JP5982445B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a gaming machine that performs an effect of informing a player of a launch area of a game ball according to a gaming state (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

"Pachinko victory guide", Guide Works Co., Ltd., February 16, 2014 issue, February 16, 2014 issue, page 16, CR Gegege no Kitaro invitation from the graveyard, "Kitarou mode"

  By the way, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, it is important to suggest a game ball launch area to the player in order to prevent the player from making a game ball useless. For this reason, the gaming machine is required to appropriately notify the player of the launch area of the game ball.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that appropriately executes an effect of informing a launch area of a game ball.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention employs the following configuration. Note that reference numerals in parentheses, explanatory texts, step numbers, and the like indicate correspondence with embodiments described later in order to help understanding of one aspect of the present invention. It does not limit the range at all.

A gaming machine (1) according to one aspect of the present invention includes:
A first start port (21) through which a game ball launched toward the first area of the game area can win,
A second start opening (22) through which a game ball launched toward the second area of the game area can win a prize;
Special game determination means (100) for determining whether or not to play a special game advantageous to the player by winning a game ball at the first start port or the second start port;
Suggestion effect control means (400) for executing the suggestion effect according to the determination result by the special game determination means;
A game state control means (100) for controlling a game in one of a specific game state in which a game ball is likely to win a prize in the second start port and a non-specific game state in which a game ball is difficult to win in the second start port; ,
When the game state control means controls the specific game state to the non-specific game state, it is possible to execute a first notification effect for prompting the player to launch a game ball toward the first area. A launch notification control means (400),
The launch notification control means does not execute the first notification effect when the suggestion effect control means is executing a specific suggestion effect according to a specific determination result (see FIGS. 23 and 24).

  In addition, the launch notification control unit is configured to prompt the game ball to be launched toward the first area when a specific suggestion effect according to a specific determination result is executed by the suggestion effect control unit. The second notification effect (see FIG. 28) may be executed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game machine which performs appropriately the effect which alert | reports the launch area | region of a game ball 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 showing an example of the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery concerning this embodiment The figure for showing an example of change time of normal symbol concerning this embodiment, winning probability, and an open pattern of electric tulip 27 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 gate switch process in step S3 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. The figure for demonstrating the example of the variable time table set used in this embodiment An example of a detailed flowchart of normal symbol processing in step S5 of FIG. 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 detailed flowchart of the electric tulip process in step S7 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 detailed flowchart showing the fluctuating effect execution process in step S115 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the fluctuating effect execution process in step S115 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the launch area notification control process in step S13 of FIG. Time chart for explaining the launch area notification effect according to the present embodiment along the passage of time Time chart for explaining the launch area notification effect according to the present embodiment along the passage of time Time chart for explaining the launch area notification effect according to the present embodiment along the passage of time Time chart for explaining the launch area notification effect according to the present embodiment along the passage of time Time chart for explaining the launch area notification effect according to the present embodiment along the passage of time The figure for demonstrating the modification of the left-handed alerting presentation effect by this embodiment.

  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. The player adjusts the firing force of the game ball by adjusting the rotation operation angle of the lever 32 described later, and the left region of the game region 20 (left side as viewed from the player) as shown by, for example, the arrow 10 with a small firing force. Can be launched (hereinafter referred to as “left-handed”) with a greater firing force, for example, as shown by the arrow 11 in the right region of the game region 20 (the region on the right side as viewed from the player). ) Can be launched (hereinafter referred to as right-handed).

  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, as an example of various prizes related to winning and lottery, the first starting port 21, the second starting port 22, the first gate 25a, the second gate 25b, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port. 24 is arranged on the game board 2. 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 is arranged in the lower center region of the game area 20 so as to be located on the path along which the left-handed game ball flows down, and the first gate 25a and the normal winning opening 24 are left-handed. It is arranged in the left area of the game area 20 so as to be located on the path of the game ball flowing down. In addition, the second gate 25b and the special winning opening 23 are arranged in the right area of the game area so as to be located on the path along which the right-handed game ball flows down. In addition, a path through which the game ball can flow is restricted by a restriction member (not shown) such as a game nail or a partition plate, and the left-handed game ball passes through the second gate 25b and the big prize opening 23. The right-handed game ball is restricted so that it cannot pass through the first gate 25a and the first start port 21. In addition, the second start port 22 is located in the lower center region of the game area 20 (below the first start port 21 so that both the left-handed game ball and the right-handed game ball are located on the path where they can flow down. The game ball can be awarded to the second starting port 22 by left-handed or right-handed. However, due to the above-described restricting members such as game nails and partition plates, it is easier for the right-handed player to win the game ball to the second starting port 22 than the left-handed player. For this reason, the player makes left-handed and right-handed shots depending on whether he / she wants to win a game ball to the first start opening 21 or to win a game ball to the big winning opening 23 or the second start opening 22. It will be used properly.

  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 first gate 25a or the second gate 25b, the normal symbol lottery (opening / closing 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. . Then, when the electric tulip 27 passes the first gate 25a or the second gate 25b and the normal symbol lottery is won, the pair of blade portions is set to a specified time (for example, 0.10 seconds, 5.5 seconds or Open for 3.0 seconds) and open and close a specified number of times (eg, once or twice). The normal symbol lottery and the operation (opening pattern) of the electric tulip 27 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The big prize opening 23 is located in the right area of the game area 20 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 first gate 25a and the second gate 25b, there is no payout of the prize ball in conjunction therewith.

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

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

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

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

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

  The first special symbol display 4a is displayed with the display symbol varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the first starting port 21. For example, the first special symbol display 4a is composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball is won at the first starting port 21, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and then the lottery result is displayed. Further, the second special symbol display 4b is displayed with the display symbols varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the second starting port 22. For example, the second special symbol display 4b is similarly composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball wins at the second starting port 22, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and the lottery result is displayed. To do. In the normal symbol display 4e, the display symbol is changed and displayed corresponding to the game ball passing through the first gate 25a and the second gate 25b. For example, the normal symbol display 4e is composed of an LED display device, and when a game ball passes through the first gate 25a and the second gate 25b, the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and then the lottery result is 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 the game state (normal state, short time state, etc.) when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade portion of the electric tulip 27 is opened, the number of times the blade portion is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval at which the blade portion is opened and closed. Further, the main control unit 100 executes the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the first start port 21, the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the second start port 22, And the number of execution suspensions of the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the first gate 25a and the second gate 25b, respectively, and sends data related to these suspension times 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 first gate 25a and the second gate 25b, 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 functions described above, 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 first gate switch 113a, a second gate switch 113b, and a grand prize. Mouth switch 114, special prize opening opening / closing part 115, normal prize opening switch 116, display 4 (first special symbol display 4a, second special symbol display 4b, first special symbol hold display 4c, second special symbol A hold display 4d, a normal symbol display 4e, a normal symbol hold display 4f, and a game state 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 first gate switch 113a sends a signal to the main control unit 100 in response to the game ball passing through the first gate 25a. The second gate switch 113b sends a signal to the main control unit 100 in response to the game ball passing through the second gate 25b. 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. In this game ball passage determination process, a game ball enters (or passes) the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the first gate 25a, the second gate 25b, the big winning port 23, and the like. For example, this 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 process in the timer interrupt process executed at intervals of 4 milliseconds (4 ms) by the main control unit 100 described later with reference to FIG. 8, the binarized signal shown in FIG. By determining ON / OFF, the game ball is determined to pass. This will be specifically described below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the switch processing described above, the second ON / OFF determination may not be performed in the timer interrupt processing determined to be ON that is executed after the timer interrupt processing determined to be ON.
Further, in the switch processing described above, it may be configured to detect the passage of the game ball by detecting the place where the binarized signal is switched from ON to OFF. That is, in FIG. 5, it may be determined that one game ball has passed with the determination that the n + 1 time timer interrupt process is turned on twice and the n + 2 time timer interrupt process is turned off.
Further, in the switch processing described above, in one timer interrupt process (ON detection), ON / OFF determination may be performed three times or more. In one timer interrupt process (OFF detection), You may perform ON / OFF determination twice or more.
In addition, in the switch processing described above, 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 first gate 25a and the second gate 25b 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. This is because the effect button 37 plays a role as a movable accessory that performs a protruding operation, a vibrating operation, a light emitting operation, and the like under the control of the lamp control unit 600 in addition to the role of receiving the operation input of the player. This is because it is connected to 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 effect button 37. The ROM 602 stores programs executed by the CPU 601 and various data. The RAM 603 is used as a working memory for the CPU 601.

  The lamp control unit 600 controls the lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the emission color based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. The lamp control unit 600 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 and the effect button 37 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, the ROM 602 of the lamp control unit 600 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. ) Is stored. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 based on the read light emission pattern data. Further, the ROM 602 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 7 and the effect button 37 corresponding to the effect contents set by the effect control unit 400. The effect button 37 is an operation input receiving means by the player and an effect means for performing an effect by an action (such as a protruding action). 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 and the effect button 37 based on the read operation pattern data.

