be set to ON. It should be noted that the “increase pre-reading notice” menu and the “big hit opening promotion complete announcement” menu can be customized at the same time as other menus. Thus, in this embodiment, a customization menu that can be customized at the same time and a customization menu that cannot be customized at the same time are provided.

[Notification effect setting processing]
FIG. 31 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the notification effect setting process in step S115 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 31, the notification production | presentation setting process of step S115 of FIG. 20 is demonstrated.

  First, in step S800, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines a background image of the notification effect based on the gaming state notification command received in step S114 of FIG. Specifically, when the received gaming state notification command indicates the normal gaming state, the CPU 401 determines, for example, a blue background image, and the received gaming state notification command indicates the probability changing gaming state (that is, the time saving state). In this case, for example, a red background image is determined. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S801.

  In step S801, based on the setting information included in the notification effect start command received in step S114 of FIG. 20, the CPU 401 has won a big hit C (16R big hit that will be a probable gaming state; see FIG. 6 (3)). Determine whether or not. If the determination in step S801 is YES, the process moves to step S802. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S803.

  In step S802, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to execute the jackpot promotion effect during the jackpot game executed by winning the jackpot C. Specifically, the CPU 401 determines to execute the jackpot promotion effect during the jackpot game with a probability of 30% by lottery using a random number for performance. As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 37 and the like, the jackpot promotion effect during the jackpot game is an effect for notifying that the jackpot has been promoted during the jackpot game (more precisely, an effect for notifying the actual jackpot) ). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S803.

  In step S803, the CPU 401 determines a basic scenario of the effect pattern of the notification effect based on the setting information included in the notification effect start command received in step S114 of FIG. This will be specifically described below. First, the case where it is not determined to execute the jackpot promotion effect by the process of step S802 will be described. In this case, the CPU 401 determines the effect pattern type (see FIG. 13 and the like) corresponding to the variation pattern included in the setting information as the effect pattern type to be executed this time (for example, the type of “first SPSP loss”). In addition, when this setting information includes information on a big hit and a big hit symbol indicating the type of the big hit, the stop symbol notifies that the big hit (for example, big hit A) is won at the end of the notification effect. Decide that. Note that the CPU 401 may recognize whether or not it is a big hit based on the variation pattern (see FIG. 13 and the like). Then, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to execute an effect that expects a big hit in the middle of the determined effect pattern type, and if so, the type and the like by a lottery using an effect random number, Determine the basic scenario of the production pattern. FIG. 32 is a diagram for describing an example of the effect pattern of the notification effect determined in steps S803 to S806. FIG. 32 (1) is an example of the basic scenario of the effect pattern. In the basic scenario of FIG. 32 (1), the first SPSP reach in the type of effect pattern “per first SPSP” (that is, the type in which the first SPSP reach effect is finally executed to notify the big hit; see FIG. 13 and the like). It is determined to execute the reach effect and the second SP reach effect before the effect. Next, the case where it is determined to execute the jackpot promotion effect by the process of step S802 will be described. In this case, the CPU 401 uses the type of effect pattern (for example, “per second SPSP”) to be executed this time as the type of effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern included in the setting information (see the “big hit” portion in FIG. 13 and the like). Type), and it is decided to notify the effect of winning the big hit B at the end of the notification effect by the stop symbol. In other words, although the jackpot C is actually won, the jackpot promotion effect that makes it appear as if it was promoted to the jackpot C is performed in the jackpot game effect. Then, the CPU 401 determines whether or not an effect that expects a big hit is to be executed in the middle of the determined effect pattern type, and if so, the type, etc., by lottery using effect random numbers. Determine the basic scenario for the pattern. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S804, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to execute a favorite character cut-in notice effect in the basic scenario determined in step S803, and if so, the contents of the effect. Specifically, the CPU 401 uses an effect random number that is determined to be executed with a high probability (for example, 30%) when it is a big hit and is determined to be executed with a low probability (for example, 0.5%) when it is lost. It is determined whether or not to execute a favorite character cut-in notice effect by lottery or the like. Here, the favorite character cut-in notice effect (favorite character cut-in notice effect) is an image of the favorite character set by the player according to the customization setting described with reference to FIG. 27, and the customization described with reference to FIG. It is a notice effect that suggests that the possibility of a big hit (hit reliability) is high by displaying an image of the facial expression selected by the player by setting during the notification effect. When the CPU 401 determines to execute the favorite character cut-in notice effect, the CPU 401 determines the execution timing by lottery using an effect random number. FIG. 33 (2) is a diagram illustrating an example of execution timing of a favorite character cut-in notice effect in the basic scenario of FIG. 33 (1). FIG. 33 (2) shows three execution timings, and the CPU 401 determines any one execution timing. Then, the CPU 401 determines the content of the favorite character cut-in notice effect. Specifically, as described above, the CPU 401 uses the customization setting described with reference to FIG. 28 by the player, and is the favorite character image set by the player according to the customization setting described with reference to FIG. It is decided to display the image of the selected facial expression. FIG. 33 (1) is an example of a favorite character cut-in notice effect. In the example of FIG. 33 (1), the character A is set as a favorite character by the player by the customization setting described with reference to FIG. 27, and the character A is set by the player by the customization setting described with reference to FIG. The right image (face image with tongue out) is set as a favorite character cut-in notice effect image, so that the favorite character cut-in notice effect for displaying the character image with character A's tongue out is displayed. Yes. When the customization setting described with reference to FIG. 27 is not performed by the player, the CPU 401 determines one character to be used from the characters A to E by lottery or the like, and uses FIG. If the customization setting described above is not performed by the player, one face image to be used is determined by lottery or the like, and a favorite character cut-in notice effect is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S805.