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

  The effect control unit 400 controls the image sound control unit 500 based on the operation data of the effect button 37 transmitted from the lamp control unit 600 and the operation data output from the effect key 38. The operation state of the production key 38 is notified. Here, the operation state of the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 is whether or not an operation is being performed, and what operation is being performed (for example, long press of the effect button 37 or the effect key 38 This includes information such as pressing the left arrow 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, 1/300), 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 the execution time of the normal symbol lottery (the fluctuation time of the normal symbol) is a normal time (for example, 30 seconds). When the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be opened for a long time (for example, once every 5.50 seconds) with a low probability (for example, 2/10), while a high probability (for example, 8). / 10) is a gaming state in which the opening control is performed only for a very short time (for example, once for 0.10 seconds). Therefore, the electric tulip 27 is difficult to be opened for a long time, and the gaming ball enters the second starting port 22. It is a difficult gaming state. 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 the execution time of the normal symbol lottery (the variation time of the normal symbol) is shorter than that of the non-electric support state. This is a gaming state in which the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be opened for a long time (for example, 3.00 seconds twice) when the normal symbol lottery is won. This is a gaming state in which the tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long time, so that the game balls can easily enter (win) the second start port 22. The non-short-time state is a gaming state in which a special symbol lottery execution time (variable display time of special symbols) is a normal predetermined time, and a short-time state is a special symbol lottery execution time (variable display time of special symbols). ) Is a gaming state that is shortened more than the non-temporal 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 big prize opening 23 is opened, and is controlled in a non-electric support state and a non-short-time state. A gaming state. 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. For this reason, the electric support state and the short time state are gaming states advantageous to the player. Therefore, the player uses right-handed and left-handed separately, and in the big hit game state, by making a right-hand hit, the player wins the game ball into the big winning opening 23, and is in the electric support state and the short-time state (that is, this embodiment) In the following probability variation gaming state), the player hits the second starting port 22 more frequently by making a right strike than making a left strike, while at the same time a non-electric support state and non-short time other than the big hit gaming state. In the state (that is, the normal gaming state and the latent gaming state described below in this embodiment), left-handed aiming at the first starting port 21, not the second starting port 22 closed for most of the time by the electric tulip 27. By doing so, the first starting port 21 is made to win a game ball. In the following, a gaming state 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 controlled to a high-probability state, an electric support state, and a short-time state is a probabilistic gaming state. A gaming state controlled in a highly accurate state, a non-electric support state, and a non-short-time state is called a latent gaming state.

[Outline of jackpot breakdown and jackpot game in this embodiment]
Next, the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery in this embodiment and the outline of the jackpot game will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the jackpot breakdown and jackpot game of the special symbol lottery according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 (1) shows the jackpot breakdown of the first special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 21, and FIG. 6 (2) shows the second special ball by winning the game ball to the second starting port 22. The jackpot breakdown of the symbol lottery is shown. As shown in FIG. 6 (1), the jackpot breakdown of the first special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 21 is that the winning probability of the jackpot A is 75% and the winning probability of the jackpot B is 15%. The winning probability of jackpot C is 10%. Also, as shown in FIG. 6 (2), the jackpot breakdown of the second special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the second starting port 22 is that the winning probability of the jackpot A is 50%, and the winning probability of the jackpot D is 50%.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6 (3), the jackpot game when each jackpot is won will be described. 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 grand prize opening 23 or when the opening time of the grand prize opening 23 has elapsed 29.5 seconds, the grand prize opening 23 is changed from the open state to the closed state, and the 1R round game is ended. To do. 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, two round games are executed in the same manner, and a total of four round games are executed. Then, when the predetermined ending time has elapsed, the big hit game ends. With this jackpot game, the player can obtain a total of about 500 prize balls. Thereafter, the gaming state is from the end of the big hit game until the end of 70 rotations (that is, from when the special symbol lottery is executed 70 times and the special symbol is displayed on the display 4 variably 70 times and then stopped). In the meantime, it is controlled to the high-accuracy state, and it is controlled to the short time state and the electric support state from the end of the big hit game until the end of 70 revolutions. In other words, from the end of the big hit game until the end of 70 rotations, it is controlled to the probability variation gaming state, and after the 71st rotation, it is controlled to the normal gaming state.

  In addition, when the big hit game executed when the big hit B is won, after a predetermined opening time has elapsed, the big winning opening 23 is changed from the closed state to the open state, and an extremely short time (for example, 0.4 seconds) elapses. Then, the round game in which the big winning opening 23 is changed from the open state to the closed state is executed four times with the interval period interposed therebetween. Then, when the predetermined ending time has elapsed, the big hit game ends. In other words, during the big hit game, the big prize opening 23 is opened only momentarily, so it is difficult for the game ball to win the big prize opening 23, and the player can substantially win the prize ball during the big hit game. Hard to get. After that, the gaming state is controlled to the probable gaming state from the end of the big hit game until the end of the 70th rotation, and the 71st and subsequent rotations are controlled to the normal gaming state, as in the case where the big hit A is won. Note that if the player wins the big hit B, the player feels that the player has suddenly entered a probable game state without acquiring a winning ball by the big hit game, and therefore, the big hit B may be referred to as “surprise hit” below.

  When the big hit game executed when the big hit C is won is started, the big winning opening 23 is changed from the closed state to the open state after a predetermined opening time, and a very short time (for example, 0.4 seconds) passes. A round game in which the winning opening 23 is changed from the open state to the closed state is executed four times with an interval period in between. Then, when the predetermined ending time has elapsed, the big hit game ends. In other words, during the big hit game, the big prize opening 23 is opened only momentarily, so it is difficult for the game ball to win the big prize opening 23, and the player can substantially win the prize ball during the big hit game. Hard to get. Thereafter, the gaming state is controlled to the latent gaming state from the end of the big hit game until the end of 70 rotations, and is controlled to the normal gaming state after the 71st rotation. Since the big hit C is controlled to a latent game state after the big hit game, the big hit C may be referred to as “latent hit” below.

  When the big hit game executed when the big win D is won, after a predetermined opening time has elapsed, a total of 16 round games similar to the case where the big win A is won by opening and closing the big prize opening 23 with an interval period in between. Executed once. 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. After that, the gaming state is controlled to the probable gaming state from the end of the big hit game until the end of the 70th rotation, and the 71st and subsequent rotations are controlled to the normal gaming state, as in the case where the big hit A is won.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when a first special symbol lottery (that is, a first special symbol lottery with a latent hit) is not won based on a game ball winning at the first starting port 21, a predetermined probability (for example, 2/300) has a “small hit” to win. When winning the “small hit”, which is a predetermined loss of the first special symbol lottery, an effect is given as if the big hit C (per latent) was won, and the big hit C was won. Similarly, the special winning opening 23 is controlled to be opened and closed (however, the gaming state is not changed before and after “small hit”). This gives players a sense of expectation that even if they are actually “small hits,” they may win the big hit C and be controlled in a hidden gaming state, improving the fun of the game Can be made.

  Note that, as described above, when the “big hit” is won by the special symbol lottery or when the “small hit” is won by the first special symbol lottery, the big winning opening 23 is controlled to be opened and closed (opened). In this case, the player makes a right turn in order to win a game ball in the big winning opening 23.

  Next, the variation time of normal symbols, the winning probability, and the opening pattern of the electric tulips 27 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the variation time of normal symbols, the winning probability, and the opening pattern of the electric tulips 27 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in the normal game state or the latent game state (that is, the non-electric support state), the game ball passes through the first gate 25a or the second gate 25b, so that the normal symbol is displayed on the normal symbol display 4e. The normal symbol variation time to stop display after the variable display is 30 seconds, and the probability that the normal symbol becomes a predetermined winning symbol (that is, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery) is a low probability (1/10). In addition, when the normal symbol lottery is won in the normal gaming state or the latent gaming state, the electric tulip 27 is opened only once for 0.10 seconds (first opening pattern) with a high probability (8/10), and the low probability In (2/10), 5.50 seconds are opened only once (second opening pattern). As a result, in the normal gaming state or the latent gaming state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is low, and the winning is achieved when the electric tulip 27 is controlled to the first opening pattern than to the control where the electric tulip 27 is controlled to the second opening pattern. The probability of doing is high. For this reason, it is difficult for the game ball to win a prize at the second start opening 22 that is in a state where a prize can be won by controlling the electric tulip 27 to the open state. However, if the electric tulip 27 is won when it is controlled to the second opening pattern, the electric tulip 27 is opened for a long time, so that it is easy to win a game ball at the second starting port 22. For this reason, in the normal game state or the latent game state, when the electric tulip 27 is won when the electric tulip 27 is controlled to the second opening pattern, the right-handed game is played to the second start port 22 rather than the left-handed game as described above. Since it is easy to win the ball, the player may hit the right to try to win a lot of game balls to the second starting port 22.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in the probability variation gaming state (that is, the electric support state), the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e by passing the game ball through the first gate 25a or the second gate 25b. The normal symbol variation time to be stopped and displayed later is shortened to 3 seconds, and the probability that the normal symbol becomes a predetermined winning symbol (that is, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery) is high (10/10). Further, when the normal symbol lottery is won in the probability variation gaming state, the electric tulip 27 is opened twice for 3.00 seconds (third release pattern). As a result, in the probability variation gaming state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is high, and when the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is controlled to the third opening pattern, so the electric tulip 27 is controlled to the open state. This makes it easier for a game ball to win a prize at the second start port 22 that is ready to win. For this reason, in the probability variation gaming state, the player makes a right strike to win a lot of game balls at the second starting port 22.

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

[Timer interrupt processing of main control unit]
A timer interrupt process executed in the main control unit 100 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100. Hereinafter, a timer interrupt process 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. 8 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 processing performed by the main control unit 100 described based on the flowcharts in FIG. 8 and the subsequent steps is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 102.

  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 (the jackpots A to D shown in FIG. 6) when the special symbol lottery is won. The jackpot 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 variation effect executed in synchronization with the variation of the special symbol. The reach random number and the fluctuation pattern random number are used in the process of step S408 in FIG. 11 described later. 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., and the value of each initial value random number are respectively added and updated. 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 processing of step S1 is typically a loop counter, and returns to 0 (that is, circulates) again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the big hit random number). ). In addition, in the random number update process of step S1, each counter such as a big hit random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number is initialized to an initial value corresponding to each random number at that time when the loop counter counts once. A random number is acquired, and the loop counter is newly started using the initial random number as a start value. The random number ranges such as jackpot random numbers, design random numbers, reach random numbers, and fluctuation pattern random numbers may be set arbitrarily. (Value) is preferably set so as not to synchronize.

  Next, in step S2, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the first start port switch 111a and the second start port switch 111b, and 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 first gate switch 113a and the second gate switch 113b, and based on the output signal from the first gate switch 113a or the second gate switch 113b, the first gate 25a. Alternatively, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the second gate 25b, a gate switch process for acquiring a random number used in the process for the number of holdings of the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol process in step S5 described later is executed. Details of the gate switch processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  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. A process of displaying a stop symbol indicating the lottery result of the game and a special symbol process for transmitting various commands to the effect control unit 400 are executed. This special symbol process will be described later in detail 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 variation time to be stopped and displayed after the normal symbol is variably displayed in the normal gaming state or the latent gaming state (that is, the non-electric support state), and the probability variation gaming state. (In other words, it is shortened to 3 seconds in the electric support state). In addition, 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) in the normal gaming state or the latent gaming state (1/10). ) And increase to a high probability (10/10) in the probability variation gaming state. This normal symbol processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  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 in principle. This special winning opening process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  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 this time, as described above, the CPU 101 operates the electric tulip 27 for a very short period (once every 0.10 seconds) or a long period (5.50) in the normal gaming state or the latent gaming state (that is, the non-electric support state). Open control is performed once per second), and the electric tulip 27 is controlled to open for a long period of time (3.00 seconds twice) in the probability variation gaming state (that is, the electric support state). 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. This electric tulip process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  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 stores the start port switch process in step S2, the gate switch process in step S3, the special symbol process in step S4, the big prize opening process in step S6, the prize ball process in step S8, and the like in the RAM 103. An output process for outputting the set various commands and information necessary for the production to the production control unit 400 or the payout control unit 300 is executed.

[Start-up switch processing]
FIG. 9 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. 8 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. 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 U1 of the first special symbol lottery holding number U1 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S406 of FIG. 11 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 made 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. 8, and the lottery result with respect to the 1st special symbol lottery hold is 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, and if this 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. If the 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. 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. 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 made 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. It should be noted that the second reserved number increase command including this pre-determination information is output by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 8, so that the lottery result for the second special symbol lottery is the symbol in the second 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.

[Gate switch processing]
FIG. 10 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the gate switch process in step S3 of FIG. Hereinafter, the gate switch processing in step S3 in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S301, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines whether or not a game ball has passed through the first gate 25a based on an output signal from the first gate switch 113a. If the determination in step S301 is YES, the process proceeds to step S302. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S303.

  In step S <b> 302, the CPU 101 sets a first gate passing command for notifying the effect control unit 400 that the game ball has passed through the first gate 25 a in the RAM 103. This first gate passage command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S303, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the second gate 25b based on the output signal from the second gate switch 113b. If the determination in step S303 is YES, the process proceeds to step S304. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S4 (special symbol process) in FIG.

  In step S304, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, a second gate passage command for notifying the effect control unit 400 that the game ball has passed through the second gate 25b. This second gate passage command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S305, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Gmax of the normal symbol lottery hold number from the ROM 102 ("4" in this embodiment), and the normal symbol lottery hold number G stored in the RAM 103 is less than the upper limit value Gmax. It is determined whether or not there is. If the determination in step S305 is YES, the process proceeds to step S306. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S4 (special symbol process) in FIG.

  In step S306, the CPU 101 updates the value of the hold number G stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding 1. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S307.

  In step S307, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers used in the normal symbol lottery (a winning random number, a symbol random number), and stores each set of the acquired random numbers in the RAM 103 in chronological order. The random number set stored in the RAM 103 is deleted one by one in order from the earliest stored time each time the value of the normal symbol lottery holding number G is decremented by 1 in the process of step S503 in FIG. Is done. From this, for example, when the value of the number G of reserved symbols in the normal symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the processing of the last three steps S307 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. Will be. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4 (special symbol process) in FIG.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 11 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 11, the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. 8 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). Alternatively, it is determined whether or not a small hit game is being played. That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit game (special game) executed when the special symbol lottery is won or the small hit game executed when the special hit is won. If the determination in step S401 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 8, 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 out the random number set stored in the RAM 103 and stored in the 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 in 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. Note that the CPU 101 determines that the jackpot random number value (the jackpot random number value of the first special symbol lottery) matches the winning value for the small hit, which is a specific loss. Then, when the result of the special symbol lottery is determined to be lost, the CPU 101 uses a special symbol in the setting information to indicate that the special symbol lottery has been lost (a small symbol representing a small hit in the case of a small bonus). Is set in the RAM 103 as a stop symbol. On the other hand, if 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 the big hit (one of the big hits A to D shown in FIG. 6) is determined. 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.

  In step S408, the CPU 101 executes variation pattern selection processing. Specifically, in step S408, when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407, the CPU 101 uses a table set TS1, which will be described later with reference to FIG. When the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407, a variable time table set TS2 to be described later with reference to FIG. 12 (2) is set as a variable time table to be used. Select a pattern. In the following description, the variable time table sets TS1 and TS2 are simply referred to as TS1 and TS2.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a variable time table set used when the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407. The variation time table set is a table set used to determine 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. Here, the special symbol variation time is equal to the execution time of the variation effect in which the jackpot lottery result is notified with the effect.

  As shown in FIG. 12 (1), TS1 is a variable time table set used when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407. The big hit variable time table and the small hit variable It consists of a time table, a fluctuation time table for loss with reach, and a fluctuation time table for loss without reach.

  The jackpot variation time table that composes TS1 consists of special symbol variation times of "30.03 seconds", "60.03 seconds", and "90.03 seconds", and changes by winning the special symbol lottery (big hit) It is a table used when notifying that a big hit has been made after executing the reach effect in the effect. The probability that the jackpot variation time table is used is 1/300 in the normal gaming state (that is, the low probability state) and 6/300 in the latent gaming state or the probability variation gaming state (that is, the high probability state). is there. Among the probabilities that the jackpot variation table is used, the probability of 1/6 is “30.03 seconds”, the probability of 2/6 is “60.03 seconds”, and the probability of 3/6 is “90. “03 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time. Here, the variation effect type to be executed when the special symbol variation time is determined to be “30.03 seconds” by the big hit variation time table constituting the TS1, is a type that makes a big hit after the reach is established. Yes (hereinafter referred to as type H). In addition, the variation effect type to be executed when the special symbol variation time is determined to be “60.03 seconds” by the big hit variation time table constituting the TS1, the SP is reached after the reach is established. After hitting the jackpot (hereinafter referred to as Type I). In addition, the variation effect type that is executed when the special symbol variation time is determined to be “90.03 seconds” by the jackpot variation time table constituting the TS1, the reach is established and the SP reach is developed. It is a type that hits big after developing to SPSP reach later (hereinafter referred to as type J).

  Here, “reach” refers to, for example, when a decorative symbol of a changing decorative symbol sequence that is stopped last among a plurality of decorative symbol sequences is stopped and displayed at a predetermined symbol in a variable effect. This is an effect that will result in a big-hit symbol pattern in relation to the decorative symbol of (a production that expects a big hit). Typically, the right and left decorative symbol sequences stop at the same symbol (for example, 7) This is an effect that is variably displayed with the expectation that the central decorative symbol sequence that is stopped last 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, the SP reach is an effect of a moving image in which a hero character fights against an enemy character. The SPSP reach is generally called super super reach or special special reach, and is an effect that further expects to win a big hit than the SP reach effect. For example, a moving image of a hero character fighting an enemy boss character. Production.

  The small hit variation time table that constitutes TS1 consists of special symbol variation times of “30.02 seconds”, “60.02 seconds”, and “90.02 seconds”. ) This table is used when notifying that a small hit has been made after executing the reach effect in the variable effect. The probability that the small hit variation time table is used is 2/300 regardless of the gaming state (that is, regardless of the low probability state and the high probability state), and out of this 2/300, the probability of 1/3 each. Then, “30.02 seconds”, “60.02 seconds”, and “90.02 seconds” are determined as the special symbol variation time. Here, the variation effect type to be executed when the special symbol variation time is determined to be “30.02 seconds” by the small hit variation time table constituting the TS1, the small effect is achieved after the reach is established. Type (hereinafter referred to as type E). In addition, the variation effect type to be executed when the special symbol variation time is determined to be “60.02 seconds” by the big hit variation time table constituting the TS1, the SP is reached after the reach is established. After hitting, it is a type that makes a small hit (hereinafter referred to as type F). In addition, the variation effect type to be executed when the special symbol variation time is determined to be “90.02 seconds” by the big hit variation time table constituting the TS1, the reach is established and the SP reach is developed. It is a type that hits after developing to SPSP reach afterwards (hereinafter referred to as type G).

  The variation time table for reach loss that constitutes TS1 is composed of special symbol variation times of “30.01 seconds”, “60.01 seconds”, and “90.01 seconds”. This is a table used when notifying that the player has lost after performing the reach effect in the variable effect. The probability that the losing variation time table with reach is used is 14/300 in the normal gaming state (that is, the low probability state), and 9% in the latent gaming state or the probability variation gaming state (that is, the high probability state). / 300. Also, among the probabilities of using this reachable loss time table, the probability of 3/6 is “30.01 seconds”, the probability of 2/6 is “60.01 seconds”, and the probability of 1/6. “90.01 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time. Here, the variation effect type to be executed when the special symbol variation time is determined to be “30.01 seconds” by the reach variation loss variation time table constituting the TS1, the loss effect after the reach is established. (Hereinafter referred to as type B). In addition, the type of variation effect to be executed when the special symbol variation time is determined to be “60.01 seconds” by the loss variation variation time table that constitutes TS1, the SP reach after the reach is established. This is a type that loses after being developed (hereinafter referred to as type C). In addition, the type of variation effect that will be executed when the special symbol variation time is determined to be “90.01 seconds” by the loss variation variation time table that constitutes TS1, the reach establishment is SP reach. It is a type that loses after developing to SPSP reach (hereinafter referred to as type D).