  In step S805, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to execute the jackpot notification effect in the basic scenario determined in step S803, and if so, the content of the effect. Specifically, in the case of a big hit, the CPU 401 uses the “Increase handle flash big hit notification” menu, “Increase handle air big hit notification” menu, “Oki pachi (handle flash / handle air big hit) explained with reference to FIG. If neither the “announcement increase” menu or the “premier effect jackpot notification increase” menu is customized to “ON”, the handle flash effect is reduced by an individual lottery using a production random number (for example, 5%), the steering wheel air effect is determined to be executed with a low probability (for example, 5%), and the premier effect is determined to be executed with a low probability (for example, 0.5%). On the other hand, in the case of a big hit, if the “handle flash big hit notification increase” menu is customized to “ON”, the CPU 401 has a high probability (for example, 70) %) To execute. Further, in the case where the big hit is made and the “handle air big hit notification increase” menu is customized to “ON”, the CPU 401 produces a handle air production with a high probability (for example, 70 by lottery using a production random number). %) To execute. Further, in the case of a big hit, if the “Oki Pachi (Increase in handle flash / handle air big hit notification)” menu is customized to “ON”, the CPU 401 performs individual lottery using a production random number, etc. It is determined that the handle flash effect is executed with a high probability (for example, 70%), and the handle air effect is determined to be executed with a high probability (for example, 70%). Further, if the “Premier effect big hit announcement increase” menu is customized and set to “ON” in the case of a big hit, the CPU 401 selects a premier effect with a high probability (for example, 30%) by lottery using an effect random number. ) To execute. Here, the handle flash effect is a jackpot notification effect for notifying (determining notification) that a big hit has occurred by causing the handle lamp 46 (see FIGS. 1 and 4) to emit light in the notification effect, and the handle air effect is a notification effect. Is a big hit notification effect that informs (determined notice) that a big hit has been generated by generating wind by the handle air generating unit 45 (see FIGS. 1 and 4), and the premier effect is a notification that a big hit has been made in the notification effect ( This is a jackpot notification effect that displays a special premier image to be confirmed. FIG. 33 (2) is an example of a premier effect, and shows a jackpot notification effect in which a bee image, which is a special premier image for notifying (determining notification) that a big hit has been made, is displayed. When the CPU 401 determines to execute the big hit announcement effect, the CPU 401 determines the execution timing by lottery using the effect random number. FIG. 33 (3) is a diagram illustrating an example of execution timing of the jackpot notification effect in the basic scenario of FIG. 32 (1). In FIG. 33 (2), two execution timings are illustrated, and the CPU 401 determines the execution timing for each jackpot notification effect determined to be executed. If the execution timing of the premier effect overlaps with the execution timing of the favorite character cut-in notice effect determined to be executed by the processing in step S804, the CPU 401 determines the execution timing of this premier effect by shifting it. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S806.

  In step S806, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice effect in the basic scenario determined in step S803, and if so, the effect content. Specifically, CPU 401 determines whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice effect in the current notification effect according to the determination by the pre-reading notice effect setting process in step S113 in FIG. To do. Here, as described in step S113 in FIG. 20, when the “Increase pre-reading notice” menu in FIG. 30 is customized and set to “ON”, the execution probability of the pre-reading notice effect is increased. Note that the pre-reading notice effect is a notice effect that suggests the possibility of a big hit in the next and subsequent notification effects, and is typically a notice effect that suggests the possibility of a big hit over a plurality of notification effects. As shown in 33 (3), the character image “coming soon!” Is displayed. FIG. 32 (4) is a diagram showing an example of execution timing of the jackpot notification effect in the basic scenario of FIG. 32 (1). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S807.

  In step S807, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute the notification effect of the content determined in steps S800 and S803 to S806. In response to this instruction, a notification effect is executed by the image sound control unit 500 or the like. 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 notification effect setting process ends (the process moves to step S116 in FIG. 20).

[Big hit game effect setting processing]
FIG. 34 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the jackpot game effect setting process in step S119 of FIG. In the following, with reference to FIG. 34, the jackpot game effect setting process in step S119 of FIG. 21 will be described.

  First, in step S850, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines that the current big hit is a big hit based on the setting information (that is, information indicating the type of the big hit) included in the notification effect start command received in step S114 of FIG. It is determined whether or not A (see FIG. 6 (3)). If the determination in step S850 is YES, the process proceeds to step S851, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S852.

  In step S <b> 851, the CPU 401 sets execution of the jackpot game effect of jackpot A. The big hit game effect of the big hit A will be specifically described later with reference to FIG. 36 (1) and FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S862.

  In step S852, the CPU 401 determines that the current big hit is a big hit B (FIG. 6 (3)) based on the setting information (that is, information indicating the type of the big hit) included in the notification effect start command received in step S114 of FIG. Reference). If the determination in step S852 is YES, the process moves to step S853. If the determination is NO, the current big hit is a big hit C, and the process moves to step S854.

  In step S853, the CPU 401 sets execution of the big hit game effect of big hit B. The jackpot game effect of the jackpot B will be specifically described later with reference to FIG. 36 (2) and FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S862.

  In step S854, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to execute the jackpot promotion effect in the current jackpot game effect based on the determination in step S802 of FIG. 31 (determination of whether or not to execute the jackpot promotion effect). . If the determination in step S854 is YES, the process proceeds to step S856, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S855.

  In step S855, the CPU 401 sets execution of the jackpot game effect of jackpot C. The big hit game effect of the big hit C will be specifically described later with reference to FIG. 36 (3) and FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S862.

  In step S856, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the current date is a date with “3” or “7” based on the date / time information from the RTC 404 (see FIG. 4). For example, if it is 23 days, it is a date with “3”, and if it is 17 days, it is a date with “7”. If the determination in step S856 is YES, the process proceeds to step S857, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S858.

  In step S857, the CPU 401 sets execution of the special hit promotion jackpot game effect. The jackpot game effect of this special opening promotion will be specifically described later with reference to FIGS. 37 (3) and 43. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S862.

  In step S858, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to execute the jackpot promotion effect at the opening of the jackpot game effect. Specifically, the CPU 401 decides to execute the jackpot promotion effect at the opening with a probability of 30% by lottery using the effect random numbers, and executes the jackpot promotion effect at the 4R round game effect with a probability of 70%. decide. If the determination in step S858 is YES, the process moves to step S860. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S859.

  In step S860, the CPU 401 sets execution of the jackpot game effect (normal opening promotion) that is promoted to the jackpot C at the opening. The jackpot game effect that is promoted to jackpot C at this opening will be specifically described later with reference to FIGS. 37 (1) and 41. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S862.

  In step S859, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the opening promotion complete notification is customized. Specifically, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the “big hit opening promotion complete notification” menu described with reference to FIG. 30 is customized to “ON”. If the determination in step S859 is YES, the process proceeds to step S860, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S861.

  In step S861, the CPU 401 sets execution of a jackpot game effect that is promoted to a jackpot C in a 4R round game. The jackpot game effect that is promoted to jackpot C in the round game of 4R will be specifically described later with reference to FIG. 37 (2) and FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S862.

  In step S <b> 862, the CPU 401 executes a “done” movie selection process described below. Thereafter, the jackpot game effect setting process ends (the process moves to step S120 in FIG. 21).

["I did it" movie selection process]
FIG. 35 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the “done” movie selection process in step S862 of FIG. The “done” movie selection process in step S862 in FIG. 34 will be described below with reference to FIG. Here, the “Done” movie will be specifically described later with reference to FIG. 36, FIG. 37, FIG. 38 (3) and (3-1), etc., but congratulates the winning of the big hit in the opening effect of the big hit game production. This is an effect of displaying one of the moving images (ST1 to ST5, character A to character E) shown in FIG.

  First, in step S870, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not any of the “done” movies of the characters A to E has been customized by the player through the customization described with reference to FIG. To do. If the determination in step S870 is YES, the process proceeds to step S871, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S872.

  In step S <b> 871, the CPU 401 sets the customized “character did” movie as the “executed” movie to be executed. Thereafter, the “I did it” movie selection process ends.

  In step S <b> 872, the CPU 401 determines whether any of the “done” movies in the live stages ST <b> 1 to ST <b> 5 has been customized by the player through the customization described with reference to FIG. 29. If the determination in step S872 is YES, the process moves to step S873. If this determination is NO, the customization setting for the “Yeah” movie has not been made, and the process moves to step S874.