  The unreachable variation time table for TS1 is composed of special symbol variation times of “10.00 seconds”, “9.00 seconds”, “8.00 seconds”, and “4.00 seconds”. It is a table used when notifying a lottery (losing) and notifying a lost production without performing a reach production in a variation production. The probability that the unreachable loss time table is used is 283/300 regardless of the gaming state (that is, regardless of the low or high probability state), and the number of the first and second special symbol lotteries held. If the total of 0 or 1 is “10.00 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time, and if this sum is 2, “9.00 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time, and this total is 3 In this case, “8.00 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time, and when this total is 4 or more, “4.00 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time. Here, the special symbol variation time is determined to be “4.00 seconds”, “8.00 seconds”, “9.00 seconds”, or “10.00 seconds” based on the variation time table for losing without reach that constitutes TS1. The type of variation effect that will be executed in the event of a failure is a type that immediately loses without performing a reach effect (hereinafter referred to as type A). As described above, the big hit variation time table, the small hit variation time table, and the reach-losing variation time table are used when the reach effect is executed in the variation effect, so that the relatively long special symbol variation time is used. Consists of. On the other hand, the fluctuation time table for losing without reach is used when the reach effect is not executed in the variable effect, so it consists of a relatively short special symbol change time. Become.

[Big hit reliability]
Here, the jackpot reliability (expectation for jackpot) will be described. An effect with a high degree of jackpot reliability is an effect that is highly likely to be a big hit when the effect is executed, and an effect with a low degree of jackpot reliability is a big hit when the effect is executed. It is a production with low possibility. For example, as described above, when using the TS1 jackpot variable time table (big hit), “reach to big hit (type H)”, “SP reach to big hit (type I)”, “SPSP reach to big hit (type) J) ”, the probability that the production type is selected increases. On the other hand, as described above, in the case of using the reachable loss variation time table that is not a small hit of TS1, “reach to lose (type B)”, “SP reach to lose (type C)”, “SPSP reach” The probability that the production type is selected becomes smaller in the order of “From Loss (Type D)”. As can be seen from the above, an effect that is easy to execute in the case of a big hit and difficult to execute in the case of a loss (typically an effect that is executed up to SPSP reach) is executed in the case of a big hit, while the reliability of the big hit is high. An effect that is difficult to perform in the case of a loss (typically, an effect that is executed up to reach) has a low jackpot reliability.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12 (2), TS2 is a table set used when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407, and the jackpot variation time table and the reach lost. And a fluctuation time table for losing without reach.

  The jackpot variation time table constituting TS2 is the same as the jackpot variation time table constituting TS1 shown in FIG.

  The variation time table for reach with loss that constitutes TS2 has a normal probability that the variation time table for reach with reach will be used with respect to the variation time table with reach for TS1 shown in FIG. The difference is 74/300 in the gaming state (that is, the low probability state) and 69/300 in the latent gaming state or the probability variation gaming state (that is, the high probability state). Accordingly, the probability that the reach is established is higher when the variation pattern is selected based on the second special symbol lottery than when the variation pattern is selected based on the first special symbol lottery. .

  The variation time table for losing without reach that constitutes TS2 has a probability that the variation time table for losing without reach is used with respect to the variation time table for losing without reach of TS1 shown in FIG. Regardless of the state (that is, regardless of the low-accuracy state and the high-accuracy state), the point is 225/300, and the fluctuation time table for losing without reach is “10.00 seconds”, “5.00 seconds”, “ 4.00 seconds ”and“ 3.00 seconds ”special symbol variation time. If the total number of the first and second special symbol lotteries is 2,“ 5.00 seconds ”is the special symbol variation time. When the total is 3, “4.00 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time. When this total is 4 or more, “3.00 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time. It is different.

  Information on the variation pattern determined in step S408 as described above (that is, it can be said that the execution time of the variation effect: information on the effect pattern of the variation 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 variation 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 command in the RAM 103. Here, the variation effect start command is a command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to start the variation effect by the image display unit 6 and the speaker 35 or the like. The setting information included in the variation effect start command also includes information indicating which one 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 in the RAM 103. Here, the information indicating the gaming state included in the gaming state notification command differs depending on the type of gaming machine classified by the gaming state that can be controlled after the big hit. Specifically, the gaming machines are classified into “non-notification type” that can be controlled in a latent gaming state after a big hit and “notification type” that cannot be controlled in a latent gaming state after a big hit. In the machine, information indicating the short-time state or non-short-time state is notified as information indicating the gaming state, while in the “notification type” gaming machine, in addition to the information indicating the short-time state or non-short-time state, a high accuracy Information indicating the state or the low probability state is notified. As described above with reference to FIG. 6, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a latent game from the first to the 70th rotation after the big hit game is completed, for example, when the big hit C (latent hit) is won. Since it is controlled by the state, it is a “non-notification type” gaming machine, and therefore, a gaming state notification command indicating a short-time state or non-short-time state is set in the RAM 103. For this reason, only the information which shows a time-saving state or a non-time-saving state is notified to the production | presentation control part 400 as a gaming state. The above-described variation effect start command and game state notification command 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 variable 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 (normal symbol processing) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 412, the CPU 101 sets a change effect stop command for instructing the end of the change effect by the image display unit 6 or the like in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S413. Note that the variable 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. 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. Further, the CPU 101 switches the gaming state according to the number of times that the special symbol fluctuates and is stopped and displayed by the processing of steps S410 and S413 (that is, the number of rotations) (that is, the winning probability setting of the special symbol lottery and the electric tulip 27 open setting etc.). 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. 11 is executed again by the next timer interruption processing has passed a fixed time (0.5 seconds) after the special symbol variation display is completed in the processing of step S413. Timing (strictly speaking, an interrupt timing that arrives only after a fixed time has elapsed). Note that the opening command described above is output in step S9 of FIG. 8 when a predetermined fixed time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the processing of step S414 was started (after the processing of step S413 was 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 a customer waiting command and a gaming state notification command indicating the current gaming state have already been transmitted in the process of step S416 (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 pending at the time when 0.5 seconds have elapsed since that time, and a state in which the fluctuating effect for notifying the lottery result of the special symbol lottery has not been 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. 8, 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. 8, and based on the customer waiting command, a predetermined stop effect (a state in which all decorative symbols are stopped and displayed) Production) is started. When a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) elapses after the stop effect is started, a customer wait effect (customer wait effect display) is started. Here, the customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect in which a video related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 is displayed on the image display unit 6, for example, a predetermined effect ( For example, the image display unit 6 displays a part of the reach effect). Thereafter, the processing moves to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG.

[Normal pattern processing]
FIG. 13 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the normal symbol process in step S5 of FIG. Hereinafter, the normal symbol process in step S5 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S501, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the opening of the electric tulip 27 is controlled. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the electric tulip opening / closing control flag is set to ON. If the determination in step S501 is YES, the process proceeds to step S6 (big prize opening process) in FIG. 8, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S502.

  First, in step S502, the CPU 101 of the main controller 100 determines whether or not the normal symbol display by the normal symbol display 4e is being displayed. If the determination in step S502 is yes, the process proceeds to step S507. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S503.

  In step S503, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the number of holds G stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the normal symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S503 is YES, the process proceeds to step S504, and if this process is NO, the process proceeds to step S6 (big prize opening process) in FIG.

  In step S504, the CPU 101 updates the hold number G stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At this time, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set (per-random number, symbol random number) stored in the RAM 103 and stored in the step S307 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S505, the CPU 101 determines whether the normal symbol lottery is won or lost. Specifically, based on whether the winning random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S503 matches the winning value stored in the ROM 102, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won or lost. To do. When the CPU 101 determines that the result of the normal symbol lottery is won, the symbol random number read from the RAM 103 together with the winning random number used for this determination matches any of the predetermined values stored in the ROM 102. Based on this, the opening pattern (see FIG. 7) of the electric tulips 27 in this winning is determined. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol lottery winning probability is low (1/10) in the normal gaming state or the latent gaming state, and in the probability variable gaming state, the normal symbol lottery winning probability is high (10 / 10). In addition, when the normal symbol lottery is won in the normal gaming state or the latent gaming state, the electric tulip 27 is opened only once for 0.10 seconds (first opening pattern) with a high probability (8/10), and a low probability ( 2/10), the 5.50 seconds are opened only once (second opening pattern). When the normal symbol lottery is won in the probability variation gaming state, the electric tulip 27 is opened twice for 3.00 seconds (third release pattern). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S506.

  In step S506, the CPU 101 starts normal symbol variation display by the normal symbol display 4e. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S507.

  In step S507, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the normal symbol variation time based on the current gaming state has elapsed since the start of the normal symbol variation display in step S505. In the present embodiment, in the normal gaming state or the latent gaming state, the variation time of the normal symbol lottery is 30 seconds, and in the probability variation gaming state, the variation time of the normal symbol lottery is 3 seconds (see FIG. 7). If the determination in step S507 is YES, the process proceeds to step S508, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S6 (big prize opening process) in FIG.

  In step S508, the CPU 101 ends the normal symbol variation display by the normal symbol display 4e started in the process of step S506, and displays the stop symbol. Specifically, when the result of the normal symbol lottery is lost, the lost symbol is displayed on the normal symbol display 4e, and when the result of the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip in the current win is displayed. The winning symbol corresponding to the 27 open patterns is displayed on the normal symbol display 4e. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S6 (big prize opening process) in FIG.

[Large winning prize processing]
14 and 15 are an example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. Hereinafter, the special winning opening process in step S6 of FIG. 8 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 during the jackpot game opening (that is, during the 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 S603, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a set opening time that defines the opening execution time has elapsed. If the determination in step S603 is YES, the process proceeds to step S604. If this determination is NO, the opening 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 process of step S604, the total number of rounds Rmax of the jackpot game, the interval time between rounds in the jackpot game, the set ending time that is the time for performing the ending effect at the end of the jackpot game, and the like are set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S605.