  In step S <b> 873, the CPU 401 sets the customized “live” movie for the live stage as the “performed” movie to be executed. Thereafter, the “I did it” movie selection process ends.

  In step S874, the CPU 401 sets the “done” movie to be executed from among the “done” movies of the live stages ST1 to ST5 in FIG. Thereafter, the “I did it” movie selection process ends. In another embodiment, one of the “done” movies in the live stages ST1 to ST5 in FIG. 29 may be set as a “done” movie to be executed based on a predetermined order. In another embodiment, a specific one of the “done” movies in the live stages ST1 to ST5 in FIG. 29 may be set as a “done” movie to be executed at all times.

[Specific example of jackpot game production]
Hereinafter, the jackpot game effect set by the jackpot game effect setting process described above with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 36 to 43. 36 and 37 are time charts for explaining various jackpot game effects. 38 to 43 are diagrams specifically showing each jackpot game effect.

[A jackpot game effect when the jackpot A is won (no jackpot promotion effect)]
First, with reference to FIG. 36 (1) and FIG. 38, the jackpot A jackpot game effect (no jackpot promotion effect) set by the processing of step S851 in FIG. 34 will be described. That is, a case where the big hit A (see FIG. 6 (3)) is won and the big hit game effect of the big hit A is executed will be described. Here, as already described, the jackpot game effect includes an opening effect, a round game effect, and an ending effect. In the description of FIGS. 36 to 43, it is assumed that the interval effect is not performed during the interval period and the round game effect is performed during the interval period.

  First, as shown in FIG. 36 (1) and FIG. 38 (1), in the notification effect before the start of the big hit game effect, the decoration symbol DI is confirmed and stopped at a uniform line suggesting the big hit A, and the big hit A is won. This is reported in a production manner. In the example of FIG. 38 (1), it is reported that the decoration symbol DI has been confirmed and stopped at all “2” and the big hit A has been won.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 36 (1) and FIG. 38 (2), when the big hit game is started and the opening effect of the big hit game effect is started, and “big hit A !!” is displayed, It is suggested that it is a big hit game production of big hit A. Here, the opening effect of the big hit game effect of the big hit A is composed of an effect of displaying this “big hit A !!”, a “done” movie effect, and a guidance effect of “Aim for the attacker”.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 36 (1) and 38 (3) (or FIG. 38 (3-1)), in the opening effect, the “Yataneye” movie effect described with reference to FIG. 29 and the like is executed. And you are blessed to have been a big hit. Here, as described with reference to FIG. 35, when the player has customized any of the live stages ST1 to ST5 on the customization screen of FIG. "Tane" movie production is executed. In addition, when the player customizes any of the characters A to E on the customization screen of FIG. 29, the “yet” movie effect of the character set for customization is executed. In addition, when the customization setting is not performed on the customization screen of FIG. 29, any “done” movie effect of the live stages ST1 to ST5 is executed. In the example of FIG. 38 (3), the customization setting is not performed (or the live stage ST1 is customized), and the “done” movie effect of the live stage ST1 is executed. Also, in the example of FIG. 38 (3-1), since character A is customized, character “Are you done” movie effects are being executed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 36 (1) and FIG. 38 (4), in the opening production, the “Aim for the attacker” guidance production is executed, and the game ball is directed toward the grand prize opening 23 to be opened. Guidance is given to launch and win a prize ball. Here, the guidance effect “Aim for the attacker” is that any of the characters A to E (see FIG. 27 to FIG. 28) selected by the lottery or the like sounds “Aim for the attacker”. It is an effect that is guided by. In the example of FIG. 38 (4), the guidance effect “Aim at the attacker” by the character A selected by lottery or the like is executed.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 36 (1) and 38 (5), after the 1R to 4R round game effects are executed, as shown in FIGS. 36 (1) and 38 (6), an ending effect is produced. Is executed, the jackpot game ends, and the jackpot game effect ends.