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

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

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

  In step S <b> 608, the CPU 101 sets a round start notification command for notifying a round start (round game start) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 8, and the round effect is started. The round start notification command includes information indicating the total number of rounds Rmax set in step S604 and information indicating the current number of rounds R updated by the process in step S606. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S612.

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

  In step S610, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set interval time during the jackpot game set in the process of step S604 has elapsed from the time when the big prize opening 23 is closed at the end of the previous round during the jackpot game. To do. If the determination in step S610 is YES, it is time to start the next round in the jackpot game, so the process moves to step S605. If this determination is NO, the 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 based on the information stored in the RAM 103 whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is executing a big hit game ending (that is, during an ending effect). If the determination in step S611 is YES, the process proceeds to step S621 in FIG. 15, 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 determines that a winning of game balls to the big winning opening 23 has been detected, and updates the winning number C of game balls stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. The processing in step S613 is executed each time a game ball wins the big winning opening 23, so that the total number of 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. The winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 in FIG. 8, and the winning process instruction in step S125 in FIG. 19 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. If the 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 end notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 8, 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. 15, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S619 in FIG. 15, 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. Note that, as the ending command, a command corresponding to the jackpot symbol (that is, the type of jackpot) and the game state controlled after the jackpot game ends is transmitted, and the effect control unit 400 performs the ending effect based on the ending command. The effect after the end (after the end of the big hit game effect) is controlled. Specifically, for example, in the case of an ending command corresponding to the big hit symbol indicating the big hit A shown in FIG. 6, an ending command is transmitted indicating that the game is controlled to the probability variation gaming state until 70 rotations after the big hit game is completed. The effect control unit 400 executes the variable effect in the effect mode indicating the probability variation game state after the jackpot game effect is ended based on the ending command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S621.

  In step S621, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set ending time set in step S604 in FIG. 14 has elapsed since the ending command was set in the RAM 103 in step S620. If the determination in step S621 is YES, the process proceeds to step S622. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

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

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

  When a small hit game is executed with a special symbol lottery, and the small hit game is executed, the CPU 101 sets a notification command indicating the start of the small hit game in the RAM 103 and sends the command to the effect control unit 400. In the same manner as the big hit game of the big hit C (latent hit; see FIG. 6), for example, the operation of opening the big win port 23 instantly for 0.1 second, for example, is not the above-described big win mouth process. Executes a small hit game. Then, after executing the small hit game, the CPU 101 sets a notification command indicating the end of the small hit game in the RAM 103 and transmits the command to the effect control unit 400. Do not switch state. When the effect control unit 400 receives the notification command indicating that the small hit game is started, the instruction control unit 400 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to play the small hit game effect having the same contents as the big hit C (latency hit) big hit game effect. When the notification command indicating that the execution is started and the small hit game is ended is received, the small hit game effect is ended. By the above control, the player cannot judge whether the big hit C (latent hit) or the small hit is made based on the above-described game effects and the operation of the big prize opening 23, and the fun of the game can be effectively enhanced.

[Electric tulip treatment]
FIG. 16 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the electric tulip process in step S7 of FIG. Hereinafter, the electric tulip process in step S7 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 701, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines whether opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 is being performed. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether the electric tulip opening / closing control flag is set to ON. If the determination in step S701 is YES, the process proceeds to step S704. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S702.

  In step S702, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won in the process of step S505 of FIG. If the determination in step S702 is YES, the process proceeds to step S703, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S8 (prize ball process) in FIG.

  In step S703, the CPU 101 starts the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 based on the opening pattern in the normal symbol lottery determined in the process of step S702. In the present embodiment, when the normal symbol lottery is won in the normal gaming state or the latent gaming state, the electric tulip 27 is opened only once for 0.10 seconds with a high probability (8/10) (first opening pattern). And with a low probability (2/10), 5.50 seconds are released only once (second release pattern). When the normal symbol lottery is won in the probability variation gaming state, the electric tulip 27 is opened twice for 3.00 seconds (third release pattern). Then, the CPU 101 sets the electric tulip opening / closing control flag to ON. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S704, the CPU 101 determines whether the opening / closing control time of the electric tulip 27 based on the opening pattern has elapsed since the start of the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 in step S703. If the determination in step S704 is YES, the process proceeds to step S705. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S8 (prize ball process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 705, the CPU 101 ends the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27. Then, the CPU 101 sets the electric tulip opening / closing control flag to OFF. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S8 (prize ball processing) in FIG.

[Timer interrupt processing by production control unit or image sound control unit]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400 or the image sound control unit 500. Below, with reference to FIG. 17, the timer interruption process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 or the image sound control part 500 is demonstrated. The effect control unit 400 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 17 every predetermined time (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 in the effect control unit 400 described based on the flowcharts in FIG. 17 and subsequent figures is executed based on the program stored in the ROM 402, and the processing performed in the image sound control unit 500 is stored in the ROM 502. It is executed based on the program.

  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. 8, 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 S <b> 12, the CPU 401 sets the content of the effect according to the operation input signal output from the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 by the player's operation, and the effect of the set content is set in the image sound control unit 500. An effect input control process for setting various commands for instructing execution to the RAM 403 is executed. For example, when a player operates the effect button 37 and outputs an operation input signal during a predetermined operation input valid period, the CPU 401 performs a predetermined effect (such as an effect of displaying a notice image suggesting the possibility of a big hit). Is set and the command is set in the RAM 403. The production control unit 400 does not set the production content according to the operation input signal output from the production button 37 or the like and causes the image sound control unit 500 or the like to perform the production, but according to the operation input signal. The image sound control unit 500 or the like may set and execute the effect contents.

  Next, in step S13, the CPU 401 determines the game ball according to the reception status of the second gate passing command output from the main control unit 100 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 8, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1, and the like. A launch area notification control process for controlling the notification of the launch area (notification of left strike) is executed. The launch area notification control process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S14, the CPU 401 executes an output process for outputting various commands set in the RAM 403 to the image sound control unit 500 or the like in the processes of steps S11 to S13. By this process, various effects determined to be executed in the processes of steps S11 to S13 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.

  Each time the timer interrupt process described above is executed, the CPU 401 performs random number update processing for updating various effect random numbers (typically, various effect random numbers for determining the effect to be executed) used for the effect. In this random number update process, a loop counter is typically used as in the random number update process in step S1 of FIG. 8, 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 by production control unit]
18 and 19 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the command receiving process in step S11 of FIG. Hereinafter, the command reception process in step S11 in FIG. 17 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  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. 9). (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. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. In addition, when the CPU 401 receives the first hold number increase command, the RAM 403 causes the RAM 403 to store one piece of data (hold data) indicating the hold of the first special symbol lottery in time series, while the second hold number When the increase command is received, the RAM 403 stores one piece of data (holding data) indicating the holding of the second special symbol lottery in time series order. At that time, the CPU 401 extracts pre-determination information included in the hold increase command, includes it in the above-described hold data, and stores it in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S113.

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

  In step S114, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the variable effect start command and the gaming state notification command set in step S409 of FIG. 11 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 instructs the image sound control unit 500 and the like to start the variation effect by the image display unit 6 and the like in accordance with the variation effect start command and the game state notification command received in the process of step S114. Fluctuation effect execution processing is performed. Here, the 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 notifies the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the decorative symbol is variably displayed and the variation symbol is displayed. This is an effect in which the result of the special symbol lottery is notified when the decorative symbol 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 variation effect execution process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the variable effect stop command set in the process of step S412 of FIG. 11 has been received. If the determination in step S116 is YES, the process proceeds to step S117. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

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

  In step S120 in FIG. 19, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the opening command set in the stopping process in step S414 in FIG. 11 has been received. If the determination in step S120 is yes, the process proceeds to step S121. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S121, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to perform an opening effect process of a big hit game effect. That is, the big hit game effect is started. Here, the opening effect of the jackpot game effect is an effect of informing the start of the jackpot game, and typically, an image effect that prompts the player to fire a game ball toward the big prize opening 23 (that is, This is an image effect that prompts the player to launch a game ball toward the right area of the game area 20). The 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 S122.

  In step S122, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round start notification command set in the process of step S608 in FIG. 14 has been received. If the determination in step S122 is YES, the process proceeds to step S123, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S123, the CPU 401 issues a round effect start instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start a round effect process of a big hit game effect. 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 S124.

  In step S124, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a winning command set in the processing of step S613 in FIG. 14 or the like and output in the output processing of step S9 in FIG. 8 has been received. If the determination in step S124 is YES, the process proceeds to step S125, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S125, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start 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 the round). The CPU 501 of the instructed image sound control unit 500 receives a winning command based on a game ball winning to the big winning port 23 among the winning commands received via the effect control unit 400 (that is, the big winning port) 23 each time one game ball is won), 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 displayed as an image. It is displayed on the display unit 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S126, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round end notification command set in the process of step S617 in FIG. 14 has been received. If the determination in step S126 is YES, the process proceeds to step S127, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S128.

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

  In step S128, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the ending command set in the process of step S620 in FIG. 15 has been received. If the determination in step S128 is YES, the process proceeds to step S129, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S129, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start the ending effect of the big hit game effect. That is, the jackpot game effect is ended. Here, the ending effect is an effect of notifying the end of the big hit game, and is typically an effect of displaying the manufacturer name of the gaming machine 1. The 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 S130.