[A jackpot game effect when the jackpot B is won (no jackpot promotion effect)]
Next, with reference to FIG. 36 (2) and FIG. 39, the big hit game effect (without the big hit promotion effect) set by the process of step S853 in FIG. 34 will be described. That is, a case where the big hit B (see FIG. 6 (3)) is won and the big hit B effect is executed will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 36 (2) and FIG. 39 (1), in the notification effect before the start of the big hit game effect, the decoration symbol DI is confirmed and stopped at a uniform line suggesting the big hit B, and the big hit B is won. This is reported in a production manner. In the example of FIG. 39 (1), the decoration symbols DI are all confirmed to stop at “6”, and it is reported that the big hit B has been won.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 36 (2) and FIG. 39 (2), the big hit game is started and the opening effect of the big hit game effect is started, and “Big hit B!” Is displayed. It is suggested that it is a big hit game production of big hit B. Here, the opening effect of the big hit game effect of the big hit B is composed of an effect of displaying this “big hit B !!”, a “done” movie effect, and a guidance effect “aim for the attacker”.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 36 (2) and FIG. 39 (3), in the opening effect, the “Done” movie effect described with reference to FIG. Here, although not shown in FIG. 39, in the same way as described with reference to FIGS. 38 (3) and (3-1), when the customization setting is made on the customization screen of FIG. 29, If the customized “Yet's done” movie effect is executed, and if this customized setting is not made, any “Yet'd” movie effect of the live stages ST1 to ST5 is executed. In the example shown in FIG. 39 (3), the “I did it” movie effect for the live stage ST1 is being executed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 36 (2) and FIG. 39 (4), as in FIG. 38 (4), in the opening effect, the guidance effect “Aim for the attacker” is executed and released. Guidance is made to urge the player to fire a game ball toward the winning opening 23 to acquire a prize ball. In the example of FIG. 39 (4), the guidance effect “Aim for the attacker” by the character A selected by lottery is executed.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 36 (2) and 39 (5), after the 1R to 4R round game effects are executed, as shown in FIGS. 36 (2) and 39 (6), an ending effect is produced. Is executed, the jackpot game ends, and the jackpot game effect ends.

[A jackpot game effect when the jackpot C is won (no jackpot promotion effect)]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 36 (3) and 40, the jackpot game effect (without the jackpot promotion effect) of the jackpot C set by the process of step S855 of FIG. 34 will be described. That is, a case where the big hit C (see FIG. 6 (3)) is won and the big hit C jackpot game effect (no jackpot promotion effect) is executed will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 36 (3) and FIG. 40 (1), in the notification effect before the start of the big hit game effect, the decorative symbol DI is confirmed and stopped at a uniform line suggesting the big hit C, and the big hit C is won. It is informed. In the example of FIG. 40 (1), it is notified that the decorative symbols DI have all been “3” and stopped, and the big hit C has been won.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 36 (3) and FIG. 40 (2), the big hit game is started and the opening effect of the big hit game effect is started, and the movable combination arranged on the upper side of the image display 6 is started. An effect (movable accessory fall effect) is displayed on the image display 6 so that the object 7 (see FIG. 1) drops and moves to the front of the image display 6 and the movable accessory 7 appears to shine. Executed. Here, the opening effect of the jackpot game effect of the jackpot C is composed of a movable accessory fall effect, an effect of displaying “Occasion C !!”, and a “done” movie effect.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 36 (3) and FIG. 40 (3), when the big hit game is started and the opening effect of the big hit game effect is started, and “big hit C !!” is displayed, It is suggested that it is a big hit game production of big hit C.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 36 (3) and FIG. 40 (4), in the opening production, the “Done” movie production described with reference to FIG. Here, although not shown in FIG. 40, in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS. 38 (3) and (3-1), when the customization setting is performed on the customization screen of FIG. 29, If the customized “Yet's done” movie effect is executed, and if this customized setting is not made, any “Yet'd” movie effect of the live stages ST1 to ST5 is executed. In the example shown in FIG. 40 (4), the “I did it” movie effect for the live stage ST1 is being executed.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 36 (3) and 40 (5), after the 1R-16R round game effects are executed, as shown in FIGS. 36 (3) and 40 (6), an ending effect is produced. Is executed, the jackpot game ends, and the jackpot game effect ends.

[Big win game effect when winning big hit C (normal opening promotion)]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 37 (1) and 41, the jackpot game effect (normal opening promotion) of the jackpot C set by the process of step S860 in FIG. 34 will be described. That is, the case where the big hit game effect of the big hit C is executed after the big hit C (see FIG. 6 (3)) is won and the winning of the big hit B is effectively notified in the notification production will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 37 (1) and FIG. 41 (1), in the notification effect before the start of the big hit game effect, the decorative symbol DI is confirmed and stopped at a uniform line suggesting the big hit B, and the big hit B is won. This is reported in a production manner. In the example of FIG. 41 (1), it is reported that the decoration symbol DI has been confirmed and stopped at all “6” and the big hit B has been won.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 37 (1) and FIG. 41 (2), the big hit game is started and the opening effect of the big hit game effect is started. Production is performed. Here, the opening effect of the jackpot game effect of the jackpot C is composed of a movable accessory fall effect, an effect of displaying “Occasion C !!”, and a “done” movie effect.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 37 (1) and FIG. 41 (3), as in FIG. 40 (3), a big hit game is started and an opening effect of the big hit game effect is started. "!" Is displayed, it is suggested that it is a big hit game effect of big hit C.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 37 (1) and FIG. 41 (4), as in FIG. 40 (4), in the opening effect, the “Yataneye” movie effect described with reference to FIG. 29 and the like is executed. , Blessed is a big hit. In the example shown in FIG. 41 (4), the “I did it” movie effect for the live stage ST1 is being executed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 37 (1) and FIG. 41 (5), after the round game effect of 1R to 16R is executed, as shown in FIG. 37 (1) and FIG. Is executed, the jackpot game ends, and the jackpot game effect ends.

  In this way, in the big hit game effect (normally promoted promotion) when winning the big hit C, after the big hit B win in the notification effect is produced, the movable object fall effect is performed in the opening effect of the big hit game effect. After that, by notifying that it is a big hit game effect of big hit C, the big hit promotion effect as if the big hit was promoted from big hit B to big hit C is executed.

  In the above explanation, the jackpot game effect is performed in the same manner as the jackpot game effect of the jackpot C that does not perform the jackpot promotion effect (see FIG. 40). As a result, a configuration that gives a jackpot promotion effect was given (see FIG. 41). However, for example, in the opening effect shown in FIG. 41, the display of “big hit B !!” shown in FIG. 39 (2) may be executed before the movable accessory fall effect shown in (2).

[Big win game effect when winning big hit C (promotion by 4R)]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 37 (2) and 42, the jackpot game effect (promotion by 4R) of jackpot C set by the process of step S861 in FIG. 34 will be described. In other words, winning the jackpot C (see FIG. 6 (3)), the jackpot game effect shown in the jackpot game effect of the jackpot B is started, and the jackpot promotion effect that appears to have been promoted to the jackpot C in the 4R round game effect. The case where it is executed will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 37 (2) and FIG. 42 (1), in the notification effect before the start of the big hit game effect, the decorative symbol DI is confirmed and stopped at a uniform line suggesting the big hit B, and the big hit B is won. This is reported in a production manner. In the example of FIG. 42 (1), the decoration symbols DI are all confirmed to stop at “6”, and it is reported in effect that the big hit B has been won.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 37 (2) and FIGS. 42 (2) to (4), similar to the big hit game effect when winning big hit B (FIG. 36 (2) and FIG. 39 (2) to ( 4)), the opening effect is executed.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 37 (2) and 42 (5), 1R to 3R round game effects are executed.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 37 (2) and 42 (6), in the 4R round game effect, the movable accessory fall effect is executed in the same manner as in FIG. 40 (2).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 37 (2) and FIG. 42 (7), in the 4R round game effect, “Big hit C !!” is displayed, and it is informed in effect that it has been promoted to big hit C. The

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 37 (2) and 42 (8), after the 5R-16R round game effects are executed, as shown in FIGS. 37 (2) and 42 (9), the ending effects are performed. Is executed, the jackpot game ends, and the jackpot game effect ends.

  In this way, in the big hit game effect (promoted by 4R) when winning the big hit C, after the big hit B win in the notification effect is produced in an effective manner, the same effect as the big hit game effect of the big hit B is started. In the 4R round game production, after performing the moving object fall production, the jackpot promotion production is performed as if the big hit was promoted from the big hit B to the big hit C by notifying that the big hit C was a big hit game production. To do.

[A jackpot game effect when winning the jackpot C (days with 3 or 7; special opening promotion)]
Next, the jackpot game effect (special opening promotion) of the jackpot C set by the process of step S857 in FIG. 34 will be described with reference to FIGS. That is, a case where a special jackpot promotion effect that is fixedly executed on the day of 3 or 7 is executed will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 37 (3) and FIG. 43 (1), in the notification effect before the start of the big hit game effect, the decorative symbol DI is confirmed and stopped at a uniform line suggesting the big hit B, and the big hit B is won. This is reported in a production manner. In the example shown in FIG. 43 (1), it is reported that the decoration symbol DI has been confirmed and stopped at all “6” and the big hit B has been won.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 37 (3) and 43 (2), in the same way as the big hit game effect in the case of winning big hit B (see FIG. 36 (2) and FIG. 39 (2)), the big hit game is At the same time, the opening effect of the big hit game effect is started, and “big hit B !!” is displayed, which indicates that the big hit game effect of the big hit B is displayed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 37 (3) and FIG. 43 (3), in the opening effect, the “Done” movie effect described with reference to FIG. In the example of FIG. 43 (3), the “I did it” movie effect of the live stage ST 1 is being executed.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 37 (3) and 43 (4), a “cucuen” effect is executed in the opening effect. The “cucuen” effect is an effect that a character customized and set as a favorite character on the favorite character selection screen of FIG. 27 is displayed and called “cucuen” (sound output). If the favorite character is not customized on the favorite character selection screen of FIG. 27, the “cucuen” effect of the character selected by lottery or the like from the characters A to E is executed. In the example of FIG. 43 (4), the “Cucuon” effect by character A is executed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 37 (3) and FIG. 43 (5), the movable accessory fall effect is executed in the 1R round game effect.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 37 (3) and FIG. 43 (6), in the 1R round game effect, “Big hit C !!!!” is displayed, so that it has been promoted to big hit C. The

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 37 (3) and 43 (7), after the round game effects of 2R to 16R are executed, as shown in FIGS. 37 (3) and 43 (8), the ending effects Is executed, the jackpot game ends, and the jackpot game effect ends.