  In step S130, 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. 11 have been received. If the determination in step S130 is yes, the process proceeds to step S131. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

  In step S131, 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 S130 to start the stop state process. Here, the stop state 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 stop state process has a predetermined value corresponding to the game state. A stop effect (for example, an effect in which all decorative symbols are stopped and displayed) is displayed on the image display unit 6. When the CPU 501 does not receive an instruction for another effect from the CPU 401 when a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the stop effect described above, the CPU 501 starts the customer waiting effect. The customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect of displaying a video related to content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 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. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Then, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

[Variation effect execution processing]
20 and 21 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the variation effect execution process in step S115 of FIG. Hereinafter, the variation effect execution process in step S115 in FIG. 18 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, in step S1151, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines that the current gaming state is a non-short-time state (that is, the normal gaming state or the game state in this embodiment) based on the gaming state notification command received in step S114 of FIG. It is determined whether or not the latent probability change game state). If the determination in step S1151 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1152, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1160 in FIG.

  In step S1152, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the gaming state is a fluctuating effect immediately after the transition from the time-saving state to the non-time saving state. Specifically, the CPU 401 recognizes that the game is controlled to the normal game state after 70 rotations are controlled in the probability variation game state (time-short state) by the ending command received at the end of the big hit game, and executes the variation effect. By counting the number (the number of rotations), it is determined whether or not it is a fluctuating effect immediately after the probability variation gaming state (short time state) ends. If the determination in step S1152 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1154, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1153.

  In step S 1153, the CPU 401 determines whether or not it is a variation effect immediately after the end of the big hit game or the big hit game of the per hit (big hit C: see FIG. 6). If the determination in step S1153 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1154, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1155.

  In step S <b> 1154, the CPU 401 sets the left-handed notification flag to ON, and sets the left-handed notification effect execution number N, which is a number that determines the variation for executing the left-handed notification effect stored in the RAM 403, to “3”. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1159.

  In step S1155, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the left-hand notification flag is set to ON. If the determination in step S1155 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1156, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1160 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 1156, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the left-handed notification effect execution number N is “1”. If the determination in step S1156 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1157, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1158.

  In step S1157, the CPU 401 switches the left-handed notification flag from ON to OFF (sets to OFF). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1158.

  In step S1158, the CPU 401 updates the left-handed notification effect execution count N stored in the RAM 403 to a value obtained by subtracting one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1159.

  In step S <b> 1159, the CPU 401 determines to execute a left-handed notification effect that urges the player to fire a game ball toward the left region of the game region 20 (left-handed). Here, the left-handed notification effect is typically a left-pointing arrow image written as “left-handed” displayed on the upper left portion of the image display unit 6 and “left-handed from the speaker 35”. ”Is output to notify the player to make a left strike (see FIG. 23). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1160 in FIG.

  By the processing of steps S1151 to S1159 described above, four rotations (changes) immediately after the game state has shifted from the time-saving state to the non-time-saving state (that is, in this embodiment, from the probability variation gaming state to the normal gaming state), and It is determined to execute a left-handed notification effect for urging the player to make a left-hand strike in a variation effect in 4 turns (fluctuation) immediately after the end of the big hit game or the small hit game (hit C: see FIG. 6).

  In step S1160 in FIG. 21, the CPU 401 analyzes the change effect start command received in step S114 in FIG. 18 and acquires setting information included in the change effect start command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1161.

  In step S1161, the CPU 401 determines the effect pattern of the variation effect based on the setting information acquired in step S1160. Specifically, the CPU 401 performs the effect of the variable effect to be executed by lottery or the like from a lot of effect patterns of the variable effect that satisfy the conditions of the setting information (the condition whether or not a big hit, the condition of the variable effect time, etc.). Determine the pattern. More specifically, for example, if the setting information includes information in which 60.01 seconds (see FIG. 12) is determined as the special symbol variation time, the CPU 401 includes a plurality of types of SP reach effects. The SP reach effect to be executed is determined by lottery or the like, and after the determined SP reach effect is executed, it is determined to notify that the special symbol lottery has been lost. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1162.

  In step S1162, the CPU 401 determines whether or not execution of the left-handed notification effect is determined in the process of step S1159 of FIG. If the determination in step S1162 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1163, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1165.

  In step S1163, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the effect based on the effect pattern of the variable effect determined in step S1161 includes executing the specific effect. Here, the specific effect in the present embodiment is an effect with high jackpot reliability, a winning suggestion effect that suggests that the result of special symbol lottery is a big hit or a small hit, and a result of special symbol lottery that is a big hit or small hit This is a winning notification effect for notifying. Typically, the performance with high jackpot reliability is the SP reach production or the SPSP reach production, and the winning suggestion production is after the decorative symbol temporarily stops at the big hit or the small hit symbol sequence until the complete stop. The winning notification effect is an effect in which the decorative symbol is completely stopped at the big hit or the small hit symbol row (losing symbol row) to notify the big hit or the like. The temporary stop means that the player can recognize that the change of the decorative symbols has stopped, and is not completely stopped. For example, the display is displayed with a slight change in the vertical direction. Is a stopped state. If the determination in step S1163 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1164, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1165.

  In step S1164, the CPU 401 determines to cancel the left-handed notification effect determined in the process of step S1159 in FIG. 20 while the specific effect is being executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1165.

  When the specific effect is executed in the fluctuating effect determined to execute the left-handed notification effect by the processes of steps S1160 to S1164 described above, the process is determined by the process of step S1159 in FIG. 20 during the execution of the specific effect. The left-handed notification effect is stopped (the left-handed notification effect is not executed).

  In step S1165, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute the variation effect of the content determined in the processing of steps S1151 to S1164 in the image display unit 6 or the like. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116 in FIG.

[Launch area notification control process]
FIG. 22 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the launch area notification control process in step S13 of FIG. Hereinafter, the launch area notification control process in step S13 of FIG. 17 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S1301, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit determines whether or not a left-handed notification effect that prompts the player to fire a game ball toward the left region of the game region 20 (left-handed) is being executed. judge. If the determination in step S1301 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1305. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1302.

  In step S1302, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the current gaming state is a non-short-time state based on the gaming state notification command received in step S114 of FIG. 18 or step S130 of FIG. If the determination in step S1302 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1303. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S14 in FIG.

  In step S1303, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a game ball satisfying a predetermined condition has passed through the second gate 25b. Specifically, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the second gate 25b for a predetermined number of times or more (in this embodiment, three or more times within 5 seconds) within a predetermined time. More specifically, when the CPU 401 receives the second gate passage command from the main control unit 100, the CPU 401 temporarily stores the reception of the second gate passage command in the RAM 403 for a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 5 seconds). Thus, it is determined whether or not the second gate passage command has been received a predetermined number of times (three times in the present embodiment) within a predetermined time. If the determination in step S1303 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1304. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S14 in FIG.

  In step S1304, the CPU 401 decides to execute the left-handed notification effect for 60 seconds, instructs the image sound control unit 500 and the like to execute the left-handed notification effect for 60 seconds. The 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 S1305.

  In step S1305, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the electric tulip 27 is controlled to open and close. Specifically, the CPU 401 determines whether the electric tulip opening / closing control flag is set to ON. If the determination in step S1305 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1308. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1306.

  In step S1306, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game or a small hit game. If the determination in step S1306 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1308. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1307.

  In step S1307, when the variation effect is currently being executed, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the specific effect is being executed in the variation effect being executed based on the effect pattern of the change effect determined in step S1161 of FIG. Determine. If the determination in step S1307 is YES, the process moves to step S1308. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S14 in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S1308, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to prohibit the execution of the left-handed notification effect determined to be being executed in step S1301. Note that after the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27, the execution of the big hit game or the small hit game, or the execution of the specific effect in the variation effect is completed, the CPU 401 determines NO in steps S1305 to S1307, and performs step S1308. Since the process is not executed, the left-handed notification effect that has been prohibited from being executed is resumed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S14 in FIG.

  In other words, the game of the second gate 25b that satisfies the predetermined condition (in this embodiment, three times or more in 5 seconds) in the non-time-short state is not executed by the processing of steps S1301 to S1304 and is not executed. Is detected (ie, right-handed is detected), it is determined and executed to execute the left-handed notification effect for 60 seconds. However, by the processing of steps S1305 to S1308, the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27, the big hit game or the small hit game is being executed (that is, the big winning opening 23 is controlled to open / close), or the variable effect When the specific effect is being executed, the left-handed notification effect is prohibited, and the left-handed notification effect is not executed. When the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27, the execution of the big hit game or the small hit game, or the execution of the specific effect in the variation effect is finished, the execution of the left notification effect is resumed. In the above description, when the left-handed notification effect is not executed, and it is determined that the left-handed notification effect is executed for 60 seconds when the right-handed detection is detected in the non-time-saving state, the present invention is limited to this. It is not a thing. For example, when a left-handed notification effect is not executed and a right-handed strike is detected in a non-time-saving state, a left-handed strike is made until a predetermined number of game balls wins at the first start opening 21 that can be won only by left-handed. You may decide to perform notification production.

[Characteristic operation according to this embodiment]
Next, the characteristic operation according to the present embodiment executed by the control described above with reference to the flowchart will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 27 are diagrams for explaining the launch area notification effect in the present embodiment.

  First, the characteristic operation of the present embodiment that is executed when the gaming machine 1 is shifted from the probability-changing gaming state (time-short state) to the normal game state (non-time-short state) will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 23, when the game ball is very likely to win the second starting port 22 and is in a probability-changing gaming state to be hit to the right, the image display unit 6 displays the decorative symbols DI (DI1 to DI3). ) Is displayed, and a right-handed notifying effect for urging the player to perform a right-handed is executed (a left-handed notifying effect for urging left-handed is not executed). Here, the right-handed notification effect is typically a notification in which an image of a right-pointing arrow written as “right-handed” is displayed on the upper right portion of the image display unit 6 and prompts the player to right-hand. It is an effect to perform. The decorative symbol DI is composed of three (three columns) decorative symbols DI1, DI2, and DI3 and is displayed on the screen of the image display unit 6. More specifically, the left decorative design DI1 is displayed on the left side, the right decorative design DI2 is displayed on the right side, and the middle decorative design DI3 is displayed on the center. The decorative symbols DI1, DI3, and DI2 are displayed in a variable manner in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol (synchronized with the variation display), and then stopped to display the result of the special symbol lottery. . In FIG. 23 and subsequent figures, the state in which the decorative design DI is changing from the top to the bottom is represented by arrows.