  In this way, in the big hit game effect (day with 3 or 7; special opening promotion) in the case of winning the big hit C, after the big hit B is won in the notification effect, A similar opening effect is started and a “Cucuen” effect, which is a characteristic effect in the final stage of the opening effect, is executed (that is, when the 4R promotion effect shown in FIG. 37 (2) is executed) Change the voice of “Aim at the attacker” to the voice of “Cucuon” as shown in FIG. 37 (3)), and then perform the movable accessory fall effect in the 1R round game effect and then hit the jackpot C The big hit promotion effect is executed as if the big hit was promoted from the big hit B to the big hit C.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the content of the jackpot promotion effect that makes it appear that the type of jackpot in the jackpot game is promoted is not a day with 3 or 7 on the day when the movable accessory fall effect and “Big hit C !!” display effect (see FIGS. 37 (1) (2), 41, and 42). On the day marked 3 or 7, the “Cucuon” effect, the movable object fall effect, and the “hit C” ! ”Is displayed (see FIGS. 37 (3) and 43). In other words, the contents of the jackpot promotion effect during the jackpot game are switched according to the date. Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to execute a novel jackpot promotion effect rich in change.

  Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, among the customization items for customizing the production, control is performed so that specific customization items cannot be simultaneously enabled (ON) (S754 in FIG. 23). (See S757, FIG. 30). Thus, according to the present embodiment, effective customization can be executed for the jackpot notification effect.

  Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, the type of favorite character cut-in notice effect, which is a notice effect with a high jackpot reliability, is determined in advance by customization settings by the player (S804 in FIGS. 28 and 31). 32 (2) and 33 (1)). As a result, according to the present embodiment, the player performs the favorite character cut-in notice effect customized by himself / herself in a scene with high jackpot reliability. I can enjoy it.

  Further, as described above, in this embodiment, the “done” movie effect in the opening effect of the jackpot game effect is determined in advance by the customization setting by the player (FIGS. 29, 35, 36, and 37). 38 (3) and (3-1)). As a result, according to the present embodiment, the player can enjoy the opening effect very much because the “Yatayane” movie effect customized by himself / herself is executed in the opening effect of the jackpot game.

  Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, the “Done” movie effect by characters A to E in the opening effect of the big hit game effect (see FIG. 29) is not customized by the player. Is not executed (see FIG. 35). As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is valuable to customize by providing an effect that is not executed unless the player sets customization.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration example is described in which a jackpot promotion effect that makes it appear that the type of jackpot is promoted in the jackpot game effect is described (see FIG. 37 and the like). However, for example, the jackpot promotion effect that makes it appear that the type of jackpot is promoted may be executed in the notification effect. In this case, when the big hit C is won in the notification effect, the fact that the big hit A or B has been won is announced once and then the fact that the jackpot C has been promoted to the big hit C is produced (that is, the big hit C is determined). Notification). Further, in the case where the jackpot promotion effect is executed in the notification effect in this way, on the day marked with 3 or 7, the “Cucuon” effect (FIG. 43 (4)) is given before the effect of notifying that the jackpot promotion has been promoted. It is good also as a structure which performs (refer).

  Moreover, in this embodiment mentioned above, it is good also as a structure which displays the state of customization setting on the image display part 6 in a customer waiting state. Specifically, in the screen transition of the customer waiting state described with reference to FIG. 24, an “upper screen” is displayed between the “customer waiting screen” and the “TOP menu screen”, and this “upper screen” is displayed. By displaying the status of the customization setting, the player may be notified of the current customization setting status. It should be noted that the transition to the “upper screen” may be performed automatically when a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) elapses, or may be performed according to an operation of the effect button 37 or the like by the player. In addition, an item for transitioning to another menu (pachi log setting menu, game description menu, etc.) may be provided in the “upper screen”.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when customization is set by pressing the player's effect button 37 (see FIGS. 27 to 30), a “customization completion screen” indicating that the customization setting is completed is displayed. Then, the player may be clearly notified that the customization setting has been completed. The “customization completion screen” may be automatically hidden when displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds), or may be hidden by the player's depressing operation of the effect button 37. .

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the “initialize all customizations” menu is provided on the TOP menu screen described with reference to FIG. 26, and the player selects this menu item and performs a determination operation. All the customization settings described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 30 may be initialized collectively (that is, returned to the initial settings). Thereby, the new player can easily invalidate the customization setting by the previous player.