  Here, the probability variation gaming state is a gaming state that should be right-handed because it is very easy to win a game ball to the second starting port 22, while the normal gaming state is a gaming ball to the second starting port 22 even if it is right-handed. However, it is very difficult to win, so it should be left-handed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23, in the four variation effects immediately after the transition from the probability variation game state to the normal game state, a left-handed notification effect that prompts the player to return to the left-handed is executed. Here, the left-handed notification effect is typically a left-pointing arrow image written as “left-handed” displayed on the upper left portion of the image display unit 6 and “left-handed from the speaker 35”. This is an effect of performing a notification that prompts the player to turn left. However, in the present embodiment, when the specific effect is executed in the four variation effects, the execution of the left-handed notification effect is canceled while the specific effect is being executed, and the left-handed notification effect is not executed. Here, the specific performance is a performance with a high degree of confidence in the jackpot, a winning suggestion effect that suggests that you have won a big hit or a small hit as a result of a special symbol lottery, or a winning that notifies you that you have hit a big hit or a small hit as a result of a special symbol lottery This is a notification effect. Specifically, the performance with high jackpot reliability is the SP reach production or the SPSP reach production, and the winning suggestion production is after the decorative symbol temporarily stops at the big hit or the small hit symbol sequence until the complete stop. The winning notification effect is an effect in which the decorative symbol is completely stopped at the big hit or the small hit symbol row (losing symbol row) to notify the big hit or the like. In FIG. 23, only the SP reach effect is executed as the specific effect, and after the SP reach effect is finished, the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are temporarily stopped at the lost symbol row (“323”) and then completely stopped and lost. It is shown as an example.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a specific effect (an effect with a high jackpot reliability (an SP reach effect, an SPSP reach effect), a winning suggestion effect, or a winning notification effect) is being executed in the changing effect. By canceling the execution of the left-handed notification effect, it is possible to concentrate the player's attention on the specific effect, and effectively prevent water from being poured into the player's excitement. Also, the four fluctuations immediately after the transition from the probability variation gaming state to the normal gaming state as shown in FIG. 23 is very easy to win a game ball at the second starting port 22 in the probability variation gaming state. There is a high possibility of fluctuation due to holding of symbol lottery (holding upper limit number 4). In addition, as described above with reference to FIG. 12, the variation due to the second special symbol lottery has a higher probability of executing the SP reach effect and the SPSP reach effect in the variation effect than the variation due to the first special symbol lottery (that is, , There is a high probability that a specific performance will be executed). For this reason, as described above, the execution of the left-handed notification effect is canceled during the execution of the specific effect in the four variation effects, so that it is possible to prevent water from being poured into the player's excitement more effectively.

  In addition, as described above, the left-handed notification effect is executed over the four fluctuations after the transition from the probability-changing gaming state to the normal gaming state, so that the player should be left-handed instead of right-handed. This can be reliably notified. In addition, after the end of these four fluctuations, a left-handed notification effect is executed when a right-handed is detected. This left-handed notification effect will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, the big hit game executed in response to hitting the latent or the non-time saving state (in the present embodiment, the normal game state and the latent game state) is finished. The characteristic operation of this embodiment executed at this time will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 24, in the gaming machine 1, a big hit game (game per latent) is executed when winning per latent (big hit C: see FIG. 6), and a small hit when winning per small hit. A game is executed. In addition, during the game of latent hit or the game of small hit, an operation (opening / closing control) for opening the big winning opening 23 is performed, so that the right-handed notification effect is executed (the left-handed notification effect is not executed).

  Here, after the game per latent is completed, the game is controlled to the latent game state (non-time-short state). In addition, after the small hit game executed with a small hit in the non-time saving state (in the present embodiment, the normal game state and the latent game state), the normal state remains unchanged (because the game state is not changed before and after the small hit game). Control in the game state (non-time-short state) or the latent game state (non-time-short state) is continued. Here, the normal game state and the latent game state are game states that should be left-handed because it is very difficult to win a game ball to the second starting port 22 even if it is right-handed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24, a left-handed notification effect for urging the player to return to the left-handed is executed in the four fluctuation effects immediately after the game per latent game or the small hit game described above. However, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, when the specific effect is executed in the four variation effects, the left-handed notification effect is canceled during the execution of the specific effect, and the left-handed The notification effect is not executed. In FIG. 24, as in FIG. 23, only the SP reach effect is executed as the specific effect, and after the SP reach effect, the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are temporarily stopped in the lost symbol sequence (“323”) and then completely stopped. A case where a loss occurs is shown as an example.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a specific effect (an effect with a high jackpot reliability (an SP reach effect, an SPSP reach effect), a winning suggestion effect, or a winning notification effect) is being executed in the changing effect. By canceling the execution of the left-handed notification effect, it is possible to concentrate the player on the specific effect and effectively prevent water from being poured into the player's excitement.

  In addition, as described above, the left-handed notification effect is executed over four fluctuations after the game per latent game or the above-described small-hit game, and the player should be left-handed instead of right-handed. It is possible to reliably notify that there is. In addition, after the end of these four fluctuations, a left-handed notification effect is executed when a right-handed is detected. This left-handed notification effect will be described later with reference to FIGS. In the above description, after the end of the game per latent or after the end of the small hit game executed in the non-time-saving game state, as in the case shown in FIG. Although the left-handed notification effect is executed, the period during which the left-handed notification effect is performed may be a shorter period. For example, the left-handed notification effect may be executed only in one variation effect immediately after the end of the game per latent or immediately after the end of the small hit game executed in the non-time-saving game state.

  Next, a characteristic operation of the present embodiment that is executed when a right strike is detected during execution of a variation effect in a gaming state to be left-handed (in this embodiment, a normal gaming state or a latent gaming state). This will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, in the normal game state (non-time-short state) or the latent game state (non-time-short state), right-handed detection is detected (predetermined condition (in this embodiment, three times or more in 5 seconds) is satisfied When the second ball 25b is detected to pass a game ball), a left-handed notification effect that encourages a left-handed player is executed for 60 seconds.

  However, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, a variation effect is started in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state) or the latent game state (non-time-short state), and the specific effect is executed in this variation effect. When the specific effect is being executed, the left-handed notification effect is prohibited from being executed (the left-handed notification effect is not executed). In FIG. 25, as in FIG. 23, only the SP reach effect is executed as the specific effect, and after the SP reach effect is finished, the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are temporarily stopped in the lost symbol sequence (“323”) and then completely stopped. A case where a loss occurs is shown as an example. In this case, as shown in FIG. 25, the left-handed notification effect is executed (restarted) after the SP reach effect is completed. On the other hand, in FIG. 26, it is suggested that the SP reach effect as the specific effect and the decorative symbol DI temporarily stop in the big hit symbol sequence (for example, “333”) or the small hit symbol sequence (not shown) after the SP reach effect ends. As an example, the winning suggestion effect and the winning notification effect in which the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are completely stopped at the big hit symbol sequence (for example, “333”) or the small hit symbol sequence after the winning indication effect is executed are taken as an example Show. In this case, as shown in FIG. 26, after the end of the winning notification effect, the right-hit notification effect is executed (the left-handed notification effect is not executed). .

  As described above, in the present embodiment, during the execution of the specific effect that the player is most excited to enjoy in the variable effect (effects with high jackpot reliability (SP reach effect, SPSP reach effect), winning suggestion effects, and winning notification effects) Since the execution of the left-handed notification effect is prohibited, the player can be concentrated on the specific effect, and water can be effectively prevented from being poured into the excitement of the player. In addition, as shown in FIG. 26, the execution of the left-handed notification effect during the execution of the winning suggestion effect and the winning notification effect that are specific effects is prohibited, so that the player who is convinced that the special symbol lottery has been won It is possible to prevent water from being poured into the feeling, and it is possible to prevent the right hit from being delayed in the round game of the big hit game started after the execution of the winning notification effect.

  Next, in the game state to be left-handed (in this embodiment, the normal game state or the latent game state), the present embodiment is executed when a right-hand strike is detected during the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27. The operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 27, in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state) or the latent gaming state (non-time-short state), the second gate satisfying the right-handed detection (predetermined condition (three or more times in 5 seconds in this embodiment)). In the case of detecting the passing of the game ball 25b), a left-handed notification effect for urging the player to left-hand is executed for 60 seconds.

  However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the normal symbol lottery is won in the normal game state (non-time-short state) or the latent game state (non-time-short state), and the open / close control pattern (FIG. While the electric tulip 27 is controlled to open / close in accordance with 7 (first or second opening / closing control pattern), the left-handed notification effect is prohibited (the left-handed notification effect is not executed).

  Here, when the normal symbol lottery is won and the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be opened and closed, and the game balls can be won at the second start port 22, the player will win many game balls at the second start port 22. Then, the player may make a right-handed shot that makes it easy to win a game ball at the second starting port. If such a player performs a left-handed notification effect when a right-handed stroke is detected during open / close control of the electric tulip, the player may feel the left-handed notification effect bothersome. Therefore, as described in the present embodiment, even when a right-hand hit is detected during the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27, the execution of the left-hand notification effect is prohibited, so that the player as described above feels troublesome. Can be prevented.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when a game ball is very difficult to win at the second starting port 22 or the big winning port 23 and should be left-handed, if a right-handed strike is detected, the left to urge left-handed The strike notification effect is executed. In addition, it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second start opening 22 or the big winning opening 23 from the gaming state (or game) which should be right-handed, so that the game ball is difficult to win in the second starting opening 22 or the big winning opening 23. When a variation effect is started in a predetermined number of variations (four in this embodiment) immediately after the transition to the gaming state to be performed, a left-handed notification effect is executed. However, during the execution of specific effects in these fluctuation effects (in this embodiment, effects with high jackpot reliability (SP reach effect, SPSP reach effect), winning suggestion effects, and winning notification effects) Not executed (ie prohibited). Here, since the specific effect is an effect that the player is most excited to enjoy, the player wants to concentrate on the specific effect. Therefore, by canceling the left-handed notification effect during execution of the specific effect, the player can be concentrated on the specific effect, and water can be effectively prevented from being poured into the excitement of the player. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the left-handed notification effect can be appropriately executed without putting water on the excitement of the player.

  Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, in a non-time-saving state, even when a right hand is detected, a game ball can be won in the second starting opening 22 or the big winning opening 23 (second starting opening). 22 or the special winning opening 23 is controlled to open and close), the left-handed notification effect for urging left-handed is not executed. In this manner, in the non-time-short state, the left-handed notification effect is not executed for the player who makes a right-handed strike by trying to win the game ball to the second start opening 22 or the big winning opening 23 that is controlled to open and close. It is possible to prevent the player from feeling annoying. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately execute the left-handed notification effect without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 23 to 27, the execution of the left-handed notification effect is canceled (the left-handed notification effect is not executed) while the specific effect is being executed. It is not something that can be done. For example, instead of the left-handed notification effect described in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28 (1), no sound is output from the speaker 35 and the left-handed direction described as “left-handed” described in the above embodiment is written. An effect of displaying the image of the arrow on the upper left part of the image display unit 6 may be executed, or as shown in FIG. 28 (2), no sound is output from the speaker 35, as described in the above embodiment. Instead of the left-pointing arrow written “left-handed”, an effect is displayed in which an image of a left-pointing arrow in which no character is written smaller than the left-pointing arrow is displayed in the upper left part of the image display unit 6. May be. That is, instead of canceling the execution of the left-handed notification effect, the left-handed notification effect may be executed by switching to a mode that is not troublesome for the player. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately execute the left-handed notification effect without giving water to the excitement and uplifting feeling of the specific effect of the player and without causing the player to feel uncomfortable. .

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, after a transition from the probability-changing gaming state (short-time state) to the normal gaming state (non-time-short state), or in a game per latent or non-short-time state (normal gaming state and latent gaming state) It is assumed that the left-handed notification effect is executed in the variation effect of a predetermined variation number (for example, four variations) after the end of the small hit game that is executed in response to the winning, but is not limited to this Absent. For example, the left-handed notification effect is executed for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) after the transition from the probabilistic gaming state to the normal gaming state, or after the game per latent or the above small hit game ends. Also good. Here, in the above-described embodiment, the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery are suspended after the transition from the probability variation gaming state to the normal gaming state, or after the game per latent or the above-mentioned small hit game. In addition, when the game ball is not won at the first start port 21 and the second start port 22, the variation effect is not started, and the left-handed notification effect may not be executed. However, by adopting such a configuration (a configuration in which the left-handed notification effect is executed for a predetermined time), the game state is changed from the probabilistic gaming state to the normal gaming state, or the game per latent or the small hit game described above Even if the variation effect is not started after the end, after the game state transitions from the probability change game state to the normal game state, or after the game per latent or the above-mentioned small hit game, the left-handed notification effect is surely provided. Can be executed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, even when a right-handed strike is detected when the gaming state is a non-time-short state, the electric tulip 27 is in the open / close control, the big hit game, or the small hit game (that is, the big hit game) When it is determined that the winning opening 23 is in the open / close control), the left-handed notification effect is prohibited. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of determining whether the electric tulip 27 or the big prize opening 23 is under open / close control, it is determined whether the electric tulip 27 or the big prize opening 23 is in an open state. The left-handed notification effect may be prohibited during the period in which the electric tulip 27 or the big prize opening 23 is open. Furthermore, considering the time (for example, 1.5 seconds) until the game ball reaches the electric tulip 27 (or the big prize opening 23) after switching from left-handed to right-handed, the electric tulip 27 (or big prize) Execution of the left-handed notification effect may be prohibited for a period from a predetermined time before the mouth 23) is controlled to the open state (for example, 2 seconds before) to the control of the closed state. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately execute the left-handed notification effect without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

  In the above-described embodiment, the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 is performed or the big hit game or the small hit game is performed (that is, the big winning opening 23 is controlled to open / close). The left-handed notification effect is canceled (the left-handed notification effect is not executed), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the execution of the left-handed notification effect may be canceled even during the execution of the error notification effect that is notified when an error occurs in the gaming machine 1 or the like. By doing in this way, it can prevent that an error alerting | reporting effect and a left-handed alerting effect are performed simultaneously, and it can prevent that a player becomes difficult to recognize an error alerting effect. Here, the error notification effect includes, for example, a payout abnormality error notification effect that notifies the player that a prize ball cannot be paid out.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the special symbol lottery is won (big hit), the display of the special symbol thereafter is executed at a predetermined rate of 100% (rotation number: 70 times, for example). The game configuration (so-called ST machine) set to the highly accurate state has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a special symbol lottery is won (big hit), a predetermined percentage (for example, 70%) is reached until the next big hit (exactly, the change display of special symbols reaches 9999 times). Until a predetermined change rate (for example, 30%) is displayed at a predetermined rate (for example, 30 times), and a low-probability state and a short-time state are set until a predetermined symbol variation display (for example, 40 times) is executed. In addition, a game configuration (a so-called loop machine) that is set to an electric support state (low-probability short game state) may be used. In this case, when the left-handed notification effect is performed in the four variation effects immediately after the transition from the low-probability short game state to the normal game state, the specific effect is performed in the four variation effects. The execution of the left-handed notification effect may be canceled during execution of the specific effect, and the execution of the left-handed notification effect may be prohibited.

  Although the features of the present embodiment and the features of the respective modifications have been described above, it goes without saying that these features may be 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 Port 24 ... Normal winning port 25a ... First gate 25b ... Second gate 26 ... Discharge port 27 ... Electric tulip 31 ... Handle 32 ... Lever 33 ... Stop button 34 ... Eject button 35 ... Speaker 36 ... Frame lamp 37 ... Direction button 38 ... Production key 39 ... Plate 43 ... Lock part 100 ... Main control part 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 ... CPU
102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 ... ROM
103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 ... RAM
111a ... 1st start port switch 111b ... 2nd start port switch 112 ... Electric tulip opening / closing part 113a ... 1st gate switch 113b ... 2nd gate switch 114 ... Grand prize opening switch 115 ... Grand prize opening / closing part 116 ... Normal prize opening Switch 200 ... Launch control unit 211 ... Launch device 300 ... Payout control unit 311 ... Payout drive unit 400 ... Production control unit 404 ... RTC
500 ... Image sound control unit 600 ... Lamp control unit DI ... Decorative pattern

Claims (2)

A first start port through which a game ball launched toward the first area of the game area can win,
A second starting port through which a game ball launched toward the second area of the gaming area can win a prize;
Special game determination means for determining whether or not to play a special game advantageous to the player by winning a game ball at the first start port or the second start port;
Suggestion effect control means for executing the suggestion effect according to the determination result by the special game determination means;
After the special game is performed, the game is controlled in a specific game state where a game ball is likely to win a prize at the second start port, and then the game ball is played in a non-specific game state where it is difficult to win a game ball at the second start port. Controllable gaming state control means;
When the game is controlled in the non-specific game state from the specific game state and when the game ball is fired in the second region when the game is controlled in the non-specific game state, A launch notification control means capable of executing a notification effect for urging the player to launch a game ball toward the
The suggested presentation control means, as the suggested effect that due to the winning of game ball into the first start hole, said special game at a predetermined timing is performed when the the game in a non-specific gaming state is controlled and when executing the specific suggestions effect that the first effect is performed suggest that, the non-specific suggestion effect that the second effect is performed suggests that special game is not performed at the predetermined timing There are times when
The firing notification control means, wherein when said first effect in certain suggestion effect is running, and unworkable the notification effect, the second effect in the non-specific suggestion effect is performed A gaming machine that makes it possible to execute the notification effect when the game is in progress. A first start port through which a game ball launched toward the first area of the game area can win,
A second starting port through which a game ball launched toward the second area of the gaming area can win a prize;
Special game determination means for determining whether or not to play a special game advantageous to the player by winning a game ball at the first start port or the second start port;
Suggestion effect control means for executing the suggestion effect according to the determination result by the special game determination means;
After the special game is performed, the game is controlled in a specific game state where a game ball is likely to win a prize at the second start port, and then the game ball is played in a non-specific game state where it is difficult to win a game ball at the second start port. Controllable gaming state control means;
When the game is controlled in the non-specific game state from the specific game state and when the game ball is fired in the second region when the game is controlled in the non-specific game state, A launch notification control means capable of executing a notification effect for urging the player to launch a game ball toward the
The suggested presentation control means, as the suggested effect that due to the winning of game ball into the first start hole, said special game at a predetermined timing is performed when the the game in a non-specific gaming state is controlled and when executing the specific suggestions effect that the first effect is performed suggest that, the non-specific suggestion effect that the second effect is performed suggests that special game is not performed at the predetermined timing There are times when
The notification effect, the first and notification effect, seen including and a presentation different from the second notification from the first notification effect,
The launch notification control means disables the first notification effect and enables the second notification effect when the first effect is being performed in the specific suggestion effect, A game that enables execution of the first notification effect when the first effect is not performed in the specific suggestion effect and when the second effect is performed in the non-specific suggestion effect. Machine.

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