  In the above-described embodiment, when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after the “various customization screens” (see FIGS. 27 to 30) described with reference to FIG. A “customization initialization confirmation screen” (not shown) for confirming whether or not to initialize may be automatically displayed. On this “customization initialization confirmation screen”, an explanation that all customization settings can be initialized at once and items of “YES” and “NO” are displayed. At the time when the “customization initialization confirmation screen” is displayed, the item “YES” is selected and displayed (that is, the initial cursor position is “YES”). By depressing the effect button 37 in the selected display state, all customization settings can be initialized at one time. On the other hand, the effect key 37 is operated after the effect key 38 is operated to select “NO” and then the effect button 37 is pressed. The original customization screen can be returned by pressing the button. In addition, when “YES” is selected and displayed and the player presses down the effect button 37 to initialize all customization settings at once, the message “initialization completed” is displayed. After that, return to the original customization screen. In this way, by automatically displaying the “customization initialization confirmation screen”, the customization setting by the previous player can be easily initialized, and since the initial cursor position is “YES”, it is easier to initialize. Can be It is preferable that the “customization initialization confirmation screen” is not displayed when all customizations are already initialized. In addition, it is preferable that the above-described predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) is started from the beginning when any operation such as moving the selected display item is performed on the “various customization screen”.

  In the present embodiment described above, the period during which the special opening promotion in which the “cucuen effect” described with reference to steps S856 and S857 in FIG. 34, FIG. 37 (3), and FIG. On the upper left of the notification effect screen (refer to FIG. 43 (1)) and the customer waiting screen (refer to FIG. 25), for example, “Cucuen effect promotion target date” is displayed, You may alert | report that it is the target day of an effect. In addition, the display of this “Cucuen effect promotion target date” is not displayed during the execution of the effect displayed using the entire screen of the image display 6 such as the SP reach effect, the SPSP reach effect, and the jackpot game effect. It is preferable.

  Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the customization setting states described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 30 are, for example, a notification effect screen (see FIG. 43 (1)), a customer waiting screen (see FIG. 25), and the like. You may display on the upper left. Further, it is preferable to hide the display of the customization setting state during the execution of the effect displayed using the entire screen of the image display 6 such as the SP reach effect, the SPSP reach effect, and the jackpot game effect. .

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when a big hit is made after performing a special production (for example, a special SPSP reach production by a special character) in the notification production, in the big hit game production using FIG. Regardless of the customization setting of the “Yataneye” movie described above or the setting of “Cucuen effect” on the day with 3 or 7 described using steps S856 and S857 in FIG. A special opening effect (for example, a special opening effect by a special character) may be executed. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which performs the special round game effect and the special ending effect of the content relevant to this special effect. That is, a special jackpot game effect having contents related to this special effect may be executed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the big hit game (that is, the tenth big hit game) when the number of consecutive big hits without entering the normal game state becomes a predetermined number (for example, 10 times), etc. In the special jackpot game, it is possible to customize the setting of “done” movie etc. explained with reference to FIG. 29 and the like, and the setting of “cucuen effect” with the date of 3 or 7 explained using steps S856 and S857 of FIG. Regardless, the special jackpot game effect corresponding to the special jackpot game may be executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 28 and the like, the favorite character cut-in notice effect is executed using the image of the character set as the favorite character described with reference to FIG. did. However, it may be configured such that the favorite character cut-in notice effect can be executed by a character different from the character set as the favorite character described using FIG. 27 by the customization setting described using FIG. For example, when the favorite character A is set as the favorite character by the customization setting of FIG. 27, the favorite character cut-in notice effect is executed by the left face image of the character B (see FIG. 28) by the customization setting of FIG. Customized settings may be made as described.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the favorite character cut-in notice effect customization setting described with reference to FIG. 28 is not performed, the image is different from any of the face images of characters A to E that can be customized. (For example, a special character Z image) may be fixedly used for a favorite character cut-in notice effect. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, when the favorite character cut-in notice effect customization setting described with reference to FIG. 28 is not performed, the special character set as the favorite character described with reference to FIG. An image (a special image that cannot be set in FIG. 28) may be used for a favorite character cut-in notice effect.

  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 ... Locking part 45 ... Handle air generating part 46 ... Handle lamp 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 (1)

An acquisition means for acquiring game information upon establishment of the start condition;
Special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means;
If it is determined by the special game determination means that a special game is to be performed, special game control means for performing the special game;
Production control means for performing the production according to the progress of the game,
The special game determining means can determine whether to perform a first special game or a second special game that is more advantageous to the player than the first special game,
The production control means includes
A measuring means for measuring time and outputting time information;
Special effect control means for executing a special effect informing the execution of the second special game;
A game machine comprising: a change control means for changing the execution timing of the special effect executed by the special effect control means according to the time information output from the measurement means.

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